17 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Narcos

Narcos: Mexico takes you on a thrilling journey into the dangerous world of drug cartels, just like its predecessor, Narcos. While it may not reach the same level of excellence, Narcos: Mexico still delivers a captivating show that is definitely worth your time. This series explores the rise of the Guadalajara Cartel and the risks faced by American DEA agents as they target narcos in Mexico. The writing and acting in Narcos: Mexico are top-notch, rivaling any other cartel-based show out there. Initially, I was skeptical because the original Narcos set the bar so high, but Narcos: Mexico pleasantly surprised me with its compelling storyline and strong performances. It continues the gripping narrative about drug cartels and does an amazing job at it. Once you start watching, you won't be able to stop. Even though about half of the series is in Spanish, you quickly become accustomed to the subtitles.

"Loving Pablo" takes us back to the world of drug lord Pablo Escobar, just like "Narcos" did. While "Narcos" provided a chronicled look at Escobar's criminal exploits and the drug kingpins who plagued Colombia, "Loving Pablo" offers a different perspective through the eyes of a journalist who strikes up a romantic relationship with Escobar. The film is based on the book "Loving Pablo, hating Escobar" and gives Virginia Vallejo's version of Escobar's story and his crimes. Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz deliver extraordinary performances, with Bardem looking like the real Escobar. Although the film would have been better in Spanish like "Narcos," it still offers an engaging experience for those interested in Escobar's story. So, if you've already watched "Narcos" and want to dive deeper into the world of Escobar, "Loving Pablo" is definitely worth a watch.

The Iceman is reminiscent of Narcos in its gripping portrayal of crime and the dark underbelly of society. While Narcos focuses on the Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar and the drug trade in Colombia, The Iceman tells the story of Richard Kuklinski, a notorious contract killer and family man. Both movies are based on true stories, providing a chilling glimpse into the lives of these criminals. However, while Narcos is a series with a total runtime of 49 hours, The Iceman is a cinema movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. Despite the difference in format and length, both movies succeed in keeping the audience on the edge of their seats with their thrilling plots and captivating performances. So if you enjoyed the intense world of Narcos and want to delve into the life of another intriguing criminal, The Iceman is a movie you should definitely watch.

"Apache: The Life of Carlos Tevez" takes us on a gritty journey through the life of Carlos Tevez, showcasing his rise to soccer stardom amidst the harsh conditions in Argentina's Fuerte Apache. As an avid fan of "Narcos," I was immediately drawn to this series. While "Narcos" delves into the criminal exploits of drug lord Pablo Escobar, "Apache" explores the true story of a soccer player overcoming the challenges of his upbringing. Both shows provide a captivating look at the lives of individuals facing adversity, but in completely different contexts. "Apache" immerses us in the dangerous streets of Fuerte Apache, known for its high crime rates, while "Narcos" takes us into the world of narco-terrorism in Colombia. The performances in "Apache" are stellar, with Balthazar Murillo delivering a convincing portrayal of Carlos Tevez. From the production design to the script, everything in "Apache" is top-notch.

Laetitia. Released in 2020, Laetitia is reminiscent of Narcos, the captivating series that chronicles the criminal exploits of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. While Narcos takes us through the dark world of drug trafficking in Colombia, Laetitia delves into a true crime story. Both shows fall under the genres of Biography, Crime, Drama, and Thriller, providing viewers with thrilling narratives based on real events. However, Laetitia takes a different approach, focusing on the mysterious disappearance of 18-year-old Laetitia. As the police search for answers, the show keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what happened to her. Although the ending of Laetitia left some viewers with unanswered questions, it still offers an enjoyable watch that will keep you anxious to find out the truth. So, if you're a fan of gripping crime dramas and true stories, Laetitia should be on your watchlist.

The Highwaymen is like Narcos, but set in 1930s America instead of Colombia. While Narcos chronicles the criminal exploits of drug lord Pablo Escobar and other drug kingpins, The Highwaymen tells the untold true story of the legendary detectives who brought down Bonnie and Clyde. Both movies fall under the genres of Biography, Crime, Drama, and Thriller, and are based on true events. Narcos keeps you on the edge of your seat with its fast-paced plot and intense jungle scenes, while The Highwaymen takes you on a different kind of thrilling ride, focusing on the chase and the cat-and-mouse game between the detectives and the infamous duo. The Highwaymen may not have as many nominations as Narcos, but it still offers a captivating story and top-notch performances from Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson, who bring the characters to life.

