14 Movies Similar to Breaking Bad That Will Blow Your Mind

"Breaking Bad" may have ended, but don't worry, we've got you covered with 14 mind-blowing movies that are similar to this iconic series. These movies will take you on a thrilling journey filled with crime, drama, and suspense, just like the story of a chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer.

1) Better Call Saul

Better Call Saul is reminiscent of Breaking Bad in its exploration of the criminal underworld in Albuquerque. While Breaking Bad follows the transformation of a high school chemistry teacher into a methamphetamine manufacturer, Better Call Saul focuses on the trials and tribulations of criminal lawyer Jimmy McGill. Both shows share the same setting and delve into the morally ambiguous actions of their characters. Better Call Saul serves as a prequel to Breaking Bad, providing insight into the backstory of Jimmy McGill before his fateful encounter with Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. It beautifully expands upon the Albuquerque criminal underworld, offering a tragic and gripping narrative. With its masterful writing and direction, Better Call Saul proves to be a worthy companion to Breaking Bad, captivating viewers with its exploration of the criminal justice system and the complexities of human nature. So, if you loved Breaking Bad, don't miss out on the opportunity to delve deeper into this captivating world with Better Call Saul.

Release date: February, 2015
IMDB Rating: 9
14 Must-Watch Crime and Drama Movies Like Better Call Saul

2) The Investigator

The Investigator is a Hungarian film that reminds me of Breaking Bad in its intriguing and unexpected storyline. In Breaking Bad, a chemistry teacher turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine to secure his family's future after being diagnosed with cancer. Similarly, in The Investigator, a pathologist desperately needing money for his ill mother's treatment accepts a proposition to murder someone he knows nothing about. Both movies explore the lengths people are willing to go to in order to ensure their loved ones' well-being. However, while Breaking Bad is a crime drama with a dark and intense tone, The Investigator combines elements of comedy, crime, drama, mystery, and thriller genres. The movie surprises viewers with its delicate and talented filmmaking, superb acting, and a well-constructed and sophisticated ending that serves as a small joke. The Investigator is a masterpiece that beautifully blends serious themes and deep thoughts with a comedy-like outfit, making it a modern, lightweight, and entertaining work of art.

Release date: October, 2008
IMDB Rating: 7.4

3) Chemistry

Chemistry: After meeting under near-fatal circumstances, a policewoman and a betrothed lawyer embark on a scandalous, sexually-charged courtship. While Breaking Bad and Chemistry both fall under the "chemistry" topic, the similarities end there. Breaking Bad is a gripping crime drama that follows a chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer, while Chemistry takes a lighter approach with its comedic crime drama and romance genres. While Breaking Bad captivates viewers with its intense storytelling and well-developed characters, Chemistry seems to focus more on the sexual tension between its main characters. So, if you enjoyed the thrilling ride of Breaking Bad, Chemistry might provide a fun and steamy diversion. Just don't expect the same level of depth and storytelling.

Release date: August, 2011
IMDB Rating: 5.2

4) Breaking Bad: Original Minisodes

Breaking Bad: Original Minisodes is a side series that focuses on the other scenarios revolving around Walter White or those who are connected with him. While it may not reach the same heights as Breaking Bad, this spin-off offers a lighthearted and comedic take on the world of the original series. It's a fun addition for fans of Breaking Bad, as it provides a different perspective and explores new storylines. While Breaking Bad tackled serious themes and had a dark tone, Breaking Bad: Original Minisodes brings some much-needed levity to the table. It's a great choice if you're looking for a quick and entertaining watch that still captures the essence of Breaking Bad.

