15 Must-Watch Movies Similar to ‘Oz’

Billy Boy is reminiscent of Oz in its exploration of crime, drama, and thriller genres. Both movies delve into the dark and gritty aspects of life, pushing boundaries and challenging viewers' expectations. While Oz takes place in a prison facility, Billy Boy revolves around an angry teenager who becomes engulfed in danger after the death of a close friend. Despite their different settings, both films provide a raw and intense portrayal of human nature and the consequences of our actions. However, Billy Boy lacks the depth and finesse of Oz. The writing feels forced and predictable, and the actors overact, giving the film a film student quality. In contrast, Oz boasts a talented ensemble cast and thought-provoking storytelling that elevates it to the level of genius. While Billy Boy may appeal to fans of crime dramas, it falls short of the captivating and impactful experience offered by Oz.

Strangled is reminiscent of Oz, the popular crime drama series. Both movies belong to the Crime, Drama, and Thriller genres, and both explore the dark and gritty aspects of human nature. While Oz takes place in a prison facility, Strangled is based on the true story of a serial killer in 1950-60s Hungary. They both delve into the depths of human psychology and showcase the vulnerability and claustrophobia experienced by their characters. Both movies also touch on controversial and taboo topics, such as male nudity and rape. However, Strangled brings its unique Hungarian flavor to the mix, providing a fresh perspective on the crime genre. The film's well-made execution effectively transports the viewer to that particular time and place, making them feel the intensity and atmosphere of the story. If you've enjoyed Oz, Strangled offers a captivating and thrilling cinematic experience, bringing a different cultural backdrop to the table.

Shiner is reminiscent of Oz because both movies fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller. However, while Oz takes place in a prison facility, Shiner revolves around a boxing promoter and his connections within the criminal underworld. In Oz, the daily activities of the prison's criminal inhabitants are chronicled, while in Shiner, the past catches up with the ruthlessly ambitious promoter. The two movies share common themes of violence, grit, and controversy, but Shiner also delves into the world of boxing culture in London. Michael Caine's brilliant portrayal of Billy Shiner Simpson, a character that mirrors his own life, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the film. With its gritty and uncompromising look at London's boxing scene, Shiner provides a captivating and thrilling narrative that fans of Oz will surely enjoy.

Lilies - Les feluettes
When a bishop comes to a prison to hear the confession of an old friend, he is forced to watch a play, performed by the inmates, about their youth together, love, and betrayal. "Lilies" is reminiscent of "Oz" in its prison setting, but it takes a different approach. While "Oz" focuses on the daily activities of the inmates, "Lilies" delves into their past, exploring their relationships and the secrets they hold. The use of cross-gender casting in "Lilies" adds a humorous yet authentic touch, making us believe that these men are really women. The coming-of-age love story at the center of the plot is achingly tender, offering a refreshing take on a familiar theme. "Lilies" improves upon the play it is based on, using cinematic conventions to its advantage. The cuts between prison re-enactments and the actual events are seamless and often artistically breathtaking.

"Charlie Casanova" is reminiscent of "Oz" in its exploration of dark themes within the crime, drama, and thriller genres. Both movies delve into the twisted minds of their characters, showcasing the complexities of human nature. While "Oz" takes place in a prison facility and focuses on the lives of its criminal inhabitants, "Charlie Casanova" tells the story of a ruling class sociopath who uses a deck of playing cards to determine his fate after killing a working-class girl in a hit and run. Despite their similarities, the two movies differ in terms of their reception and execution. While "Oz" has received critical acclaim and amassed numerous nominations and wins, "Charlie Casanova" has a more controversial reputation and polarized viewers. Additionally, "Oz" boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Ernie Hudson, J.K. Simmons, and Lee Tergesen, whereas "Charlie Casanova" showcases Emmett Scanlan's standout performance.

Cha cha cha: A teenage boy dies in what appears to be a traffic accident but Corso believes otherwise. Now, let's talk about similarities and differences. Both "Oz" and "Cha cha cha" fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller, but that's where the similarities end. While "Oz" takes us into the gritty world of a prison facility, "Cha cha cha" explores the mysterious death of a teenage boy. "Oz" is a series with a runtime of 55 hours, while "Cha cha cha" is a cinema movie that lasts for almost 2.5 hours. The main difference lies in the quality of the acting. "Oz" boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Ernie Hudson and J.K. Simmons, whereas "Cha cha cha" suffers from the wooden and unconvincing performance of Luca Argentero.

Earthquake Bird is a captivating movie that will keep you engaged from start to finish. Just like in Oz, the characters in Earthquake Bird are complex and mysterious, making the story intriguing. While Oz takes place in a prison facility, Earthquake Bird explores the enigmatic world of a translator with a dark past. Both movies delve into the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller, keeping you on the edge of your seat with their suspenseful plotlines. However, Earthquake Bird adds an extra layer of mystery and romance to the mix, making it a unique and refreshing watch. So if you enjoyed the gripping intensity of Oz, I highly recommend giving Earthquake Bird a try.

The Shield is reminiscent of Oz because both shows delve into the dark and gritty world of crime and corruption. Just like Oz, The Shield takes a hard-hitting approach to storytelling, never shying away from violence, controversy, or challenging moral dilemmas. While Oz focuses on the daily activities of a prison facility, The Shield follows the lives and cases of a corrupt LAPD unit led by the dirty cop Vic Mackey. Both shows boast an ensemble cast of talented actors who bring their characters to life with incredible depth and nuance. The Shield, like Oz, is not afraid to blur the lines between right and wrong, leaving the audience torn between rooting for the morally questionable protagonist and facing the harsh reality of his actions. What sets The Shield apart is its ability to weave a complex web of intrigue, constantly keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns.

