If you were captivated by the dark, gritty world of 'Eastern Promises' (2007), you'll love these 10 similarly intense films and shows. This article explores gripping crime dramas, underworld thrillers, and morally complex narratives that echo the tension and depth of David Cronenberg's masterpiece. Whether you're drawn to Russian mafia intrigue, brutal realism, or Viggo Mortensen's unforgettable performance, these recommendations will satisfy your craving for more.

Road to Perdition (2002)
Description: A visually stunning crime drama that explores themes of father-son relationships, revenge, and redemption within the context of organized crime.
Fact: The film's cinematography was highly praised, earning Conrad Hall a posthumous Academy Award for Best Cinematography.


Layer Cake (2004)
Description: A stylish and intricate crime thriller that follows a drug dealer navigating the dangerous underworld, with a focus on the consequences of ambition and betrayal.
Fact: This film marked Daniel Craig's breakout role before he became James Bond, showcasing his ability to portray complex, morally ambiguous characters.


A History of Violence (2005)
Description: Explores themes of hidden identity and the consequences of past violence, with a gritty, realistic portrayal of crime and its impact on family life.
Fact: Based on a graphic novel of the same name, the film was initially met with controversy for its graphic violence but later gained critical acclaim.


The Departed (2006)
Description: A high-stakes crime thriller that explores the blurred lines between good and evil, with a complex narrative of undercover agents and mob infiltration.
Fact: The film is a remake of the Hong Kong movie 'Infernal Affairs' and won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.


American Gangster (2007)
Description: A gripping tale of crime and corruption, following the rise of a drug lord and the detective determined to bring him down, with a focus on the duality of power and justice.
Fact: The film is 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.


The Town (2010)
Description: A tense heist film that delves into the lives of career criminals, exploring themes of loyalty, love, and the possibility of redemption.
Fact: The film is set in Charlestown, Boston, a neighborhood known for producing a high number of bank robbers, adding an authentic backdrop to the story.


Gangster Squad (2013)
Description: A stylized crime drama that depicts the battle between law enforcement and organized crime, with a focus on the moral complexities and violent confrontations.
Fact: The film was inspired by real events and the LAPD's efforts to combat the influence of mobster Mickey Cohen in 1940s Los Angeles.


Kill the Irishman (2011)
Description: A biographical crime film that portrays the rise and fall of a notorious gangster, highlighting the brutal realities of mob life and the thin line between power and destruction.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of Danny Greene, a Cleveland mobster who survived multiple assassination attempts before his eventual demise.


The Iceman (2012)
Description: A chilling portrayal of a contract killer's double life, balancing family and murder, with a focus on the psychological toll of his crimes.
Fact: The film is based on the real-life story of Richard Kuklinski, who claimed to have killed over 100 people while maintaining a seemingly normal family life.


The Drop (2014)
Description: A slow-burning crime drama that delves into the underworld of organized crime, focusing on loyalty, betrayal, and the moral ambiguities of its characters.
Fact: The film is based on a short story by Dennis Lehane, who also wrote the screenplay, and features a standout performance by a rescued pit bull named Rocco.
