12 Best Movies Like Sicario

As a former law enforcement officer who has seen my fair share of drug-related violence and corruption, I can wholeheartedly recommend “No Country for Old Men” as a gripping and haunting cinematic masterpiece that resonates deeply with my own experiences in the field. The film’s portrayal of the ruthless and unpredictable nature of the drug world is all too familiar to me, and it serves as a chilling reminder of the dangerous realities that many officers face every day.

The character of Llewyn Moss, played by Josh Brolin, mirrors my own experiences working undercover in dangerous situations where the line between right and wrong can become blurred. Like him, I’ve had to make split-second decisions with life-or-death consequences, and have often felt powerless against the forces of evil that seem to be constantly at work in our society.

Javier Bardem’s chilling portrayal of the relentless hitman Anton Chigurh is also reminiscent of some of the cold-blooded killers I’ve encountered in my career. The way he moves through the world with a sense of detachment and disregard for human life is both terrifying and all too real.

In short, “No Country for Old Men” is a must-see for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the darker side of humanity and the challenges that law enforcement officers face every day. And if you’re looking for a good laugh, just remember: the joke’s on us when we think we can outsmart the drug cartels!

Prior to achieving mega-success in Hollywood with films like “Dune” and “Yellowstone”, Denis Villeneuve and Taylor Sheridan teamed up for a lesser-known yet groundbreaking thriller titled “Sicario“. Released in 2015, this film offered a unique perspective on the war against drug cartels and provided an exhilarating experience for viewers. The success of “Sicario” served as a stepping stone for both filmmakers’ careers and marked the beginning of a new franchise.

As you anticipate updates about the upcoming installment of the “Sicario” series (with a title hinting at an intriguing storyline), let me suggest some alternative films to satisfy your craving for similar content. These movies may feature actors from “Sicario,” or they could be written by the same author, directed by the same director, or fall under various genres such as political thrillers, neo-Westerns, heist films, and horror. Regardless of their genre, they share the captivating elements that made “Sicario” so unexpectedly popular. If you enjoyed “Sicario,” I recommend giving these movies a chance.

Sicario: Day Of The Soldado

If you enjoyed “Sicario,” I’d recommend its follow-up, released in 2018: “Sicario: Day of the Soldado.” While it may not be as complex as the original, it’s still a compelling watch. Unfortunately, Kate Mercer (Emily Blunt) doesn’t appear in the sequel, but you’ll get to see more of Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) and especially Alejandro Gillick (Benicio del Toro). In this installment, Matt and Alejandro are tasked with causing trouble between two rival cartels. They attempt to do this by kidnapping the daughter (Isabela Merced) of one kingpin and framing the other cartel for the act. However, the kidnapping goes awry, and in the end, Alejandro chooses to safeguard the girl instead.

Despite Stefano Sollima taking over from Denis Villeneuve in directing duties, Taylor Sheridan returns to pen another intricate neo-Western story. This time around, Benicio del Toro exhibits a tender side, while Brolin’s captivating charm makes it easy to overlook his character’s questionable morals. If you can look past the film’s somewhat contrived ending, which seems designed for a potential sequel, then “Sicario: Day Of The Soldado” offers an engaging thriller with style to spare.

Training Day

Lovers of the movie “Sicario” will likely enjoy “Training Day,” a hard-hitting portrayal of crime in Los Angeles. In this 2000 film, Ethan Hawke plays Jake Hoyt, a greenhorn cop who’s being mentored by Alonzo Harris, a narcotics officer played by Denzel Washington. Eager to be part of the team, Jake is willing to do whatever Alonzo suggests, which Alonzo manipulates shamelessly. As the day of training unfolds, it gradually becomes clear to Jake that his mentor might not have his well-being at heart.

In the film “Training Day,” Jake encounters a predicament similar to Kate Mercer’s: how to maintain integrity when it appears that the only way to combat drug cartels is by playing their ruthless game. This movie, directed by Antoine Fuqua, keeps viewers guessing just like Alonzo keeps Jake on his toes. (Interestingly, “Training Day” also includes a quote about wolves that echoes what Alejandro says in the film “Sicario.”)

