10 Movies and Shows Similar to American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story (2017)

Description: 'Casino' shares with 'American Playboy' a deep dive into the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, paralleling the Playboy Mansion's allure. Both stories explore themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of excess, with charismatic leads who rise and fall due to their lifestyles. The meticulous attention to period detail in 'Casino' mirrors the aesthetic precision of 'American Playboy'.

Fact: Sharon Stone was nominated for an Academy Award for her role. The film is based on the real-life story of Frank Rosenthal. It marked the eighth collaboration between Scorsese and De Niro.

Description: Like 'American Playboy', 'The Sopranos' explores the duality of its protagonist's life—balancing a public persona with private struggles. Both Tony Soprano and Hugh Hefner are complex figures who wield power in their respective worlds while dealing with personal demons. The series' blend of drama, dark humor, and psychological depth is reminiscent of the nuanced portrayal of Hefner's life.

Fact: 'The Sopranos' is often cited as one of the greatest TV shows of all time. James Gandolfini initially auditioned for a different role. The series finale sparked widespread debate and analysis.

Description: Like 'American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story', 'Mad Men' delves into the world of mid-20th century American culture, focusing on the advertising industry's excesses and the personal lives of its charismatic figures. Both explore themes of ambition, power, and the American Dream, set against a backdrop of societal change. The visual aesthetics of 'Mad Men' also mirror the stylish, era-specific production design seen in 'American Playboy'.

Fact: 'Mad Men' won 16 Emmy Awards during its run. The show's creator, Matthew Weiner, was a writer for 'The Sopranos' before creating 'Mad Men'. The character Don Draper was inspired by real-life ad men of the 1960s.

Description: This film parallels 'American Playboy' in its portrayal of excess, ambition, and the darker sides of the American Dream. Both Jordan Belfort and Hugh Hefner are charismatic figures who built empires by selling a lifestyle, with their stories highlighting the consequences of their hedonistic ways. The fast-paced, visually dynamic storytelling in 'The Wolf of Wall Street' also echoes the energetic narrative style of 'American Playboy'.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio improvised many of his lines. The real Jordan Belfort has a cameo in the film. It's Martin Scorsese's highest-grossing film to date.

Description: This film parallels 'American Playboy' in its depiction of a young, ambitious entrepreneur (Mark Zuckerberg) who creates a cultural phenomenon. Both stories explore themes of innovation, power, and the personal costs of success, with a sharp focus on their protagonists' complex personalities. The rapid-fire dialogue and dynamic storytelling style are also similar.

Fact: Aaron Sorkin wrote the screenplay in two weeks. Jesse Eisenberg studied tapes of Zuckerberg to prepare for his role. The film won three Academy Awards.

Description: Like 'American Playboy', 'Steve Jobs' delves into the life of a visionary who transformed culture and media. Both films explore the personal and professional struggles of their subjects, highlighting their genius and flaws. The non-linear narrative and intense character study in 'Steve Jobs' mirror the approach taken in 'American Playboy'.

Fact: The film is structured in three acts, each set before a product launch. Michael Fassbender did not meet Steve Jobs before filming. Aaron Sorkin adapted the screenplay from Walter Isaacson's biography.

Description: This series shares with 'American Playboy' a focus on the sexual revolution and the figures who challenged societal norms. Both explore the intersection of sexuality, power, and media, with 'Masters of Sex' delving into the scientific study of sex, much like Hefner's magazine brought discussions of sexuality into mainstream culture. The period setting and stylish production design further align the two.

Fact: Based on the biography of William Masters and Virginia Johnson. Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan starred as the lead researchers. The show was praised for its historical accuracy and performances.

Description: 'Vinyl' shares with 'American Playboy' a focus on the hedonistic lifestyles of its protagonists within the music industry, mirroring the excess and glamour of Hefner's world. Both series are period pieces that explore the cultural revolutions of their respective eras, with a keen eye for detail in their depiction of the 1970s music scene and 1950s-60s Playboy lifestyle.

Fact: 'Vinyl' was co-created by Mick Jagger and Martin Scorsese. The series was canceled after one season despite high expectations. It features a soundtrack with over 100 songs from the era.

Description: 'The Founder' shares with 'American Playboy' the story of an ambitious entrepreneur (Ray Kroc) who built an empire by selling a lifestyle, much like Hefner. Both films explore themes of ambition, innovation, and the darker sides of success, with a focus on their protagonists' relentless drive and the cultural impact of their ventures.

Fact: Michael Keaton trained at a McDonald's to prepare for his role. The real McDonald's brothers were played by Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch. The film highlights the often-overlooked origins of the McDonald's empire.

Description: While focused on sports, 'The Last Dance' shares with 'American Playboy' a portrayal of a cultural icon (Michael Jordan) whose ambition and lifestyle transcended his field, much like Hefner. Both documentaries explore the personal and professional lives of their subjects, highlighting their impact on American culture and the price of their success.

Fact: The documentary was viewed by over