If you enjoyed the gritty, action-packed thriller 'American Sicario' (2021), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same intense crime drama, high-stakes action, and underworld intrigue. Whether you're drawn to ruthless cartels, undercover operations, or relentless revenge plots, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Sopranos (1999)
Description: A groundbreaking series that blends family drama with organized crime, exploring the psychological and moral complexities of its protagonist.
Fact: The show is often credited with ushering in the golden age of television. It was the first cable series to win the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series.


The Shield (2002)
Description: A raw and unflinching look at corrupt cops and the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminality, set in a high-crime urban environment.
Fact: The show was groundbreaking for its use of handheld cameras and natural lighting. It was one of the first series to feature an antihero as its protagonist.


The Wire (2002)
Description: A gritty, realistic portrayal of the drug trade, law enforcement, and systemic corruption, focusing on the interconnected lives of criminals and police.
Fact: The show was praised for its authenticity, with many actors being real-life former drug dealers or police officers. It was initially overlooked but later gained a cult following.


Breaking Bad (2008)
Description: Explores the transformation of an ordinary man into a ruthless criminal, delving deep into the moral complexities and violent consequences of the drug trade.
Fact: The show was initially pitched as a dark comedy but evolved into a gripping drama. It holds the Guinness World Record for the highest-rated TV series.


Queen of the South (2016)
Description: Follows the rise of a woman in the drug trade, showcasing the violence, power struggles, and personal sacrifices involved in the criminal underworld.
Fact: The series is based on a Spanish-language telenovela. It was filmed in multiple countries to capture the global nature of the drug trade.


Gomorrah (2014)
Description: A brutal and unrelenting depiction of organized crime in Naples, focusing on the power struggles and violent dynamics within a crime family.
Fact: The series is based on a book by Roberto Saviano, who has lived under police protection due to death threats from the Camorra. It is known for its authentic Neapolitan dialect.


Peaky Blinders (2013)
Description: A stylish and violent period drama about a criminal gang in post-WWI Birmingham, focusing on their rise to power and internal conflicts.
Fact: The show's title refers to the gang's practice of sewing razor blades into their caps. It has been praised for its soundtrack, which features modern music in a historical setting.


Sicario (2015)
Description: A tense, action-packed thriller that delves into the brutal world of drug cartels and the morally ambiguous tactics used to combat them.
Fact: The film's title means 'hitman' in Spanish. It was shot in a documentary-like style to enhance its realism.


Snowfall (2017)
Description: Chronicles the early days of the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles, blending personal stories with the larger socio-political context of the drug trade.
Fact: The show was co-created by John Singleton, who drew from his own experiences growing up in South Central LA. It features a mix of fictional and real-life characters.


ZeroZeroZero (2020)
Description: A global thriller that traces the journey of a cocaine shipment, revealing the interconnected and often brutal world of drug trafficking.
Fact: The series was filmed in multiple countries, including Mexico, Italy, and Senegal. It is based on a book by the same author as Gomorrah.
