10 Movies & Shows Like Black Bags (2023)

Description: A groundbreaking crime drama that delves into the life of a mob boss balancing his criminal empire with family life, offering a psychological depth rarely seen in the genre.

Fact: The show's famous opening sequence was shot in one take. The iconic 'Woke Up This Morning' theme song was originally written for a British crime film but became synonymous with the series.

Description: A raw and unflinching look at a corrupt police strike team, blending intense action with deep character studies and moral ambiguity.

Fact: The show was one of the first to use handheld cameras extensively, giving it a documentary-like feel. The series finale was filmed in secret to prevent spoilers from leaking.

Description: A gritty and realistic portrayal of crime and law enforcement in Baltimore, offering a nuanced look at systemic issues and the interconnected lives of criminals, police, and politicians.

Fact: The show was created by former police reporter David Simon, who drew heavily from his experiences. Many actors in the series were non-professionals, including real-life cops and drug dealers.

Description: A high-stakes thriller about a man who orchestrates an elaborate plan to break his brother out of prison, filled with tension, twists, and moral dilemmas.

Fact: The show's iconic tattoos were designed by a real tattoo artist and took hours to apply. The series was initially conceived as a limited miniseries but was expanded due to its popularity.

Description: A gripping crime drama that explores the transformation of an ordinary man into a ruthless criminal, delving deep into the moral complexities and consequences of his actions.

Fact: The show was initially planned to be set in Riverside, California, but was moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, due to tax incentives. The iconic pink teddy bear from season two was inspired by a real-life incident involving a drug-related plane crash.

Description: A high-octane drama centered around a motorcycle club involved in illegal activities, blending intense action with deep explorations of loyalty, family, and power struggles.

Fact: The show's creator, Kurt Sutter, originally envisioned it as a modern-day retelling of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet.' The motorcycles used in the series were custom-built by a company called Orange County Choppers.

Description: A brutal and realistic depiction of organized crime in Naples, Italy, focusing on the power struggles and violent dynamics within a powerful crime syndicate.

Fact: The series is based on a book by Roberto Saviano, who has lived under police protection due to death threats from the Camorra. Many scenes were shot in real Camorra-controlled neighborhoods.

Description: A dark and stylish crime series set in post-WWI Birmingham, focusing on a powerful gang family navigating the treacherous underworld while dealing with personal and political conflicts.

Fact: The name 'Peaky Blinders' comes from the gang's practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of their caps. The show's soundtrack features modern rock and post-punk music, contrasting with its 1920s setting.

Description: A prequel that explores the backstory of a morally ambiguous lawyer, blending dark humor with intense drama as it chronicles his descent into the criminal underworld.

Fact: The show's black-and-white flash-forwards were inspired by classic film noir. Many of the characters' outfits were designed to subtly foreshadow their future arcs in 'Breaking Bad.'

Description: A tense family crime drama that follows a young man drawn into his relatives' criminal empire, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and survival.

Fact: The show is based on an Australian film of the same name. The Cody family's house is a real location in Oceanside, California, and was used for both interior and exterior shots.