10 Movies & Shows Similar to Contraband: Seized at the Airport (2024)

Description: Both examine the complex, multi-layered world of drug trafficking from various perspectives - users, law enforcement, and smugglers. They share a gritty, realistic portrayal of the drug trade's impact.

Fact: Won 4 Academy Awards including Best Director. Features three distinct storylines shot with different color filters. Based on a British miniseries of the same name.

Description: Like 'Contraband', this film chronicles the rise and fall of a drug smuggler, showing the glamour and eventual consequences of the lifestyle. Both are cautionary tales about the drug trade.

Fact: Johnny Depp trained with the real George Jung for his role. The real Jung makes a cameo as a customer in a nightclub scene. Features a soundtrack with many 70s rock classics.

Description: Both focus on undercover operations targeting drug cartels and the dangerous world of international smuggling. They share themes of deception and the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminal worlds.

Fact: Based on the true story of federal agent Robert Mazur. Bryan Cranston spent time with the real Mazur to prepare for the role. The film depicts the 1980s Medellín Cartel operations.

Description: Shares the intense, high-stakes world of drug interdiction and the moral ambiguities of fighting cartels. Both feature realistic portrayals of border security and smuggling operations.

Fact: 'Sicario' means hitman in Mexican Spanish. Features one of the most tense border crossing scenes in cinema. Director Denis Villeneuve researched with real DEA agents.

Description: Shares the theme of smuggling operations (in this case, drugs and weapons) and the involvement of government agencies. Both show how ordinary people get drawn into high-stakes illegal activities.

Fact: Tom Cruise performed many of his own flying stunts. Based on the life of Barry Seal, a TWA pilot turned CIA operative. The film uses actual footage from Seal's home videos.

Description: Shares the theme of drug trafficking and the underground economy, though from a more youthful and comedic perspective. Both explore how ordinary people get entangled in the world of contraband.

Fact: The film was executive produced by Pharrell Williams. It features a soundtrack heavily influenced by 90s hip-hop. The main character is a high school student who gets involved in drug dealing by accident.

Description: Like 'Contraband', this documentary exposes the brutal reality of drug trafficking organizations and their impact on society. Both works show the violent consequences of the drug trade.

Fact: Won the Best Director award for Documentary at Sundance. Features unprecedented access to Mexican vigilante groups. The filmmaker was embedded with subjects for months at great personal risk.

Description: Continues exploring the brutal world of cartels and government operations against them, similar to 'Contraband's' focus on smuggling interdiction. Both depict the escalating violence in the drug war.

Fact: Originally had a much darker ending that was reshot. Features more action than the first film. Explores the controversial topic of cartels smuggling terrorists across the border.

Description: Both focus on unlikely drug smugglers (elderly horticulturist in this case) and the mechanics of transportation. They share themes of ordinary people drawn into dangerous criminal enterprises.

Fact: Clint Eastwood's first acting role since 201Based on the true story of Leo Sharp, a WWII veteran. Eastwood directed and starred in the film at age

Description: Similar to 'Contraband: Seized at the Airport' in its focus on real-life stories of smuggling and the consequences of getting caught. Both highlight the high-stakes world of illegal transportation and the personal toll it takes on individuals.

Fact: The show originally aired under the name 'Banged Up Abroad' in the UK. It features reenactments of true stories combined with interviews of the actual people involved. Many episodes focus on drug smuggling attempts gone wrong.