If you loved the gritty crime drama 'Suburra' (2015), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and TV shows that share its dark, intense atmosphere, complex characters, and gripping underworld narratives. Whether you're drawn to political corruption, organized crime, or raw storytelling, these picks will keep you hooked.

The Sopranos (1999)
Description: A groundbreaking series that blends family drama with organized crime, offering a nuanced portrayal of mob life, psychological complexity, and the tension between personal and professional loyalties.
Fact: The show's creator, David Chase, initially pitched it as a movie about a mobster in therapy, but it evolved into one of the most acclaimed TV series of all time.


The Shield (2002)
Description: A raw and intense police drama that blurs the line between law enforcement and criminality, featuring morally ambiguous characters and high-stakes storytelling.
Fact: The show was one of the first to popularize the use of handheld cameras and documentary-style filming in crime dramas.


The Wire (2002)
Description: A meticulously detailed portrayal of urban crime and corruption, offering a multi-faceted look at the institutions and individuals entangled in the drug trade and law enforcement.
Fact: The show's creator, David Simon, is a former police reporter, which lends authenticity to its depiction of Baltimore's criminal justice system.


Boardwalk Empire (2010)
Description: A lavish period crime drama set during Prohibition, featuring political corruption, gang rivalries, and the rise of organized crime in Atlantic City.
Fact: The series was partly inspired by Nelson Johnson's book 'Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City.'


Underbelly (2008)
Description: A true-crime drama that chronicles the violent and chaotic world of Australian organized crime, with a focus on real-life events and notorious criminal figures.
Fact: The series was initially banned in some Australian states due to concerns it could influence ongoing trials.


Gomorrah (2014)
Description: A gritty crime drama that delves deep into the underworld of organized crime, focusing on the brutal realities of power struggles, loyalty, and betrayal within a criminal syndicate.
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.


Peaky Blinders (2013)
Description: A stylish and violent period crime drama set in post-WWI Birmingham, following a notorious gang as they navigate power struggles, political intrigue, and family dynamics.
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.


McMafia (2018)
Description: A sophisticated crime drama that explores the interconnected world of global organized crime, money laundering, and the moral compromises made by those involved.
Fact: The series is inspired by Misha Glenny's non-fiction book 'McMafia: A Journey Through the Global Criminal Underworld.'


Gangs of London (2020)
Description: A hyper-violent crime saga that explores the power vacuum created after the assassination of a crime lord, with intense action sequences and complex character dynamics.
Fact: The show's fight choreography was praised for its realism and brutality, with some scenes taking weeks to film.


ZeroZeroZero (2020)
Description: A high-stakes crime thriller that explores the global cocaine trade, featuring intricate power dynamics, violent confrontations, and a multi-continental narrative that highlights the far-reaching impact of organized crime.
Fact: The series was filmed in multiple countries, including Italy, Mexico, and Senegal, to authentically portray the international scope of the drug trade.