The Frozen Ground is reminiscent of Narcos in its gripping portrayal of crime and its basis on true events. While Narcos delves into the world of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar and the drug kingpins who plagued the country, The Frozen Ground tells the chilling story of a serial killer in Alaska who targeted young women. Both movies are intense and dark, with a focus on crime, deception, and the pursuit of justice. The Frozen Ground, like Narcos, is based on actual events, adding an extra layer of interest and realism. While Narcos is a series with 30 episodes of non-stop entertainment, The Frozen Ground is a cinema movie with a runtime of 105 minutes. Despite their differences in format and runtime, both movies are captivating in their own right and offer a thrilling viewing experience. So if you're a fan of crime genre and enjoy stories based on true events, The Frozen Ground is definitely worth a watch.

All the Money in the World is reminiscent of Narcos because both are based on true stories involving crime and deception. While Narcos explores the criminal exploits of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, All the Money in the World tells the story of the kidnapping of 16-year-old John Paul Getty III and his mother's desperate attempt to convince his billionaire grandfather to pay the ransom. Both movies delve into the dark underbelly of society and showcase the lengths people will go to achieve their goals. However, they differ in their settings and genres. Narcos takes place in Colombia and is a series, whereas All the Money in the World is set in Rome, Italy and is a cinema movie. Despite their differences, both movies offer captivating narratives that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. So, if you enjoyed the thrilling world of Narcos, you should definitely watch All the Money in the World for another gripping true crime story.

Kill the Messenger is reminiscent of Narcos because both movies explore the dark underbelly of crime and corruption. While Narcos focuses on the Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar and the drug kingpins that plagued the country, Kill the Messenger delves into the true story of journalist Gary Webb's investigation into the CIA's involvement in getting crack cocaine to the black community in LA to fund the Nicaraguan Contras. Both movies shed light on the murky world of drug trafficking and the devastating consequences it has on society. However, the main difference lies in the perspective. Narcos provides a comprehensive look at the criminal exploits of drug lords, while Kill the Messenger focuses on the investigative journalism and the political backlash that Webb faced for his groundbreaking reporting. If you enjoyed Narcos, you should watch Kill the Messenger to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate web of power, corruption, and the sacrifices made to uncover the truth.

Talvar: An experienced investigator confronts several conflicting theories about the perpetrators of a violent double homicide. The 2008 murder of Aarushi Talwar and Hemraj Banjade and the subsequent investigations, of which Guilty/Talvar is the fictionalized account, are complex, with multiple official points of view, compromised evidence, and of course breathless media accounts with unnamed sources, rumors and innuendo. The views on this case are polarized and often hardened, so how to make a movie about it? Vishal Bhardwaj and Meghna Guzzal took the time to scrupulously research the case, and present a Rashomon-like telling of the story with multiple viewpoints, allowing the viewer to conclude which case is most compelling. The acting is superb, and despite the many details, the editing it tight so that the movie is gripping from start to finish. Highly recommended.

**Bernie**: In small-town Texas, an affable mortician strikes up a friendship with a wealthy widow, though when she starts to become controlling, he goes to great lengths to separate himself from her grasp. "Bernie" is reminiscent of "Narcos" in its darkly comedic exploration of crime. While "Narcos" delves into the criminal exploits of Pablo Escobar and other drug kingpins, "Bernie" tells the true story of Bernie Tiede, an assistant funeral director who confesses to killing a wealthy and mean old lady. Both movies are based on true events, showcasing the fascinating world of crime. However, "Bernie" takes a lighter approach, infusing comedy into its storytelling. Jack Black delivers one of the best performances of his career, perfectly embodying the eccentric Bernie Tiede.

