If you loved the intense, gritty action and moral complexity of 'Sicario: Day of the Soldado' (2018), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that deliver the same high-stakes tension, dark themes, and gripping storytelling. Whether you're a fan of crime thrillers, espionage dramas, or films that delve into the murky world of drug cartels, this list has something for you. Get ready to add these must-watch titles to your queue!

The Sopranos (1999)
Description: The Sopranos shares Sicario: Day of the Soldado's exploration of moral ambiguity and the psychological toll of a life of crime. Both works feature complex, flawed protagonists and a realistic portrayal of violence. The dark, introspective tone and high-quality storytelling are also key similarities.
Fact: The Sopranos is often cited as one of the greatest TV shows of all time. The show's creator, David Chase, was inspired by his own life experiences. James Gandolfini's performance as Tony Soprano is considered one of the greatest in TV history.


Traffic (2000)
Description: Like Sicario: Day of the Soldado, Traffic is a multi-narrative film that examines the drug trade from various perspectives, including law enforcement, politicians, and traffickers. Both films highlight the futility and collateral damage of the war on drugs, with a similar gritty and realistic visual style.
Fact: Traffic won four Academy Awards, including Best Director for Steven Soderbergh. The film is based on a British miniseries of the same name. Benicio del Toro, who stars in Sicario, won an Oscar for his role in Traffic.


The Shield (2002)
Description: The Shield shares Sicario: Day of the Soldado's gritty, morally complex portrayal of law enforcement. Both works feature antiheroes who operate in gray areas, using questionable methods to achieve their goals. The intense, fast-paced storytelling and realistic violence are also key similarities.
Fact: The Shield was one of the first shows to popularize the antihero protagonist. The show's creator, Shawn Ryan, was a former police officer. Michael Chiklis won an Emmy for his role as Vic Mackey.


The Wire (2002)
Description: The Wire shares Sicario: Day of the Soldado's realistic, multi-perspective approach to the drug trade and law enforcement. Both works highlight the systemic issues and moral complexities of the war on drugs. The gritty, documentary-like visual style and ensemble cast are also key similarities.
Fact: The Wire is often cited as one of the greatest TV shows of all time. The show's creator, David Simon, was a former police reporter. Many of the actors were non-professionals or had real-life experience in the roles they played.


No Country for Old Men (2007)
Description: No Country for Old Men shares Sicario: Day of the Soldado's themes of relentless violence, moral ambiguity, and the futility of law enforcement against organized crime. Both films feature a chilling antagonist and a bleak, uncompromising tone. The Coen Brothers' direction and Roger Deakins' cinematography create a visual style that is similarly tense and atmospheric.
Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Javier Bardem's portrayal of Anton Chigurh is considered one of the greatest villains in cinema history. The film is based on a novel by Cormac McCarthy.


Breaking Bad (2008)
Description: Breaking Bad, like Sicario: Day of the Soldado, explores the dark underbelly of the drug trade, with a focus on the moral descent of its protagonist. Both works feature intense, high-stakes narratives and a realistic portrayal of violence. The visual style is also comparable, with a focus on stark, atmospheric landscapes.
Fact: Breaking Bad is often cited as one of the greatest TV shows of all time. The show's creator, Vince Gilligan, also worked on The X-Files. Bryan Cranston won four Emmy Awards for his role as Walter White.


Queen of the South (2016)
Description: Queen of the South, like Sicario: Day of the Soldado, focuses on the drug trade, particularly the rise of a powerful female figure in a male-dominated world. Both works feature high-stakes action, complex characters, and a gritty, realistic tone. The visual style is also comparable, with a focus on vibrant, atmospheric settings.
Fact: The show is based on a novel by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. The series was filmed in multiple locations, including Dallas and Mexico. Alice Braga's performance as Teresa Mendoza earned critical praise.


Sons of Anarchy (2008)
Description: Sons of Anarchy, like Sicario: Day of the Soldado, explores themes of loyalty, violence, and moral ambiguity within a criminal organization. Both works feature intense, high-stakes narratives and a focus on the consequences of violence. The dark, gritty tone and complex characters are also key similarities.
Fact: The show was created by Kurt Sutter, who also played Otto Delaney. Sons of Anarchy is loosely based on Shakespeare's Hamlet. The show's soundtrack features original music by Katey Sagal, who also plays Gemma Teller.


The Bridge (2013)
Description: The Bridge shares Sicario: Day of the Soldado's focus on the U.S.-Mexico border and the violence associated with drug cartels. Both works delve into the moral complexities of law enforcement and the blurred lines between justice and revenge. The dark, suspenseful tone and high-stakes narrative are also key similarities.
Fact: The Bridge is a remake of a Swedish-Danish series of the same name. The show's premise is inspired by real-life crimes and issues at the U.S.-Mexico border. Diane Kruger's performance as Detective Sonya Cross earned critical acclaim.


ZeroZeroZero (2020)
Description: Similar to Sicario: Day of the Soldado, ZeroZeroZero explores the brutal and complex world of drug trafficking, focusing on the international supply chain. Both films share a gritty, realistic portrayal of violence and moral ambiguity, with a strong emphasis on the geopolitical implications of the drug trade. The visual style is also comparable, with intense, atmospheric cinematography that heightens the tension.
Fact: ZeroZeroZero is based on a book by Roberto Saviano, who also wrote Gomorrah. The series was filmed in multiple countries, including Mexico, Italy, and Morocco, to authentically depict the global drug trade. The title refers to the purest form of cocaine, known as 'triple zero'.
