10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Fargo (2014)

Description: As the Coen Brothers' debut, Blood Simple shares Fargo's themes of betrayal, greed, and dark humor. Both films feature ordinary people ensnared in violent situations, with a focus on suspense and moral ambiguity. The visual style and use of silence in Blood Simple foreshadow Fargo's cinematic approach.

Fact: The film was made on a shoestring budget of $

Description: Another Coen Brothers' film, The Big Lebowski shares Fargo's quirky humor and eccentric characters. Both films revolve around mistaken identity and unintended consequences, with a laid-back protagonist caught in a web of crime. The dialogue-driven storytelling and offbeat tone are signature Coen traits present in both works.

Fact: Jeff Bridges based The Dude's look on a real-life LA slacker. The film initially underperformed but became a cult classic. There's an annual festival, Lebowski Fest, dedicated to the movie.

Description: The Sopranos and Fargo both delve into the complexities of human nature, blending crime with psychological depth. Tony Soprano's internal struggles mirror those of Fargo's characters, who often grapple with guilt and identity. Both shows use humor to offset their darker themes and feature unpredictable, often violent storytelling.

Fact: The Sopranos was originally conceived as a movie about a mobster in therapy. James Gandolfini ad-libbed many of Tony Soprano's most famous lines. The show's finale is one of the most debated in TV history.

Description: No Country for Old Men shares Fargo's Coen Brothers' DNA, with its bleak outlook, sudden violence, and existential themes. Both stories revolve around crime spiraling out of control in rural settings, featuring relentless antagonists (Anton Chigurh and Lorne Malvo). The sparse dialogue and tense pacing are hallmarks of both works.

Fact: Javier Bardem's haircut as Anton Chigurh was inspired by a 1979 photo of a Texas inmate. The coin toss scene was improvised by Bardem. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: Breaking Bad shares Fargo's exploration of ordinary people descending into criminality, with a mix of dark humor and intense drama. Both shows feature meticulous attention to character development and moral ambiguity. The transformation of Walter White parallels the sudden shifts in Fargo's characters, driven by desperation and circumstance. The stark, cinematic visuals of Breaking Bad also echo Fargo's distinctive aesthetic.

Fact: Bryan Cranston originally auditioned for the role of Michael Scott in The Office. The show's iconic pink teddy bear was inspired by a real-life incident involving a plane crash. Breaking Bad is one of the few TV shows to feature a full episode in a foreign language (Spanish).

Description: Justified shares Fargo's blend of crime, dark humor, and regional flavor, with a focus on the rural South instead of the Midwest. Both feature charismatic lawmen (Raylan Givens and Marge Gunderson) navigating morally complex worlds. The sharp dialogue and episodic storytelling with overarching plots are strengths of both series.

Fact: The show is based on Elmore Leonard's short story 'Fire in the Hole.' Timothy Olyphant's hat became an iconic part of his character. The show's final season was widely praised for its conclusion.

Description: The Killing shares Fargo's slow-burn mystery and atmospheric tension, set against a bleak, rainy backdrop reminiscent of Fargo's snowy landscapes. Both shows focus on the ripple effects of a single crime, with complex characters and a moody, immersive tone. The storytelling is deliberate, with twists that feel earned rather than gratuitous.

Fact: The show is based on a Danish series, Forbrydelsen. The first season's 'Who killed Rosie Larsen?' mystery was initially intended to be resolved in one season. The show was canceled twice but revived due to fan demand.

Description: The Americans and Fargo both explore duality and deception, with protagonists leading double lives. The tension between personal and professional obligations is a central theme in both. The meticulous period detail and slow-building suspense in The Americans mirror Fargo's attention to setting and pacing.

Fact: Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys began dating during the show's production. The wig budget for the series was reportedly enormous. The show was praised for its accurate depiction of Cold War espionage.

Description: Similar to Fargo, True Detective blends crime drama with deep philosophical undertones and a dark, moody atmosphere. Both feature intricate storytelling, morally ambiguous characters, and a strong sense of place—Fargo in the snowy Midwest and True Detective in the eerie Louisiana bayou. The anthology format of True Detective also mirrors Fargo's season-based storytelling, allowing for fresh narratives while maintaining thematic consistency.

Fact: The first season of True Detective was written entirely by Nic Pizzolatto, a rare feat in television. The show's famous six-minute tracking shot in episode four was achieved in a single take. Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson's performances were critically acclaimed, revitalizing McConaughey's career.

Description: As a prequel to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul shares Fargo's blend of crime and dark comedy, with a focus on the consequences of small decisions spiraling out of control. Both shows excel in character-driven narratives and feature protagonists who are morally flexible. The visual storytelling and use of silence in Better Call Saul are reminiscent of Fargo's stylistic choices.

Fact: Bob Odenkirk initially thought the show would be a half-hour comedy. The show's black-and-white flash-forwards were inspired by classic film noir. Better Call Saul has been praised for its accurate depiction of legal procedures.