10 Movies & Shows Like Barrabrava (2023)

Description: A groundbreaking police drama that follows a corrupt strike team as they navigate the moral gray areas of law enforcement. Its raw, unflinching portrayal of crime and corruption set a new standard for TV dramas.

Fact: The show was one of the first to use handheld cameras extensively, giving it a documentary-like feel. The series finale remains one of the most talked-about endings in TV history, praised for its emotional impact.

Description: A masterful depiction of the systemic issues within urban crime, law enforcement, and politics. Its layered storytelling and focus on the socio-economic factors driving criminal behavior provide a nuanced and realistic portrayal of the underworld.

Fact: Creator David Simon drew from his experiences as a police reporter in Baltimore to craft the series. Each season focuses on a different facet of the city, including the drug trade, the port system, and the school system.

Description: A gripping tale of a man's descent into the criminal underworld, driven by desperation and ambition. The show's exploration of moral decay, power dynamics, and the consequences of choices resonates deeply with similar narratives.

Fact: The show's iconic blue meth was inspired by a real-life methamphetamine called 'Blue Magic,' which was known for its purity. The series was initially pitched as a comedy, but it evolved into a drama during development.

Description: A thrilling story of a woman's rise to power in the male-dominated world of drug trafficking. Its fast-paced narrative, strong female lead, and themes of survival and reinvention resonate with similar crime dramas.

Fact: The series is based on the novel 'La Reina del Sur' by Arturo Pérez-Reverte, which was inspired by real-life female drug lords. The show was filmed in multiple locations, including Dallas, Malta, and Colombia.

Description: A visceral look at the inner workings of an outlaw motorcycle club, blending family drama with intense action. The show's exploration of brotherhood, loyalty, and the cost of power aligns with the darker themes of crime dramas.

Fact: The series was inspired by Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' with the protagonist Jax Teller paralleling the tragic prince. The show's creator, Kurt Sutter, also played the character Otto Delaney, a jailed member of the club.

Description: A gritty crime drama that delves deep into the underworld of organized crime, focusing on the brutal realities and power struggles within a criminal syndicate. Its raw and unflinching portrayal of violence and loyalty mirrors the intense and dark themes often explored in similar narratives.

Fact: The series is based on Roberto Saviano's bestselling book, which led to the author receiving death threats from the Camorra, the crime organization depicted in the show. It was initially intended to be a film but was expanded into a TV series due to the depth of the source material.

Description: Set in the aftermath of World War I, this series follows a notorious crime family as they navigate power struggles and rivalries. Its stylish cinematography, complex characters, and themes of loyalty and ambition make it a compelling watch.

Fact: The name 'Peaky Blinders' comes from the gang's practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of their caps, which they used as weapons. The show's soundtrack features modern rock and punk music, despite its historical setting.

Description: A dark and intense drama about a crime family's ruthless operations and the young man caught in their web. Its exploration of family loyalty, power struggles, and the blurred lines between right and wrong aligns with the themes of other crime sagas.

Fact: The series is based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name. The show's title refers to the predatory nature of its characters, who operate like animals in a jungle.

Description: This series chronicles the rise of the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles during the 1980s, focusing on the interconnected lives of dealers, users, and law enforcement. Its gritty realism and focus on the socio-political impact of the drug trade make it a standout.

Fact: The show was co-created by John Singleton, who drew from his own experiences growing up in South Central LA. The title 'Snowfall' refers to the cocaine that 'snows' down on the city, symbolizing its pervasive impact.

Description: This series explores the global cocaine trade, highlighting the interconnectedness of criminal organizations across continents. Its tense, high-stakes storytelling and focus on the moral ambiguities of its characters align well with the themes of power, betrayal, and survival.

Fact: The title refers to the code name for the purest flour used in Italy, symbolizing the purity of the cocaine traded in the series. It was filmed in multiple countries, including Italy, Mexico, and Senegal, to authentically depict the global nature of the drug trade.