Have you ever found yourself wanting to watch an interesting drama on ABEMA but not knowing where to start? If you’re going to spend your time, you’d want to discover something so gripping you can’t hit pause.
In this article, we’ll introduce foreign dramas available on ABEMA—a slightly rare lineup on the platform.
From the abundant selection of suspense titles to the increasingly popular Thai dramas.
It’s a must-read for fans of works you don’t often get to see.
Now, let’s find that one title that catches your eye!
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Irresistibly Addictive! Top Overseas Dramas You Can Watch on ABEMA (1–10)
90-Day Tottenham PubNEW!
Set in a failing London pub, 90 Days: Tottenham Pub is an ensemble drama where people of different nationalities and life backgrounds intersect.
This unusual Japan–UK co-produced series, first aired in 1992, is now fully available to watch in ABEMA’s international drama lineup.
It’s a work that shines with the early-career presence of lead actress Maki Sakai and the compelling performance of Kazuko Hohki from Frank Chickens, who appears in a role close to herself.
The opening theme features a track by Fishmans, packing in irresistible charm that lets you feel the music culture of the time.
Can they rebuild the pub within the 90-day deadline? Witness for yourself the resilient yet heartfelt everyday lives of people making their way in a foreign land.
Criminal Investigator Anna TravisNEW!
A slightly rare, full-fledged police drama you can watch on ABEMA: “DCI Anna Travis.” This crime suspense series follows rookie investigator Anna, who, despite her limited experience, takes on brutal serial murders and cold cases.
The original story and scripts are by Lynda La Plante, the creator of the classic “Prime Suspect.” Kelly Reilly stars as Anna, and together with Ciarán Hinds as her superior, they engage in tense psychological battles.
The weighty storyline meticulously portrays the dark truths behind the cases, drawing you in as you watch.
Seeing Anna grow, even imperfectly, is genuinely moving.
Season 1 is currently available to watch for free, so if you like suspense, be sure to check it out!
DES The most notorious serial killer in British historyNEW!
DES: The British Serial Killer that Shook the 1980s is a true-crime drama depicting the arrest and trial of a serial murder case that rattled the UK in the 1980s.
David Tennant plays the real-life, terrifying killer Dennis Nilsen.
The series deliberately avoids excessive depictions of violence, instead focusing on the eerie calm with which an ordinary-looking man matter-of-factly recounts his crimes.
Across a concise three-episode structure, it carefully portrays not only the grotesqueness of the case but also the painstaking efforts of the police as they confront the existence of victims left on the margins of society.
For those who want to immerse themselves in a weighty, chilling human drama that is far more than mere suspense, this is a must-see.
THE KILLING/KillingNEW!
A quintessential Nordic suspense series that’s acclaimed worldwide, The Killing follows a single murder case.
Its standout feature is that each episode unfolds almost in real time, covering one day of the investigation.
Sofie Gråbøl’s performance as Sarah Lund—taciturn yet doggedly obsessed with the case—is truly breathtaking.
The grief of the victim’s family and the agendas of politicians become intricately entangled, leading to twists where it’s impossible to tell who’s speaking the truth—you won’t be able to look away.
The cold, overcast and rain-soaked visual style further heightens the story’s tension.
Some episodes are available to stream for free, so it’s perfect for anyone who wants to savor a thorough mystery.
Be sure to check it out!
Outbreak Spread of infectionNEW!
Outbreak — The Spread, which aired in Canada in 2020 and sparked major buzz by coinciding with a real-world pandemic, is a 10-episode panic thriller that vividly depicts an unknown virus quietly spreading through a city from the perspectives of frontline healthcare workers, government officials, and everyday citizens.
You’ll be drawn in by Dr.
Anne-Marie, played by Julie Le Breton, as she confronts an invisible enemy while grappling with numerous inner conflicts.
It’s not just about the terror of a disaster; it’s also a profound human drama that portrays the fragility of modern society and the ways people support one another.
It’s filled with moments that resonate especially deeply with us today, so be sure to check it out.
Grantchester: A Murder Investigation by a Vicar and a DetectiveNEW!
An unconventional mystery drama set in a beautiful British village in the 1950s.
Reverend Sidney, played by James Norton, teams up with veteran detective Geordie, played by Robson Green, to tackle challenging cases in the village.
You’ll be drawn in by the dynamic between the compassionate pastor who connects with people’s hearts and the hands-on detective, two complete opposites who clash yet gradually deepen their bond.
Beyond solving the cases, the series delves deeply into the characters’ emotional wounds and romantic entanglements, making it irresistibly binge-worthy.
Some episodes are available to watch for free on ABEMA, making it a perfect pick for those seeking a slightly unusual, authentic British mystery.
Line of Duty: Anti-Corruption UnitNEW!
The British drama Line of Duty, which probes internal corruption within the police force.
It’s not a work filled with nonstop flashy shootouts, but it has won immense popularity among those who love intense suspense.
Above all, the show’s appeal lies in the tense psychological battles that unfold in the interrogation room led by the Anti-Corruption Unit.
The scenes where Steve Arnott, a young detective played by Martin Compston, and his colleagues steadily chip away at a subject’s contradictions in a recorded setting deliver a breath-snatching level of tension.
Seasons 1 and 2 are currently available to watch for free on ABEMA, so if you enjoy tightly woven stories that expose the deep, dark underbelly of police organizations, be sure to check it out!