If you enjoyed the gripping tension and dark thrills of The Snakes (2021), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that deliver similar suspense, psychological depth, and unexpected twists. Whether you're a fan of crime dramas, psychological thrillers, or stories with morally ambiguous characters, this list has something to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Traffic (2000)
Description: A multi-layered crime drama that interweaves stories of drug trafficking, law enforcement, and personal struggles, offering a gritty and realistic portrayal of the drug war.
Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Director for Steven Soderbergh. It was shot in a distinctive visual style, with different color tones for each storyline.


Blow (2001)
Description: A biographical crime drama that chronicles the rise and fall of a drug trafficker, highlighting the allure and ultimate destruction of the drug trade.
Fact: The film is based on the life of George Jung, who played a major role in the cocaine trade in the U.S. during the 1970s and 1980s. It features a memorable soundtrack reflecting the era.


No Country for Old Men (2007)
Description: A dark, suspenseful crime story with themes of fate, violence, and the relentless pursuit of money, featuring a chilling antagonist and a stark, unforgiving landscape.
Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is based on Cormac McCarthy's novel of the same name, known for its sparse dialogue and intense atmosphere.


Breaking Bad (2008)
Description: A masterful exploration of crime, power, and transformation, following a man's descent into the criminal underworld, filled with moral dilemmas and high-stakes tension.
Fact: The show was initially pitched as a short-lived series but became a cultural phenomenon. It features one of the most iconic character arcs in television history.


The Infiltrator (2016)
Description: A tense undercover crime thriller based on true events, focusing on the dangerous world of drug cartels and the risks taken by those who infiltrate them.
Fact: The film is based on the memoir of Robert Mazur, a federal agent who went undercover to expose money laundering by drug lords. The story highlights the psychological toll of deep-cover operations.


The Counselor (2013)
Description: A bleak and philosophical crime thriller that examines greed, betrayal, and the inescapable consequences of involvement with dangerous criminal enterprises.
Fact: The screenplay was written by Cormac McCarthy, marking his first original screenplay. The film is known for its unflinching portrayal of violence and moral decay.


Sicario (2015)
Description: A brutal and atmospheric crime thriller that delves into the murky world of drug cartels and the moral compromises made by those who fight them.
Fact: The film's title, 'Sicario,' means 'hitman' in Spanish, reflecting the violent and unforgiving nature of the story. The movie's cinematography is renowned for its stark, tension-filled visuals.


American Made (2017)
Description: A fast-paced crime drama based on true events, blending dark humor with the high-stakes world of drug smuggling and government corruption.
Fact: The film is inspired by the life of Barry Seal, a pilot who worked for the CIA and later became a drug smuggler. It uses a mix of archival footage and stylized cinematography to enhance its storytelling.


The Serpent (2021)
Description: A gripping crime drama based on true events, focusing on deception, manipulation, and the dark underbelly of international crime. The series captures the tension and moral ambiguity of its characters.
Fact: The show is based on the real-life crimes of Charles Sobhraj, who preyed on Western tourists in Southeast Asia during the 1970s. The production meticulously recreated the era's fashion and settings.


The Mule (2018)
Description: A tense thriller about an ordinary man drawn into the dangerous world of drug trafficking, exploring themes of desperation, crime, and the consequences of choices.
Fact: The film is loosely inspired by the true story of Leo Sharp, a World War II veteran who became a drug courier for a Mexican cartel in his 80s.
