10 Movies and Shows Similar to We Own This City (2022)

Description: While focused on organized crime, 'The Sopranos' shares 'We Own This City's' exploration of institutional corruption and moral ambiguity. Both shows feature antiheroes navigating systems they simultaneously exploit and are trapped by.

Fact: James Gandolfini kept his Tony Soprano voice between takes. The famous therapy scenes were inspired by creator David Chase's own therapy. It was the first cable series to win the Emmy for Outstanding Drama.

Description: Like 'We Own This City', 'The Shield' focuses on police corruption, specifically following a rogue strike team that engages in criminal activities. Both shows examine the moral compromises officers make and the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminality.

Fact: Michael Chiklis won an Emmy for his role as Vic Mackey. The show's handheld camera style influenced many subsequent police dramas. It was FX's first original drama series.

Description: Both 'The Wire' and 'We Own This City' are created by David Simon and explore systemic corruption within law enforcement and government institutions in Baltimore. They share a gritty, realistic portrayal of urban decay and the complexities of policing.

Fact: 'The Wire' was initially not a ratings success but gained critical acclaim post-cancellation. Many actors were non-professionals from Baltimore. The show's detailed realism came from Simon's experience as a Baltimore Sun reporter.

Description: Like 'We Own This City', this film explores the intersection of crime and law enforcement corruption, though from the criminal's perspective. Both are based on true stories and examine how systems enable criminal enterprises.

Fact: Denzel Washington gained 30 pounds for the role. The real Frank Lucas was a consultant on the film. Ridley Scott directed over 200 hours of footage.

Description: Both series depict the moral descent of their protagonists within corrupt systems - law enforcement in 'We Own This City' and the drug trade in 'Breaking Bad'. They share themes of power, corruption, and the American Dream gone wrong.

Fact: The iconic hat was bought at a Albuquerque mall. Bryan Cranston based Walter White's look on his uncle. The show's title refers to a Southern expression meaning 'to raise hell'.

Description: Another David Simon creation, 'Treme' shares 'We Own This City's' focus on a specific American city (New Orleans) and its institutional challenges post-disaster. Both shows blend fictional narratives with real-world social commentary.

Fact: Many musicians played themselves on the show. It was the first HBO series to use Twitter for live-tweeting episodes. The show's music supervisor won multiple awards.

Description: Like 'We Own This City', this series explores institutional betrayal and moral compromise, though from the perspective of Soviet spies. Both shows examine how individuals navigate and exploit systems of power.

Fact: The actors learned Russian from a KGB-trained linguist. Keri Russell did most of her own stunts. The show's wigs became a running joke among the cast.

Description: Both series delve into the dark underbelly of law enforcement, with 'True Detective' sharing 'We Own This City's' thematic focus on institutional corruption and morally compromised detectives. Their nonlinear storytelling and atmospheric tension are also similar.

Fact: Season 1 was shot in just 100 days. Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson were childhood friends in real life. The show's opening theme won a Grammy.

Description: This limited series shares 'We Own This City's' examination of systemic flaws in the justice system, particularly how individuals navigate a broken system. Both shows offer a sobering look at institutional failure through a legal lens.

Fact: Originally developed as a BBC series starring James Gandolfini. Riz Ahmed lost 15 pounds for his prison scenes. The show's courtroom scenes were praised for their accuracy.

Description: This prequel shares 'We Own This City's' focus on how systems corrupt individuals, particularly through legal institutions. Both shows explore how ostensibly good people become complicit in systemic wrongdoing.

Fact: Bob Odenkirk had a heart attack during filming. The show's legal scenes were vetted by real lawyers. It holds the record for most Emmy nominations without a win.