10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Buried in Barstow (2022)

Description: Both 'The Sopranos' and 'Buried in Barstow' blend crime drama with deep psychological exploration. They focus on the duality of their protagonists' lives—balancing family responsibilities with criminal activities—and the toll this takes on their mental health.

Fact: James Gandolfini kept his Tony Soprano suits hanging in his closet to stay in character. The famous opening sequence was shot in one take. The show's creator, David Chase, originally envisioned it as a movie.

Description: Like 'Buried in Barstow', 'The Shield' explores the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminality, with morally ambiguous characters making tough choices. Both shows are known for their raw, unfiltered portrayal of crime and justice.

Fact: Michael Chiklis (Vic Mackey) gained 30 pounds and shaved his head for the role. The show was one of the first to use handheld cameras extensively. The series finale was filmed in real-time to heighten tension.

Description: Both 'The Wire' and 'Buried in Barstow' offer a gritty, realistic portrayal of crime and its impact on communities. They emphasize systemic issues and the interconnectedness of various social institutions, providing a nuanced view of the criminal underworld.

Fact: Many actors in 'The Wire' were non-professionals recruited from Baltimore. The show's creator, David Simon, was a former police reporter. Each season focuses on a different aspect of Baltimore's societal issues.

Description: Like 'Buried in Barstow', 'Breaking Bad' explores the transformation of an ordinary person into a criminal figure, driven by desperation and a need to protect their family. Both shows delve into the moral complexities and consequences of a life of crime, with strong character development and intense storytelling.

Fact: Bryan Cranston, who played Walter White, initially auditioned for the role of Saul Goodman. The show was originally set in Riverside, California, but was moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico for tax incentives. The iconic 'Heisenberg' hat was inspired by a real-life hat Bryan Cranston found in a costume shop.

Description: This series shares with 'Buried in Barstow' the theme of a woman rising in the criminal underworld, showcasing resilience and strategic thinking. Both protagonists navigate dangerous territories, balancing personal survival with the demands of their illicit careers.

Fact: The show is based on the novel 'La Reina del Sur' by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. Alice Braga, who plays Teresa Mendoza, learned to speak Portuguese for the role. The series was filmed in multiple locations, including Dallas, Malta, and Colombia.

Description: Like 'Buried in Barstow', 'Sons of Anarchy' revolves around a tight-knit group involved in criminal activities, with a strong focus on loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of violence. Both shows explore the tension between personal desires and group dynamics.

Fact: Charlie Hunnam (Jax Teller) was almost cast as Christian Grey in 'Fifty Shades of Grey'. The show's creator, Kurt Sutter, made cameo appearances as Otto Delaney. The motorcycle club, SAMCRO, stands for 'Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original'.

Description: Like 'Buried in Barstow', 'Peaky Blinders' features a protagonist navigating the criminal world while dealing with personal demons and family loyalties. Both shows are rich in atmosphere, with a strong sense of place and period authenticity.

Fact: The real Peaky Blinders gang existed in Birmingham in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Cillian Murphy (Tommy Shelby) initially turned down the role. The show's soundtrack features modern music, despite its historical setting.

Description: Similar to 'Buried in Barstow', 'Better Call Saul' examines the moral descent of its protagonist, Jimmy McGill, into the criminal world. Both shows highlight the slippery slope of ethical compromises and the impact of past traumas on present actions.

Fact: Bob Odenkirk suffered a heart attack on set during the final season. The show's black-and-white scenes were inspired by classic film noir. Jonathan Banks (Mike Ehrmantraut) was initially hesitant to reprise his role from 'Breaking Bad'.

Description: Both 'Animal Kingdom' and 'Buried in Barstow' center on a family deeply entrenched in crime, exploring themes of power, loyalty, and survival. The shows highlight the complexities of familial bonds in a high-stakes criminal environment.

Fact: The series is based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name. Ellen Barkin (Janine 'Smurf' Cody) was initially reluctant to take the role. The Cody family's criminal activities are inspired by real-life crime families.

Description: Similar to 'Buried in Barstow', 'Snowfall' delves into the rise of a criminal empire, focusing on the personal and societal ramifications. Both shows portray the allure and dangers of the drug trade, with a strong emphasis on character-driven narratives.

Fact: The show was co-created by John Singleton, who also directed 'Boyz n the Hood'. The character Franklin Saint is loosely based on several real-life figures from the 1980s crack epidemic. The series was initially conceived as a prequel to 'Boyz n the Hood'.