As someone who grew up in the gritty streets of Manchester during the post-World War I era, I can wholeheartedly say that “Peaky Blinders” is a show that resonates deeply with my experiences and the world around me. The smoke-filled streets, the gray hue that lingers over everything, and the sense of desperation and struggle to make ends meet – it’s all too familiar.
The Sopranos offers a unique blend of elements: humorous portrayal of gangsters, graphic depictions of violence, insightful social critique, surreal dream scenes, and intricate examination of mental health and suburban family life in America. Since its finale in 2007, this groundbreaking HBO series continues to set the standard for gangster crime dramas. With a total of 21 Emmy awards, it ushered in the Second Golden Age of Television and revolutionized the concept of the antihero.
In more modern TV storytelling, several series about gangsters have emerged, holding their own against the legendary “Sopranos” created by David Chase. These shows boast compelling lead characters and intricately crafted plots that challenge typical genre clichés, providing a unique window into the criminal world. Above all, they skillfully balance the line between romanticizing crime and critiquing it.
10 Boardwalk Empire (2010 – 2014)
As a passionate gamer with an interest in mob culture, Boardwalk Empire is my go-to escape into a captivating world. Instead of being the center of attention for iconic figures like Charles “Lucky” Luciano, Al Capone, and Arnold Rothstein, I find myself rooting for Enoch “Nucky” Thompson (Steven Buscemi). He may be a corrupt Atlantic City treasurer during Prohibition, but his political clout makes him an essential ally to every major mafia figure. In other words, I’m living the life of a power player in the mob scene through Nucky’s experiences.
Honoring the 1920s
As a devoted fan, I’m not at all shocked by the exceptional quality of this HBO series. With two talented alums from “The Sopranos” involved, it was only natural for greatness to emerge. Martin Scorsese and Terrence Winter teamed up to create the show, with Winter contributing his writing skills to the Tony Soprano narrative. And let’s not forget, Buscemi brought Tony’s cousin to life on screen in an outstanding performance.
In summary, “Boardwalk Empire” effectively portrays the complexities of the 1920s era with its intricate politics and fashionable attire, all while money obtained through illegal means is abundant. The emphasis on violence is noteworthy, making it an appealing choice for fans of the genre. A striking example is the brutal murder scene that concludes the series premiere, followed by a continuous succession of gunfire incidents. Contrary to real life, Nucky’s character meets his end through a violent act, as opposed to natural causes.
9 Narcos (2015 – 2017)
The Netflix series “Narcos” mainly focuses on the life story of Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria, the notorious Colombian drug lord responsible for thousands of deaths and smuggling vast amounts of cocaine into the United States, accumulating a staggering fortune worth $70 billion. Moreover, the show gives significance to Escobar’s main adversaries, the Cali Cartel, who ran the illegal drug trade with the business acumen of a leading corporation.
Brilliant Casting, and Unbiasness
In the genre of biographical crime dramas, no casting choice has surpassed the brilliance of selecting Wagner Moura to portray the notorious Medellin Cartel leader. The internet is abuzz with humorously asserting that Moura embodies Pablo Escobar more effectively than the real-life Escobar himself. This observation holds truth, as the actor masterfully depicts Escobar’s chilling psychopathy during his drug empire’s reign and his desperate fervor while evading capture.
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In the series “Narcos,” the experiences and perspectives of law enforcement officers are not overlooked or simplified as they often are in crime dramas. Instead, the show provides insight into the significant efforts required to apprehend the notorious kingpin and his Cali Cartel adversaries. The partnership between the DEA and Colombian authorities is intriguing to observe, complete with moments of cooperation and conflict. Their determined attempts to navigate through the numerous obstacles make for an engaging watch.
8 Godfather of Harlem (2019 – Present)
In a pre-official setting to Ridley Scott’s hit film, “American Gangster,” the series “Godfather of Harlem” delves into the experiences of Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson (portrayed by Forrest Whitaker). This powerful black mob boss ruled over Harlem’s underworld, clashing with New York’s Italian mafia families. The narrative also sheds light on an unexplored aspect – the unique bond between Bumpy and Malcolm X, a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement.
