10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Frontera (2014)

Description: Traffic, like Frontera, is a multi-narrative film that examines the far-reaching impact of the drug trade on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Both films highlight the interconnectedness of law enforcement, politics, and personal lives in the context of drug trafficking. The documentary-style realism and unflinching portrayal of violence in Traffic resonate with the raw, unfiltered approach of Frontera.

Fact: Traffic won four Academy Awards, including Best Director for Steven Soderbergh. The film is based on a British miniseries of the same name. Soderbergh used different color filters to distinguish the three intersecting storylines.

Description: The Shield, like Frontera, delves into the moral ambiguities of law enforcement in high-crime areas. Both works feature complex characters who operate in gray areas, blurring the lines between right and wrong. The Shield's raw, unfiltered portrayal of police work and its consequences aligns with the gritty realism of Frontera.

Fact: The Shield was one of the first shows to popularize the antihero protagonist on television. The series was created by Shawn Ryan, a former writer for Nash Bridges. Michael Chiklis won an Emmy for his role as Vic Mackey.

Description: The Wire, like Frontera, offers a sprawling, multi-perspective look at the systemic issues surrounding crime and law enforcement. Both works are praised for their realistic portrayal of the drug trade and its societal impact. The Wire's emphasis on institutional corruption and the human stories behind the headlines aligns closely with the themes explored in Frontera.

Fact: The Wire was created by David Simon, a former police reporter. The show is often used in academic settings to discuss urban sociology and criminology. Despite critical acclaim, The Wire never won a major television award during its original run.

Description: No Country for Old Men and Frontera both explore the themes of lawlessness and moral decay in border regions. The Coen Brothers' film, like Frontera, features a stark, unforgiving landscape that serves as a backdrop to its violent narrative. Both films also delve into the psychological toll of violence on their characters, with a focus on the inevitability of fate and the futility of resistance.

Fact: No Country for Old Men won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film is based on Cormac McCarthy's novel of the same name. Javier Bardem's character, Anton Chigurh, is often cited as one of the most terrifying villains in cinema history.

Description: Breaking Bad shares with Frontera a deep exploration of the drug trade's impact on individuals and communities. Both narratives focus on ordinary people drawn into the criminal underworld, with a strong emphasis on the moral compromises and consequences that follow. The show's gritty realism and complex character development mirror the nuanced storytelling of Frontera.

Fact: Breaking Bad is often regarded as one of the greatest television series of all time. The show's creator, Vince Gilligan, originally envisioned it as a feature film. Bryan Cranston, who played Walter White, won four Emmy Awards for his performance.

Description: Queen of the South shares with Frontera a focus on the drug trade's impact on individuals, particularly women, who navigate its dangerous waters. Both narratives explore themes of survival, power, and redemption in the face of overwhelming odds. The show's gritty realism and strong character arcs mirror the emotional depth of Frontera.

Fact: Queen of the South is based on the novel La Reina del Sur by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. The series has been praised for its strong female lead and diverse cast. It was originally developed as a telenovela before being adapted for U.S. television.

Description: Gomorrah, like Frontera, offers a brutal, unflinching look at the drug trade and its impact on communities. Both works are praised for their realism and their exploration of the human cost of organized crime. The series' intense, character-driven narrative and its focus on the systemic nature of crime resonate with the themes of Frontera.

Fact: Gomorrah is based on the book by Roberto Saviano, who has lived under police protection due to death threats from the Camorra. The series is filmed in Naples and features local non-professional actors. Gomorrah has been hailed as one of the best international crime dramas.

Description: Sicario shares similarities with Frontera in its intense portrayal of the drug trade and border violence. Both films delve into the moral ambiguities faced by law enforcement and civilians caught in the crossfire. The visual aesthetics of Sicario, with its stark desert landscapes and tense, atmospheric cinematography, mirror the gritty realism of Frontera. Additionally, both films explore themes of justice, corruption, and the human cost of the drug war.

Fact: Sicario was directed by Denis Villeneuve, known for his visually striking and thematically complex films. The film's title, Sicario, means 'hitman' in Spanish. Roger Deakins, the cinematographer, used infrared cameras to create the film's unique night vision sequences.

Description: Snowfall, similar to Frontera, explores the rise of the drug trade and its devastating effects on communities. Both narratives provide a ground-level view of the drug epidemic, focusing on the personal and societal costs. The show's historical context and character-driven storytelling echo the themes and style of Frontera.

Fact: Snowfall was co-created by John Singleton, the director of Boyz n the Hood. The series is loosely based on the real-life crack epidemic in Los Angeles during the 1980s. Damson Idris, who plays Franklin Saint, is a British actor who had to master an American accent for the role.

Description: ZeroZeroZero, much like Frontera, is a gripping tale of the global drug trade, with a particular focus on the U.S.-Mexico border. Both works highlight the brutal realities of the drug business and the interconnectedness of its various players. The series' intense, high-stakes narrative and its exploration of power dynamics resonate with the themes of Frontera.

Fact: ZeroZeroZero is based on the book by Roberto Saviano, who also wrote Gomorrah. The series was filmed in multiple countries, including Mexico, Italy, and the United States. The title refers to the purest grade of flour, a metaphor for the drug trade.