If you loved the gripping intensity and dark humor of Skin in the Game (2024), you're in for a treat. This article curates 10 movies and shows that share its razor-sharp wit, high-stakes drama, and morally complex characters. Whether you're craving more twisted thrillers or biting satire, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Casino (1995)
Description: A sprawling crime epic that delves into the inner workings of Las Vegas casinos and the mob's influence. The film's lavish production design and intense performances highlight the excess and violence of the era.
Fact: Many of the characters in the film are based on real-life figures, and some scenes were shot in actual Las Vegas casinos.


Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
Description: A crime comedy-drama with a nonlinear narrative, featuring a group of amateur criminals caught in a web of deception and violence. The film's raw energy and dark humor make it a standout in the genre.
Fact: The film was made on a tight budget, and many of the actors were relatively unknown at the time, which added to its authentic feel.


Snatch (2000)
Description: A fast-paced crime thriller with dark humor, intricate plot twists, and a focus on underground criminal activities. The film's gritty aesthetic and overlapping storylines create a chaotic yet engaging narrative.
Fact: The film features a mix of real and fictional underground boxing, and Brad Pitt's character was intentionally hard to understand, leading to subtitles in some versions.


Layer Cake (2004)
Description: A sleek and sophisticated crime thriller that delves into the world of drug trafficking and organized crime. The protagonist's calculated approach to his business contrasts with the chaos around him.
Fact: The film's title refers to the layers of deception and complexity in the criminal underworld, much like the layers of a cake.


The Departed (2006)
Description: A high-stakes crime thriller about undercover agents and moles within the police and organized crime. The film's relentless tension and moral complexity keep viewers on edge.
Fact: The film is a remake of the Hong Kong movie 'Infernal Affairs,' but it transplants the story to Boston's Irish mob scene.


American Gangster (2007)
Description: A biographical crime drama that follows the rise and fall of a Harlem drug lord. The film's meticulous attention to detail and strong performances bring the 1970s underworld to life.
Fact: The real-life Frank Lucas, whom the film is based on, was a consultant during production and even visited the set.


The Town (2010)
Description: A tense heist film that explores loyalty, love, and the consequences of a life of crime. The film's authentic portrayal of Boston's criminal underworld and its emotional depth set it apart.
Fact: Many of the film's scenes were shot on location in Charlestown, Boston, where the story is set.


RocknRolla (2008)
Description: A stylish crime film with a focus on the London underworld, featuring a mix of violence, humor, and complex character dynamics. The film's energetic direction and sharp dialogue keep the audience engaged.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be the first in a trilogy, but the sequels were never made due to the director's other commitments.


The Drop (2014)
Description: A slow-burning crime thriller that focuses on the quiet yet dangerous life of a bartender involved in money laundering. The film's understated tension and moral ambiguity make it compelling.
Fact: The film is based on a short story by Dennis Lehane, who also wrote the novel 'Mystic River.'


Killing Them Softly (2012)
Description: A gritty crime drama that explores themes of betrayal, greed, and the brutal realities of the criminal underworld. The film's stark visuals and unflinching violence create a tense atmosphere.
Fact: The film is set during the 2008 financial crisis, and its dialogue often draws parallels between organized crime and capitalism.