Fusing Crime with Serious Topics
The hit series “The Sopranos” highlighted the significance of mental health and psychiatry within its criminal storyline, demonstrating that top-notch drama extends beyond clandestine transactions. Instead, it should tackle weighty concerns for a truly engaging experience.
Fortunately, the “Godfather of Harlem” series handles both racism and politics effectively through Bumpy’s friendship with Malcolm X. Furthermore, it explores the themes of fatherhood and religion. Rest assured, fans of action and violence will not be disappointed as there are still plenty of gruesome beheadings and shootouts included.
Stream it on MGM+
7 Sons of Anarchy (2008 – 2014)
In the made-up California town of Charming, Sons of Anarchy tells the story of a tight-knit criminal motorcycle gang. The main character is Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam), a young biker who embraces the lifestyle at first but becomes conflicted after discovering his father’s diaries left behind. Before long, he faces off against dangerous family members and rival groups seeking power over the territory.
Hard-boiled Gangster Tackling Common Problems
The FX series “Sons of Anarchy” offers an engaging mix of action and authentic human emotions. Despite its intricate and often absurd storylines spanning over seven seasons, the show maintains a raw and genuine portrayal of life’s intricacies.
The characters in this series may cruise through the city on Harley-Davidson motorcycles like the Screamin’ Eagles and Panheads, but they encounter numerous difficulties every day. Jax is dedicated to safeguarding his loved ones, Tig yearns for affection, and Bobby aspires for a more effective co-parenting arrangement. The show’s ability to connect with viewers and its well-developed characters have helped it earn the title of a beloved cult classic.
6 Top Boy (2011 – 2023)
Drake, a renowned rapper, serves as the executive producer of “Top Boy.” In this gritty series set in the made-up Summerhouse estate within London’s Hackney Borough, we follow the lives of two drug dealers, Dushane (Ashley Walters) and Sully (Kane Robinson). Facing various obstacles as they strive for power in the criminal underworld, their determination never wavers. They aim to achieve legendary status as crime bosses in Britain.
Britain’s Answer to The Wire
Top Boy takes inspiration from HBO’s successful series, The Wire, without apology, yet manages to establish its unique identity. The name itself implies that the characters aren’t influential figures; instead, they aspire to reach the top in the criminal world. The challenge for them lies in navigating this treacherous terrain, which is a stark contrast to the opulence of Westminister just a few miles away. In this gritty London setting, violence is commonplace – people are shot or stabbed, while others make their living through illegal activities.
5 Ozark (2017 – 2022)
In a nutshell, “Ozark” tells the story of Jason Bateman’s character, Marty, who becomes entangled in money laundering for a Mexican drug cartel following his business partner’s deceit. To save himself from harm, Marty agrees to this dangerous task. Over time, he develops a liking for the criminal life and faces challenges from various criminals, ranging from rural opium farmers to mafia bosses.
The King of Improvisation
In the gritty underworld of screen gangsters, inflexibility is a vital attribute. Yet, Marty distinguishes himself by skillfully navigating dangerous situations with his knack for adapting and improvising. Despite breaking numerous laws, he often emerges as the seemingly honorable one due to the reprehensible nature of his foes. Ranging from the genocidal Darlene Snell to the oppressive Omar Navarro, Marty finds himself in constant negotiations with a diverse cast of unreasonable characters.
Outside of the labels, Ozark delivers compelling acting from its leading stars. Laura Linney, Julia Garner, and Jason Bateman fully immerse themselves in their roles with every episode, earning them Emmy Awards for their efforts.
4 Snowfall (2017 – 2023)
During the 1980s, selling cocaine in South Central Los Angeles was an effortless way to earn a living for Franklin Saint (Damson Idris) and his friends, as depicted in the television series “Snowfall.” Throughout the show, Franklin’s career flourishes significantly, but he encounters significant setbacks toward the end. Additionally, the John Singleton production delves into the CIA’s role in the communist uprising in Nicaragua and their connection to the drug epidemic that ensued.
