If you enjoyed the gritty, DIY spirit of Backyard Oil (2013), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar shows and movies that capture the thrill of unconventional entrepreneurship, high-stakes risks, and the raw determination of everyday people chasing big dreams. Whether you're fascinated by resourceful underdogs or the drama of small-scale ventures, these picks will keep you hooked.

Giant (1956)
Description: An epic film that chronicles the rise of a Texas oil dynasty, touching on themes of ambition, family, and the transformative impact of the oil industry on society.
Fact: The movie was one of the first major Hollywood films to address racial prejudice and discrimination in a significant way.


Dallas (1978)
Description: A prime-time soap opera centered around the oil industry, highlighting family drama, power struggles, and the wealth generated by oil, reflecting the high-stakes world of energy empires.
Fact: The show's famous 'Who shot J.R.?' cliffhanger was one of the most-watched television events in history at the time.


American Experience (1988)
Description: This documentary series often covers pivotal moments in American history, including episodes on industrial and economic transformations, similar to the narratives of resource-driven progress.
Fact: It is one of PBS's longest-running documentary series, with over 300 episodes produced since its debut.


There Will Be Blood (2007)
Description: A dark and intense portrayal of the oil boom in early 20th-century America, focusing on greed, obsession, and the destructive power of unchecked ambition in the pursuit of wealth.
Fact: The film's famous 'I drink your milkshake' line was improvised by Daniel Day-Lewis during filming.


The Rig (2023)
Description: A thriller set on an oil rig, focusing on the dangers and high-stakes environment of the industry, mirroring the intense and risky nature of resource extraction.
Fact: The show was filmed on a real decommissioned oil rig in the North Sea to add authenticity to its setting.


Hell on Wheels (2011)
Description: This series delves into the gritty, often brutal world of building the transcontinental railroad, showcasing the human cost and determination behind industrial progress, similar to the themes of hard labor and ambition.
Fact: The title refers to the mobile encampments that followed the construction of the railroad, which were notorious for their lawlessness and vice.


The Men Who Built America (2012)
Description: A documentary series that examines the industrial titans of America, including oil magnates, showcasing their ruthless ambition and the monumental impact of their ventures on the nation's growth.
Fact: The series uses dramatic reenactments to bring the stories of these industrialists to life, blending documentary and narrative styles.


Texas Rising (2015)
Description: This historical drama explores themes of ambition, survival, and the pursuit of wealth in untamed territories, much like the struggles depicted in stories about resource extraction and frontier life.
Fact: The series was originally intended to be a full-fledged TV series but was condensed into a miniseries. It features a mix of historical and fictional characters to tell the story of the Texas Revolution.


The Son (2017)
Description: A multi-generational saga about a Texas oil family, exploring themes of power, legacy, and the moral complexities of wealth accumulation in the energy sector.
Fact: The series is based on a novel by Philipp Meyer, who spent years researching Texas history to write the book.


The American West (2016)
Description: A documentary series that explores the expansion and development of the American West, including the role of natural resources and the industries that shaped the region, much like the stories of oil and land exploitation.
Fact: The series features interviews with historians and dramatic reenactments to tell the stories of iconic figures from the Wild West era.
