If you loved the gripping undercover drama of 'Wiseguy' (1987), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and TV shows that deliver the same intense crime storytelling, complex characters, and high-stakes action. Whether you're a fan of undercover operations, mob dramas, or thrilling suspense, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Sopranos (1999)
Description: A groundbreaking series that combines organized crime drama with psychological depth, exploring the duality of its protagonist's life as a mob boss and family man.
Fact: The show is often credited with ushering in the 'Golden Age of Television,' and its ambiguous ending remains one of the most debated in TV history.


The Shield (2002)
Description: A gritty crime drama that delves into the morally ambiguous world of law enforcement, featuring complex characters who operate in shades of gray.
Fact: The show was praised for its raw and unflinching portrayal of police corruption, and it was one of the first series to popularize the antihero protagonist in television.


The Wire (2002)
Description: A deeply layered narrative that explores systemic issues within urban institutions, blending crime drama with social commentary and intricate character studies.
Fact: The series is often cited as one of the greatest TV shows of all time, known for its realistic dialogue and meticulous attention to detail in depicting Baltimore's various societal layers.


Breaking Bad (2008)
Description: A character-driven thriller that follows the transformation of a mild-mannered man into a ruthless criminal, exploring themes of morality, power, and consequence.
Fact: The series was initially conceived as a short-lived project but evolved into a cultural phenomenon, renowned for its meticulous storytelling and character development.


Boardwalk Empire (2010)
Description: A period crime drama set during Prohibition, featuring intricate political machinations, violent power struggles, and a richly detailed historical backdrop.
Fact: The series was created by Terence Winter, a writer for 'The Sopranos,' and it was noted for its lavish production design and historical accuracy.


Sons of Anarchy (2008)
Description: A high-octane drama centered around an outlaw motorcycle club, focusing on themes of loyalty, power struggles, and the blurred lines between family and crime.
Fact: The show was inspired by Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' with its protagonist Jax Teller grappling with his father's legacy and his own moral dilemmas.


Justified (2010)
Description: A modern Western crime drama that blends sharp dialogue, morally complex characters, and a strong sense of place, focusing on law enforcement in rural Kentucky.
Fact: The show was based on Elmore Leonard's short story 'Fire in the Hole,' and it stayed true to Leonard's signature style of witty, character-driven storytelling.


The Americans (2013)
Description: A tense Cold War-era spy thriller that explores themes of identity, loyalty, and deception, centered around a married couple leading double lives as Soviet agents.
Fact: The show was praised for its meticulous attention to historical detail and its nuanced portrayal of the complexities of espionage and marriage.


Ray Donovan (2013)
Description: A dark drama about a fixer for the rich and famous, navigating the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles while dealing with his own troubled family dynamics.
Fact: The series was originally set in New York but was moved to Los Angeles to differentiate it from other crime dramas set on the East Coast.


Peaky Blinders (2013)
Description: A stylish and violent crime saga set in post-WWI Birmingham, following a gangster family's rise to power through cunning and brutality.
Fact: The show's title refers to the real-life Peaky Blinders gang, and its distinctive aesthetic and soundtrack have garnered a cult following.