Recreating the ‘80s Magic
The “Snowfall” series perfectly embodies the spirit of the 1980s with its authentic slang and popular references. It transports viewers back to this era through its vivid portrayal of both the allure and the decay brought about by crime.
In shows set in this time period, as is common, there’s a significant focus on vibrant colors, leading to breathtaking cinematography. Additionally, character growth takes center stage, with great importance placed on the repercussions of decisions. Many characters come close to accomplishing their goals, but poor choices hold them back.
Stream it on Hulu
3 Peaky Blinders (2013 – 2022)
Incorporating elements of fact and fiction, the captivating series “Peaky Blinders” follows the escapades of the infamous Birmingham, England gang, The Peaky Blinders, which draws inspiration from the real-life criminal organization of the same name during the early 1900s. At the helm of this formidable group is Tommy Shelby (portrayed by Cillian Murphy), a man with an insatiable appetite for fashionable suits, powerful weapons, and political influence. As his ambition grows, so does Tommy’s power, eventually earning him a seat in Parliament, where he can mingle with esteemed figures like Winston Churchill while covertly breaking the law.
Smoke-Filled Streets, Marvelous Quotes, and a Complete Picture of Post-WWI Life
The pleasure of watching “Peaky Blinders” is on par with listening to it. The show’s setting is filled with persistent factory smoke, and a gloomy ambiance prevails, reflecting the struggling British economy post-World War I. Characters strive diligently due to their poverty, while others cleverly manipulate systems to their advantage.
Tommy Shelby and his adversaries rule the underworld with a combination of power and intelligence. During their reign, they produce some of the most intriguing quotes. Tom Hardy’s character, Alfie, describes a past event as “it was like something straight out of the Bible, mate.” In another instance, Tommy states, “I don’t purchase suits. They’re complimentary or the place goes up in flames.”
2 Power (2014 – 2020)
50 Cent’s “Power” series, which delves into the New York underworld and has grown into one of TV’s biggest franchises, began with the show “Power.” The central character is James St. Patrick, played by Omari Hardwick, who manages to conceal his involvement in drug trafficking behind a successful businessman persona due to his charisma and fashion sense. Tommy Egan, portrayed by Joseph Sikora, serves as St. Patrick’s loyal right-hand man in the day-to-day criminal activities.
A Powerful Show About Love and Crime
Power’s success isn’t a fluke; its intriguing world is filled with compelling characters and endless possibilities for storylines. The crime drama stands out due to its uncomplicated appeal. In contrast, other shows on the list are heavily reliant on dialogue and complex themes, demanding full focus from viewers.
This Starz show, on the other hand, is basic enough to appeal to any genre’s fans. Furthermore, it’s packed with sex scenes and juicy romance arcs, two ingredients guaranteed to hook viewers.
1 Breaking Bad (2008 – 2013)
In many ways, “Breaking Bad” is on par with “The Sopranos.” For some viewers, it even surpasses it. The series demonstrates how crime can arise from desperation, as its protagonist Walter White (played by Bryan Cranston) transforms from a humble chemistry teacher into the country’s most prominent drug manufacturer.
Walter turns to manufacturing meth as a means to financially provide for his loved ones upon learning of his cancer diagnosis. He sets a specific monetary goal to ensure their future needs are met, yet finding himself at that amount, he struggles to cease the illegal activity.
Strong in All Areas
Breaking Bad, like esteemed peers such as The Sopranos, boasts an impressive collection of Emmy awards, each merited. The series commences with a deliberate pace, establishing the backstory and justifications for its morally ambiguous protagonist. Surprisingly, the exceptional writing transforms his wife into a seemingly malevolent figure, despite her lack of criminal involvement.
The program boasts impressive villains, and the storyline is so intricately plotted with unexpected turns that it’s challenging to stop watching at any moment. For newcomers, it’s recommended to explore its prequel, “Better Call Saul,” which provides parallel enjoyment as it blends elements of a legal and crime drama.
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2024-07-20 19:02