If you were captivated by The Frank Matthews Story (2012), a gripping tale of crime, ambition, and downfall, you'll love these 10 similar movies and shows. This article explores titles that share the same themes of high-stakes crime, real-life underworld figures, and dramatic storytelling. Whether you're fascinated by true crime or drawn to intense character studies, this list has something for you.

The Godfather (1972)
Description: A seminal crime drama that explores the intricacies of power, family, and loyalty within a mafia empire. Its themes of crime, power, and moral conflict are central to the reference title.
Fact: Marlon Brando's performance as Vito Corleone is considered one of the greatest in film history, and he won an Oscar for the role.


Scarface (1983)
Description: A classic tale of a criminal's rise to power and eventual downfall, this film explores themes of greed, violence, and the American Dream gone awry, much like the reference title.
Fact: The film was initially criticized for its excessive violence but has since become a cult classic and a staple in pop culture.


King of New York (1990)
Description: This film follows a drug lord who seeks to dominate the criminal underworld while also trying to legitimize his empire. It shares themes of ambition, power, and the moral ambiguities of crime.
Fact: Christopher Walken's character was inspired by real-life crime figures like Frank Matthews and Nicky Barnes.


Carlito's Way (1993)
Description: This film follows a former drug lord who tries to go straight but is pulled back into the criminal world. It shares themes of redemption, betrayal, and the inescapable nature of past sins.
Fact: The movie is based on two novels by Edwin Torres, who was a real-life New York Supreme Court judge.


Menace II Society (1993)
Description: A raw and unflinching look at life in the inner city, this film explores the cycle of violence and crime that traps its young protagonists. It mirrors the themes of urban struggle and the consequences of criminal life.
Fact: The film was shot in just 28 days and was the directorial debut of the Hughes brothers, who were only in their early 20s at the time.


Blow (2001)
Description: This biographical crime film traces the rise and fall of a drug trafficker, focusing on the personal and societal costs of his lifestyle. It resonates with themes of ambition, excess, and inevitable downfall.
Fact: The film is based on the life of George Jung, who became a major figure in the cocaine trade in the 1970s and 1980s.


Paid in Full (2002)
Description: A gritty portrayal of the drug trade, this film delves into the lives of young men who rise to power in the Harlem underworld, only to face the inevitable downfall that comes with their choices.
Fact: The film is inspired by the real-life stories of Harlem drug dealers Azie Faison, Alpo Martinez, and Rich Porter.


The Wire (2002)
Description: A deep dive into the systemic issues of crime, law enforcement, and urban decay, this series offers a multifaceted look at the drug trade and its effects on communities, much like the reference title.
Fact: The show is praised for its realistic portrayal of Baltimore's drug scene, with many characters based on real-life figures.


American Gangster (2007)
Description: This film explores the rise and fall of a powerful drug lord, focusing on the complexities of the criminal underworld and the law enforcement efforts to bring him down. It shares themes of ambition, power, and the consequences of a life of crime.
Fact: The movie is loosely based on the true story of Frank Lucas, who smuggled heroin into the U.S. by hiding it in the coffins of soldiers returning from Vietnam.


Snowfall (2017)
Description: This series chronicles the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles during the 1980s, highlighting the interconnected lives of dealers, users, and law enforcement. It mirrors the themes of power struggles and the devastating impact of the drug trade.
Fact: The show was co-created by John Singleton, who also directed 'Boyz n the Hood,' another iconic film about urban life and crime.
