If you loved Queen Mantis, you should definitely add these 3 K-drama crime thrillers to your watchlist

SBS's K-drama Queen Mantis wrapped up on September 27, 2025. The crime thriller followed the investigation of a copycat serial killer who had been imitating and murdering people with the same MO that Mantis, a female serial killer, used almost 20 years ago.

The K-drama has been loved by viewers for depicting a story that was filled with suspense till the end, as we learned why Jeong Yi-shin, the mantis, became a serial killer in the first place. Her trauma of being abused by her own father was revealed to be the reason behind her becoming a formidable criminal.

The show presented complicated characters and an investigation that encountered numerous bumps as the team lacked trust in their new captain, Su-yeol, who was hiding his own secrets initially. However, this secrecy and skepticism added to the mystery and made the narrative raw and more suspenseful. If you loved watching Queen Mantis and want to delve into K-dramas that share the same type of theme and depict a gritty tale, you should check out the 3 K-dramas shared in this list.

Disclaimer: This entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.

3 K-dramas like Queen Mantis

3) Beyond Evil

Beyond Evil is an acclaimed crime thriller K-drama that deals with the same themes as Queen Mantis. Like the SBS drama, the narrative of Beyond Evil also deals with the investigation to catch a serial killer after a murder of a woman is encountered in the small town of Gyeonggi Province. The recent murder resembles the previous serial killings that happened in the town, and Lee Dong-sik, now a sergeant, was the prime suspect.

As the killings begin, a new detective, Han Joo-won, comes to the town to investigate the murders and catch the killer. As the series progresses, secrets begin to come out, which puts all the characters doubting each other about being the serial killer, creating doubts among friends and acquaintances.

If you loved Queen Mantis, you should definitely binge-watch this psychological thriller K-drama.

2) Nine Puzzles

Nine Puzzles premiered earlier this year on May 21, 2025, on Disney+. The crime thriller K-drama follows the story of Yoon E-na, who has been traumatized by her uncle's murder and was made a prime suspect in the case. After 10 years, E-na is now a criminal profiler and gets entangled in investigating a series of murders that are similar to her uncle's due to the discovery of identical puzzle pieces found with the bodies.

Like the SBS drama, Nine Puzzles also presents a suspenseful story that would keep you guessing on the identity of the serial killer. Furthermore, like Queen Mantis, the Disney+ show also delves into human psychology with a story that is gritty and intriguing.

1) Mouse

When we discuss crime thriller K-dramas with a serial killer trope, Mouse would always rank number 1 in all the lists. The K-drama follows the story of detective Ko Moo-chi, who lost his family after a serial killer murdered them all. As an adult, he tries to investigate and catch these types of killers even if it means bending certain laws.

As new killings begin to happen, Moo-chi, Ba-reum, a rookie police officer, and Yo-han, a genius medical resident, get entangled as they try to find the killer. The K-drama also delves into and tries to understand the psychology of serial killers and how they might differ from a normal human being. It also delves into and questions whether a psychopathic serial killer is able to feel emotions such as guilt and remorse.

If you loved Queen Mantis, Mouse should be your next watch, as it also presents a psychological thriller K-drama where identifying the serial killer is as difficult as in the K-dramas mentioned in the list.

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