16 Movies Like Justified: Explore Action, Crime, and Drama

Justified: Explore Action, Crime, and Drama with these 16 captivating movies that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Dive into the thrilling world of law enforcement as strong-willed characters fight for justice in their own unique ways. From action-packed adventures to gripping crime dramas, these films will transport you to different worlds while keeping you hooked with their mysterious twists and charming characters.

1) Day of Wrath

Day of Wrath is reminiscent of Justified because both movies fall under the genres of Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller, and Western. However, while Justified is a modern-day series set in the US, Day of Wrath takes place in the 16th century in GB. The plot of Justified revolves around a US Marshal seeking justice, while Day of Wrath follows a sheriff investigating a series of murders. Despite their differences in time and location, both movies explore themes of justice and the moral dilemmas faced by their respective lawmen. Additionally, both films feature strong performances from their lead actors, Timothy Olyphant in Justified and Christopher Lambert in Day of Wrath. If you enjoyed the action-packed drama of Justified, you should definitely give Day of Wrath a watch to experience a thrilling medieval tale of crime and conscience.

Release date: June, 2006
IMDB Rating: 5.4

2) Wrong Turn at Tahoe

Wrong Turn at Tahoe is reminiscent of Justified in its portrayal of the criminal underworld and the characters who navigate it. Both movies delve into the gritty and dangerous world of crime, showcasing the actions and consequences of characters who live by their own moral codes. While Justified focuses on a US Marshal seeking justice in his hometown, Wrong Turn at Tahoe follows a small-time crime boss who unwittingly crosses paths with the biggest crime boss in the country. Both movies explore themes of loyalty, power dynamics, and the blurred lines between good and evil. However, the two movies differ in their settings and tones. Justified takes place in a Western-inspired small town, infusing elements of the Wild West into its modern-day narrative, while Wrong Turn at Tahoe presents a contemporary urban setting. Justified is known for its complex characters and intricate storytelling, whereas Wrong Turn at Tahoe offers a more straightforward and action-packed narrative.

Release date: November, 2009
IMDB Rating: 6

3) Underbelly

Underbelly: Each season of this multi-award-winning television series takes you through a 13-episode run in the rise and fall of real-life Australian underworld figures as told from both sides of the law. It is called the Australian Sopranos. There are two problems with this tag: Underbelly is not as good as Sopranos and, unlike Sopranos, it is all too real. What we know is that most of these hard men who lived as if there was no law, no rules, no morals and no tomorrow, also lived life as if they were actors in a movie. The news footage of the funerals (and there were more than two dozen of them) could as well have been taken from the episodes of Sopranos.

Release date: February, 2008
IMDB Rating: 8.1

4) Epicenter

Epicenter takes you on a wild ride, just like Justified. While Justified is a gripping series that explores the darkness in human beings and the blurred lines between good and evil, Epicenter is a disaster of a movie that keeps you entertained in a completely different way. From lousy effects to terrible dialogue and continuity errors, Epicenter is so bad that it's actually fun to watch. Traci Lords, who should perhaps have stuck to her old trade, surprisingly shines as one of the best actors in the movie. So, if you're in the mood for a good time, grab some friends, pour some stiff drinks, and prepare to be on the floor laughing with Epicenter. It may not be a spy or disaster movie, but it certainly is a disaster of a movie.

Release date: March, 2001
IMDB Rating: 3.6

5) The Take

"The Take" (also known as "Bastille Day") is a thrilling action movie set in France. If you're a fan of Idris Elba, then stop reading this review and go watch it, because it's his film. Elba plays a badass CIA agent stationed in France who teams up with a young pickpocket on an anti-terrorist mission. The film does a good job of avoiding some clichés and surprises pleasantly at times. Elba's performance is menacing, cool, and fantastic, as always. However, the chemistry between the cast members is lacking, but since this is an action thriller, who really cares? The action is solid, and the balance between action and thriller is just right. "The Take" is a standard movie that delivers what it promises, with the only standout being Elba. He needs to do more action movies and maybe even be the next Bond.

