If you loved 'The King of New Orleans' (2017) and are craving more gripping dramas with intense characters and urban settings, this list is for you. We've curated 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same raw energy, emotional depth, and streetwise storytelling. Whether you're drawn to crime sagas, underdog tales, or atmospheric urban dramas, these picks will keep you hooked.

The Sopranos (1999)
Description: A groundbreaking series that blends family drama with organized crime, offering a deep psychological study of its complex protagonist.
Fact: The show popularized the antihero trope in television and is often cited as one of the greatest TV series of all time.


The Wire (2002)
Description: A gritty, realistic portrayal of urban life, crime, and systemic issues, with a strong emphasis on character development and social commentary.
Fact: The series was praised for its use of real-life Baltimore slang and its detailed depiction of the city's institutions.


Breaking Bad (2008)
Description: A gripping tale of transformation and moral ambiguity, centered around a protagonist who enters the criminal underworld, driven by desperation and ambition.
Fact: The show's iconic blue meth was inspired by real-life drug trends, though the color was a creative choice for the series.


Boardwalk Empire (2010)
Description: A lavish period drama set during Prohibition, focusing on the rise and fall of a powerful political figure entangled in the criminal underworld.
Fact: The series was known for its meticulous attention to historical detail, including accurate costumes and set designs.


Queen of the South (2016)
Description: Follows the rise of a powerful woman in the drug trade, blending high-stakes drama with themes of survival, loyalty, and ambition.
Fact: The show is based on a bestselling novel and has been adapted into multiple languages for international audiences.


Treme (2010)
Description: Explores the cultural and social dynamics of a city deeply rooted in music and tradition, focusing on the resilience of its community after a major disaster.
Fact: The show features many real-life musicians from New Orleans, and much of the music is performed live on set.


Peaky Blinders (2013)
Description: A stylish and intense drama about a notorious gang in post-WWI England, blending historical events with fictionalized crime narratives.
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.


Better Call Saul (2015)
Description: Delves into the backstory of a morally flexible lawyer, exploring themes of identity, corruption, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
Fact: The series is a prequel to Breaking Bad but has been praised for standing on its own as a compelling drama.


The Chi (2018)
Description: A raw and emotional look at life in a South Side Chicago neighborhood, focusing on interconnected stories of residents navigating love, loss, and survival.
Fact: The series was created by Lena Waithe, who drew from her own experiences growing up in Chicago.


Snowfall (2017)
Description: Chronicles the rise of the crack epidemic in a major city, blending personal drama with broader societal impacts, and highlighting the intersection of crime and community.
Fact: The show was inspired by real events and figures from the 1980s Los Angeles drug scene.
