10 Movies and Shows Similar to Power (2014)

Description: Similar to 'Power', 'The Sopranos' focuses on a charismatic crime boss navigating the challenges of maintaining power while balancing personal and professional life. Both series delve into the psychological toll of criminal leadership and feature complex, morally ambiguous characters. The blend of family drama and organized crime in 'The Sopranos' echoes the themes in 'Power'.

Fact: 'The Sopranos' is often credited with ushering in the golden age of television. James Gandolfini based his portrayal of Tony Soprano on real-life mobsters. The show's famous finale sparked widespread debate and interpretation.

Description: 'The Shield' and 'Power' both explore the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminality, with morally complex characters navigating corrupt systems. The intense, gritty realism of 'The Shield' mirrors the raw, unfiltered portrayal of street life in 'Power'. Both series feature antiheroes whose actions challenge viewers' moral compasses.

Fact: 'The Shield' was one of the first shows to popularize the antihero protagonist on television. Michael Chiklis won an Emmy for his role as Vic Mackey. The series was known for its handheld camera work, adding to its documentary-like feel.

Description: Like 'Power', 'The Wire' delves into the gritty underworld of crime, focusing on the drug trade and its impact on urban communities. Both series explore themes of power, loyalty, and the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminals. The Wire's realistic portrayal of street life and systemic corruption mirrors the intense, high-stakes drama of 'Power'.

Fact: 'The Wire' was created by former police reporter David Simon, lending it an authentic feel. The show is often praised for its detailed and accurate depiction of Baltimore's institutions. Many actors in the series were actual residents of Baltimore, adding to its realism.

Description: 'Breaking Bad' shares with 'Power' a central theme of a protagonist's transformation into a powerful criminal figure. Both shows explore the moral complexities and consequences of the drug trade, with intense character-driven narratives. The high-stakes tension and intricate plotting in 'Breaking Bad' are reminiscent of the dramatic arcs in 'Power'.

Fact: Bryan Cranston, who played Walter White, won four Emmy Awards for his role. The show's iconic RV meth lab was inspired by real-life drug busts. 'Breaking Bad' was initially rejected by several networks before being picked up by AMC.

Description: 'Boardwalk Empire' shares with 'Power' a focus on the rise of a powerful figure in the criminal underworld, set against a backdrop of political and social upheaval. Both series highlight the intersection of crime, politics, and business, with intricate plots and rich character development. The period detail and moral ambiguity in 'Boardwalk Empire' resonate with the themes in 'Power'.

Fact: The show was created by Terence Winter, a writer for 'The Sopranos'. Steve Buscemi's character, Nucky Thompson, is based on a real-life Prohibition-era gangster. The series was known for its meticulous recreation of 1920s Atlantic City.

Description: 'Queen of the South' parallels 'Power' in its depiction of a protagonist's ascent in the drug trade, with a strong focus on female empowerment and resilience. Both shows feature high-stakes action, complex relationships, and the challenges of maintaining power in a male-dominated world. The fast-paced, suspenseful storytelling in 'Queen of the South' is akin to that of 'Power'.

Fact: The series is based on the novel 'La Reina del Sur' by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. Alice Braga, who plays Teresa Mendoza, is a well-known Brazilian actress. The show was filmed in multiple locations, including Dallas and Malta.

Description: Like 'Power', 'Sons of Anarchy' delves into the world of organized crime, focusing on a tight-knit group navigating loyalty, betrayal, and power struggles. Both shows feature charismatic leaders grappling with the consequences of their actions, set against a backdrop of violence and family drama. The emotional depth and high-octane action in 'Sons of Anarchy' are reminiscent of 'Power'.

Fact: The show was created by Kurt Sutter, who also played Otto Delaney. Charlie Hunnam, who played Jax Teller, is British but adopted an American accent for the role. The series was loosely inspired by Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'.

Description: Like 'Power', 'Peaky Blinders' centers on a charismatic leader expanding his criminal empire while dealing with internal and external threats. Both shows blend historical and contemporary elements of organized crime, with a strong emphasis on family loyalty and power struggles. The stylish, atmospheric direction of 'Peaky Blinders' parallels the visual flair of 'Power'.

Fact: The show's title refers to the real-life Peaky Blinders gang from Birmingham. Cillian Murphy underwent a significant physical transformation for his role as Tommy Shelby. The series features an anachronistic soundtrack, blending modern music with its 1920s setting.

Description: 'Animal Kingdom' shares with 'Power' a focus on a criminal family's dynamics and the ruthless pursuit of power and wealth. Both shows feature complex characters, high-stakes heists, and the tension between loyalty and self-preservation. The stylish, adrenaline-fueled storytelling in 'Animal Kingdom' parallels the dramatic intensity of 'Power'.

Fact: The series is based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name. Ellen Barkin's performance as Smurf earned critical acclaim. The show was known for its elaborate heist sequences and Southern California setting.

Description: 'Snowfall' mirrors 'Power' in its exploration of the drug trade's rise and its impact on communities. Both shows feature ambitious protagonists navigating the dangerous world of narcotics, with a focus on the socio-economic factors that drive the trade. The intense, character-driven storytelling in 'Snowfall' is similar to the gripping narratives in 'Power'.

Fact: 'Snowfall' was co-created by John Singleton, known for his work on 'Boyz n the Hood'. The show is loosely based on the real-life crack epidemic in Los Angeles during the 1980s. Damson Idris, who plays Franklin Saint, is British but mastered an American accent for the role.