Charlie Says is reminiscent of Narcos in its exploration of crime and its real-life basis. While Narcos focuses on the criminal exploits of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar and other drug kingpins, Charlie Says delves into the tragic tale of an all-American girl who was transformed into a cold-blooded killer in the summer of 1969 under the influence of cult leader Charles Manson. Both movies are gripping biographical crime dramas that shed light on the dark side of humanity. However, they differ in their settings and time periods. Narcos takes place in Colombia, while Charlie Says is set in the United States during the late 1960s. Despite their differences, both movies captivate audiences with their intense storytelling and compelling performances. If you enjoyed Narcos and want to dive into another gripping true crime story, Charlie Says is a must-watch.

Gotti: The story of crime boss John Gotti and his son.
"Narcos" is a gripping series that chronicles the criminal exploits of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar and other drug kingpins. Similarly, "Gotti" takes us into the world of organized crime, focusing on the life of John Gotti, the head of the Gambino crime family in New York City. While "Narcos" immerses us in the dangerous world of drug trafficking in Colombia, "Gotti" gives us a taste of the Mafia lifestyle in America. Both films are based on true stories, providing an intriguing look into the lives of notorious criminals. However, while "Narcos" is praised for its strong character development and engaging narrative, "Gotti" falls short in these aspects. The movie lacks a cohesive flow and fails to make us truly care about its characters.

War Dogs takes us on a wild ride with David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli, who managed to secure a $300 million contract from the Pentagon to arm America's allies in Afghanistan. While Narcos explores the criminal exploits of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar and other drug kingpins, War Dogs delves into the world of arms dealing. Both movies are based on true stories, showcasing the audacity and deception that pervade these illicit industries. War Dogs, directed by Todd Phillips, offers a comedic twist to its dark and gritty narrative, with Jonah Hill and Miles Teller delivering stellar performances. While Narcos keeps us on the edge of our seats with its thrilling plot, War Dogs captivates us with its slimy and morally ambiguous characters. If you're a fan of crime genres and enjoy captivating stories based on true events, War Dogs is a must-watch that will leave you both entertained and enlightened.

Scoop is a captivating series that will keep you on the edge of your seat, just like Narcos. While Narcos chronicles the criminal exploits of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar and other drug kingpins, Scoop takes a different approach and explores the life of a journalist whose world is turned upside down by the very system that shaped her. Both series fall under the genres of Biography, Crime, and Drama, providing an intriguing mix of suspense and real-life events. However, Scoop takes it a step further by delving into the realm of true crime, making it even more thrilling. With its talented cast, including Karishma Tanna in a standout role, Scoop proves to be a hidden gem in the world of web series. So, if you're a fan of Narcos and crave another dose of gripping storytelling, make sure to add Scoop to your watchlist.

The Wolf of Wall Street is a wild and exhilarating rollercoaster ride that will leave you breathless, just like Narcos. Both movies capture the essence of true stories involving larger-than-life characters. While Narcos takes us on a thrilling journey through the criminal exploits of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, The Wolf of Wall Street introduces us to the extravagant life of stockbroker Jordan Belfort. Both films are fueled by greed, deception, and the pursuit of power.
However, what sets The Wolf of Wall Street apart is its comedic twist on the crime genre. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a phenomenal performance as Belfort, showcasing his versatility as an actor. The movie is filled with hilarious moments that will have you laughing out loud despite the dark undercurrents of corruption and debauchery. Martin Scorsese's direction is masterful, as he expertly balances the comedic and dramatic elements of the story.

Papillon, released on August 24, 2018, is reminiscent of Narcos. Both movies are based on true stories and fall under the genres of Biography, Crime, and Drama. While Narcos is a series, Papillon is a cinema movie with a longer runtime. However, what truly connects these two movies is their exploration of the criminal world. Narcos chronicles the criminal exploits of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, while Papillon tells the story of Henri Charriere, who is wrongfully convicted for murder and forms an unlikely relationship with a fellow inmate. Both films delve into the themes of deception, murder, and the pursuit of freedom. Although Papillon is a remake and might not reach the heights of the original, it still stands as a reasonable stand-alone film. If you loved Narcos and want to delve into another captivating true story with amazing performances, Papillon is worth a watch.