If you loved the glitz, glamour, and gritty drama of 'Magic City' (2012), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and TV shows that capture the same allure of power, crime, and luxury in a bygone era. Whether you're drawn to the mobster intrigue, lavish settings, or complex characters, these recommendations will keep you hooked.

The Godfather (1972)
Description: A seminal crime epic that delves into the Corleone family's rise and struggles, blending family drama with brutal power plays.
Fact: The horse head used in one of the film's most famous scenes was real, sourced from a dog food company.


Scarface (1983)
Description: A brutal rise-and-fall story of a drug lord, emphasizing themes of ambition, power, and the consequences of excess.
Fact: The film's iconic chainsaw scene was so intense that it caused some audience members to faint during early screenings.


The Untouchables (1987)
Description: Chronicles the efforts of law enforcement to take down a powerful crime syndicate during Prohibition, highlighting the moral and physical battles faced.
Fact: The famous train station shootout scene was inspired by a similar sequence in the Soviet film 'Battleship Potemkin.'


Casino (1995)
Description: A gritty portrayal of the mafia's influence over Las Vegas casinos, filled with betrayal, violence, and the allure of wealth.
Fact: Many scenes were shot in the actual casinos of Las Vegas, adding to the film's authentic feel.


The Sopranos (1999)
Description: A deep dive into the life of a mob boss balancing family and criminal enterprises, showcasing the psychological and moral complexities of organized crime.
Fact: It was one of the first TV series to popularize the antihero protagonist, influencing countless dramas that followed.


Gangs of New York (2002)
Description: Set in 19th-century New York, it depicts the violent clashes between immigrant gangs and nativist groups, showcasing the raw struggle for power and survival.
Fact: The film's set, a recreation of 1860s Manhattan, was one of the largest ever built in Europe at the time.


The Wire (2002)
Description: A nuanced exploration of crime, law enforcement, and societal issues in Baltimore, offering a realistic and multi-perspective look at urban decay and power structures.
Fact: Many of the actors were non-professionals or had backgrounds similar to their characters, adding to the show's authenticity.


Mad Men (2007)
Description: While not a crime drama, it shares a focus on power dynamics, ambition, and the darker sides of success in a glamorous, high-stakes environment.
Fact: The series meticulously recreates the 1960s, from the fashion to the advertising industry's inner workings, earning acclaim for its authenticity.


Boardwalk Empire (2010)
Description: Set in the Prohibition era, it explores organized crime, political corruption, and the rise of powerful figures in a glamorous yet dangerous underworld.
Fact: The show was praised for its historical accuracy, including the recreation of Atlantic City's boardwalk, which was built from scratch for the series.


Peaky Blinders (2013)
Description: Focuses on a notorious gang in post-WWI Birmingham, blending historical events with fictionalized crime drama and family power struggles.
Fact: The show's title refers to the gang's practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of their caps, which they used as weapons.
