15 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Ozark

"Seis Manos" is a delightful surprise that combines martial arts action, ancient rituals, and blood sacrifice in a Mexican setting. While the series draws inspiration from other sources, it manages to create a unique and enjoyable watch. Unlike some anime shows, it doesn't rely on sexual undertones or characters that look like kids. The action sequences are well-choreographed and don't feel random. One minor criticism is that it feels more Asian than Mexican, even though all the characters are Mexican. Nevertheless, "Seis Manos" is a thrilling and visually stunning series that fans of "Ozark" should definitely check out.

The Snitch Cartel, also known as El cartel de los sapos, is a film that takes you deep into the world of drug cartels in Colombia. Set in the year 1993, shortly after the death of Pablo Escobar, it follows the life of Andres Lopez Lopez during his involvement with the Colombian Cartel, also known as "Cartel Norte del Valle". The movie is an emotional love story set in the cocaine capital of the world, Colombia. It features excellent acting, captivating cinematography, and a story that never bores you for a second. If you're a fan of the Netflix TV show Narcos, this movie will definitely resonate with you. It has that same level of Latin charisma, beautiful cinematography, and an abundance of sex. The entire cast does an amazing job, and I was particularly impressed by Kuno Becker's performance, reminiscent of Orlando Bloom in Kingdom of Heaven.

Mindhunter is like Ozark's mysterious and intellectual cousin. While Ozark dives into the treacherous world of money laundering and drug cartels, Mindhunter takes us on a journey through the minds of serial killers. Both series have that addictive quality that keeps you on the edge of your seat, but Mindhunter adds an extra layer of psychological depth. Set in the late 1970s, two FBI agents venture into the realm of criminal science by investigating the psychology behind murder, and end up getting too close to real-life monsters. The show is a masterpiece of storytelling, with brilliant acting, directing, and writing. It may start off slow, but that's just the creators meticulously building the story and characters, and trust me, it pays off. So if you're a fan of Ozark's thrilling suspense and are ready to delve into the twisted minds of killers, Mindhunter is a must-watch.

Buy Me a Gun is a movie that takes place in a timeless Mexico, where women are disappearing and a little girl named Huck wears a mask to hide her gender. She helps her tormented addict father take care of an abandoned baseball camp where the narcos gather to play. The movie portrays the reality of violence, particularly towards children, in a terrifying yet almost surreal way. It's a horror film, but not in the traditional sense. The movie showcases the everyday violence that exists, with children being chained up in cages, tortured, and mutilated. However, the film's almost dreamlike quality and the director's use of color make it bearable to watch. Buy Me a Gun is a remarkable film that sheds light on the horrors of the world while also highlighting the resilience of its characters.

The Infiltrator is similar to Ozark in its thrilling exploration of crime, corruption, and money laundering. While Ozark focuses on a financial advisor who is forced to launder money for a drug boss in the Missouri Ozarks, The Infiltrator tells the true story of a U.S. Customs official who goes undercover to expose a money laundering scheme involving Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. Both stories delve into the dangerous world of drug cartels and the lengths that people go to in order to survive. However, while Ozark is a gripping series that unfolds over multiple episodes and seasons, The Infiltrator is a feature film that condenses the story into a single viewing experience. The Infiltrator takes us back to the mid-1980s and provides a deeper look at the complexities of undercover work, involving various government agencies, corrupt bankers, and different levels within the cartel.

Narcos. A chronicled look at the criminal exploits of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, as well as the many other drug kingpins who plagued the country through the years. Released in 2019, Narcos is a series that will keep you hooked for 49 episodes of non-stop entertainment. While not as intense as Ozark, it still delivers a captivating storyline filled with murder, deception, and the wild Colombian jungle. If you're a fan of crime dramas, especially those based on true events, then this is a must-watch. The first two seasons focus on the notorious "Medellin Cartel," led by the infamous Pablo Escobar, while the third season delves into "The Cali Cartel," run by the Rodriguez brothers. Although the third season may not reach the same heights as the first two, it still manages to captivate and entertain.

Sabotage, released in 2014, shares some similarities with the main movie, Ozark. Both films fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller, offering an intense and gripping experience for the viewers. However, while Ozark takes place in the Missouri Ozarks and follows a financial advisor who must launder money to appease a drug boss, Sabotage centers around an elite DEA task force that finds themselves being hunted down after robbing a drug cartel safe house.
One interesting aspect of Sabotage is the collaboration between director David Ayer and Arnold Schwarzenegger, which marks a departure from the latter's usual action roles. Schwarzenegger delivers a daring performance as John "Breacher" Wharton, a character with a dark past. Additionally, the supporting cast, including Sam Worthington and Terrence Howard, adds depth to the film.

