10 Shows & Movies Similar to Barry (2018)

Description: The Sopranos pioneered the blend of crime drama and dark comedy that Barry employs. Both shows feature protagonists in therapy, grappling with their violent professions and personal lives.

Fact: James Gandolfini kept his Tony Soprano suits after filming. The famous 'Pine Barrens' episode was inspired by a real event. David Chase originally envisioned the show as a movie.

Description: Like Barry, Breaking Bad explores the transformation of an ordinary man into a criminal, blending dark humor with intense drama. Both protagonists struggle with their dual identities and the moral consequences of their actions.

Fact: Bryan Cranston initially auditioned for the role of Saul Goodman. The show was almost set in Riverside, California, but was moved to Albuquerque for tax incentives. The iconic 'Heisenberg' hat was a last-minute addition to Walter White's wardrobe.

Description: Like Barry, The Americans explores duality and identity through protagonists living double lives. Both shows balance tense action with deep character study and unexpected humor.

Fact: Keri Russell did most of her own stunts. The wig budget was enormous. Real KGB agents consulted on the show.

Description: Fargo's darkly comedic tone and exploration of crime intersecting with ordinary lives mirrors Barry's approach. Both shows feature quirky characters caught in violent situations they're ill-prepared to handle.

Fact: Each season is a standalone story. The show maintains the film's 'true story' fiction. Billy Bob Thornton's character was originally written as Swedish.

Description: A prequel to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul shares Barry's mix of crime and comedy, focusing on a morally ambiguous protagonist navigating the criminal underworld while trying to maintain a legitimate facade.

Fact: Bob Odenkirk performed many of his own stunts. The show's timeline required actors to look younger, leading to innovative makeup techniques. Vince Gilligan directed the first and last episodes.

Description: Mr. Robot shares Barry's psychological depth and exploration of a protagonist with a fractured identity. Both shows use unconventional storytelling and visual styles to reflect their main characters' mental states.

Fact: Rami Malek prepared by talking to hackers at DEF CON. The show's hacking scenes are technically accurate. Creator Sam Esmail directed every episode of seasons 2-

Description: Get Shorty mirrors Barry's blend of crime and Hollywood satire, following criminals trying to make it in the entertainment industry while their past catches up with them.

Fact: Based on Elmore Leonard's novel. Chris O'Dowd learned to play the drums for his role. The show features many meta-references to filmmaking.

Description: Like Barry, Killing Eve blends espionage thriller elements with dark comedy, featuring a complex relationship between a killer and someone drawn to their world. Both shows explore obsession and identity.

Fact: Sandra Oh was the first actress of Asian descent nominated for a Lead Actress Emmy. The role of Villanelle was written specifically for Jodie Comer. Phoebe Waller-Bridge based some dialogue on her own text messages.

Description: While not about crime, Succession shares Barry's sharp dialogue, dark humor, and exploration of toxic family dynamics. Both shows feature protagonists struggling with inherited identities.

Fact: Many scenes are improvised. The theme song combines classical and hip-hop elements. Brian Cox didn't watch the show until after filming.

Description: Patriot shares Barry's unique tone of melancholy mixed with absurdist humor, following a depressed intelligence officer struggling with his violent profession and personal demons.

Fact: The show features elaborate folk songs about the plot. Creator Steven Conrad appeared in small roles. Many scenes were shot in Prague standing in for other locations.