10 Movies & Shows Similar to American Gangster: Trap Queens (2019)

Description: While 'The Sopranos' focuses on the Italian-American mafia, it shares with 'American Gangster: Trap Queens' a deep dive into the psychology of crime and the personal costs of a life in organized crime. Both shows blend family drama with criminal enterprise, offering a nuanced look at their protagonists.

Fact: 'The Sopranos' is often credited with ushering in the era of prestige television. James Gandolfini, who played Tony Soprano, was initially hesitant to take the role. The show's finale is one of the most debated in TV history.

Description: 'The Shield' and 'American Gangster: Trap Queens' both offer a raw, unfiltered look at crime and corruption, with a focus on morally complex characters. Both shows challenge the traditional good vs. evil narrative, presenting a world where the lines between right and wrong are often blurred.

Fact: 'The Shield' was one of the first shows to feature an antihero as its protagonist. The show's gritty style was influenced by documentary filmmaking. Michael Chiklis, who played Vic Mackey, gained 30 pounds and shaved his head to distance himself from his previous comedic roles.

Description: Like 'American Gangster: Trap Queens', 'The Wire' delves deep into the gritty realities of drug trafficking and urban crime, focusing on both law enforcement and the criminals. Both explore systemic issues and the socio-economic factors that drive individuals into the drug trade. The show's realistic portrayal of street life and its complex characters make it a compelling parallel.

Fact: 'The Wire' was created by former police reporter David Simon, lending it an air of authenticity. The show was initially criticized for its slow pace but is now considered one of the greatest TV series of all time. Many actors in 'The Wire' were non-professionals with real-life experience in the streets of Baltimore.

Description: Like 'American Gangster: Trap Queens', 'Breaking Bad' explores the transformation of an ordinary person into a criminal mastermind. Both shows examine the moral descent and the impact of the drug trade on individuals and their families, with a focus on the consequences of power and greed.

Fact: Bryan Cranston, who played Walter White, was primarily known for comedic roles before 'Breaking Bad'. The show's iconic RV meth lab was nicknamed the 'Krystal Ship' by the crew. 'Breaking Bad' has been praised for its meticulous attention to detail in depicting the drug trade.

Description: Set during Prohibition, 'Boardwalk Empire' shares with 'American Gangster: Trap Queens' a historical perspective on organized crime. Both shows explore the rise of criminal empires and the role of women in these male-dominated worlds, with a strong emphasis on period detail and political corruption.

Fact: 'Boardwalk Empire' was created by Terence Winter, a writer for 'The Sopranos'. The show's pilot was directed by Martin Scorsese. Steve Buscemi, who played Nucky Thompson, was initially considered an unlikely choice for the lead role.

Description: This series mirrors 'American Gangster: Trap Queens' in its portrayal of a powerful woman rising through the ranks of the drug trade. Both shows explore themes of power, survival, and the moral compromises made in the criminal underworld, with strong female leads who defy expectations.

Fact: 'Queen of the South' is based on the novel 'La Reina del Sur' by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. The show features a mix of English and Spanish dialogue, reflecting its cross-border drug trade storyline. Teresa Mendoza, the protagonist, is inspired by real-life female drug lords.

Description: 'Gomorrah' and 'American Gangster: Trap Queens' both offer a brutally realistic portrayal of organized crime, with a focus on the inner workings of drug cartels. Both shows are known for their unflinching violence and complex characters, set against the backdrop of marginalized communities.

Fact: 'Gomorrah' is based on Roberto Saviano's non-fiction book, which led to the author receiving death threats from the Camorra. The show is filmed in Naples and features local non-professional actors. Its realistic portrayal of the Camorra has been praised by critics and condemned by Italian authorities.

Description: Like 'American Gangster: Trap Queens', 'Peaky Blinders' focuses on the rise of a criminal family, with a strong emphasis on ambition, power, and revenge. Both shows feature charismatic leaders who navigate the dangers of their world while dealing with personal demons.

Fact: The real Peaky Blinders gang was active in Birmingham, England, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Cillian Murphy, who plays Tommy Shelby, was not the first choice for the role. The show's distinctive soundtrack features modern music, despite its historical setting.

Description: A prequel to 'Breaking Bad', 'Better Call Saul' shares with 'American Gangster: Trap Queens' a focus on the legal and illegal sides of the drug trade. Both shows feature characters who navigate the blurred lines between law and crime, with a strong emphasis on character development and moral ambiguity.

Fact: 'Better Call Saul' was initially conceived as a half-hour comedy. Bob Odenkirk, who plays Saul Goodman, had no prior dramatic acting experience. The show has been praised for its cinematography and use of silence to build tension.

Description: 'Snowfall' shares with 'American Gangster: Trap Queens' a focus on the rise of the crack epidemic in the U.S., particularly in Los Angeles. Both highlight the intersection of crime, race, and socio-economic struggle, with strong female characters navigating the dangerous world of drug trafficking.

Fact: 'Snowfall' was co-created by John Singleton, the director of 'Boyz n the Hood'. The show is loosely based on real events and figures from the 1980s crack epidemic. Damson Idris, who plays Franklin Saint, is British and had to master an American accent for the role.