Denzel Washington’s character might be joking or serious, making it hard to tell, but he always keeps your focus, much like Josh Brolin’s corrupt cop in “Sicario.” This is one reason why Alonzo Harris is often recognized as one of the most captivating villains ever portrayed on screen. Characters from “Sicario” might not quite match Denzel Washington’s charm, but they certainly give him a run for his money.

Traffic

Interested in a complex portrayal of the illicit drug trade? Check out Steven Soderbergh’s “Traffic” from 2000. This movie unfolds several interconnected narratives. In one thread, a politician, played by Michael Douglas, who’s known for being tough on drugs, finds out that his daughter, Erika Christensen, has fallen victim to drug addiction. Simultaneously, two Mexican law enforcement officers, Benicio del Toro and Jacob Vargas, struggle to dismantle a powerful cartel. At the same time, a woman, Catherine Zeta-Jones, uncovers the true source of her affluent husband’s income, played by Steven Bauer.

If you enjoyed Benicio del Toro’s acting in “Sicario,” you’ll find his performance in “Traffic” equally captivating. In fact, many consider his role in this movie to be on par with his work in “Sicario,” making it one of the standout performances by Benicio del Toro. What sets “Traffic” apart is its ability to tackle a vast subject matter without losing focus on minute details. It explores various facets of the drug trade, from dealers and users to drug lords and their families, seamlessly tying these individual narratives together to demonstrate how they’re all interconnected in a larger system. Remarkably, it does so without resorting to preachiness. Instead, it subtly portrays the futility of the “war on drugs.”

In essence, “Traffic” is as challenging to watch as “Sicario,” but its impact is undeniable.

Wind River

On the Wind River Indian Reservation, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agent named Cory (Jeremy Renner) stumbles upon a woman’s (Kelsey Asbille) corpse in the wilderness. With the assistance of novice FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen), Cory delves into this crime that proves to be far more complex than it initially appears.

As a longtime fan of gritty crime dramas, I found “Wind River” to be a gripping and engaging film that drew me in from its haunting opening image to its intense shootout near the end. As someone who has followed the work of Taylor Sheridan since his days on “Sicario,” it was no surprise to me that this film was written and directed by the same talented scribe. The dynamic between the two leads in “Wind River” is reminiscent of Kate and Alejandro from “Sicario,” with one character, Jane, displaying a relentless determination to catch the person responsible for a brutal crime, much like Emily Blunt’s character in that film. However, unlike Blunt’s character, Jane is woefully unprepared for what she is about to face, making her journey all the more compelling. The other lead, Cory, has a similar air of mystery and danger as Alejandro, with his razor-sharp survival skills and pragmatic outlook serving as a reminder of the complex character played by Benicio del Toro in “Sicario.” Overall, I would highly recommend “Wind River” to any fan of crime dramas or anyone looking for a well-crafted and suspenseful film.

Despite being set in contrasting landscapes compared to the ominous deserts and confined urban jungles of “Sicario,” this movie retains an identical tone, as its characters continue their struggle for survival amidst a relentless, unforgiving environment.

Prisoners

In the movie “Prisoners,” two kids vanish from their Pennsylvania community in full daylight, causing immense sorrow for their families. The father of one of the girls, Keller Dover (portrayed by Hugh Jackman), grows frustrated with the police investigation led by Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal), believing it’s not moving fast enough. As a result, Keller takes it upon himself to take action, eventually abducting a potential suspect (Paul Dano) in an attempt to interrogate him. However, his self-appointed pursuit of justice quickly escalates beyond control.

If the 2013 film seems recognizable to you, it’s likely due to the fact that it shares the same director as “Sicario” – Denis Villeneuve. Both films exhibit similar characteristics in their intricate storylines and atmospheric visuals. The character played by Hugh Jackman, a distraught father, may evoke memories of Alejandro, who is known for his ruthlessness in seeking vengeance for his family members. Few films can instill the profound sense of foreboding that “Prisoners” does.

