10 Movies & Shows Like Pain & Gain

Description: A brutal exploration of ambition and excess in the criminal underworld, following a Cuban immigrant's violent rise to power in the Miami drug scene. The film is renowned for its unflinching portrayal of the costs of the American Dream.

Fact: Al Pacino's famous "Say hello to my little friend" line was improvised. The film was initially banned in several countries due to its extreme violence and drug content, but has since become a cultural icon.

Description: A gritty undercover crime story that delves into the moral complexities of deception and loyalty within organized crime. The film focuses on the psychological toll of maintaining a false identity in dangerous circumstances.

Fact: The real Joseph D. Pistone (Donnie Brasco) was technically still in the witness protection program during filming. Al Pacino's character was based on a real mobster who was murdered after the real Brasco operation was revealed.

Description: A gripping tale of young, ambitious individuals drawn into the high-pressure world of stock market fraud. The film highlights the seductive nature of quick wealth and the moral compromises made in its pursuit.

Fact: The film's writer-director, Ben Younger, spent months researching by hanging out with real-life brokers on Long Island. Many of the film's extras were actual stockbrokers who had been involved in similar schemes.

Description: A biographical crime drama that chronicles the rise and fall of a drug smuggler, showcasing the allure of wealth and power in the drug trade and the inevitable consequences of that lifestyle.

Fact: Johnny Depp spent time with the real George Jung in prison to prepare for the role. The film's ending was changed from the original script after the filmmakers met with Jung, who was still incarcerated at the time.

Description: A stylish crime biopic about a young con artist who successfully impersonates various professionals while being pursued by a determined FBI agent. The film explores themes of identity, deception, and the thrill of the chase.

Fact: Frank Abagnale Jr., the real-life con artist, has a cameo as a French police officer arresting Leonardo DiCaprio's character. At age 16, Abagnale really did successfully pose as a Pan Am pilot, doctor, and lawyer despite having no formal training.

Description: A high-energy crime drama centered around excess, greed, and the pursuit of the American Dream through morally questionable means. The film showcases a charismatic protagonist who manipulates the system for personal gain, leading to a chaotic and ultimately self-destructive lifestyle.

Fact: The film holds the record for the most uses of the word 'fuck' in a non-documentary film, with 569 instances. It was also the first collaboration between Leonardo DiCaprio and director Martin Scorsese to receive an R rating.

Description: A fast-paced drama about ambition, betrayal, and the cutthroat world of tech entrepreneurship. The film examines how personal relationships are sacrificed in the pursuit of success and innovation.

Fact: The entire film was shot in just 64 days, with Jesse Eisenberg reportedly learning his lines the night before each scene. Mark Zuckerberg claimed the film's portrayal was inaccurate, though he admitted the costumes were "pretty close" to what he actually wore.

Description: A satirical take on financial corruption and the 2008 housing market crash, focusing on a group of outsiders who see the impending disaster and bet against the system. The film blends dark humor with a critical look at greed and systemic failure.

Fact: Director Adam McKay used celebrity cameos like Margot Robbie in a bubble bath to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms. The real-life Michael Burry, portrayed by Christian Bale, actually closed his fund's doors to investors during filming to avoid distractions.

Description: A darkly comedic crime film that explores themes of deception, ambition, and the blurred lines between criminals and law enforcement. The story revolves around con artists navigating a world of corruption and high-stakes schemes.

Fact: Christian Bale gained 43 pounds and developed a potbelly for his role, while Amy Adams reportedly spent hours studying real-life con artists to perfect her performance. The film's script was only 14 pages long, with much of the dialogue improvised.

Description: Based on true events, this film follows two young men who exploit government contracts to become major arms dealers. It explores themes of ambition, friendship, and the consequences of unchecked greed in the world of international arms trading.

Fact: The real-life David Packouz, played by Miles Teller, worked as a consultant on the film and even has a cameo as a nightclub singer. The Albanian arms dealer portrayed in the film was actually a composite of several real people for dramatic purposes.