10 Shows & Movies Similar to Animal Kingdom (2016)

Description: 'The Sopranos' and 'Animal Kingdom' both explore the duality of family life and criminal enterprise, with a focus on the psychological and emotional toll of a life of crime. Both shows feature complex, flawed characters and a blend of violence, drama, and dark humor.

Fact: James Gandolfini was not the first choice for Tony Soprano; the role was initially offered to Steven Van Zandt. The show's famous opening sequence was shot in one take. 'The Sopranos' is often credited with ushering in the 'Golden Age of Television'.

Description: 'The Shield' shares with 'Animal Kingdom' a raw, unfiltered look at crime and corruption, focusing on a group of individuals who operate outside the law. Both shows feature antiheroes who navigate a morally gray world, with intense, high-stakes drama and a focus on family-like bonds within their respective groups.

Fact: Michael Chiklis won an Emmy for his role as Vic Mackey. The show was groundbreaking for its handheld camera style and realistic portrayal of police work. It was one of the first original dramas produced by FX, setting a precedent for future series.

Description: 'The Wire' and 'Animal Kingdom' both offer a gritty, realistic portrayal of crime and its impact on individuals and communities. Both shows feature complex characters, intricate storytelling, and a focus on the systemic nature of crime and corruption.

Fact: Creator David Simon was a former police reporter for The Baltimore Sun. Many of the show's actors were real-life Baltimore residents with no prior acting experience. The show was initially criticized for its slow pacing but is now considered one of the greatest TV series of all time.

Description: Like 'Animal Kingdom', 'Breaking Bad' centers on a protagonist who becomes increasingly entangled in the criminal underworld, exploring themes of power, family, and moral decay. Both shows feature intense character development and a descent into darkness, with a focus on the consequences of criminal actions.

Fact: Bryan Cranston originally auditioned for the role of Michael in 'The Office'. The show's iconic RV was nicknamed 'The Crystal Ship'. Vince Gilligan initially pitched the show as 'Mr. Chips becomes Scarface'.

Description: Similar to 'Animal Kingdom', 'Queen of the South' follows a protagonist who rises through the ranks of a criminal organization, dealing with themes of power, survival, and family. Both shows feature strong, complex female leads and a gritty, fast-paced narrative.

Fact: The show is based on the novel 'La Reina del Sur' by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. Alice Braga, who plays Teresa Mendoza, also starred in the 2011 film adaptation of the novel. The series was initially developed for NBC but was later picked up by USA Network.

Description: Similar to 'Animal Kingdom' (2016), 'Sons of Anarchy' explores the dynamics of a tight-knit, morally ambiguous family involved in criminal activities. Both series delve into themes of loyalty, power struggles, and the consequences of a life of crime. The gritty, violent storytelling and complex character relationships are central to both shows.

Fact: Created by Kurt Sutter, who also played Otto Delaney in the series. The show is loosely based on Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'. Charlie Hunnam, who plays Jax Teller, initially auditioned for the role of Happy Lowman.

Description: 'Justified' shares with 'Animal Kingdom' a focus on criminal families and law enforcement, with a blend of action, drama, and dark humor. Both shows feature charismatic antiheroes and explore themes of justice, loyalty, and the blurred lines between good and evil.

Fact: The show is based on Elmore Leonard's short story 'Fire in the Hole'. Timothy Olyphant, who plays Raylan Givens, also starred in 'Deadwood'. The character of Boyd Crowder was originally intended to die in the first episode but was kept due to Walton Goggins' performance.

Description: 'Peaky Blinders' mirrors 'Animal Kingdom' in its portrayal of a criminal family navigating power, loyalty, and violence. Both shows feature charismatic leaders, intricate family dynamics, and a stylish, atmospheric depiction of their respective criminal worlds.

Fact: The show's title refers to the gang's practice of sewing razor blades into their caps. Cillian Murphy was not the first choice for Tommy Shelby; the role was initially offered to Jason Statham. The series is loosely based on the real-life Peaky Blinders gang from Birmingham.

Description: As a spin-off of 'Sons of Anarchy', 'Mayans M.C.' shares with 'Animal Kingdom' a focus on motorcycle clubs and criminal families. Both shows explore themes of loyalty, revenge, and the struggle for power within a tight-knit, violent community.

Fact: The show was co-created by Kurt Sutter and Elgin James. It is set in the same universe as 'Sons of Anarchy' but focuses on a rival motorcycle club. The series was initially conceived as a prequel to 'Sons of Anarchy'.

Description: 'Snowfall' and 'Animal Kingdom' both depict the rise of criminal empires, with a focus on the personal and societal impacts of the drug trade. Both shows feature young protagonists navigating a dangerous world, with a mix of family drama and high-stakes crime.

Fact: The show was co-created by John Singleton, who also directed 'Boyz n the Hood'. It is loosely based on the real-life crack epidemic in Los Angeles during the 1980s. Damson Idris, who plays Franklin Saint, is British but mastered an American accent for the role.