10 Shows Like Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller (2020)

Description: Similar to 'Trafficked', 'The Wire' offers a comprehensive, realistic look at drug trafficking and its impact on urban communities. Both works examine the systemic nature of the drug trade and its connections to law enforcement and politics. They share a journalistic, detail-oriented approach.

Fact: Created by former police reporter David Simon. Many actors were real-life Baltimore residents with no prior acting experience. The show's accuracy led to it being used in university criminology courses.

Description: Similar to 'Trafficked', this film explores the intricate networks of drug trafficking, though focusing on heroin in 1970s New York. Both works examine how organized crime operates and its impact on society. They share a journalistic approach to depicting criminal enterprises.

Fact: Based on the life of Frank Lucas, played by Denzel Washington. Director Ridley Scott conducted extensive research with real NYPD officers. The real Frank Lucas served as a consultant on the film.

Description: Like 'Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller', 'Breaking Bad' provides an in-depth look at the drug trade, though from a fictional perspective. Both explore the moral ambiguities and consequences of drug trafficking, with a focus on how ordinary people get drawn into this dangerous world. The series shares a similar tone of tension and realism.

Fact: Created by Vince Gilligan, who wanted to turn Mr. Chips into Scarface. Bryan Cranston won four Emmy Awards for his role as Walter White. The show's accuracy in depicting meth production led to real-life copycat incidents.

Description: This film shares with 'Trafficked' its focus on undercover operations against drug cartels. Both works highlight the risks and moral dilemmas faced by those who infiltrate criminal organizations. They share a tense, dramatic approach to storytelling about the drug trade.

Fact: Based on the true story of federal agent Robert Mazur. Bryan Cranston plays the lead role, continuing his association with drug-themed dramas. Features real-life drug lord Pablo Escobar's associates as characters.

Description: This series shares with 'Trafficked' its unflinching look at organized crime, though focusing on the Italian Camorra. Both works provide insider perspectives on criminal organizations and their operations. They share a gritty, realistic visual style and tone.

Fact: Based on Roberto Saviano's exposé of the Naples mafia. The author lives under police protection due to death threats from the Camorra. Many non-professional actors were cast from Naples' criminal underworld.

Description: Similar to 'Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller', 'Cartel Land' is a documentary that delves into the dangerous world of drug cartels and the vigilante groups that oppose them. Both works explore the complexities of crime, law enforcement, and the human cost of the drug trade. They share a gritty, realistic visual style and a focus on real-life stories.

Fact: Directed by Matthew Heineman, who risked his life filming in active conflict zones. Nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 88th Academy Awards. Features unprecedented access to both cartel members and vigilante groups.

Description: Like 'Trafficked', this series explores the globalization of organized crime, showing how criminal networks operate across borders. Both works emphasize the business-like nature of modern crime. They share a sophisticated approach to depicting international criminal enterprises.

Fact: Inspired by Misha Glenny's non-fiction book about global crime. Features locations in 14 different countries. James Norton prepared for his role by meeting with former criminals.

Description: This series shares with 'Trafficked' its exploration of the origins and impact of the crack cocaine epidemic. Both works examine how drug trafficking affects communities and individuals. They share a gritty, realistic portrayal of the drug trade's consequences.

Fact: Co-created by John Singleton, director of 'Boyz n the Hood'. Features fictionalized versions of real-life figures from the 1980s drug trade. The show's title refers to the cocaine powder's appearance.

Description: Similar to 'Trafficked', this series is based on true crime stories involving international drug trafficking and serial killings. Both works explore how criminals exploit global travel networks. They share a 1970s period setting and a focus on charismatic but dangerous criminals.

Fact: Based on the crimes of Charles Sobhraj in 1970s Asia. The real-life Sobhraj was released from prison during the show's production. Many scenes were filmed in the actual locations where the crimes occurred.

Description: Like 'Trafficked', this series provides a global perspective on drug trafficking, showing the entire supply chain from production to distribution. Both works emphasize the international scale of the drug trade and its human cost. They share a documentary-like approach to storytelling.

Fact: Based on Roberto Saviano's book about the cocaine trade. Filmed in multiple countries to show the drug trade's global nature. The title refers to the purest grade of flour, metaphorically representing pure cocaine.