The American crime series "The Mentalist", created by Bruno Heller, made a splash in the world of cinema. A detective film with elements of humor catches you from the first minutes of viewing. There is little dynamics in it - you will not see Patrick Jane rushing headlong with a pistol. But the picture catches on to others - the brilliant acting and gorgeous storytelling. If you are a fan of crime stories with a famously twisted plot, then we suggest you get acquainted with the list of the best films and TV series similar to "The Mentalist" (2008). Films are selected with a description of the similarity. Together with the main characters, include ingenuity, logic and out-of-the-box thinking!
Rating: KinoPoisk - 8.0, IMDb - 8.1
Lie to Me (2009 - 2011)
- Genre: thriller, drama, crime, detective
- Rating: KinoPoisk - 8.1, IMDb - 8.0
- In episode 13 of the first season, at the ninth minute, you can see a photo of Putin.
- What is similar to the "Mentalist": dexterous psychological manipulations, "reading" people.
In order not to miss many important details, it is best to watch Lie to Me with your family. "Everyone is lying around," says Dr. Cal Lightman. And to prove this, a man only needs to spend a few moments with a man. Movement, gesture, facial expressions, "shifting" eyes and any careless word can betray a deceiver in you. In the series, Lightman, together with his team, helps to investigate crimes, rescuing innocent people from prison and exposing those who are detained for the cause. For Cal, the ability to "read" people is not only a gift, but also the worst curse. After all, it is unbearably painful to catch your loved ones in lies ...
White Collar 2009 - 2014
- Genre: detective, crime, drama, comedy
- Rating: KinoPoisk - 8.0, IMDb - 8.2
- The slogan of the series is "To solve the most complicated crime, you need to hire the best criminal."
- Common features with "Mentalist": talented partners investigate serious and dangerous crimes.
Among the list of films and TV series that are similar to "The Mentalist" (2008), it is worth paying attention to the picture "White Collar". FBI agent Peter Burke has finally put his eternal enemy Neil Caffrey behind bars. The offender managed to escape from prison, but when Peter caught him again, he invited his "friend" to consider the possibility of cooperation. The fact is that Neal has an incredibly charming criminal mind and he could catch the "white collars" of the criminal world. Will the detective and the rogue succeed in working together? Or will Caffrey come up with a clever trap again?
Sherlock 2010 - 2017
- Genre: detective, thriller, drama, crime
- Rating: KinoPoisk - 8.8, IMDb - 9.1
- Actor Matt Smith auditioned for the role of Dr. Watson.
- What reminds "Mentalist": the main characters with special ingenuity are like solving crimes.
What film is similar to The Mentalist (2008)? Sherlock is an amazing work with a superb cast. While looking for a flatmate, Sherlock Holmes meets John Watson, a military doctor who recently arrived from Afghanistan. The heroes settle in the house of the elderly mistress Mrs. Hudson. At this time, mysterious murders begin to take place in London. Scotland Yard has no idea what business is worth taking on. But here Holmes and Watson come to the rescue, who help the police in solving complex cases, using methods of observation, deduction and analysis. Of course, the heroes cannot do without modern technologies ...
Castle 2009 - 2016
- Genre: Drama, Romance, Comedy, Crime, Detective
- Rating: KinoPoisk - 7.9, IMDb - 8.1
- The slogan of the series is "A whole new chapter in solving crimes."
- In what follows the similarities with "The Mentalist": During his confusing investigations, Castle quite often explains what happened with fantastic scientific theories, mysticism and UFO interference.
Famed detective writer Rick Castle finds himself in a creative dead end. To refresh himself a little, he decides to kill the main character of his books. Meanwhile, a dangerous criminal appears in New York, who brutally deals with the victims, exactly following the plots of the writer's works. Detective Keith Beckett, investigating the case, contacts Castle and asks him for help. Our writer wanted to get rid of the languishing boredom, and he succeeded ... Now there will be more than enough "fun".
Remember Everything (Unforgettable) 2011 - 2016
- Genre: Drama, Crime, Detective
- Rating: KinoPoisk - 7.0, IMDb - 6.7
- The series is based on the story "The Rememberer" by writer J. Robert Lennon.
- What the Mentalist reminds: a woman detective, despite her fragility, fights crime and successfully copes with her case.
