If you enjoyed the gripping political thriller 'El Candidato' (2020), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same intense drama, suspense, and high-stakes action. Whether you're a fan of espionage, political intrigue, or complex characters, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Sopranos (1999)
Description: A masterful blend of crime drama and psychological exploration, following a mob boss as he balances family life with the demands of his criminal empire.
Fact: The series popularized the antihero trope in television, influencing countless dramas that followed.


Traffic (2000)
Description: A multi-narrative film that examines the drug trade from multiple perspectives, including law enforcement, politicians, traffickers, and addicts.
Fact: The movie's distinctive visual style uses different color filters to distinguish its intersecting storylines.


The Shield (2002)
Description: A raw, unflinching look at police corruption and moral compromise, featuring antiheroes who blur the line between justice and criminality.
Fact: The show was groundbreaking for its handheld camera style, which added to its gritty, documentary-like feel.


The Wire (2002)
Description: A gritty, realistic portrayal of crime and corruption, focusing on the interconnectedness of law enforcement, drug trade, and politics in an urban setting.
Fact: The show was praised for its authentic depiction of Baltimore, with many real-life figures from the city consulting on the series.


Breaking Bad (2008)
Description: Explores the moral descent of a protagonist drawn into the criminal underworld, blending intense drama with high-stakes tension and complex character development.
Fact: The show's iconic RV meth lab was inspired by real-life mobile drug labs used by traffickers.


Queen of the South (2016)
Description: Centers on a woman navigating the dangerous world of drug cartels, featuring themes of power, survival, and betrayal in a high-stakes criminal environment.
Fact: The series is based on a bestselling novel by Arturo Pérez-Reverte, which was inspired by real events.


Gomorrah (2014)
Description: A brutal, unvarnished depiction of organized crime in Naples, focusing on the ruthless dynamics of power, loyalty, and violence within a mafia clan.
Fact: The show is based on a book by Roberto Saviano, who has lived under police protection due to threats from the Camorra.


Sicario (2015)
Description: A tense, morally ambiguous thriller that delves into the brutal realities of the drug war, with a focus on covert operations and shifting loyalties.
Fact: The film's title, 'Sicario,' means 'hitman' in Spanish, reflecting its violent and shadowy themes.


Snowfall (2017)
Description: Chronicles the rise of the crack epidemic in 1980s Los Angeles, intertwining the lives of dealers, law enforcement, and ordinary citizens affected by the drug trade.
Fact: The series was co-created by John Singleton, who drew from his own experiences growing up in South Central LA.


ZeroZeroZero (2020)
Description: A sprawling, international crime drama that tracks the journey of a cocaine shipment, revealing the global scale and human cost of the drug trade.
Fact: The series was filmed in multiple countries, including Mexico, Italy, and Senegal, to authentically depict its global narrative.
