10 Movies & Shows Like Cocaine Cowboys (2006)

Description: 'The French Connection' shares with 'Cocaine Cowboys' a focus on the gritty, dangerous world of drug trafficking, though it centers on heroin rather than cocaine. Both films are based on true events and feature intense, realistic portrayals of law enforcement's efforts to combat the drug trade. The films also share a documentary-like style that adds to their authenticity.

Fact: The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The famous car chase scene was filmed without permits and involved real pedestrians. Gene Hackman's character, Jimmy 'Popeye' Doyle, was based on a real NYPD detective.

Description: While 'The Godfather' focuses on the Italian-American mafia rather than the drug trade, it shares with 'Cocaine Cowboys' themes of power, family, and the consequences of a life of crime. Both films depict the rise and fall of their protagonists, with a strong emphasis on the moral and ethical dilemmas they face.

Fact: Marlon Brando won an Oscar for his role as Vito Corleone but sent a Native American activist to decline the award in protest of Hollywood's treatment of Native Americans. The film was initially criticized by Italian-American groups for perpetuating stereotypes but is now considered a masterpiece. The famous line 'I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse' was voted as the second-greatest movie quote by the American Film Institute.

Description: 'Scarface' shares with 'Cocaine Cowboys' a deep dive into the violent and extravagant world of drug trafficking, particularly focusing on the cocaine boom in Miami. Both films depict the ruthless nature of the drug trade, the rise to power, and the inevitable violent end. The themes of ambition, greed, and the American Dream gone awry are central to both narratives.

Fact: Al Pacino's performance as Tony Montana is considered one of the most iconic in film history. The film was initially criticized for its excessive violence and profanity but has since become a cult classic. The famous line 'Say hello to my little friend!' was improvised by Pacino.

Description: 'Traffic' and 'Cocaine Cowboys' both provide a multi-perspective look at the drug trade, showing its impact on various levels of society. Both works highlight the complexities and moral ambiguities of the drug war, with 'Traffic' focusing on the interconnected stories of politicians, law enforcement, and users. The films share a realistic, unflinching approach to the subject matter.

Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Director for Steven Soderbergh. The script was based on a British miniseries called 'Traffik'. The film features an ensemble cast, including Michael Douglas, Benicio del Toro, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Description: Similar to 'Cocaine Cowboys', 'Blow' is a biographical crime film that delves into the life of a drug trafficker, George Jung, who played a significant role in the cocaine trade in the U.S. during the 1970s and 1980s. Both films explore the rise and fall of their protagonists in the drug trade, highlighting the glamour and eventual downfall associated with the lifestyle. The films share themes of excess, betrayal, and the consequences of the drug trade.

Fact: Johnny Depp, who plays George Jung, met the real George Jung during filming to better understand his character. The film is based on the book 'Blow: How a Small-Town Boy Made $100 Million with the Medellín Cocaine Cartel and Lost It All' by Bruce Porter. The real George Jung was released from prison in 2014 after serving nearly 20 years.

Description: 'The Wire' shares with 'Cocaine Cowboys' a realistic and unflinching look at the drug trade, particularly its impact on urban communities. Both works explore the systemic issues that perpetuate the drug trade, including corruption, poverty, and law enforcement's challenges. The series, like the film, provides a multi-faceted view of the drug trade, showing perspectives from both the dealers and the authorities.

Fact: The series was created by David Simon, a former police reporter, and Ed Burns, a former homicide detective. Many of the actors were non-professionals or had little acting experience before the show. The show is often cited as one of the greatest TV series of all time.

Description: 'Breaking Bad' and 'Cocaine Cowboys' both explore the transformation of ordinary individuals into major players in the drug trade. Walter White's descent into the criminal underworld mirrors the rise and fall of the figures in 'Cocaine Cowboys', with both narratives highlighting the moral compromises and violent consequences of the drug trade.

Fact: Bryan Cranston won four Emmy Awards for his role as Walter White. The show's creator, Vince Gilligan, originally envisioned the series as a dark comedy. The iconic RV used in the show was purchased by a fan and restored.

Description: Like 'Cocaine Cowboys', 'The Infiltrator' is based on true events and focuses on the cocaine trade, specifically the efforts of law enforcement to infiltrate and dismantle drug cartels. Both films provide a gritty, realistic portrayal of the drug trade's impact on individuals and society, with a strong emphasis on the dangers and moral complexities involved.

Fact: The film is based on the autobiography of Robert Mazur, a federal agent who went undercover to infiltrate Pablo Escobar's drug cartel. Bryan Cranston, who plays Mazur, spent time with the real Mazur to prepare for the role. The film was shot in London and Florida to recreate the 1980s setting.

Description: 'American Made' parallels 'Cocaine Cowboys' in its depiction of the cocaine trade's heyday, focusing on the true story of Barry Seal, a pilot who worked for the CIA and later became a drug smuggler for the Medellín Cartel. Both films highlight the blurred lines between government operations and criminal activities, as well as the chaotic and dangerous nature of the drug trade.

Fact: Tom Cruise performed many of his own stunts, including flying the planes. The real Barry Seal was assassinated in 1986 by the Medellín Cartel. The film uses a mix of real footage and reenactments to tell the story.

Description: 'Snowfall' is similar to 'Cocaine Cowboys' in its focus on the cocaine epidemic in the 1980s, particularly in Los Angeles. Both works depict the rise of the drug trade and its devastating effects on communities. The series, like the film, provides a gritty, realistic portrayal of the era, with a strong emphasis on the social and economic factors that fueled the drug trade.

Fact: The series was co-created by John Singleton, who also directed 'Boyz n the Hood'. The show's title refers to the nickname for cocaine. The series has been praised for its authentic depiction of 1980s Los Angeles.