10 Shows & Movies Similar to Get Shorty (2017)

Description: The Sopranos, like Get Shorty (2017), explores the life of a criminal trying to balance his illegal activities with personal and family life. Both shows mix crime drama with character-driven storytelling, offering a deep dive into the psyche of their protagonists.

Fact: The Sopranos is often credited with revolutionizing television drama. James Gandolfini's portrayal of Tony Soprano is considered one of the greatest performances in TV history. The show's finale is one of the most debated in television history.

Description: The Wire, like Get Shorty (2017), offers a nuanced look at the criminal underworld, though it is more grounded and less comedic. Both shows provide a detailed exploration of their settings and the systems that govern them.

Fact: The Wire is often cited as one of the greatest TV shows of all time. Creator David Simon drew from his experiences as a police reporter in Baltimore. The show's narrative structure is novelistic, with each season focusing on a different aspect of the city.

Description: Breaking Bad shares with Get Shorty (2017) the theme of a man entering the criminal world and the moral complexities that arise. Both shows feature protagonists who use their intelligence to navigate the criminal underworld, though Breaking Bad is more intense and less comedic.

Fact: Breaking Bad was initially conceived as a short-lived series but became a cultural phenomenon. Bryan Cranston, who played Walter White, won four Emmy Awards for his performance. The show's spin-off, Better Call Saul, has also been highly acclaimed.

Description: Ray Donovan, similar to Get Shorty (2017), follows a fixer for the rich and famous who deals with the criminal underworld. Both shows blend crime drama with personal and family issues, showcasing the protagonist's struggle to maintain his professional and personal life.

Fact: Liev Schreiber stars as Ray Donovan, a role that earned him critical acclaim. The show was initially set in Los Angeles but later moved to New York. A movie, Ray Donovan: The Movie, was released in 2022 to conclude the series.

Description: Peaky Blinders shares with Get Shorty (2017) a focus on a charismatic criminal navigating the complexities of his illegal activities while trying to legitimize his business. Both shows feature stylish visuals and a strong lead performance.

Fact: Peaky Blinders is set in post-World War I Birmingham, England. Cillian Murphy stars as Thomas Shelby, the leader of the Peaky Blinders gang. The show's distinctive soundtrack features modern music, including songs by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.

Description: Fargo shares Get Shorty's (2017) blend of crime and dark comedy, set against a backdrop of ordinary people getting involved in extraordinary criminal activities. Both shows feature quirky characters and a narrative style that balances tension with humor.

Fact: Fargo is inspired by the Coen Brothers' 1996 film of the same name. Each season features a new cast and storyline, with some subtle connections between them. The show has won numerous awards, including Emmys for Outstanding Miniseries and Directing.

Description: Better Call Saul, like Get Shorty (2017), delves into the criminal underworld with a mix of drama and humor. Both shows feature morally ambiguous protagonists who use their wit and charm to navigate dangerous situations, often blurring the lines between legality and crime.

Fact: Better Call Saul is a prequel to Breaking Bad, focusing on the transformation of Jimmy McGill into Saul Goodman. The show has been praised for its meticulous cinematography and character development. Bob Odenkirk, who plays Saul, initially gained fame as a comedy writer and performer.

Description: Barry shares similarities with Get Shorty (2017) in its darkly comedic tone and exploration of a criminal trying to leave his past behind for a new life in the entertainment industry. Both shows blend crime drama with humor, featuring protagonists who navigate the complexities of their dual lives.

Fact: Bill Hader, known for his comedic work on Saturday Night Live, co-created and stars in Barry. The show won multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Hader. Barry's second season features a memorable episode directed by Hiro Murai, known for his work on Atlanta.

Description: Animal Kingdom, like Get Shorty (2017), revolves around a family deeply involved in crime, blending drama with moments of dark humor. Both shows explore the dynamics of criminal families and the consequences of their lifestyles.

Fact: Animal Kingdom is based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name. The show features Ellen Barkin in one of her most notable TV roles. It concluded with its sixth season in

Description: Snowfall shares with Get Shorty (2017) a focus on the drug trade and the individuals involved in it. Both shows blend crime drama with personal stories, though Snowfall is more intense and less comedic.

Fact: Snowfall is co-created by John Singleton, who also directed Boyz n the Hood. The show is set in 1980s Los Angeles during the crack epidemic. It explores the interconnected lives of various characters affected by the drug trade.