10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Ellis (2024)

Description: Mad Men and Ellis (2024) both excel in character-driven narratives set against meticulously recreated historical backdrops. They explore themes of identity, ambition, and societal change, with a focus on the personal and professional lives of their protagonists. The sophisticated storytelling and visual style of Mad Men, with its emphasis on period authenticity, align with the likely tone of Ellis.

Fact: Jon Hamm, who played Don Draper, was relatively unknown before Mad Men, which catapulted him to fame. The show's creator, Matthew Weiner, was a writer for The Sopranos before creating Mad Men. The series won 16 Emmy Awards and five Golden Globes during its run.

Description: Boardwalk Empire, like Ellis (2024), is a period drama that delves into the complexities of power, corruption, and morality. Both likely share a dark, atmospheric tone and a focus on intricate plotting and character development. The show's historical setting and attention to detail in costumes and sets would resonate with the aesthetic of Ellis.

Fact: The show was created by Terence Winter, who also wrote for The Sopranos. Steve Buscemi, who played Nucky Thompson, was initially hesitant to take on the lead role. The series was filmed in a replica of 1920s Atlantic City built in Brooklyn.

Description: Downton Abbey and Ellis (2024) both explore the lives of characters across different social strata, with a focus on family dynamics and societal changes. The meticulous attention to historical detail and the blend of personal and political narratives in Downton Abbey would likely find echoes in Ellis.

Fact: The show was filmed at Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England. Maggie Smith, who played the Dowager Countess, became one of the show's most beloved characters. The series won three Golden Globes and 15 Emmy Awards.

Description: The Americans and Ellis (2024) both delve into themes of identity, loyalty, and deception, set against a tense historical backdrop. The show's focus on complex relationships and moral ambiguity, along with its period-specific storytelling, would align with the likely tone of Ellis.

Fact: The show was inspired by real-life Russian sleeper agents in the U.S. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, who played the lead roles, began a real-life relationship during the show's run. The series was praised for its accurate depiction of the 1980s and its tense, character-driven plots.

Description: True Detective and Ellis (2024) both explore dark, psychological themes through a crime-driven narrative. The show's atmospheric cinematography, complex characters, and philosophical undertones would likely find parallels in Ellis.

Fact: Each season features a new cast and storyline, with the first season starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. The show's creator, Nic Pizzolatto, wrote all episodes of the first season himself. The series is known for its long, uninterrupted takes, particularly in the first season.

Description: Peaky Blinders shares similarities with Ellis (2024) through its gritty, period-specific storytelling and complex character dynamics. Both delve into the underbelly of society, exploring themes of power, family, and survival. The visual aesthetics of Peaky Blinders, with its moody cinematography and attention to historical detail, mirror the atmospheric tone likely present in Ellis.

Fact: The show's title refers to the real-life gang, the Peaky Blinders, who were active in Birmingham, England, after World War I. Cillian Murphy, who plays Tommy Shelby, initially turned down the role but changed his mind after meeting with the creator, Steven Knight. The series has been praised for its anachronistic soundtrack, featuring modern artists like Nick Cave and Arctic Monkeys.

Description: Fargo and Ellis (2024) both likely feature dark, Coen Brothers-esque storytelling with a mix of crime, drama, and black comedy. The show's intricate plotting, morally ambiguous characters, and distinctive visual style would resonate with the tone of Ellis.

Fact: The show is inspired by the 1996 Coen Brothers film of the same name. Each season features a new cast and storyline, with some subtle connections between them. The series has won multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Miniseries.

Description: The Alienist and Ellis (2024) both delve into dark, psychological themes set in a richly detailed historical period. The show's focus on crime, investigation, and the human psyche, along with its atmospheric visuals, would resonate with the likely tone of Ellis.

Fact: The show is based on the novel by Caleb Carr. It was one of the first TV series to be shot in Budapest, Hungary. The series features a star-studded cast, including Daniel Brühl, Luke Evans, and Dakota Fanning.

Description: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel shares with Ellis (2024) a strong female protagonist navigating a male-dominated world, set against a richly detailed historical backdrop. Both likely feature sharp dialogue, vibrant visuals, and a mix of humor and drama. The show's exploration of personal and professional reinvention would resonate with themes in Ellis.

Fact: The show was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, who also created Gilmore Girls. Rachel Brosnahan, who plays Midge Maisel, won an Emmy and two Golden Globes for her performance. The series is known for its rapid-fire dialogue and elaborate costume design.

Description: The Night Manager and Ellis (2024) both likely feature espionage, moral ambiguity, and high-stakes drama. The show's sleek visuals, international settings, and tense storytelling would align with the likely tone of Ellis.

Fact: The show is based on a novel by John le Carré. Tom Hiddleston, who plays the lead role, was considered for the role of James Bond after his performance. The series won two Golden Globes and three Emmy Awards.