10 Movies & Shows Similar to Lord of War (2005)

Description: 'The Godfather' and 'Lord of War' both depict the rise of a criminal empire, focusing on the protagonist's transformation from reluctant participant to ruthless leader. Both films explore themes of power, family, and the cost of success in the underworld. The films also feature intricate plots that span years and multiple countries.

Fact: Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the film won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Marlon Brando's performance as Vito Corleone is considered one of the greatest in film history. The line 'I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse' is one of the most famous in cinema.

Description: Similar to 'Lord of War' in its exploration of the rise and fall of a criminal empire, 'Scarface' delves into the themes of ambition, power, and the consequences of the drug trade. Both films feature protagonists who start from humble beginnings and ascend to the top of their respective illegal industries, only to face inevitable downfall due to their own hubris and the relentless pursuit of more power.

Fact: Al Pacino's performance as Tony Montana is iconic, with the character's flamboyant style and memorable quotes becoming deeply embedded in pop culture. The film was initially met with mixed reviews due to its extreme violence and profanity but has since been recognized as a classic. Directed by Brian De Palma, the film is a remake of the 1932 film of the same name, which was loosely based on the life of Al Capone.

Description: Directed by Martin Scorsese, 'Casino' shares with 'Lord of War' a focus on the inner workings of a lucrative but morally dubious industry (gambling vs. arms dealing). Both films depict the rise and fall of their protagonists, driven by greed, betrayal, and the inevitable intervention of law enforcement. The films also feature extensive voice-over narration to provide insight into the characters' motivations and the mechanics of their businesses.

Fact: Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci star in the film, marking their third collaboration with Scorsese. The film is based on the nonfiction book 'Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas' by Nicholas Pileggi. Sharon Stone received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Ginger McKenna.

Description: 'The Sopranos' shares with 'Lord of War' a deep dive into the psyche of a criminal protagonist, blending drama with dark comedy. Both works explore the duality of their main characters, who are capable of both great violence and surprising vulnerability. The series also examines the impact of the criminal lifestyle on family and personal relationships.

Fact: James Gandolfini's portrayal of Tony Soprano is widely regarded as one of the greatest performances in television history. The series won 21 Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series twice. 'The Sopranos' is often credited with ushering in the era of prestige television.

Description: 'Traffic' and 'Lord of War' both tackle the global scale of illegal trades (drugs and arms, respectively) and their far-reaching consequences. Both films employ a multi-narrative structure to show different perspectives on the same issue, from the dealers to the law enforcement to the users/consumers. The films also highlight the futility and complexity of the 'war' against these trades.

Fact: Directed by Steven Soderbergh, the film won four Academy Awards, including Best Director. The film is based on the British miniseries 'Traffik', which also explored the drug trade. Benicio del Toro won an Oscar for his supporting role as a Mexican police officer.

Description: 'Blow' shares with 'Lord of War' the narrative of a man who becomes deeply involved in the drug trade, showcasing the allure and dangers of the criminal underworld. Both films portray the protagonist's initial success and eventual downfall, emphasizing the personal and familial costs of their choices. The films also highlight the global scale of their respective illegal trades.

Fact: Johnny Depp stars as George Jung, a real-life figure who was instrumental in establishing the American cocaine market in the 1970s. The film's soundtrack features classic rock songs that reflect the era in which the story is set. Despite its focus on the drug trade, 'Blow' also explores themes of family and redemption.

Description: 'The Departed' and 'Lord of War' both feature protagonists who navigate dangerous, morally ambiguous worlds (organized crime and arms dealing, respectively). Both films are marked by intense performances, intricate plots, and a focus on the psychological toll of living a double life. The films also explore themes of loyalty, betrayal, and identity.

Fact: Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The film is a remake of the Hong Kong film 'Infernal Affairs'. Jack Nicholson's performance as Frank Costello is one of the most memorable of his career.

Description: 'American Gangster' parallels 'Lord of War' in its depiction of a sophisticated criminal operation and the law enforcement efforts to dismantle it. Both films are based on true stories and explore the complexities of their protagonists' lives, blending action with deep character study. The films also examine the moral ambiguities of their respective trades (drugs and arms).

Fact: Denzel Washington stars as Frank Lucas, a real-life heroin trafficker who smuggled drugs into the U.S. in the coffins of soldiers during the Vietnam War. Ridley Scott directed the film, which was praised for its meticulous attention to period detail. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Ruby Dee.

Description: Like 'Lord of War', 'Breaking Bad' follows a protagonist who enters the criminal underworld out of necessity and becomes increasingly ruthless as he rises to the top. Both Walter White and Yuri Orlov start as sympathetic characters whose moral decay is central to the narrative. The series also explores the logistical and ethical challenges of operating in illegal industries.

Fact: Bryan Cranston won four Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Walter White. The series is known for its meticulous attention to detail, particularly in its depiction of meth production. 'Breaking Bad' has been widely praised as one of the greatest television series of all time.

Description: Like 'Lord of War', 'The Wolf of Wall Street' is a biographical crime film that follows the rise and fall of its protagonist, Jordan Belfort. Both films critique the excesses and moral corruption inherent in their respective industries (arms dealing and stock market fraud). The films also employ a darkly comedic tone to underscore the absurdity and recklessness of their protagonists' lifestyles.

Fact: Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film is based on the memoir of Jordan Belfort, who served 22 months in prison for fraud. Leonardo DiCaprio's performance earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor. The film holds the record for the most uses of the word 'fuck' in a non-documentary film, with 569 instances.