In the list of the best films similar to The Mentalist (2008), there is the TV series Remember Everything. There are similarities in the description of the picture, so fans of the genre should like the film. Detective Carrie Wells has an amazing ability - she remembers everything that ever happened to her.
Ironically, the main character's mother suffers from Alzheimer's disease, so Carrie moves to work in a nursing home to be closer to her mother. But when Wells' neighbor is killed, the woman decides to return to the police as a consultant. Using her amazing gift, Carrie can solve any crime except the most important one - the murder of her older sister. At this event, her memory fails ...
Dr. House (House, M.D.) 2004 - 2012
- Genre: Drama, Detective
- Rating: KinoPoisk - 8.7, IMDb - 8.7
- Hugh Laurie's father was a doctor. The actor himself said the following more than once: "I am ashamed that, playing the role of a doctor, I get more money than my dad, just trying to portray this profession."
- What is similar to the "Mentalist": Chaos copes brilliantly with the most difficult clinical cases and almost always comes out the winner.
"Doctor House" is a wonderful series with Hugh Laurie with a rating above 7. Gregory House is the most talented and experienced doctor of the clinic, capable of revealing all the details of the patient and making the correct diagnosis with just one external examination. Dr. House is extraordinarily talented as a doctor, but as a person - a rare bastard. If there is such an opportunity, he will gladly avoid communication with patients. Gregory is rude and sassy, loves to poke fun at his colleagues and includes humor in the most inappropriate situations. Despite his difficult temperament, House is valued at work for his deep knowledge and outstanding intelligence.
Method (2015)
- Genre: Thriller, Crime, Drama
- Rating: KinoPoisk - 8.0, IMDb - 7.4
- All the criminal cases investigated by the character of Konstantin Khabensky are based on real events.
- Why “The Mentalist” reminds us: the main character has his own method of catching criminals.
More about season 2
"Method" is a fascinating Russian-made TV series with a high rating. The highest-level investigator Rodion Meglin is able to solve the most intricate murders. Not surprisingly, Yesenya, a law school graduate, wanted to cooperate with a brilliant detective. The girl has personal motives for working with the renowned detective - her mother was killed, and her father hid the most important details of what happened, but the heroine still leaves no hope of finding out about the killer. Working with Rodion is a real nightmare and a real test for Yeseni. Once the girl thought for a minute: “If Meglin feels maniacs so subtly, maybe he is one of the criminals”?
Bones 2005 - 2017
- Genre: Drama, Romance, Comedy, Crime, Detective
- Rating: KinoPoisk - 7.9, IMDb - 7.8
- The series is based on a series of novels by anthropologist Katie Rikes, who previously worked for the FBI.
- What the "Mentalist" reminds: talented specialists bring criminals to clean water. They have at their disposal advanced technology and, of course, intelligence.
The brilliant but lonely anthropologist Temperance Brennan gets what she least wanted - partner Seely Booth to help investigate unsolved cases. The only thing that can lead to the trail of a criminal is bones or remains, which only Brennan can "read". While solving crimes, heroes will face many difficulties, including corruption, disorder and bureaucracy.
Dexter 2006 - 2013
- Genre: thriller, drama, crime, detective
- Rating: KinoPoisk - 8.2, IMDb - 8.6
- The film is based on a novel by writer Jeff Lindsay called "Dexter's Dormant Demon."
- What is in common with the "Mentalist": the main character quite skillfully in a crowd of people can find a criminal, and then, after waiting for the moment, finish him off.
The list of the best films similar to The Mentalist (2008) has been expanded with the TV series Dexter. The description of the film has similarities with the brilliant work of directors Chris Long and John Showalter. Meet me - Dexter Morgan. I work as a forensic scientist for the Miami Police Force. I have no feelings, I don't care about sex, and I'm also a serial killer. My father used to work as a police officer. Believe me, I can hide evidence. Ordinary citizens shouldn't be afraid of me. I only kill criminals - I carefully saw them off and very skillfully dispose of corpses. One day someone like me appeared in Miami. Is there really a damn psychopath like me? Who is this mysterious Mr. X who decided to arrange a contest for me?
