13 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Deadwood

Justified takes us back to the wild west, but with a modern twist. This series, like Deadwood, is set in the late 1800s and showcases the corruption and crime of a town. However, while Deadwood focuses on the gritty reality of the time, Justified brings a fresh perspective with its strong-willed, quiet lawman, US Marshal Raylan. Both shows have captivating storylines and well-developed characters, but Justified takes it a step further by exploring the blurred lines between good and evil. It's a roller coaster of emotions, from the depressing darkness of human beings to the uplifting moments that remind us of the resilience of the human spirit. While Deadwood immerses us in the historical accuracy of the Old West, Justified offers a more contemporary take on the genre. So if you're a fan of Deadwood and want to experience the wild west through a different lens, Justified is the perfect show for you.

Boardwalk Empire is reminiscent of Deadwood in its portrayal of a corrupt and crime-ridden town, but with a twist. While Deadwood is set in the late 1800s, Boardwalk Empire takes us to the Prohibition era of the 1920s. Both shows explore the dark underbelly of society, with Boardwalk Empire focusing on an Atlantic City politician who plays both sides of the law by conspiring with gangsters. Just like Deadwood, Boardwalk Empire excels in attention to detail and character development, creating a world that feels authentic and immersive. The dialogue in both shows is masterfully written, with Deadwood's profanity-laden exchanges and Boardwalk Empire's clever and witty banter. However, while Deadwood leans more towards the Western genre, Boardwalk Empire delves into the realms of crime and drama. If you enjoyed the gritty and captivating world of Deadwood, you'll definitely find Boardwalk Empire to be a thrilling and compelling watch.

Hell is reminiscent of Deadwood because both movies delve into the dark underbelly of society and explore the corruption and crime that exists within. While Deadwood focuses on the lawlessness of a town in the late 1800s, Hell takes a contemporary approach and examines the drug cartel that has corrupted a man's hometown in Mexico. Both movies are unapologetic in their portrayal of violence and profanity, creating a gritty and realistic atmosphere. However, the main difference between the two is the time period in which they are set. Deadwood immerses viewers in the historical context of the 1870s, while Hell brings the audience face to face with the harsh realities of present-day Mexico. Despite their differences, both movies captivate viewers with their raw and intense storytelling, making them must-watch films for those who appreciate dark and thought-provoking narratives.

Hey Ram, released in 2000, is a cinema movie from India that tackles the themes of assassination, religious intolerance, violence, Hinduism, and even includes a sex scene. The film follows Saketh Ram, whose wife is raped and killed during the direct action day riots in Calcutta. Blaming Mahatma Gandhi for the country's problems, Saketh sets out to kill him. Hey Ram is a real eye-opener that presents a tough reality, showcasing the subject of religious tolerance. While the plot is imaginary, it highlights the actual circumstances during India's struggle for freedom. The movie beautifully depicts the transformation of an average Indian from being anti-Muslim and anti-Gandhi to becoming a humanitarian. It's truly inspirational to see Atul Kulkarni's character, who faces physical disorders but still exhibits intense love for his motherland. The film's visual effects, though not the greatest, are still commendable.

Honky Tonk, released in 1941, shares some similarities with the main movie, Deadwood. Both movies take place in the Old West and feature saloons, sheriffs, and a touch of criminal activity. However, Honky Tonk takes a different approach, infusing the story with elements of romance and comedy. While Deadwood focuses on the deep corruption and crime of the town, Honky Tonk tells the story of a fast-talking con-man who becomes the corrupt boss of Yellow Creek. The movie takes an unexpected turn when his wife's alcoholic father tries to set things right. Although the love story in Honky Tonk may be a bit far-fetched and sappy for modern audiences, Clark Gable's performance shines through, making it worth a watch for fans of classic films.

The Son of No One is reminiscent of Deadwood in its exploration of corruption and crime. While Deadwood takes place in the late 1800s in South Dakota, The Son of No One is set in 2002 in a working-class neighborhood in Queens. Both movies delve into the dark underbelly of society, where secrets and violence lurk. However, the similarities end there. Deadwood is a series with impeccable production standards and a richly woven storyline that combines real historical events with fictional characters. On the other hand, The Son of No One, directed by Dito Montiel, fails to deliver on its promise as a mystery thriller. The plot becomes convoluted and the so-called twist ending falls flat, overshadowing the performances of talented actors like Al Pacino and Ray Liotta. While Deadwood stands as one of the best Western experiences ever made, The Son of No One should be avoided like a plague.

