If you were captivated by the raw emotion and gripping storytelling of The Boy from Medellín (2020), this article is for you. Dive into 10 similar movies and shows that explore themes of identity, struggle, and resilience, offering the same depth and intensity. Whether you're a fan of documentaries or dramatic narratives, this list will guide you to your next favorite watch.

Traffic (2000)
Description: A multi-narrative film that explores the complexities of the drug trade from various perspectives, including law enforcement, users, and traffickers.
Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Director for Steven Soderbergh.


Blow (2001)
Description: A biographical crime drama chronicling the rise and fall of a drug trafficker involved in the cocaine trade during the 1970s and 1980s.
Fact: The film is based on the life of George Jung, who was instrumental in establishing the American cocaine market.


Maria Full of Grace (2004)
Description: A harrowing drama about a young Colombian woman who becomes a drug mule to escape poverty, highlighting the human cost of the drug trade.
Fact: The lead actress, Catalina Sandino Moreno, was nominated for an Academy Award for her debut performance.


Elite Squad (2007)
Description: A brutal and realistic portrayal of Brazil's special police force battling drug gangs in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.
Fact: The film was a massive box office success in Brazil and sparked debates about police brutality and corruption.


Sin Nombre (2009)
Description: A gripping tale of migration and gang violence, intertwining the lives of a Honduran girl and a Mexican gang member fleeing his past.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Mexico and features a cast of mostly non-professional actors.


The Infiltrator (2016)
Description: A gripping crime drama based on true events, delving into the dangerous world of undercover operations targeting drug cartels.
Fact: The film is based on the autobiography of Robert Mazur, a federal agent who infiltrated Pablo Escobar's Medellín Cartel.


Sicario (2015)
Description: A tense thriller that examines the brutal realities of the drug war, featuring morally ambiguous characters and high-stakes operations.
Fact: The film's title 'Sicario' means 'hitman' in Spanish, reflecting the violent world it portrays.


American Made (2017)
Description: A fast-paced biographical film about a pilot who becomes entangled in the CIA's covert operations and drug smuggling.
Fact: The film is based on the real-life story of Barry Seal, a TWA pilot who worked for the Medellín Cartel and the CIA.


Cartel Land (2015)
Description: A documentary that provides a raw, unfiltered look at vigilante groups fighting against drug cartels in Mexico and the U.S.
Fact: The film won the Directing Award for U.S. Documentary at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.


ZeroZeroZero (2020)
Description: Explores the global cocaine trade, focusing on the interconnected lives of producers, traffickers, and buyers, with a gritty, documentary-like realism.
Fact: The series was filmed in multiple countries, including Mexico, Italy, and Senegal, to authentically depict the international drug trade.
