If you're a fan of the gripping historical drama 'Babylon Berlin' (2017), you're likely craving more shows or movies that capture its unique blend of mystery, political intrigue, and stunning period detail. Set in the Weimar Republic era, 'Babylon Berlin' masterfully combines crime noir with historical drama, making it a standout series. In this article, we’ll explore 10 similar movies and shows that offer the same thrilling atmosphere, complex characters, and rich storytelling. Whether you're drawn to the decadence of the 1920s or the tension of a detective story, these recommendations will keep you hooked.
Boardwalk Empire (2010)
Description: Boardwalk Empire mirrors Babylon Berlin's exploration of organized crime during prohibition (comparable to Weimar Republic's vice). Both shows depict the intersection of politics and crime, with lavish period production design and morally ambiguous characters. The shows share a similar narrative structure focusing on both criminal enterprises and law enforcement.
Fact: Martin Scorsese directed the pilot episode. The Atlantic City boardwalk set was 300 feet long. Steve Buscemi's first leading TV role.
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The Man in the High Castle (2015)
Description: The Man in the High Castle shares Babylon Berlin's alternate history elements (though more extreme) and exploration of fascism. Both shows depict societies under oppressive regimes, with similar themes of resistance and moral ambiguity. The meticulous world-building and political intrigue are comparable.
Fact: Based on Philip K. Dick's novel. Features authentic Nazi and Imperial Japanese props. The opening sequence won an Emmy.
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The Americans (2013)
Description: The Americans shares Babylon Berlin's Cold War tensions and exploration of identity (though set later). Both shows feature characters living double lives, with meticulous attention to period detail and slow-burning tension. The political paranoia and spycraft elements are particularly similar.
Fact: Based on real Russian sleeper agents. Keri Russell did most of her own stunts. The finale was filmed in complete secrecy.
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Ripper Street (2012)
Description: Ripper Street shares Babylon Berlin's focus on police work in a historical period of social upheaval. Both shows feature investigations that reveal deeper societal issues, with similar attention to period detail and a mix of procedural and serialized storytelling. The shows explore how institutions attempt to maintain order during times of radical change.
Fact: Initially canceled after two seasons but revived due to fan campaigns. Features real historical figures like Frederick Abberline. The show's creator researched at London's Black Museum.
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Peaky Blinders (2013)
Description: Like Babylon Berlin, Peaky Blinders is a period drama that delves into the criminal underworld, political intrigue, and societal changes of its time. Both series feature complex characters navigating morally ambiguous worlds, with a strong emphasis on visual style and atmospheric storytelling. The gritty realism and historical context are key similarities.
Fact: Peaky Blinders is named after a real urban youth gang in Birmingham, England. Cillian Murphy initially turned down the role of Tommy Shelby. The show's distinctive haircuts sparked a global fashion trend.
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The Knick (2014)
Description: The Knick shares Babylon Berlin's unflinching look at early 20th century society through the lens of a specific institution (hospital vs. police). Both shows feature innovative cinematography, complex characters, and explore themes of progress versus tradition. The medical breakthroughs parallel Babylon Berlin's forensic innovations.
Fact: Steven Soderbergh directed all 20 episodes. Clive Owen learned real surgical techniques for his role. Features an anachronistic electronic score by Cliff Martinez.
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Taboo (2017)
Description: Taboo shares Babylon Berlin's dark, atmospheric portrayal of historical periods with supernatural undertones. Both feature protagonists with mysterious pasts navigating corrupt systems, and explore colonial/imperial themes. The shows have similar visual styles emphasizing mood and tension over straightforward narrative.
Fact: Co-created by Tom Hardy and his father. Inspired by Hardy's childhood dream. Features a fictionalized version of the East India Company.
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Deutschland 83 (2015)
Description: As a German production, Deutschland 83 shares Babylon Berlin's cultural perspective on Cold War tensions. Both shows explore divided loyalties and personal drama against political backdrops, with similar pacing and character-driven storytelling. The 1980s setting provides comparable cultural commentary to Babylon Berlin's Weimar era.
Fact: First German-language series to air on U.S. primetime. Inspired by real Stasi operations. Features an iconic 1980s synth-pop soundtrack.
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The Alienist (2018)
Description: The Alienist shares Babylon Berlin's fascination with early forensic science and psychological profiling in a historical setting. Both shows explore the dark underbelly of their respective cities (New York and Berlin) during periods of rapid modernization, featuring similar themes of corruption, social inequality, and the birth of modern investigative techniques.
Fact: Based on Caleb Carr's bestselling 1994 novel. One of the most expensive TV series ever made at time of production. Features Dakota Fanning's first major TV role.
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The Plot Against America (2020)
Description: The Plot Against America shares Babylon Berlin's exploration of how fascism rises in democratic societies. Both shows use personal family dramas to examine larger political shifts, with similar tension between historical accuracy and dramatic storytelling. The atmospheric dread and political commentary are particularly comparable.
Fact: Based on Philip Roth's novel. Features Winona Ryder's first major TV role in years. The alternate history elements parallel real 1940s isolationist movements.
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