10 Shows & Movies Similar to The North Water (2021)

Description: 'Ripper Street' shares with 'The North Water' a grim, atmospheric depiction of 19th-century life, focusing on the underbelly of society. Both series feature strong, flawed protagonists dealing with moral dilemmas and the consequences of their actions. The storytelling is rich in historical detail, with a focus on the harsh realities of the time.

Fact: 'Ripper Street' was initially canceled after two seasons but was revived due to fan demand. The show's creator, Richard Warlow, drew inspiration from real historical events. The series features a mix of fictional and real-life characters, including Inspector Edmund Reid.

Description: 'Vikings' and 'The North Water' both depict brutal, survivalist narratives set in harsh environments. The exploration of leadership, loyalty, and the human capacity for violence are central to both series. The visceral action and strong character development are hallmarks of both shows.

Fact: 'Vikings' was created by Michael Hirst, who also worked on 'The Tudors'. The show is loosely based on the sagas of Viking Ragnar Lothbrok. The series was filmed in Ireland, with extensive use of practical effects.

Description: 'Black Sails' and 'The North Water' both explore themes of survival, betrayal, and the struggle for power in unforgiving environments. While 'Black Sails' is set in the Golden Age of Piracy, both series feature brutal, visceral storytelling and complex characters. The maritime setting and the exploration of human nature under extreme conditions are central to both narratives.

Fact: 'Black Sails' serves as a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Treasure Island'. The series was praised for its realistic portrayal of pirate life. The show's production design meticulously recreated 18th-century Nassau.

Description: While 'Peaky Blinders' is set in a different time period (early 20th century), it shares with 'The North Water' a gritty, visceral portrayal of violence and survival. Both series feature morally complex protagonists navigating brutal worlds—whether it's the icy Arctic or the criminal underworld of Birmingham. The atmospheric cinematography and strong performances anchor both shows in a sense of realism, despite their heightened drama.

Fact: 'Peaky Blinders' is loosely based on the real-life Peaky Blinders gang. The show's distinctive soundtrack features modern music, contrasting with its historical setting. Cillian Murphy's portrayal of Tommy Shelby has become iconic, earning widespread acclaim.

Description: 'The Terror' shares with 'The North Water' a harrowing tale of survival in extreme conditions, set against the backdrop of a historical maritime expedition. Both series delve into the psychological and physical toll of isolation and the struggle against nature. The eerie, claustrophobic atmosphere and the exploration of human nature under duress are central to both narratives. The supernatural undertones in 'The Terror' add an extra layer of tension, much like the existential dread in 'The North Water'.

Fact: 'The Terror' is based on Dan Simmons' novel, which fictionalizes the real-life Franklin Expedition. The series features an ensemble cast, including Jared Harris and Tobias Menzies. The show's creators used a mix of practical effects and CGI to recreate the harsh Arctic environment.

Description: 'The Knick' and 'The North Water' both offer a stark, unflinching look at the past, with a focus on the darker aspects of human nature. While 'The Knick' is set in a early 20th-century hospital, both series feature morally complex characters and explore themes of innovation, survival, and the cost of progress. The visual style and atmospheric storytelling are key similarities.

Fact: 'The Knick' was directed by Steven Soderbergh, who also shot and edited the series. The show's score, by Cliff Martinez, is entirely electronic, contrasting with its historical setting. The series was praised for its realistic depiction of early surgical practices.

Description: 'Outlander' and 'The North Water' both blend historical drama with intense personal journeys. While 'Outlander' incorporates time travel and romance, both series are deeply rooted in their historical settings and feature strong, resilient protagonists. The attention to period detail and the exploration of human resilience are key similarities.

Fact: 'Outlander' is based on Diana Gabaldon's bestselling book series. The show's production involves extensive historical research to ensure accuracy. The series has been praised for its strong female lead and feminist themes.

Description: Similar to 'The North Water', 'Taboo' is a dark, atmospheric period drama that explores themes of survival, revenge, and moral ambiguity. Both series are set in the 19th century and feature brutal, unforgiving environments—'The North Water' in the Arctic and 'Taboo' in London and its underworld. The storytelling is gritty and visceral, with complex characters navigating treacherous circumstances. Tom Hardy's portrayal of James Delaney, much like Colin Farrell's Henry Drax, is intense and morally ambiguous, adding depth to the narrative.

Fact: 'Taboo' was co-created by Tom Hardy and his father, Chips Hardy. The series was initially rejected by several networks before being picked up by the BBC and FX. Tom Hardy's character, James Delaney, was inspired by a mix of historical figures and literary antiheroes.

Description: 'The Last Kingdom' and 'The North Water' both feature intense, character-driven narratives set against harsh historical backdrops. While 'The Last Kingdom' focuses on the Viking invasions of England, both series explore themes of loyalty, survival, and identity. The gritty realism and strong performances anchor both shows in a sense of historical authenticity.

Fact: 'The Last Kingdom' is based on Bernard Cornwell's 'The Saxon Stories' series. The show's protagonist, Uhtred, is inspired by a real historical figure. The series was initially produced by the BBC before moving to Netflix.

Description: 'The Alienist' and 'The North Water' both delve into the darker aspects of human nature, set against the backdrop of the 19th century. 'The Alienist' explores the psychological depths of crime and investigation, much like 'The North Water' examines the moral decay of its characters. Both series are visually stunning, with meticulous attention to period detail, and feature intense, character-driven narratives.

Fact: 'The Alienist' is based on Caleb Carr's bestselling novel. The series was one of the first to be produced by Paramount for its streaming service. The show's title refers to an outdated term for a psychologist or psychiatrist.