10 Shows and Movies Like Gomorrah (2014)

Description: The Sopranos, like Gomorrah, is a seminal crime drama that explores the psychological and emotional toll of life in organized crime. Both series feature complex, morally ambiguous characters and delve into the family dynamics of criminal organizations. The storytelling is rich and character-driven, with a mix of violence and dark humor.

Fact: The Sopranos is often credited with ushering in the golden age of television. James Gandolfini's portrayal of Tony Soprano is considered one of the greatest performances in TV history. The series finale is one of the most debated in television history.

Description: The Wire shares Gomorrah's deep dive into the systemic issues surrounding crime, focusing on the drug trade and its impact on society. Both series are praised for their realistic portrayal of urban life and the intricate web of relationships between criminals, law enforcement, and the community. The storytelling is layered and nuanced, with a strong emphasis on social commentary.

Fact: The Wire was created by David Simon, a former police reporter, which lends authenticity to its depiction of law enforcement. The series is often cited as one of the greatest TV shows of all time. Each season of The Wire focuses on a different aspect of Baltimore's institutions, including the drug trade, the port system, and the school system.

Description: Boardwalk Empire shares Gomorrah's focus on the rise and fall of a criminal organization, though it is set during Prohibition-era America. Both series are known for their historical detail, complex characters, and exploration of the political and social context of crime. The visual aesthetics are similarly rich and immersive.

Fact: Boardwalk Empire was created by Terence Winter, a writer for The Sopranos. The series stars Steve Buscemi as Nucky Thompson, a fictionalized version of real-life gangster Enoch L. Johnson. The show was praised for its meticulous recreation of 1920s Atlantic City.

Description: Queen of the South shares Gomorrah's focus on the rise of a powerful figure in the drug trade, though it centers on a female protagonist. Both series are known for their fast-paced storytelling, high-stakes drama, and exploration of the personal costs of power. The emotional tone is similarly intense and suspenseful.

Fact: Queen of the South is based on the novel La Reina del Sur by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. The series has been praised for its strong female lead and diverse cast. It was originally developed as a telenovela before being adapted for U.S. television.

Description: Underbelly is an Australian crime drama that, like Gomorrah, is based on real-life events and characters. Both series are known for their brutal depiction of crime and the rise and fall of criminal empires. The storytelling is fast-paced and visceral, with a strong emphasis on the personal stories behind the headlines.

Fact: Underbelly is an anthology series, with each season focusing on a different criminal case in Australian history. The first season was banned in the state of Victoria due to ongoing legal proceedings. The series has been both praised and criticized for its glamorization of criminals.

Description: Peaky Blinders, like Gomorrah, delves into the world of organized crime, though it is set in post-WWI Birmingham. Both series feature charismatic yet ruthless leaders, complex family dynamics, and a dark, atmospheric tone. The visual aesthetics of Peaky Blinders, with its stylish cinematography and period detail, are as striking as Gomorrah's gritty realism.

Fact: Peaky Blinders is inspired by the real-life Peaky Blinders gang that operated in Birmingham in the early 20th century. The series has a distinctive soundtrack featuring modern rock and post-punk music, contrasting with its historical setting. Cillian Murphy's portrayal of Tommy Shelby has become iconic.

Description: 4 Blocks is a German crime drama that shares Gomorrah's focus on the inner workings of a criminal organization, particularly the tensions between loyalty and ambition. Both series are known for their realistic portrayal of gang life and the consequences of violence. The emotional tone is similarly dark and intense.

Fact: 4 Blocks is set in the Arab community in Berlin, offering a unique perspective on organized crime in Germany. The series was praised for its authentic dialogue and performances. It was originally planned as a six-season show but was canceled after two seasons due to creative differences.

Description: McMafia explores the global reach of organized crime, much like Gomorrah, but with a focus on the financial and corporate aspects of illegal activities. Both series highlight the moral compromises and personal costs of involvement in crime. The storytelling is tense and suspenseful, with a strong emphasis on the interconnectedness of the criminal underworld.

Fact: McMafia is based on the non-fiction book by Misha Glenny. The series was filmed in multiple countries, including the UK, Russia, and Israel. James Norton, who plays the lead role, learned to speak Russian for the part.

Description: Snowfall, like Gomorrah, explores the impact of the drug trade on a community, focusing on the crack epidemic in 1980s Los Angeles. Both series are known for their gritty realism and complex characters. The storytelling is intense and emotionally charged, with a strong emphasis on the human cost of crime.

Fact: Snowfall was co-created by John Singleton, the director of Boyz n the Hood. The series is partially based on real events and figures from the crack epidemic. The title refers to the nickname for cocaine in the 1980s.

Description: Similar to Gomorrah (2014) in its gritty portrayal of organized crime, ZeroZeroZero explores the global cocaine trade with a focus on the brutal realities of the business. Both series are known for their raw, unflinching depiction of violence and the complex relationships within criminal organizations. The storytelling is intense and immersive, with a strong emphasis on character development and moral ambiguity.

Fact: ZeroZeroZero is based on the book of the same name by Roberto Saviano, who also wrote Gomorrah. The series was filmed in multiple countries, including Italy, Mexico, and Senegal, to authentically depict the global nature of the drug trade. The title refers to the purest form of flour, symbolizing the purity of the cocaine in the series.