10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Traffic (2000)

Description: The Godfather, like Traffic (2000), is a landmark film that explores organized crime and its far-reaching consequences. Both works delve into the moral complexities of their characters, who operate in a world where loyalty and violence are intertwined. The epic scope and intricate storytelling of The Godfather, which spans generations and crosses borders, parallel Traffic's multi-layered narrative and its examination of the drug trade's global impact.

Fact: The Godfather is based on the novel by Mario Puzo, who also co-wrote the screenplay. Marlon Brando's performance as Vito Corleone is considered one of the greatest in film history. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: Scarface, like Traffic (2000), is a seminal work in the crime genre that examines the drug trade's impact on individuals and society. Both films portray the destructive consequences of greed and power, with protagonists who rise to the top of the drug world only to face inevitable downfall. The operatic, larger-than-life style of Scarface contrasts with Traffic's more grounded approach, but both films share a critical view of the American Dream and the costs of pursuing it through illicit means.

Fact: Scarface was directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone, who drew inspiration from his own experiences with drugs. Al Pacino's performance as Tony Montana is one of his most iconic roles. The film was initially criticized for its violence but has since become a cult classic.

Description: The Sopranos, like Traffic (2000), offers a nuanced portrayal of crime and its effects on both the perpetrators and their families. Both works blend personal drama with larger societal issues, exploring themes of power, morality, and the American Dream. The psychological depth and complex characterizations in The Sopranos mirror Traffic's focus on the human cost of the drug trade.

Fact: The Sopranos was created by David Chase, who drew on his own experiences growing up in New Jersey. The series is often credited with ushering in the golden age of television. James Gandolfini's performance as Tony Soprano is widely regarded as one of the greatest in TV history.

Description: Blow shares with Traffic (2000) a focus on the rise and fall of individuals involved in the drug trade, illustrating the personal costs of their choices. Both films depict the allure and eventual devastation of the drug business, with a narrative that spans decades and crosses international borders. The emotional tone of Blow, which balances moments of exhilaration with profound tragedy, is reminiscent of Traffic's portrayal of the highs and lows of its characters' lives.

Fact: Blow is based on the true story of George Jung, a major figure in the American cocaine trade in the 1970s and 1980s. Johnny Depp, who played George Jung, met with the real Jung to prepare for the role. The film's soundtrack features music from the 1970s and 1980s, reflecting the era in which the story takes place.

Description: The Wire shares with Traffic (2000) a gritty, realistic portrayal of the drug trade and its impact on various facets of society, including law enforcement, politics, and the communities affected by drugs. Both works employ a multi-layered narrative structure that weaves together different storylines to present a comprehensive view of the systemic issues surrounding drug trafficking. The Wire's unflinching look at institutional failure and corruption mirrors Traffic's exploration of similar themes.

Fact: The Wire was created by David Simon, a former police reporter, which lends authenticity to its depiction of law enforcement. Many of the actors in The Wire were non-professionals or had limited acting experience. The show was initially criticized for its slow pace but has since been hailed as one of the greatest TV series of all time.

Description: American Gangster, like Traffic (2000), is based on true events and explores the intricacies of the drug trade, particularly the rise of a powerful drug lord and the law enforcement efforts to bring him down. Both films highlight the systemic corruption and moral ambiguities inherent in the war on drugs. The period detail and meticulous storytelling of American Gangster echo Traffic's commitment to authenticity and its multi-perspective narrative.

Fact: American Gangster is based on the life of Frank Lucas, a Harlem drug lord who smuggled heroin into the U.S. in the coffins of soldiers during the Vietnam War. Denzel Washington, who played Frank Lucas, gained 30 pounds for the role. The film was directed by Ridley Scott, known for his visually stunning and thematically rich films.

Description: Like Traffic (2000), Breaking Bad explores the complexities of the drug trade, focusing on the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals involved in it. Both works delve into the consequences of drug trafficking on personal lives and society, showcasing a multi-perspective narrative that highlights the interconnectedness of different social strata. The visual aesthetics of Breaking Bad, with its stark contrasts and symbolic use of color, echo Traffic's cinematography, which also uses visual storytelling to emphasize themes of corruption and desperation.

Fact: Breaking Bad was initially set in Riverside, California, but was moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for tax incentives. The show's creator, Vince Gilligan, wanted to turn Walter White from Mr. Chips into Scarface. Bryan Cranston, who played Walter White, also directed several episodes of the series.

Description: Queen of the South shares with Traffic (2000) a focus on the drug trade's impact on individuals, particularly women, who navigate its dangerous world. Both works depict the rise of a protagonist from obscurity to power, highlighting the personal sacrifices and moral compromises along the way. The series' exploration of transnational drug trafficking and its consequences mirrors Traffic's global perspective on the issue.

Fact: Queen of the South is based on the novel La Reina del Sur by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. The series was filmed in multiple locations, including Dallas, Malta, and Colombia. The protagonist, Teresa Mendoza, is inspired by real-life female drug traffickers.

Description: Sicario, like Traffic (2000), delves into the brutal realities of the drug war, particularly focusing on the U.S.-Mexico border. Both films highlight the moral ambiguity and ethical compromises made by those involved in combating drug cartels. The tense, atmospheric cinematography of Sicario, with its wide shots and stark landscapes, parallels Traffic's visual style, which also uses imagery to underscore the bleakness of the drug trade.

Fact: Sicario means 'hitman' in Spanish. Director Denis Villeneuve wanted the film to feel like a descent into hell. The film's score, composed by Jóhann Jóhannsson, was nominated for an Academy Award.

Description: Snowfall, like Traffic (2000), examines the origins and expansion of the drug trade, focusing on the crack epidemic in Los Angeles during the 1980s. Both works use a multi-character narrative to explore the social and economic factors that drive the drug business. The gritty, realistic portrayal of urban life and the systemic issues that perpetuate the drug trade in Snowfall are reminiscent of Traffic's unflinching look at similar themes.

Fact: Snowfall was co-created by John Singleton, the director of Boyz n the Hood. The series was inspired by real events and figures from the 1980s crack epidemic. The show's title refers to the nickname for crack cocaine, 'snow.'