If you were captivated by the wild true-crime antics of 'Operation Odessa' (2018), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 gripping movies and shows that share the same high-stakes intrigue, audacious schemes, and larger-than-life characters. Whether you love crime documentaries or thrilling heist stories, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Blow (2001)
Description: This biographical crime film explores the rise and fall of a drug kingpin, capturing the allure and eventual downfall of a life steeped in crime and excess.
Fact: The film is based on the life of George Jung, who became a major figure in the American cocaine trade in the 1970s and 1980s.


Cocaine Cowboys (2006)
Description: This documentary delves into the gritty underworld of drug trafficking, showcasing real-life criminals and their audacious schemes, much like the high-stakes criminal operations depicted in the reference film.
Fact: The film features interviews with actual drug smugglers and law enforcement officials, providing an unfiltered look into the Miami drug wars of the 1970s and 1980s.


Lord of War (2005)
Description: This film delves into the shadowy world of arms dealing, portraying the moral ambiguities and global consequences of the illicit weapons trade.
Fact: The opening sequence of the film, which follows the life of a bullet from manufacture to use, is based on actual events and was praised for its realism.


The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Description: A wild ride through the world of financial excess and corruption, this film captures the hedonistic lifestyle and eventual downfall of a charismatic but morally bankrupt protagonist.
Fact: The movie is based on the memoir of Jordan Belfort, who ran a fraudulent stock brokerage firm in the 1990s.


The Infiltrator (2016)
Description: A gripping tale of undercover operations and the dangerous world of money laundering, this film highlights the complexities and risks involved in infiltrating criminal organizations.
Fact: The movie is based on the true story of federal agent Robert Mazur, who went undercover to expose a massive money-laundering scheme involving drug cartels.


The Big Short (2015)
Description: A sharp and satirical take on the financial crisis, this film exposes the greed and corruption that led to the 2008 economic collapse, much like the reckless behavior seen in criminal enterprises.
Fact: The film uses unconventional methods, like celebrity cameos, to explain complex financial concepts to the audience.


Pain & Gain (2013)
Description: A dark comedy based on a true story, this film follows a group of bodybuilders who turn to crime in pursuit of the American Dream, showcasing the absurdity and brutality of their actions.
Fact: The film is based on a series of articles about a real-life kidnapping and extortion scheme in Miami during the 1990s.


War Dogs (2016)
Description: A darkly comedic look at the world of arms dealing, this film follows two young men who exploit the system to become major players in the international weapons trade.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of two friends who won a $300 million contract from the Pentagon to supply arms to U.S. allies in Afghanistan.


The Accountant (2016)
Description: A unique blend of crime thriller and action, this film features a protagonist with a highly specialized skill set who operates on both sides of the law.
Fact: The character of Christian Wolff is portrayed as a high-functioning autistic individual, a rarity in action films.


American Made (2017)
Description: A fast-paced, darkly comedic take on the life of a pilot turned drug smuggler, this film blends high-flying action with the chaotic world of international drug trafficking.
Fact: The story is loosely based on the life of Barry Seal, a TWA pilot who became a drug smuggler for the Medellín Cartel and later worked as an informant for the DEA.
