10 Movies and Shows Similar to The Chi (2018)

Description: 'The Wire' shares with 'The Chi' a deep dive into the systemic issues affecting urban communities, including crime, poverty, and institutional failure. Both series use an ensemble cast to tell interconnected stories, offering a panoramic view of city life. The narrative style is gritty and realistic, with a focus on character development and social commentary.

Fact: 'The Wire' was created by David Simon, a former police reporter. The show is often cited as one of the greatest TV series of all time. Many of the actors were non-professionals or had little prior acting experience.

Description: 'Atlanta' and 'The Chi' both offer a unique, often surreal take on Black life in America. While 'Atlanta' leans more into comedy and absurdity, both shows address serious themes like race, poverty, and identity with nuance and creativity. The visual style is distinctive, with a strong sense of atmosphere and mood.

Fact: 'Atlanta' was created by and stars Donald Glover. The show has won multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Glover. It blends elements of comedy, drama, and horror.

Description: Like 'The Chi', 'Queen Sugar' focuses on family dynamics and personal struggles within a Black community. Both shows highlight the importance of family bonds and the challenges of maintaining them in the face of external pressures. The storytelling is intimate and emotional, with a strong emphasis on character-driven narratives.

Fact: 'Queen Sugar' is produced by Oprah Winfrey and Ava DuVernay. The show is based on the novel of the same name by Natalie Baszile. It is known for its all-female directing team.

Description: 'Insecure' and 'The Chi' both provide an authentic portrayal of Black life, though 'Insecure' focuses more on the personal and professional lives of young Black women. Both shows are celebrated for their realistic dialogue, relatable characters, and exploration of contemporary issues. The tone is often humorous yet deeply human.

Fact: 'Insecure' was created by and stars Issa Rae. The show is based on Rae's web series 'Awkward Black Girl'. It has been praised for its representation of Black female friendships.

Description: 'Dear White People' and 'The Chi' both tackle issues of race and identity, though 'Dear White People' is set in a predominantly white Ivy League university. Both shows use a mix of drama and satire to explore systemic racism and personal growth. The storytelling is sharp and thought-provoking, with a strong ensemble cast.

Fact: 'Dear White People' is based on the 2014 film of the same name by Justin Simien. The show features a rotating narrative structure, focusing on different characters each episode. It has been praised for its witty dialogue and social commentary.

Description: Similar to 'The Chi', 'Snowfall' explores the impact of drugs and crime on urban communities, particularly focusing on the lives of young Black individuals. Both shows delve into the socio-economic challenges faced by these communities, blending personal drama with broader societal issues. The storytelling is raw and authentic, capturing the complexities of life in underprivileged neighborhoods.

Fact: 'Snowfall' was created by John Singleton, who also directed 'Boyz n the Hood'. The show is loosely based on the real-life crack epidemic in Los Angeles during the 1980s. Damson Idris, who plays the lead role, is British and had to learn an American accent for the role.

Description: 'Tales' and 'The Chi' both offer a mosaic of stories about Black life, with a focus on the personal and communal struggles of their characters. Both shows use a multi-narrative structure to explore themes of love, loss, and resilience. The tone is often poetic and reflective, with a strong sense of place and identity.

Fact: 'Tales' was created by Irv Gotti, the founder of Murder Inc. Records. The show features a mix of music and drama, with many episodes centered around hip-hop culture. It was inspired by classic anthology series like 'The Twilight Zone'.

Description: 'All American' shares with 'The Chi' a focus on young Black men navigating the challenges of adolescence and societal expectations. Both shows blend sports, family drama, and social issues, offering a coming-of-age story with a strong sense of community. The emotional tone is uplifting yet grounded in reality.

Fact: 'All American' is loosely based on the life of NFL player Spencer Paysinger. The show was created by April Blair, who also worked on 'The CW'. It has been praised for its portrayal of Black masculinity and mental health.

Description: Like 'The Chi', 'David Makes Man' is a poignant exploration of a young Black boy's life, dealing with trauma, ambition, and the pressures of his environment. Both shows use a lyrical and introspective storytelling style, blending realism with moments of surrealism. The emotional depth and visual poetry make them stand out.

Fact: 'David Makes Man' was created by Tarell Alvin McCraney, who co-wrote 'Moonlight'. The show is semi-autobiographical, drawing from McCraney's own childhood. It features a predominantly Black cast and crew.

Description: 'Greenleaf' and 'The Chi' both explore the complexities of family and community, though 'Greenleaf' does so within the context of a megachurch. Both shows tackle themes of power, betrayal, and redemption, with a mix of drama and emotional depth. The visual style is rich and atmospheric, drawing viewers into the world of the characters.

Fact: 'Greenleaf' was created by Craig Wright, who also worked on 'Lost' and 'Six Feet Under'. The show stars Oprah Winfrey in a recurring role. It was one of OWN's highest-rated series.