The Town

In the movie under discussion, a botched bank robbery lands characters Doug (Ben Affleck, also the director) and James (Jeremy Renner) in a situation where they take a woman named Claire (Rebecca Hall) hostage. Later, they release Claire, but Doug continues to monitor her for various reasons – partly out of concern that she might know too much, and partly because he finds himself deeply smitten by her. Over time, Claire begins to reciprocate his feelings, unaware that her captor is none other than Doug. To make matters worse, Doug’s superior is contemplating eliminating Claire permanently.

Although this movie takes place in Boston rather than at the U.S.-Mexico border, Ben Affleck’s 2010 thriller shares similar themes with “Sicario.” Both films delve into the complexities of organized crime and examine why seemingly good individuals might become entangled in it. Fans who appreciated the nail-biting car convoy scene from “Sicario” will undoubtedly be thrilled by the tense car chase through Boston’s streets. Additionally, if you found Kate Mercer’s unexpected love affair with Jon Bernthal’s character intriguing in “Sicario,” then “The Town” offers more of that captivating dynamic.

Zero Dark Thirty

This 2012 film, much like “Sicario” portrayed the “war on drugs”, transforms the “war on terror” into an intense, unresolved thriller. Kathryn Bigelow’s “Zero Dark Thirty” delves into the pursuit of Osama bin Laden from the perspective of a fictional CIA agent, Maya (Jessica Chastain). Despite widespread American belief that bin Laden was no longer a threat, Maya remains convinced of his continued presence and influence. Her mission to rally others to her cause – a quest spanning nearly a decade – is depicted in this gripping narrative.

It’s captivating to see Jessica Chastain play a resolute young agent who grows harsh due to her assignments. Fans of “Sicario” will admire the movie’s unyielding authenticity, particularly in the gripping night vision raid scene. Even though “Zero Dark Thirty” might have some inaccuracies regarding the real story, it undeniably reflects the essence of this decade-long manhunt. If the film appears underwhelming, that’s intentional; not many movies portray the complexity of an international CIA operation as effectively as this one. Similar to “Sicario,” this movie challenges the idea that apprehending the villain is as straightforward as it seems.

Civil War

If you liked “Sicario,” consider watching “Civil War” by Alex Garland. This film portrays characters who strive to maintain their integrity amidst chaos, only to find themselves entangled in the griminess of it all. Set in a future where the United States is embroiled in another civil war, the narrative unfolds around two photojournalists – the disillusioned Lee (Kirsten Dunst) and the idealistic Jessie (Cailee Spaeny). As they traverse the battle-scarred landscape, we witness their personal struggles as they endeavor to uncover the truth, at great cost.

2024’s “Civil War” will make the seemingly ordinary appear ominous and unsettling, much like how “Sicario” does with its portrayal of everyday suburban life concealing hidden horrors. This film will leave you questioning the familiar as it depicts the American heartland torn apart by war, causing a deep-seated unease within viewers. Fans of “Sicario” will appreciate the movie’s measured pace and brooding atmosphere, which build suspense that eventually erupts into intense violence. The film shares with “Sicario” an exploration of whether observing such brutal acts makes one complicit in them.

Enemy

As a captivated admirer might express: In the movie “Enemy,” I find myself, portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal, crossing paths with an uncanny look-alike. This mysterious figure, also played by Gyllenhaal, sets the stage for a profound enigma as I, in my role as history professor Adam Bell, feel compelled to uncover his existence. The intrigue escalates significantly when I discover that my doppelganger holds a peculiar fascination towards my girlfriend, Melanie Laurent.

2013’s film creates an unsettling, captivating ambiance that pulls you right in, and interestingly, it amplifies the already-unsettling nature of tarantulas even further. Gyllenhaal delivers not one but two spellbinding performances through his physicality alone, helping viewers differentiate between these almost identical characters.

