If you loved the dark humor, crime drama, and fish-out-of-water charm of 'Lilyhammer,' you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and TV shows that blend crime, comedy, and culture clashes, perfect for fans of the Norwegian-American series. Whether you're drawn to mobsters in unlikely settings or witty storytelling, these picks will keep you entertained.

The Sopranos (1999)
Description: A blend of crime drama and dark comedy, focusing on the personal and professional life of a mobster trying to balance family and underworld dealings.
Fact: The show was initially pitched as a movie about a mobster in therapy, but it evolved into a groundbreaking TV series. It popularized the antihero protagonist in television.


The Shield (2002)
Description: A gritty police drama with morally ambiguous characters, focusing on a corrupt strike team navigating the blurred lines between justice and criminality.
Fact: The show was groundbreaking for its handheld camera style and unflinching portrayal of police corruption. It was one of the first basic cable series to win a major acting Emmy.


The Wire (2002)
Description: A gritty, realistic portrayal of crime and corruption in an American city, with a focus on systemic issues and interconnected storylines.
Fact: Many actors were cast based on their real-life backgrounds, including former drug dealers and police officers. The show's creator was a former crime reporter, lending authenticity to the storytelling.


Breaking Bad (2008)
Description: A character-driven crime drama with a mix of dark humor and intense storytelling, following a man's transformation from a mild-mannered teacher to a ruthless criminal.
Fact: The show's iconic pink teddy bear was inspired by a real-life incident involving a drug bust. It was originally planned to be set in Riverside, California, but moved to Albuquerque for tax incentives.


Boardwalk Empire (2010)
Description: A period crime drama set during Prohibition, blending historical events with fictionalized characters and exploring the rise of organized crime.
Fact: The show's elaborate sets included a full-scale replica of 1920s Atlantic City. It was initially developed as a feature film before becoming a TV series.


Sons of Anarchy (2008)
Description: A biker gang drama with Shakespearean undertones, focusing on loyalty, betrayal, and the moral complexities of outlaw life.
Fact: The show's creator originally envisioned it as a modern retelling of 'Hamlet.' Many of the motorcycle stunts were performed by the actors themselves after extensive training.


Ray Donovan (2013)
Description: A crime drama centered around a fixer for Hollywood's elite, dealing with family issues and underworld connections while maintaining a tough exterior.
Fact: The show was originally set in New York but moved to Los Angeles to differentiate it from other East Coast crime dramas. It explores themes of trauma and redemption through its protagonist.


Peaky Blinders (2013)
Description: A stylish crime drama set in post-WWI England, following a gangster family's rise to power with a mix of violence, family dynamics, and political intrigue.
Fact: The show's title refers to the real-life Peaky Blinders gang, though the series takes creative liberties. The distinctive soundtrack features modern rock music despite the historical setting.


Fargo (2014)
Description: A crime anthology series with a mix of dark humor and brutal violence, set in small-town America with quirky characters and unexpected twists.
Fact: Each season is inspired by the 1996 Coen Brothers film but tells a completely new story. The show's title sequence features a fake 'true story' disclaimer, a nod to the original movie.


Better Call Saul (2015)
Description: A prequel spin-off that combines legal drama with crime elements, focusing on the moral descent of a morally flexible lawyer navigating the criminal underworld.
Fact: The show's black-and-white flash-forwards were initially a creative choice but later tied into the narrative. It features meticulous attention to detail in recreating the timeline of its predecessor.
