10 Movies & Shows Similar to Power Book IV: Force (2022)

Description: 'The Sopranos' and 'Power Book IV: Force' both delve into the complexities of organized crime, with a focus on family dynamics and the psychological toll of a life of crime. Tony Soprano and Tommy Egan are both antiheroes who struggle with their identities as both family men and ruthless leaders.

Fact: 'The Sopranos' is often credited with ushering in the golden age of television. James Gandolfini, who played Tony Soprano, kept a dream journal to get into character. The show's famous finale was so controversial that some fans called the police to report a malfunctioning TV.

Description: Like 'Power Book IV: Force', 'The Wire' delves deep into the gritty underworld of crime, focusing on the drug trade and its impact on urban communities. Both shows explore themes of power, loyalty, and survival, with complex characters navigating morally ambiguous situations. The Wire's realistic portrayal of street life and law enforcement parallels the raw, unfiltered storytelling in 'Power Book IV: Force'.

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 recruited from Baltimore's streets.

Description: Like 'Power Book IV: Force', 'Breaking Bad' centers on a protagonist's transformation into a criminal mastermind, with Walter White's journey mirroring Tommy Egan's rise in the drug world. Both shows blend intense action with deep character studies, exploring the moral compromises made in the pursuit of power.

Fact: Bryan Cranston, who played Walter White, initially thought the role was a joke when his agent called. The show's iconic RV was sold at auction for $10,

Description: Like 'Power Book IV: Force', 'Boardwalk Empire' explores the rise of a criminal empire, set against the backdrop of Prohibition-era Atlantic City. Both shows feature charismatic leads who must balance their public personas with their illicit activities, with a strong emphasis on historical and cultural context.

Fact: The show was created by Terence Winter, a writer for 'The Sopranos'. Steve Buscemi, who played Nucky Thompson, was initially considered too old for the role. The series was known for its lavish production design, with sets built to replicate 1920s Atlantic City.

Description: Similar to 'Power Book IV: Force', 'Queen of the South' follows a protagonist's ascent in the criminal world, with Teresa Mendoza rising from poverty to become a powerful drug lord. Both shows feature strong, strategic leads who must navigate a male-dominated underworld, with high-stakes drama and intense action sequences.

Fact: The series is based on the novel 'La Reina del Sur' by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. Alice Braga, who plays Teresa, learned to speak Spanish for the role. The show was filmed in multiple locations, including Dallas, Malta, and Colombia.

Description: 'Peaky Blinders' shares with 'Power Book IV: Force' a focus on a criminal family's rise to power, with Tommy Shelby and Tommy Egan both being strategic, ruthless leaders. Both shows are steeped in their respective cultural milieus—post-WWI Birmingham and modern-day Chicago—and feature stylish, atmospheric storytelling.

Fact: The real Peaky Blinders were a street gang in late 19th-century Birmingham. Cillian Murphy, who plays Tommy Shelby, initially auditioned for the role of John Shelby. The show's distinctive soundtrack features modern rock and post-punk music, despite its historical setting.

Description: As a prequel to 'Breaking Bad', 'Better Call Saul' shares with 'Power Book IV: Force' a focus on the criminal underworld, albeit from the perspective of a lawyer turned consigliere. Both shows excel in character development, with protagonists who are charismatic yet deeply flawed, navigating a world where the line between right and wrong is blurred.

Fact: Bob Odenkirk, who plays Saul Goodman, initially auditioned for the role of Walter White. The show's black-and-white flash-forwards were inspired by film noir. 'Better Call Saul' has been praised for its meticulous attention to detail, including continuity with 'Breaking Bad'.

Description: 'BMF' mirrors 'Power Book IV: Force' in its depiction of a crime family's rise to power, blending family drama with criminal enterprise. Both shows are inspired by true stories, adding a layer of realism to their narratives. The themes of ambition, betrayal, and the cost of power are central to both series.

Fact: 'BMF' stands for Black Mafia Family, a real-life drug trafficking organization. The series is executive produced by 50 Cent, who also produced 'Power'. Demetrius 'Lil Meech' Flenory Jr., the son of the real BMF co-founder, plays his father in the show.

Description: 'The Chi' and 'Power Book IV: Force' both explore life in urban settings, focusing on the intertwining lives of residents affected by crime and violence. While 'The Chi' has a broader ensemble cast, both series delve into the personal and communal consequences of street life, with a mix of drama and social commentary.

Fact: 'The Chi' was created by Lena Waithe, who won an Emmy for her work on 'Master of None'. The show is set in Chicago's South Side, where Waithe grew up. Several cast members, including Jacob Latimore, are also musicians.

Description: 'Snowfall' shares with 'Power Book IV: Force' a focus on the rise of the drug empire, particularly the crack epidemic in Los Angeles. Both series highlight the transformation of their protagonists from relatively small-time players to major figures in the criminal underworld. The shows also examine the socio-economic factors that drive individuals into the drug trade.

Fact: 'Snowfall' was co-created by John Singleton, the director of 'Boyz n the Hood'. The series is loosely based on real events surrounding the CIA's alleged involvement in the crack epidemic. Damson Idris, who plays Franklin Saint, is British but mastered an American accent for the role.