Release date: February, 2009
IMDB Rating: 7.6

5) The Barbarian Invasions

"The Barbarian Invasions" is a poignant comedy drama that takes place during a dying man's final days. It shares similarities with "Breaking Bad" in terms of exploring themes of mortality and reflecting on one's life choices. While Walter White in "Breaking Bad" turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine to secure his family's future, the protagonist in "The Barbarian Invasions" reunites with old friends, former lovers, and his estranged son. Both stories delve into the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of our actions. However, "The Barbarian Invasions" takes a more philosophical approach, delving into themes of denial, regret, guilt, acceptance, and forgiveness. The film cleverly infuses layers of political, social, and ethical commentary, criticizing capitalism and socialism while exploring the dynamics of a dysfunctional family. The director, Denys Arcand, skillfully handles these complex themes with grace, blending dry and satirical humor with gloomy undertones.

Release date: November, 2003
IMDB Rating: 7.5

6) El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie

El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie is a thrilling companion piece to Breaking Bad. It picks up right where the series left off, following Jesse Pinkman as he tries to escape his troubled past and evade his pursuers. While Breaking Bad was a series that delved deep into the world of methamphetamine production and the consequences it had on its characters, El Camino takes a more introspective approach, focusing on Jesse's personal journey and his quest for freedom. The movie beautifully captures the essence of the original series, with its neo-noir aesthetics and intense moments of violence. However, unlike Breaking Bad, El Camino lacks the same level of character development and storytelling finesse. While it serves as a satisfying conclusion to Jesse's story, it doesn't quite reach the same heights as its predecessor. Nevertheless, for fans of Breaking Bad, El Camino is a must-watch, providing closure to one of the show's beloved characters and offering a glimpse into the aftermath of their tumultuous journey.

Release date: October, 2019
IMDB Rating: 7.3

7) City of Tiny Lights

City of Tiny Lights is reminiscent of Breaking Bad in its exploration of the consequences of a character's choices. While Breaking Bad delves into the world of drug trade and crime, City of Tiny Lights takes us into the dark underbelly of modern-day London, where a missing-person case leads a down-at-heel private eye into a dangerous world of religious fanaticism and political intrigue. Both stories address complex themes and challenge societal norms. However, while Breaking Bad focuses on the transformation of a high school chemistry teacher into a methamphetamine manufacturer, City of Tiny Lights sheds light on Islamophobia, immigrant treatment, and hidden agendas that affect our everyday lives. So, if you enjoyed the thrilling journey of Breaking Bad, you'll find City of Tiny Lights equally captivating, as it offers a fresh perspective on the consequences of personal choices and the impact of societal forces.

Release date: July, 2017
IMDB Rating: 5.6

8) The Infiltrator

The Infiltrator takes us back to the world of crime, corruption, and undercover work, much like Breaking Bad. While Breaking Bad delves into the realm of drug trade through the eyes of a chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer, The Infiltrator explores the realm of money laundering and drug cartels through the story of a U.S. Customs official. Both Bryan Cranston's performances in these two projects are outstanding, showcasing his versatility as an actor. However, The Infiltrator differs from Breaking Bad in terms of its setting and focus. Breaking Bad is set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, while The Infiltrator takes us to Colombia. Breaking Bad primarily revolves around the character's personal transformation and the consequences of his actions, whereas The Infiltrator focuses on the intricacies of undercover work and the dangerous world of money laundering. The Infiltrator provides a fascinating look into the complexities of undercover operations and the interconnectedness of banks, governments, and drug cartels.

Release date: July, 2016
IMDB Rating: 7

9) The Sunchaser

The Sunchaser: Michael Reynolds, a wealthy oncologist, and Brandon "Blue" Monroe, a terminally ill patient, find themselves on an unexpected journey together. Reynolds, with his luxurious sports car and extravagant lifestyle, is kidnapped by Monroe and taken to a sacred Navajo healing place. As they evade capture, the two men delve deeper into their own mortality and forge an unlikely bond. While Breaking Bad focuses on a chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer, The Sunchaser explores the relationship between two individuals facing their own mortality. Both stories touch on themes of life-changing decisions and the search for redemption. However, where Breaking Bad is a gripping TV series with intricate plotlines and complex characters, The Sunchaser offers a thought-provoking cinematic experience that unfolds on the open road.

