10 Movies & Shows Like Black Market (2016)

Description: A seminal crime drama that explores the intricacies of power, family, and loyalty within a mafia organization, paralleling the hierarchical and violent nature of drug cartels.

Fact: Marlon Brando's famous 'I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse' line was ad-libbed. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: A brutal and stylish depiction of a criminal's rise to power in the drug world, filled with themes of ambition, violence, and inevitable downfall.

Fact: The film was initially criticized for its excessive violence but has since become a cult classic. Al Pacino's performance as Tony Montana is one of his most iconic roles.

Description: A biographical crime drama that chronicles the rise and fall of a drug trafficker, emphasizing the personal and societal costs of the drug trade.

Fact: The real George Jung, on whom the film is based, was released from prison in 2014 after serving 20 years. The film's soundtrack features songs from the 1970s and 1980s, reflecting the era.

Description: A gritty and realistic portrayal of the drug trade in Baltimore, examining its impact on various facets of society, from law enforcement to the users themselves.

Fact: Many of the show's actors were non-professionals with real-life experience in the streets of Baltimore. The series is often cited as one of the greatest TV shows of all time.

Description: A documentary that vividly portrays the cocaine boom in Miami during the 1970s and 1980s, highlighting the violence, wealth, and chaos it brought to the city.

Fact: The film features interviews with real-life traffickers and law enforcement officials. It was so influential that it inspired a sequel and a video game.

Description: A gripping drama that explores the transformation of an ordinary man into a ruthless drug kingpin, highlighting the moral decay and violent consequences of the illegal drug trade.

Fact: The show's iconic RV meth lab was inspired by real-life mobile drug labs used by cartels. It won 16 Primetime Emmy Awards during its run.

Description: A darkly comedic portrayal of excess and corruption in the financial world, mirroring the themes of greed, power, and moral ambiguity often found in drug trade narratives.

Fact: The film holds the record for the most uses of the word 'fuck' in a non-documentary film. It was based on the memoir of Jordan Belfort, who served 22 months in prison for fraud.

Description: Based on a true story, this thriller follows an undercover agent infiltrating the dangerous world of drug trafficking, showcasing the high stakes and ethical dilemmas involved.

Fact: The real-life operative the film is based on, Robert Mazur, worked as a consultant on the movie. The film's climax was shot in the actual location where the events took place.

Description: A fast-paced biographical film about a pilot who becomes entangled in the CIA's covert operations and drug smuggling, illustrating the chaotic and often absurd nature of the trade.

Fact: The film's protagonist, Barry Seal, was one of the most prolific drug smugglers in history. Many scenes were shot in Colombia, where the real events occurred.

Description: This documentary delves into the violent and morally ambiguous world of drug cartels, focusing on vigilante groups fighting against them. It shares themes of lawlessness, corruption, and the blurred lines between good and evil.

Fact: The film was shot in both Mexico and Arizona, capturing real-life confrontations between cartels and vigilantes. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.