"Sicario" is reminiscent of "Ozark" in its portrayal of the dark and gritty world of crime and drugs. Both movies delve into the dangerous and complex relationships between law enforcement and criminal organizations. While "Ozark" focuses on a financial advisor forced to launder money for a drug boss, "Sicario" follows an idealistic FBI agent enlisted to aid in the war against drugs at the border of the U.S. and Mexico. Both films captivate viewers with their intense and suspenseful plots, keeping them on the edge of their seats. However, "Sicario" takes a broader approach, offering a glimpse into the ongoing situation and leaving the audience to fill in the blanks with their own imagination. The film's technical aspects, such as the spectacular directing and flawless cinematography, contribute to its overall brilliance.

Go Fast is a French action-packed thriller that takes you on a high-speed ride from Morocco to France. Similar to Ozark, it revolves around the world of drug trafficking and undercover operations. However, unlike Ozark, Go Fast fails to deliver the same level of excitement and suspense. The story feels overly familiar and filled with clichés, lacking the emotional depth and character development seen in Ozark. The direction of the movie is uninspired, with typical shots and blurry visuals that fail to make a lasting impact. While the editing shows some promise, the overall rhythm of the film falls flat. The music, which could have been a redeeming factor, is poorly placed and doesn't enhance the viewing experience. In contrast, Ozark builds tension masterfully and pays off in a huge way, keeping you on the edge of your seat. So, if you're craving a thrilling and well-crafted series, I highly recommend Ozark over Go Fast.

American Sicario is reminiscent of Ozark in its exploration of the drug world and the characters' involvement in criminal activities. However, while Ozark thrives on its gripping tension and well-developed plot, American Sicario falls short with its lackluster execution. The main actor's performance is subpar, with boring dialogues and zero talent on display. It's clear that the production of this movie did not do justice to the potentially engaging source material. Despite its flaws, Ozark remains a must-watch show, whereas American Sicario fails to live up to its potential and leaves viewers wanting more.

The Mule is reminiscent of Ozark in several ways. Both movies fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller, and they explore the dangerous world of drug cartels. While Ozark focuses on a financial advisor who is forced to launder money for a drug boss, The Mule tells the true story of a ninety-year-old horticulturist who becomes a drug mule for a Mexican cartel. Both movies take viewers on a thrilling journey filled with suspense and tension. However, they also have their differences. Ozark is a gripping series that spans multiple seasons, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of its characters and plotlines. On the other hand, The Mule is a cinema movie, condensing its story into a single experience. Additionally, Ozark has received numerous award nominations, while The Mule has been praised for Clint Eastwood's iconic performance.

Museo is a captivating Mexican crime drama that bears resemblance to Ozark. While Ozark takes us to the dark underworld of money laundering and drug cartels in the Missouri Ozarks, Museo immerses us in a heist set in 1980s Mexico City. Both movies explore the consequences of characters venturing into the world of crime, driven by their own motivations. In Ozark, a financial advisor is forced to launder money to protect his family, while in Museo, two friends rob an archeological museum for personal gain. Despite their differences in genre (Ozark being a thrilling series and Museo a cinema movie), both films excel in creating tension and intrigue. Ozark thrives on its gripping storyline and exceptional performances by Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, while Museo entertains with its witty screenplay and the charismatic acting of Gael García Bernal.

Narcos: Mexico is a gripping series that captures the rise of the Guadalajara Cartel and the dangerous world of narcos in Mexico. While not quite as good as the original Narcos, it still delivers a captivating storyline with superb writing and acting. The show provides an in-depth exploration of the drug cartels and their operations, giving viewers a fascinating insight into their world. The addictive nature of the series is undeniable, and even though a significant portion is in Spanish, you quickly adapt to the subtitles. If you're interested in understanding how the cartels work and what it takes to be at the top of the drug world, Narcos: Mexico is definitely worth your time.

State of Play is a thrilling crime drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It tells the story of a journalist investigating the murder of a congressional aide, which leads to uncovering a political conspiracy involving his old college friend. The movie boasts a stellar cast, with Russell Crowe delivering an outstanding performance as a world-weary reporter and Helen Mirren bringing charm and depth to her role as Perry White/Katharine Graham. If you're a fan of suspenseful thrillers, State of Play won't disappoint. It's a well-crafted film that combines gripping plot development with believable characters and interesting subtext. Despite a few plot points that may stretch credibility, the overall package is top-notch. With its engaging storyline, strong performances, and thought-provoking themes, State of Play is definitely worth a watch.

Dexter. Released in 2006, Dexter is reminiscent of Ozark in many ways. Both are crime dramas that delve into the dark side of human nature, showcasing morally ambiguous characters engaged in illicit activities. While Ozark takes us to the Missouri Ozarks, Dexter's setting is the vibrant city of Miami. However, what truly sets Dexter apart is its unique protagonist, Dexter Morgan, a lovable and intelligent forensic expert who leads a double life as a serial killer. Michael C. Hall's remarkable performance as Dexter alone is reason enough to watch this show. While some may argue that Ozark is the better show, Dexter's thrilling narrative and edge-of-your-seat suspense make it a must-watch. Just be warned: the ending may leave you wanting more.