Release date: October, 1996
IMDB Rating: 6.1

10) Racer and the Jailbird

Racer and the Jailbird, also known as "Le fidèle," is a movie that shares some similarities with Breaking Bad. Both films belong to the Crime, Drama genre and touch upon themes such as cancer, which play a significant role in the plot. While Breaking Bad explores the story of a chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer to secure his family's future, Racer and the Jailbird delves into a tragic love story set against the background of a brutal crime gang in Brussels. Both movies have compelling characters and feature intense storytelling. However, Racer and the Jailbird takes a different approach, combining elements of romance and car racing, making it a unique and intriguing watch. So if you enjoyed the thrilling ride of Breaking Bad, Racer and the Jailbird offers a captivating tale with its own twists and turns.

Release date: December, 2017
IMDB Rating: 6.3

11) Parting Shots

When the doctors tell Harry Sterndale to get his affairs in order, he does just that - with a vengeance. With nothing to lose, Harry is out to give everyone who ever "done him wrong" something to remember him by: exactly what they deserve. While "Parting Shots" may not reach the same level of critical acclaim as "Breaking Bad," it offers a darkly comedic take on a man's quest for justice in the face of impending death. With Chris Rea's understatedly bewildered and reluctant serial killer and Felicity Kendal as his less than innocent accomplice, the cast delivers excellent performances. The film maintains a ruthless tradition of British comedies, borrowing from classics like "Kind Hearts & Coronets" and even from director Michael Winner's own work, "The Jokers.

Release date: May, 1999
IMDB Rating: 5

12) Osmosis Jones

"Osmosis Jones" is a fascinating movie that reminds me of "Breaking Bad" in unexpected ways. While the two couldn't be more different in terms of genre and plot, both explore the theme of a character's transformation in the face of adversity. In "Breaking Bad," we witness Walter White's transformation from a mild-mannered chemistry teacher to a ruthless methamphetamine manufacturer. Similarly, in "Osmosis Jones," the main character, a white blood cell named Osmosis Jones, undergoes a transformation as he teams up with a cold pill to stop a deadly virus from destroying the human they live in. Both movies delve into the darker side of human nature and the lengths one would go to protect what they hold dear. While "Breaking Bad" immerses us in the gritty world of crime and drugs, "Osmosis Jones" takes us on a wild animated adventure inside the human body.

Release date: July, 2003
IMDB Rating: 6.3

13) The Brain Man

The Brain Man is reminiscent of Breaking Bad in its slow-paced but intriguing build-up. Just like Breaking Bad, this Japanese thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat with its mysterious plot and explosions. The characters in The Brain Man, especially Toma Ikuta as the Brain Man himself, deliver incredible performances that will leave you captivated. While Breaking Bad focuses on the world of methamphetamine and crime, The Brain Man takes you on a thrilling journey with a not-so-bright cop searching for a serial bomber. Both films showcase the dark side of humanity and the consequences of one's choices. If you enjoyed Breaking Bad's excellent storytelling and character development, The Brain Man is definitely worth watching. Plus, after you finish The Brain Man, you can also check out another Japanese thriller called Platinum Data for a damn good time.

Release date: February, 2013
IMDB Rating: 6.4

14) Magical Girl

Magical Girl is reminiscent of Breaking Bad in the sense that both movies explore the dark and hidden aspects of human nature. While Breaking Bad delves into the world of drug trade and the consequences of a chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer, Magical Girl takes us on a journey through a father's desperate attempt to fulfill his terminally ill daughter's last wish. Both films navigate the depths of human desperation, showcasing the lengths people are willing to go to secure their loved ones' futures. However, where Breaking Bad is a series that meticulously weaves together a complex plot over multiple seasons, Magical Girl condenses its exploration of human emotions and the dark underbelly of society into a single cinematic experience. With its emotionally charged climax and unique visual style, Magical Girl is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates thought-provoking storytelling.

Release date: June, 2015
IMDB Rating: 7.2

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