**Vulgar**: A man who performs as a children's birthday party clown tries to piece his life back together after being gang-raped.
Just like "Oz," "Vulgar" takes a dark and gritty approach to the crime, drama, and thriller genres. While "Oz" explores the daily activities of a prison facility, "Vulgar" delves into the life of a clown who faces a traumatizing event. Both movies tackle taboo topics like male rape, but "Vulgar" takes it a step further by incorporating a low budget film feel and a clown element. Despite the disturbing subject matter, "Vulgar" manages to infuse humor into the plot, thanks in part to the performance of Dante from Clerks. So, if you're in the mood for a movie that combines darkness, humor, and a unique premise, give "Vulgar" a watch.

Thursday is reminiscent of Oz, the prison drama series. While Oz delves into the daily activities and criminal inhabitants of an unusual prison facility, Thursday takes a different setting by focusing on a former L.A. drug dealer trying to start a new life as a married architect in Houston. However, both movies share a dark and gritty tone, with elements of crime and thriller genres. Oz tackles controversial topics like male rape and nudity, while Thursday explores drug dealing and rape. Despite their differences, both films captivate audiences with their realistic and believable dialogue, colorful characters, and unexpected plot twists. For those who enjoyed Oz, Thursday offers a similar blend of absurdity, outrageous action, corruption, and redemption. It's a must-see for fans of dark comedies and thrilling crime dramas.

I'll Sleep When I'm Dead is reminiscent of Oz because both movies fall under the crime, drama, and thriller genres. However, while Oz takes place in an unusual prison facility, I'll Sleep When I'm Dead delves into the criminal underworld. The former explores the daily activities of inmates, while the latter follows a former gangster seeking revenge for his brother's suspicious suicide. Oz boasts an ensemble cast of supporting actors, whereas I'll Sleep When I'm Dead features Clive Owen in a stolid, half-lidded performance. Both movies touch on sensitive topics like male rape, but Oz handles homosexuality with insight and objectivity. In contrast, I'll Sleep When I'm Dead focuses more on the psychological impact of the rape, sacrificing momentum and character development. Despite its slow pace and lack of action, I'll Sleep When I'm Dead offers a routine story with a unique perspective on revenge, making it worth a watch for fans of the crime genre.

Hardcore is reminiscent of Oz because both movies delve into the dark and gritty underbelly of society. While Oz explores the daily activities of a prison facility and its criminal inhabitants, Hardcore focuses on the lives of two young girls caught up in prostitution and drugs. Both films tackle themes of violence, crime, and the struggles of their characters against adversity. However, there are notable differences between the two. Oz is a series, while Hardcore is a cinema movie, allowing the latter to provide a more condensed and intense storytelling experience. Additionally, Oz is set in the US, while Hardcore takes place in Greece, giving each film a distinct cultural flavor. Furthermore, Oz is known for its ensemble cast of supporting actors, while Hardcore is driven by the strong performances of its two female leads. So, if you enjoyed the dark and thought-provoking nature of Oz, Hardcore offers a different yet equally compelling exploration of human struggles and relationships in a different setting.

K: "K" is a French movie that shares some similarities with "Oz." Both films fall under the genres of Crime and Thriller, and they both delve into the dark and intriguing world of criminal activities. However, while "Oz" takes place in a prison facility and focuses on the daily lives of its criminal inhabitants, "K" follows the story of a detective who witnesses a murder and covers up for the killer, only to have him disappear under mysterious circumstances. Despite their differences in setting and plot, both movies captivate viewers with their suspenseful narratives and unflinching portrayals of the criminal underworld. So if you enjoyed the gritty realism and intense storytelling of "Oz," then "K" will surely provide you with another thrilling and engaging cinematic experience.

Sugar is a movie that will remind you of Oz, but with a different flavor. While Oz takes you into the gritty world of a prison facility, Sugar delves into the troubled life of a suburban teen named Cliff. Just like Oz, Sugar explores themes of homosexuality and features male nudity in a raw and honest way. However, unlike the intense and violent atmosphere of Oz, Sugar takes a more introspective approach, focusing on the emotional journey of its characters. Sugar presents a heartfelt story about self-discovery and the lessons learned from unexpected encounters. With its good casting, excellent screenplay, and wonderful direction, Sugar offers a different perspective on life and love. So if you enjoyed Oz and want to dive into a thought-provoking coming-of-age drama, give Sugar a watch.

After the Fall is reminiscent of Oz, but with a suburban twist. While Oz takes place in a prison and explores the daily lives of its criminal inhabitants, After the Fall follows a suburban father and husband who turns to a life of crime to support his family. Both movies delve into the dark side of society and the desperate measures people take when faced with adversity. However, while Oz is a gritty and violent series, After the Fall is a slower-paced drama with small portions of action. Wes Bentley delivers a compelling performance as the desperate man who resorts to mugging the residents of his small town, while Jason Isaacs shines as the decadent detective trying to catch him. The film's more artistic approach, reminiscent of Terrence Malick's techniques, and its exploration of family dynamics make it an intriguing watch. So if you enjoyed the intense atmosphere and complex characters of Oz, be sure to check out After the Fall for a suburban twist on the dark side of human nature.