If you loved the gritty crime drama 'Underbelly' (2008), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and TV shows that capture the same raw intensity, complex characters, and gripping storytelling. Whether you're a fan of true crime, underworld sagas, or just great television, these recommendations will keep you hooked.
The Sopranos (1999)
Description: A gritty crime drama that delves deep into the personal and professional lives of organized crime figures, blending family dynamics with violent underworld dealings.
Fact: The show was initially pitched as a movie about a mobster in therapy, but HBO suggested expanding it into a series. It was one of the first TV shows to popularize the antihero protagonist.
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The Shield (2002)
Description: A hard-hitting police drama that blurs the lines between right and wrong, following a corrupt strike team navigating the criminal underworld.
Fact: The show was one of the first to feature a morally ambiguous protagonist in a lead role. The pilot episode was shot in just seven days.
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The Wire (2002)
Description: A realistic portrayal of crime and law enforcement in an urban setting, focusing on systemic issues and the interconnectedness of various institutions.
Fact: Many of the actors were non-professionals or had real-life experiences similar to their characters. The show's creator, David Simon, was a former police reporter.
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Breaking Bad (2008)
Description: Explores the transformation of an ordinary man into a ruthless criminal, highlighting moral decay and the consequences of power in the drug trade.
Fact: The show's iconic pink teddy bear was inspired by a real-life incident involving a drug-related plane crash. The series was originally set in Riverside, California, but moved to Albuquerque for tax incentives.
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Boardwalk Empire (2010)
Description: A historical crime drama that explores the rise of organized crime during Prohibition, featuring political corruption and violent power struggles.
Fact: The show's pilot episode was the most expensive in HBO's history at the time, costing $18 million. Many of the characters are based on real-life figures from the Prohibition era.
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Sons of Anarchy (2008)
Description: A high-octane drama about an outlaw motorcycle club, blending family loyalty with violent criminal enterprises and moral dilemmas.
Fact: The show's creator, Kurt Sutter, originally envisioned it as a modern-day retelling of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet.' The series was filmed in a real biker bar in California.
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Gomorrah (2014)
Description: A raw and unflinching look at the brutal realities of organized crime, focusing on the Camorra in Naples and its impact on society.
Fact: The series is based on a book by Roberto Saviano, who has lived under police protection since its publication due to threats from the Camorra. The show's dialogue is in the Neapolitan dialect.
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Peaky Blinders (2013)
Description: A stylish period crime drama centered around a powerful family navigating the criminal underworld, with a strong emphasis on loyalty and ambition.
Fact: The show's title refers to a real-life gang from Birmingham, England, who were known for sewing razor blades into their caps. The series was initially planned to be set in Glasgow but was moved to Birmingham.
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Animal Kingdom (2016)
Description: A tense family crime drama that explores the dynamics of a criminal family, with themes of loyalty, betrayal, and survival.
Fact: The series is based on an Australian film of the same name. The show's setting was moved from Melbourne to Oceanside, California, for the American adaptation.
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Snowfall (2017)
Description: A gripping tale of the crack cocaine epidemic in 1980s Los Angeles, intertwining the lives of dealers, users, and law enforcement.
Fact: The show was co-created by John Singleton, who drew inspiration from his own experiences growing up in South Central LA. The character Franklin Saint is loosely based on several real-life drug kingpins.
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