Release date: June, 2016
IMDB Rating: 6.3

6) The Piano Player

The Piano Player is reminiscent of Justified in that both movies fall under the genres of Action, Drama, and Thriller. However, while Justified is a series with a runtime of 44 minutes per episode, The Piano Player is a cinema movie with a longer runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. The plot of Justified revolves around US Marshal Raylan, a lawman seeking justice in his hometown, while The Piano Player follows Alex, a piano playing assassin who becomes a bodyguard in Capetown. Despite their differences in storyline and format, both movies share the common theme of characters caught in dangerous situations. If you enjoyed the intense action and thrilling plot of Justified, The Piano Player offers a similar experience with its intriguing storyline and moments of suspense. Plus, the cast of The Piano Player, including Christopher Lambert, Dennis Hopper, and Diane Kruger, brings their unique talents to the screen, adding an extra layer of excitement to the movie.

Release date: June, 2004
IMDB Rating: 4.3

7) The Closed Circuit

The Closed Circuit is reminiscent of Justified in its gripping portrayal of crime and corruption. Both movies explore the dark underbelly of society, delving into the blurred lines between good and evil. While Justified focuses on a US Marshal seeking justice in his hometown, The Closed Circuit follows the story of three successful businessmen accused of organized crime and money laundering. Both movies are intense and suspenseful, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. However, Justified leans more towards the Western genre, incorporating elements of cowboy culture and gunfights, while The Closed Circuit maintains a gritty, realistic tone. If you enjoyed the thrilling narrative of Justified, you should definitely watch The Closed Circuit for its gripping story of corruption and its thought-provoking exploration of power and morality.

Release date: April, 2013
IMDB Rating: 6.8

8) The Contract

The Contract: A father and his son attempt to bring in an assassin to the authorities, but his dangerous associates have other plans. While not as critically acclaimed as Justified, The Contract still manages to captivate with its intriguing plot and talented cast. With Morgan Freeman and John Cusack in the leading roles, the film promises an engaging on-screen dynamic between two exceptional actors. Although the script could have been stronger and some plot elements were confusing, Freeman and Cusack's chemistry makes the film watchable. If you're a fan of either actor, it's worth giving The Contract a chance.

Release date: April, 2007
IMDB Rating: 5.6

9) Il cacciatore

Il cacciatore is reminiscent of Justified, as both are action-packed crime dramas that delve into the dark underbelly of society. While Justified is set in the US and follows US Marshal Raylan as he enforces his own brand of justice, Il cacciatore takes place in Italy during the 1990s and tells the story of the servants of the Nation who fought against the mafia. Both series explore themes of justice, corruption, and the blurred lines between good and evil. However, they differ in terms of setting and time period. Justified is set in the modern-day US, while Il cacciatore takes us back to a tumultuous period in Italian history. Despite these differences, fans of Justified will find themselves captivated by Il cacciatore's raw portrayal of the atrocities of the mafia and the unwavering sense of justice exhibited by the Italian prosecutors.

Release date: March, 2018
IMDB Rating: 7.8

10) Vice

Vice, a thrilling Russian film directed by Valeriy Todorovskiy, bears a striking resemblance to the beloved series Justified. While Justified explores the dark side of human nature through the lens of a distinct group of people in the US, Vice delves into the state of affairs in Russia, showcasing the slow descent into an abyss triggered by a single wrong choice. Both works provide a vivid and dismal view of the darkness within human beings and emphasize the consequences of making bad choices. However, Vice takes it a step further by examining the struggle to survive and the constant cycle of making worse choices to stay alive. With its tough topic, talented cast, and great cinematography, Vice is a must-watch for those who appreciate a captivating thriller that offers an unflinching depiction of the human condition.

