If you're a fan of the thrilling world of auctions and the fascinating stories behind unique items, you'll love this list of shows and movies similar to 'Auction Kings' (2010). This article explores 10 captivating series and films that dive into the high-stakes, fast-paced world of auctions, antique hunting, and treasure discoveries. Whether you're drawn to the drama of bidding wars or the history behind rare collectibles, these picks will keep you entertained.

Antiques Roadshow (1997)
Description: This long-running series features appraisals of antiques and collectibles, often revealing surprising values and histories, much like the discovery and valuation process in auctions.
Fact: The show has been on the air for over two decades and has visited nearly every state in the U.S., appraising thousands of items.


Pawn Stars (2009)
Description: This series focuses on the buying and selling of unique and valuable items in a pawn shop setting, emphasizing negotiation and the stories behind each item, similar to the auction environment.
Fact: The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop featured in the show is a real business in Las Vegas and has become a tourist attraction due to the show's popularity.


Hardcore Pawn (2010)
Description: Set in a busy pawn shop, the series showcases the high-stakes world of buying and selling items, with intense negotiations and dramatic interactions, mirroring the auction atmosphere.
Fact: The show is based on the operations of American Jewelry and Loan, one of the largest pawn shops in the United States, located in Detroit.


Storage Wars (2010)
Description: The show revolves around the competitive bidding and resale of abandoned storage units, highlighting the thrill of the hunt and the potential for hidden treasures, much like the excitement of auctions.
Fact: The show's concept was inspired by the real-life practice of storage unit auctions, which became popular in the U.S. during the economic downturn.


American Pickers (2010)
Description: The show follows antique and collectible pickers as they travel across the country to find valuable items, often negotiating prices and uncovering hidden gems, akin to the auction process.
Fact: The hosts, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, started picking as a hobby before turning it into a full-time career and eventually a hit TV show.


Oddities (2010)
Description: The show focuses on a quirky store that buys and sells bizarre and unusual items, often with fascinating backstories, much like the unique finds in auctions.
Fact: Obscura Antiques & Oddities, the store featured in the show, is a real shop in New York City known for its eclectic and macabre inventory.


Picker Sisters (2011)
Description: This series follows two women who travel the country picking unique items and transforming them into stylish furniture and decor, emphasizing creativity and resale value, akin to auction finds.
Fact: The show combines elements of picking, DIY, and design, appealing to a wide audience interested in upcycling and home decor.


Shipping Wars (2012)
Description: The show revolves around independent truckers who bid on unusual shipping jobs, emphasizing the competitive and unpredictable nature of the business, akin to auction bidding.
Fact: The shipping jobs featured on the show often involve transporting oversized, fragile, or otherwise challenging items across the country.


Barter Kings (2012)
Description: This series follows traders who barter items instead of using cash, showcasing the art of negotiation and the potential to turn small items into big profits, similar to auction trading.
Fact: The show highlights the barter economy, which has seen a resurgence in popularity, especially in times of economic uncertainty.


Flea Market Flip (2012)
Description: The show involves buying items at flea markets, refurbishing them, and reselling for a profit, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit and the thrill of the deal, similar to auction dynamics.
Fact: Host Lara Spencer, who is also a co-anchor on 'Good Morning America,' brings her passion for interior design and flipping to the show.