Although “Enemy” might be categorized differently than “Sicario,” it shares the same director’s distinctive style of storytelling. Denis Villeneuve subtly feeds you pieces of the puzzle, leaving you to ponder and guess. It could be considered one of the most effective slow-burn films available. Similarly to “Sicario,” “Enemy” is a complex movie that might require a second viewing to fully grasp its enigmatic ending. However, this complexity is part of its brilliance.

Syriana

The 2005 film “Syriana,” directed by Stephen Gaghan, delves into the intricate world of oil trade rather than drug trafficking, sharing similarities with “Sicario.” Through a complex network of interrelated plots, it exposes the dark underbelly of the oil industry. The cast features Matt Damon as an oil consultant who transforms a personal loss into a profitable venture, Alexander Siddig as an emir’s son aiming to modernize his country’s energy sector, and George Clooney portraying a CIA agent who stumbles upon a troubling conspiracy.

Just like the movie “Sicario,” this film brings together a high-profile cast to make an independent production more appealing to a wider audience. George Clooney takes on a role similar to Emily Blunt’s, portraying a dedicated government agent who discovers the extent of corruption in his investigations. While “Syriana” may not be as tense and suspenseful as “Sicario,” it compensates by delving into the murky world of international politics. Both films fearlessly depict the underbelly of U.S. foreign policy, including its hidden dealings and corruption.

The movie equally evokes compassion for characters that might appear distant or overlooked by typical film audiences, such as the unfortunate Silvio from “Sicario.” By portraying Middle Eastern leaders striving for their people’s welfare or simple goat-herders along highways, “Syriana” delves deeply into worldwide concerns on a personal scale.

A Quiet Place

Although it might seem odd to link a low-budget PG-13 horror film like “A Quiet Place” with the intense drama of “Sicario,” they share some striking similarities. For instance, both movies star Emily Blunt prominently and opt for an atmosphere of impending dread rather than traditional action sequences. Furthermore, both films utilize their soundtracks effectively to draw viewers into the unsettling, sometimes hostile environments they portray.

“A Quiet Place”

In this movie, a large portion of mankind has been eradicated by extraterrestrial creatures who are lethal to anything making even the slightest sound. The remaining humans adapt by living in absolute silence. This film chronicles the story of a family – Lee (played by John Krasinski, who also directs), Evelyn (Emily Blunt), Regan (Millicent Simmonds), and Marcus (Noah Jupe) – after they have suffered a devastating loss. Krasinski demonstrates his skill in creating tension through minimal dialogue. This nearly silent film is exceptionally effective, proving that the scariest movie monsters are often those we can’t see yet know they’re listening to us very carefully.

No Country for Old Men

As a fervent admirer, I’d like to share my thoughts on an Oscar-winning neo-Western masterpiece by the Coen brothers. This tale revolves around three distinct characters: a Texas man (Josh Brolin), who in a twist of fate discovers a cache of illicit funds and decides to pocket it, a formidable assassin (Javier Bardem) dispatched to recover the money, and a perplexed sheriff (Tommy Lee Jones) who finds himself impotent in preventing the impending wave of violence that ensues.

The movie ‘No Country for Old Men’ shares many elements that made ‘Sicario’ impactful. It features a young, enthusiastic law enforcer who quickly gets in over their head, alongside an elusive assassin who operates outside the norms (Javier Bardem’s character bears a striking resemblance to Benicio del Toro’s sicario). Additionally, Josh Brolin is part of the cast. Although Llewyn Moss might not be as charming as Matt Graver, Brolin brings an equal amount of tough charisma to his role.

The 2007 movie features numerous chilling scenes reminiscent of “Sicario,” particularly its portrayal of the American West. Similarly to “Sicario,” the antagonist emerges victorious in this film, as the world depicted in “No Country for Old Men” is a domain ruled by wolves.

If you’re facing struggles with substance abuse or are a survivor of child abuse, please seek assistance from the resources listed below:

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
2. Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline – 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)

These resources are here to provide support and guidance for those in need.

Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or contact their live chat services.

2025-01-01 15:31