10 Movies & Shows Similar to Cleaner (2025)

Description: Both 'The Sopranos' and 'Cleaner' likely feature complex antiheroes balancing criminal activities with personal lives. They share themes of morality, family, and violence.

Fact: Considered by many to be the first 'prestige TV' drama. James Gandolfini's performance revolutionized TV acting. The famous finale's cut-to-black was controversial.

Description: Like 'Cleaner', this show offers a gritty, realistic portrayal of crime and its consequences. Both likely feature nuanced characters and social commentary.

Fact: Creator David Simon was a Baltimore crime reporter. Many actors were real-life Baltimore residents. Initially had low ratings but gained acclaim later.

Description: Like 'Cleaner', this show explores moral decay and transformation of an ordinary man into someone operating outside the law. Both likely feature intense character studies.

Fact: Bryan Cranston won 4 Emmys for his role as Walter White. The show's popularity grew significantly through Netflix. The famous 'pizza on the roof' scene was improvised.

Description: Similar to 'Cleaner' (2025), 'The Equalizer' features a protagonist with a mysterious past who uses their skills to help others while navigating moral dilemmas. Both likely involve action-packed sequences and a focus on justice.

Fact: Denzel Washington stars as Robert McCall, a former black ops commando. The film is based on the 1980s TV series of the same name. Director Antoine Fuqua is known for gritty action films like 'Training Day'.

Description: Like 'Cleaner', this show involves a skilled individual (or team) operating outside the law to address injustices. Both likely explore themes of surveillance, morality, and redemption.

Fact: Created by Jonathan Nolan, brother of Christopher Nolan. Initially presented as a crime procedural before evolving into a sci-fi thriller. Features an AI that predicts violent crimes before they happen.

Description: Like 'Cleaner', this show features protagonists living double lives and using specialized skills. Both likely explore themes of identity and loyalty.

Fact: Based loosely on real Russian sleeper agents. Features authentic 1980s period details. The finale is considered one of TV's best endings.

Description: Both 'Hannibal' and 'Cleaner' likely feature complex protagonists with dark pasts and exceptional skills. They probably share psychological depth and a focus on the nature of violence.

Fact: Mads Mikkelsen's portrayal of Hannibal Lecter is critically acclaimed. The show was canceled after 3 seasons despite strong reviews. Features stunningly artistic depictions of violence and food.

Description: Similar to 'Cleaner', this anthology series features skilled professionals dealing with dark crimes and personal demons. Both likely have atmospheric storytelling.

Fact: Each season features a new cast and story. Matthew McConaughey's performance revived his career. The 6-minute tracking shot in season 1 was groundbreaking.

Description: Similar to 'Cleaner', this show features a mysterious protagonist with specialized skills and a questionable past. Both likely involve cat-and-mouse games with law enforcement.

Fact: James Spader's performance as Raymond Reddington earned widespread praise. The show has one of network TV's most complex mythologies. Has spawned a spin-off, 'The Blacklist: Redemption'.

Description: Similar to 'Cleaner', this show features a protagonist navigating moral gray areas while using their particular set of skills. Both likely explore themes of identity and reinvention.

Fact: Initially conceived as a half-hour comedy. Features many 'Breaking Bad' characters in earlier timelines. Bob Odenkirk performed many of his own stunts.