If you were captivated by the gripping political intrigue and investigative depth of 'The Swamp' (2020), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 movies and shows that share its themes of corruption, power struggles, and real-world drama. Whether you're a fan of documentaries or political thrillers, these picks will keep you hooked.

The Sopranos (1999)
Description: A deep dive into the life of a crime family, blending personal drama with criminal enterprises, and examining the duality of its protagonist's life.
Fact: It was one of the first TV series to popularize the antihero protagonist, influencing countless shows that followed.


The Shield (2002)
Description: A raw and intense police drama that follows a corrupt strike team, blurring the lines between law enforcement and criminal behavior.
Fact: The show was groundbreaking for its handheld camera work and realistic, often brutal depiction of police work.


The Wire (2002)
Description: A gritty, realistic portrayal of systemic corruption and crime, focusing on the interconnected lives of law enforcement, criminals, and politicians in an urban setting.
Fact: The show was praised for its authentic depiction of Baltimore, with many real-life figures from the city contributing to its storylines.


Breaking Bad (2008)
Description: A character-driven narrative that explores the descent into criminality, with a focus on the moral compromises and consequences of illegal activities.
Fact: The show's meticulous attention to detail, such as the use of color symbolism, has been widely analyzed and praised.


Boardwalk Empire (2010)
Description: A historical crime drama that explores the rise of organized crime during Prohibition, with a focus on political corruption and personal ambition.
Fact: The show's elaborate sets and costumes were meticulously researched to accurately depict the 1920s era.


Justified (2010)
Description: A modern Western crime drama that combines sharp dialogue with a deep exploration of its characters' moral ambiguities and loyalties.
Fact: The series is based on Elmore Leonard's short story 'Fire in the Hole' and stays true to his distinctive storytelling style.


True Detective (2014)
Description: A dark, atmospheric crime drama that delves into the psychological and moral complexities of its characters, often exploring themes of corruption and existential dread.
Fact: Each season features a self-contained story with a new cast and setting, allowing for diverse narratives within the same series.


The Night Of (2016)
Description: A tense, procedural drama that examines the criminal justice system through the lens of a single case, highlighting systemic flaws and personal redemption.
Fact: The series was originally developed as a British show called 'Criminal Justice' before being adapted for an American audience.


Fargo (2014)
Description: A blend of dark humor and crime drama, with a focus on ordinary people getting entangled in extraordinary criminal situations, often with violent consequences.
Fact: Each season is inspired by the 1996 Coen Brothers film of the same name but tells a completely new story with different characters.


Better Call Saul (2015)
Description: A prequel that delves into the transformation of a small-time lawyer into a morally compromised figure, with a focus on the legal and criminal underworld.
Fact: The show's black-and-white flash-forwards provide a stark contrast to its main narrative, hinting at the protagonist's eventual fate.
