10 Movies & Shows Like Napoli Eden (2020)

Description: A groundbreaking series that explores the complexities of mob life, blending family drama with criminal enterprises. Its nuanced characters and psychological depth mirror the intricate balance between personal and professional lives in the criminal world.

Fact: The show's creator, David Chase, initially pitched it as a movie about a mobster in therapy, but it evolved into a TV series that redefined television drama.

Description: A critically acclaimed series that offers a panoramic view of Baltimore's drug scene, law enforcement, and political corruption. Its layered storytelling and focus on systemic issues provide a profound exploration of crime and its societal impacts.

Fact: The show's creator, David Simon, was a former police reporter, which lent authenticity to its depiction of urban life and crime.

Description: A harrowing and visually striking film that chronicles the lives of young men growing up in the violent slums of Rio de Janeiro. Its raw depiction of crime and poverty, combined with its vibrant cinematography, captures the desperation and resilience of its characters.

Fact: Many of the actors were non-professionals recruited from the favelas, adding to the film's authenticity.

Description: A visceral look at the battle between law enforcement and drug cartels in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Its unflinching depiction of violence and moral ambiguity in the fight against crime parallels the harsh realities of urban crime and survival.

Fact: The film's realistic portrayal of police brutality and corruption sparked significant controversy and debate in Brazil.

Description: A gritty crime drama that delves deep into the underworld of organized crime, focusing on the brutal realities and power struggles within a criminal syndicate. Its raw and unflinching portrayal of crime aligns closely with the themes of survival and loyalty in a harsh environment.

Fact: The series is based on Roberto Saviano's bestselling book, which led to him receiving death threats from the Camorra, the real-life crime organization depicted in the show.

Description: A stylish crime drama set in post-World War I England, following a gang as they navigate power struggles and family loyalties. Its blend of historical context, criminal ambition, and family dynamics echoes the themes of legacy and survival in a violent world.

Fact: The show's title refers to the real-life Peaky Blinders gang, who were active in Birmingham during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Description: A tense family crime drama that follows a teenager as he navigates the dangerous world of his criminal relatives. Its exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and survival within a crime family mirrors the dynamics of organized crime and personal relationships.

Fact: The series is based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name, which was inspired by real-life criminal families in Melbourne.

Description: A sophisticated crime drama that explores the global reach of organized crime, focusing on a man drawn into his family's criminal empire. Its international scope and themes of moral compromise align with the complexities of modern crime networks.

Fact: The series is inspired by Misha Glenny's non-fiction book of the same name, which investigates the rise of global organized crime.

Description: A brutal and visually stunning crime series that examines the power vacuum created after a crime lord's death. Its high-octane action and intricate plotlines reflect the chaos and violence of criminal power struggles.

Fact: The show's fight choreography is renowned for its intensity and realism, often involving long, unbroken takes.

Description: A high-stakes crime thriller that follows the global cocaine trade, highlighting the interconnectedness of criminal networks across continents. Its intense narrative and focus on the drug trade's impact on individuals and societies resonate with themes of power and corruption.

Fact: The series is based on a book by Roberto Saviano, who also wrote Gomorrah, and it was filmed in multiple countries to authentically depict the global drug trade.