Release date: November, 2007
IMDB Rating: 6.2

11) Plan de fuga

Plan de fuga is reminiscent of Justified in its exploration of the criminal underworld. While Justified follows a US Marshal seeking justice in his hometown, Plan de fuga takes us into the world of a professional thief hired by the Russian mob for a bank heist. Both movies delve into the darker side of society, showcasing the complexities of the criminal mind and the lengths people will go for their own brand of justice. However, where Justified is a series with multiple episodes to develop its characters and storylines, Plan de fuga is a cinema movie that condenses its narrative into a single, action-packed experience. So, if you enjoyed the intricate storytelling and morally ambiguous characters of Justified, you'll find Plan de fuga to be a thrilling and intense ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Release date: November, 2017
IMDB Rating: 5.6

12) Deadwood

Deadwood is a show set in the late 1800s in the corrupt and crime-ridden town of Deadwood, South Dakota. It's reminiscent of Justified because both shows explore the dark and gritty underbelly of American society. While Justified focuses on a US Marshal seeking justice, Deadwood delves into the lives of various characters in a lawless town. Both shows have a similar runtime, and they share Timothy Olyphant in the cast, who delivers captivating performances in both. However, Deadwood stands out with its impeccable attention to detail, historical accuracy, and ultra-realistic dialogue. The series weaves real historical events into a fictional Old West testament, creating a world that feels convincing and immersive. Ian McShane's portrayal of Al Swearengen is nothing short of incredible, as he humanizes a repellant character.

Release date: March, 2004
IMDB Rating: 8.6
13 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Deadwood

13) Comrade Detective

Comrade Detective is a hilarious and clever parody of a non-existent gritty 1980's Cold War Romanian police show. Just like Justified, Comrade Detective is an action-packed series with a thrilling plot that keeps you hooked from start to finish. While Justified explores the dark side of human nature and the pursuit of justice, Comrade Detective takes it a step further by satirizing both Western capitalism and Eastern communism. The show brilliantly blends different genres and tropes, creating a unique and refreshing viewing experience. The Romanian actors deliver incredible performances, and the dubbing cast adds a hilarious touch. The writing is masterful, combining ham-fisted comedy with subtle satire that works on multiple levels. The directing is sharp and moody, and the score is remarkable, reminiscent of big-screen films. Comrade Detective has a big heart, and it's a testament to the nifty, ingenious artistry of the whole crew.

Release date: August, 2017
IMDB Rating: 7.2

14) The Girl from the Naked Eye

The Girl from the Naked Eye" is reminiscent of "Justified" because both movies fall within the Action, Crime, and Mystery genres. However, while "Justified" is a series with a runtime of 44 minutes per episode, "The Girl from the Naked Eye" is a cinema movie with a longer runtime of 84 minutes. The plots also differ significantly, as "Justified" revolves around a US Marshal seeking justice in his hometown, while "The Girl from the Naked Eye" follows a man on a manhunt to find out who killed his friend, a call girl. Despite their differences, fans of "Justified" should watch "The Girl from the Naked Eye" for its intriguing noir-mystery storyline and strong performances by the cast, including Jason Yee and Samantha Streets.

Release date: June, 2012
IMDB Rating: 4.8

15) Vermist

Vermist is reminiscent of Justified in that both are gripping crime dramas with a strong focus on law enforcement. While Justified takes place in the US and centers around a US Marshal, Vermist is set in Belgium and follows the missing persons unit of the Belgian federal police. Both series dive deep into the complexities of their respective law enforcement agencies, showcasing the challenges faced by officers in their pursuit of justice. However, Vermist brings a unique twist to the crime genre by highlighting the personal sacrifices made by the team members, whose relationships suffer due to their dedication to their work. This adds an emotional depth to the series, making it a must-watch for fans of police crime stories who crave a realistic portrayal of the personal toll taken by those who protect and serve.

Release date: March, 2008
IMDB Rating: 7.1

16) On the Other Side of the Tracks

On the Other Side of the Tracks, a French buddy cop movie, shares some similarities with Justified. Both films fall under the action and crime genres, but they have different comedic tones. While Justified focuses on a strong-willed US Marshal seeking justice, On the Other Side of the Tracks explores the dynamics between two mismatched cops investigating a murder. The French film uses racial jokes and conflicts to create humor, reminiscent of the classic "Lethal Weapon" formula, but with a more refined approach. The acting in On the Other Side of the Tracks is top-notch, with Omar Sy's charm and Laurent Lafitte's comedic skills shining through. Additionally, the movie delves into France's class struggle, infusing the storyline with social commentary. Overall, On the Other Side of the Tracks offers an entertaining and light-hearted take on the buddy cop genre, making it a delightful watch for fans of Justified.

Release date: April, 2013
IMDB Rating: 5.8

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