Elementary 2012 - 2019
- Genre: Drama, Crime, Detective
- Rating: KinoPoisk - 7.4, IMDb - 7.9
- The slogan of the film is “New Holmes. New Watson. New York".
- Common points with "The Mentalist": original plot and well-written characters.
The plot of the series does not develop according to the classic scenario. British detective Sherlock Holmes is a former drug addict who was sent to New York for treatment in a rehabilitation center. After completing treatment, he remains in Brooklyn as a consultant to the New York police. His partner, Dr. Watson, helps him in his investigations. As it turns out later, there is no better cure for mental trauma and addictions than solving dark and dangerous criminal cases.
Endgame 2011
- Genre: Drama, Crime
- Rating: KinoPoisk - 7.0, IMDb - 7.6
- Several references to the Trimay series can be found in the picture.
- What reminds "Mentalist": the main character has an analytical mindset, which is very useful to him in catching criminals.
Former world chess champion Arkady Balagan is the smartest, but rather arrogant and mean man. A man's life is completely turned around when he witnesses the murder of his Canadian fiancee outside the Huxley Hotel, where he played several games. After such a shocking event, Balagan developed agoraphobia - a fear of open space. Once out in the open, he experiences panic. Arkady lives in a hotel, and his money is running out. And the hero finds a way out - he begins to use his brilliant analytical mind of a chess player to investigate crimes.
Freud's method
- Genre: detective
- Rating: KinoPoisk - 7.1, IMDb - 5.9
- The series was filmed in Moscow.
- How Similar to The Mentalist: The character uses clever psychological tricks.
Psychologist and professional poker player Roman Freidin came to work in the investigative department of the prosecutor's office. Its appearance is due to the need to use non-standard methods of combating crime. In his youth, the main character traveled to many countries and communicated with a variety of people, ranging from qualified psychoanalysts to sorcerers and fortune-tellers. His main strong point - "Freud's method" - lies in the direct provocation of suspects. By the way, he uses the same method in communicating with his new colleagues.
Criminal Minds 2005 - 2020
- Genre: thriller, drama, crime, detective
- Rating: KinoPoisk - 8.0, IMDb - 8.1
- Thomas Gibson and Mandy Patinkin co-starred on the TV series Chicago Hope.
- What The Mentalist reminds me of: Behavioral analysts try to uncover the perpetrator's motives by trying to think like him.
In a very short time, four girls disappeared from Seattle. Probably a new maniac has appeared in the city. The case is investigated by a special unit of the FBI, which employs the best experts in behavioral analysis. At the head of this "brave squad" is Jason Gideon, who, together with the team, is trying to figure out the criminal, creating his psychological portrait. Professionals delve into every step of the killer and penetrate his thoughts to predict his next steps.
Sherlock Holmes 2009
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller, Drama, Comedy
- Rating: KinoPoisk - 8.0, IMDb - 7.6
- During the filming of the action scene, actor Robert Maplet accidentally knocked out Robert Downey Jr.
- How the film is similar to The Mentalist: The detective encounters the underworld. He will have to use logic and creative thinking in order to catch the most dangerous maniacs.
The painting takes us back to 1891. The greatest detective Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. Watson prevent the last of the six ritual sacrifices. The mysterious Lord Blackwood was found guilty of the crimes and sentenced to death. In the next three months, Sherlock Holmes, frankly, got bored. Nothing interesting happened in his life, and even his best friend decided to move. But soon a criminal will appear in London, posing a threat to all of London.
Perception 2012 - 2015
- Genre: thriller, drama, crime, detective
- Rating: KinoPoisk - 7.6, IMDb - 7.5
- Initially, the picture was supposed to be released under the title "Proof".
- Common features with the "Mentalist": a team of geniuses will have to fight the criminal world, use deduction and analysis methods to catch criminals.
Rounding out the list of the best films similar to The Mentalist (2008) is the TV series Perception. The job description has similarities to that of directors Chris Long and John Showalter. A gifted but rather eccentric neurophysiologist, Daniel Pearce, was invited to the FBI to assist in the investigation of the most difficult cases. The protagonist works closely with Kate Moretti, his former student. Dr. Pierce's assistant Max Levicki and his best friend Natalie Vincent joined the ranks of the team. The team will have to plunge headlong into the criminal world and face the smartest and cunning criminals.