The Prophecy is reminiscent of Deadwood because both movies delve into the dark and corrupt underbelly of their respective settings. While Deadwood takes us to a town of deep corruption and crime in the late 1800s, The Prophecy explores a lethal heavenly prophecy being fulfilled on earth. Both films showcase characters who are immersed in a world filled with violence and profanity.
However, despite their similarities, there are notable differences between the two movies. Deadwood is a crime drama set in the Wild West, while The Prophecy is a supernatural thriller with elements of action and fantasy. Deadwood focuses on the gritty reality of the old West, with attention to historical accuracy and impeccable production standards. On the other hand, The Prophecy combines its supernatural elements with a lapse of faith storyline, creating a unique blend of mystery and horror.

Knockaround Guys, released in 2002, is reminiscent of Deadwood, a series that aired in 2004. Both movies belong to the crime and drama genres. While Deadwood is set in the late 1800s in the corrupt and crime-ridden town of Deadwood, South Dakota, Knockaround Guys takes place in a remote Midwestern town, where four wannabe mobsters find themselves in more trouble than they had anticipated. The similarity lies in the portrayal of the criminal underworld and the characters' struggles to navigate it. However, Deadwood focuses on the historical backdrop of the Old West, with impeccable production standards and a realistic portrayal of the era, while Knockaround Guys offers a comical and action-packed ride with enjoyable performances. If you're a fan of crime dramas, comical action flicks, or are simply a Vin Diesel fan, Knockaround Guys is a movie that will truly kick-start your enjoyment.

Dark Blue, released in 2003, is reminiscent of the TV series Deadwood. Both take place in different time periods but share a similar theme of corruption and crime. While Deadwood is set in the late 1800s in a town of deep corruption, Dark Blue is a neo-noir crime drama set in 1992 Los Angeles, revolving around a corrupt LAPD officer. Both main characters, Al Swearengen in Deadwood and Kurt Russell's character in Dark Blue, are morally ambiguous and captivating to watch. Despite their different time periods, the two stories share a sense of grittiness and darkness. However, Dark Blue stands out as a dirtier and angrier portrayal of a corrupt cop, making it a must-watch for fans of Kurt Russell, action films, and cop stories.

The Shield is reminiscent of Deadwood in many ways. Both shows are set in a corrupt and crime-ridden environment, bringing to life the dark underbelly of their respective eras. While Deadwood is set in the late 1800s in South Dakota, The Shield takes place in modern-day Los Angeles. Both series excel at creating a gritty and realistic atmosphere, immersing the viewer in the world they have built. The characters in both shows are complex and morally ambiguous, making it difficult to determine who to root for. Deadwood's Al Swearengen, brilliantly portrayed by Ian McShane, is a foul-mouthed and back-stabbing villain who manages to humanize a repellent character. Similarly, The Shield's Vic Mackey, played by Michael Chiklis, is a dirty cop who uses his authority and cunning to navigate the web of corruption he finds himself in.

Never Grow Old is reminiscent of Deadwood, the critically acclaimed series set in the late 1800s. Both stories take place in American frontier towns and explore themes of corruption, violence, and the struggle for survival. While Deadwood focuses on the characters of the town and their intertwining stories, Never Grow Old centers around an Irish undertaker who profits from the chaos caused by outlaws. The two movies share a similar gritty and realistic portrayal of the Old West, with vivid depictions of saloons and lawlessness. However, Never Grow Old brings a fresh perspective to the Western genre, offering something new for fans who have been craving a different take on the beloved genre. So, if you enjoyed the immersive world-building and complex characters of Deadwood, Never Grow Old is definitely worth a watch.

Robbery Under Arms is a 1957 cinema movie that takes us back to 19th Century Australia, where two brothers join their father in Captain Starlight's bush ranger gang. While Deadwood and Robbery Under Arms may seem worlds apart in terms of time and setting, they share a common theme of lawlessness and violence. Both stories explore the dark underbelly of society, showcasing characters who are driven by their own desires and are willing to break the rules to achieve them. However, while Deadwood focuses on the corruption and crime in the town of Deadwood, South Dakota, Robbery Under Arms delves into the untamed wilderness of Australia. The film captures the wild irresponsibility of the bushrangers, highlighting the allure and danger of life outside society's constraints.

Dead Man is reminiscent of Deadwood in its portrayal of the Old West. Both movies capture the gritty and corrupt nature of the time period, with Deadwood focusing on the town of Deadwood, South Dakota, and Dead Man following the journey of an accountant named William Blake. While Deadwood is a series, Dead Man is a cinematic experience that takes the viewer on a strange and spiritual walk through a Pacific Northwest netherworld. The black and white cinematography of Dead Man adds to its haunting beauty, while Deadwood stands out for its attention to detail, story, and character development. The cast of both movies is absolutely phenomenal, with standout performances from actors like Ian McShane and Timothy Olyphant in Deadwood, and Johnny Depp in Dead Man. Both movies are a must-watch for anyone who enjoys the Western genre, as they offer unique perspectives on the time period and the human nature that thrived within it.