10 Shows & Movies Like Bikie Wars (2012)

Description: A groundbreaking series that explores the life of a mob boss balancing family life with criminal enterprises. The psychological depth and moral ambiguity of its characters set a high bar for crime dramas.

Fact: The Sopranos is often credited with ushering in the golden age of television. It was the first cable series to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series.

Description: Focuses on the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminal behavior, featuring intense, morally ambiguous characters. The show's unflinching look at corruption and violence within a subculture resonates strongly.

Fact: The Shield was one of the first TV shows to popularize the use of handheld cameras to create a documentary-style feel. It was also notable for its groundbreaking portrayal of police brutality and misconduct.

Description: A meticulously crafted look at the interconnected worlds of law enforcement, drug trade, and politics in Baltimore. The show's realistic portrayal of systemic issues and its ensemble cast make it a standout.

Fact: The Wire was praised for its authenticity, with many of its writers having backgrounds in journalism or law enforcement. It was initially overlooked by awards but has since been recognized as one of the greatest TV shows of all time.

Description: A period drama set during Prohibition, focusing on the rise of organized crime in Atlantic City. The intricate plotting and historical authenticity provide a rich backdrop for its characters' struggles.

Fact: The series was created by Terence Winter, a writer for The Sopranos, and executive produced by Martin Scorsese. Many of the characters are based on real historical figures from the Prohibition era.

Description: A dramatized account of real-life criminal events in Australia, focusing on gang rivalries and law enforcement efforts. The series' gritty realism and focus on true crime make it stand out.

Fact: Each season of Underbelly covers a different era or criminal organization in Australian history. The show faced legal challenges in some regions due to its depiction of real people and events.

Description: This series delves into the gritty world of outlaw motorcycle clubs, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and power struggles within a tight-knit brotherhood. The raw portrayal of biker culture and the moral complexities of its characters make it a compelling watch.

Fact: The show's creator, Kurt Sutter, originally envisioned it as a modern-day retelling of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Many of the club's patches and insignias were designed with real biker gang symbolism in mind.

Description: Set in post-WWI Birmingham, this series follows a notorious gang as they rise to power. The show's stylish direction, historical setting, and focus on family and ambition make it unique.

Fact: The Peaky Blinders gang was a real historical group, though the series takes many creative liberties. The show's distinctive soundtrack blends modern rock music with its early 20th-century setting.

Description: Centers around a crime family with a matriarch at its helm, showcasing the brutal and often chaotic nature of organized crime. The themes of family loyalty and survival in a dangerous world are prominent.

Fact: The series is based on an Australian film of the same name but relocates the story to Southern California. It features high-stakes heists and a focus on the psychological toll of criminal life.

Description: A spin-off that continues to explore the biker underworld, this time focusing on a Latino motorcycle club. The series maintains the same level of intensity, brotherhood dynamics, and criminal intrigue.

Fact: The show was initially conceived as a direct sequel to Sons of Anarchy but evolved into its own standalone story. Many of the original series' writers and producers were involved in its creation.

Description: A visceral look at the power struggles within London's criminal underworld, featuring intense action and complex character relationships. The show's depiction of organized crime and its consequences is gripping.

Fact: The series was co-created by Gareth Evans, known for his work on The Raid films, which explains its highly choreographed and brutal fight scenes. It was praised for its cinematic quality and storytelling depth.