10 Gripping Movies and Shows Like On the Borderline

Description: Explores the complexities of the drug trade through multiple interconnected storylines, highlighting the moral ambiguities and human costs involved.

Fact: The film was shot in a documentary-like style to enhance realism, and it won four Academy Awards, including Best Director for Steven Soderbergh.

Description: A gritty police drama that explores corruption and moral ambiguity within law enforcement, often intersecting with drug-related crimes.

Fact: The show was groundbreaking for its raw, unflinching portrayal of police work and won multiple awards, including a Golden Globe for Michael Chiklis.

Description: A deeply layered exploration of Baltimore's drug scene, law enforcement, and societal institutions, offering a realistic and unvarnished look at urban life.

Fact: The show was created by a former police reporter and a former homicide detective, lending it an unparalleled authenticity.

Description: A dark comedy that follows a suburban widow who turns to selling marijuana to maintain her lifestyle, blending humor with the dangers of the drug trade.

Fact: The show's theme song, 'Little Boxes,' was performed by various artists in different styles for each season premiere.

Description: A gripping tale of crime and fate, featuring a relentless antagonist and a narrative that underscores the unpredictability and violence of the drug trade.

Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is noted for its sparse dialogue and intense, atmospheric storytelling.

Description: Chronicles the transformation of a mild-mannered teacher into a ruthless drug kingpin, examining themes of morality, power, and consequence.

Fact: The show's iconic blue meth was inspired by real-life drug trends, and it holds the Guinness World Record for the highest-rated TV series.

Description: Follows the rise of a woman in the drug cartel world, showcasing her strategic brilliance and the personal costs of her ascent.

Fact: The series is based on a bestselling novel and has been praised for its strong female lead and fast-paced storytelling.

Description: A crime drama set on the U.S.-Mexico border, exploring the intersection of law enforcement, drug trafficking, and cultural tensions.

Fact: The series is a remake of a Swedish-Danish show and was praised for its gritty realism and complex characters.

Description: A darkly comedic crime anthology that weaves together tales of ordinary people caught in extraordinary, often violent, circumstances.

Fact: Each season is a standalone story inspired by the Coen Brothers' film of the same name, and the show has won multiple Emmy Awards.

Description: Delves into the brutal and shadowy world of drug cartels, focusing on the ethical dilemmas faced by law enforcement and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance.

Fact: The film's title, 'Sicario,' means 'hitman' in Spanish, and the movie's tense atmosphere was heavily influenced by its haunting score by Jóhann Jóhannsson.