If you enjoyed the gripping tension and small-town crime drama of County Line (2017), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and TV shows that deliver similar thrills, from hidden secrets to law enforcement showdowns. Whether you're a fan of gritty storytelling or heart-pounding action, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (2005)
Description: A poignant Western that explores themes of friendship, justice, and redemption. The film's slow pace and emotional depth make it a thoughtful meditation on morality.
Fact: The film marks Tommy Lee Jones' directorial debut. It won two awards at the Cannes Film Festival, including Best Actor for Jones.


No Country for Old Men (2007)
Description: A neo-Western crime thriller that explores themes of fate, violence, and moral decay. The film's stark cinematography and relentless tension create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is based on the novel of the same name by Cormac McCarthy.


Shotgun Stories (2007)
Description: A slow-burning drama about a feud between two sets of half-brothers in rural Arkansas. The film's minimalist style and focus on family conflict create a powerful narrative.
Fact: The film was director Jeff Nichols' debut feature. It was shot on a shoestring budget but received critical acclaim for its authenticity.


Cold in July (2014)
Description: A suspenseful thriller that starts as a simple home invasion story but spirals into a complex tale of revenge and redemption. The film's unpredictable plot and dark tone keep viewers on edge.
Fact: The film is based on the novel by Joe R. Lansdale. It features a synth-heavy score by Jeff Grace, which adds to its 1980s noir vibe.


Out of the Furnace (2013)
Description: A gritty drama about family, revenge, and survival in a decaying industrial town. The film's raw emotion and bleak setting draw viewers into its world.
Fact: The film was shot in Braddock, Pennsylvania, a real-life steel town that has faced economic decline. It features a haunting score by Dickon Hinchliffe.


Winter's Bone (2010)
Description: A stark, atmospheric drama about a young woman's quest to find her missing father in a rural, impoverished community. The film's unflinching portrayal of hardship and resilience is deeply moving.
Fact: The film launched Jennifer Lawrence's career, earning her first Academy Award nomination. It is based on the novel by Daniel Woodrell.


The Rover (2014)
Description: A post-apocalyptic Western that explores themes of survival, revenge, and human connection. The film's desolate setting and intense performances make it a gripping watch.
Fact: The film is set in the Australian outback, 10 years after a global economic collapse. It features a sparse, atmospheric score by Antony Partos.


Hell or High Water (2016)
Description: A modern Western that delves into themes of economic hardship, family loyalty, and crime. The film's slow-burn tension and moral ambiguity resonate with audiences who appreciate gritty, character-driven stories.
Fact: The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is often cited as part of a loose 'frontier trilogy' by writer Taylor Sheridan, alongside Sicario and Wind River.


Sicario (2015)
Description: A tense, morally complex thriller set against the backdrop of the drug war. The film's brutal realism and exploration of the blurred lines between good and evil make it a standout.
Fact: The title 'Sicario' means 'hitman' in Spanish. The film's sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, was released in


Wind River (2017)
Description: A gripping crime thriller set in a harsh, rural environment, focusing on a murder investigation that uncovers deeper societal issues. The film's bleak tone and exploration of justice in isolated communities make it a compelling watch.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women in the U.S. It was written and directed by Taylor Sheridan, who also penned Sicario and Hell or High Water.
