14 Must-Watch Crime and Drama Movies Like The Sopranos

Breaking Point is reminiscent of The Sopranos in its exploration of the mafia and crime genre. While The Sopranos takes place in modern-day New Jersey, Breaking Point is set in the 1970s and follows the story of a man seeking revenge against the mafia after testifying against them in court. Both films delve into the themes of violence and the consequences of being involved with organized crime. However, the tone and execution differ between the two. The Sopranos is known for its realistic portrayal of the mafia, with complex characters and subtle storytelling. On the other hand, Breaking Point falls into the category of seventies "canuxploitation" cinema, relying on familiar ingredients such as revenge and vigilante justice. While Breaking Point may not reach the same level of excellence as The Sopranos, it offers a nostalgic trip back to a period of filmmaking that had its own unique style and appeal.

Lansky is a captivating movie that tells the story of Meyer Lansky, a famous gangster who is being investigated by the Feds for allegedly hiding millions of dollars. The film takes us on a journey through Lansky's life, from his beginnings as a Jewish immigrant to his rise as the boss of the National Crime Syndicate. The narrative unfolds through flashbacks, revealing the untold truth about Lansky's involvement in gambling, bootlegging, and racketeering. While the plot revolves around crime and violence, the movie's focus lies in the complex personalities and relationships of the characters rather than their heinous acts. Harvey Keitel delivers a compelling performance as the aging Lansky, while Sam Worthington shines as the reporter who interviews him. The film explores the intriguing dynamics between these two characters, making it a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.

Goodfellas, released in 1990, bears a striking resemblance to The Sopranos. Both delve into the gritty world of the mafia, exploring the lives of mobsters and the consequences of their actions. While The Sopranos focuses on Tony Soprano and his struggles with mental health, Goodfellas tells the story of Henry Hill and his life in the mafia. Both films showcase the rise and fall of their characters, portraying the allure and dangers of organized crime. However, where The Sopranos takes a more introspective approach, delving into the psyche of its protagonist, Goodfellas immerses you in a world of raw energy and enthusiasm. Martin Scorsese's direction crackles with intensity, and the final sequence is nothing short of stunning. The script is excellent, with memorable quotes, and the ensemble cast, including Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci, gives exceptional performances.

Kung Fu: The Legend Continues takes us on a journey through the lives of Kwai Chang Caine and his son Peter, who were separated after their Shaolin temple was destroyed. Reminiscent of The Sopranos, this series combines action, crime, drama, and fantasy to deliver an entertaining and thought-provoking experience. While Tony Soprano dealt with personal and professional issues in the mafia, Kwai Chang and Peter battle evil together using wisdom, martial arts, and occasionally even Peter's service pistol. The show explores the importance of handling situations without resorting to violence and teaches valuable life lessons. With a great cast led by David Carradine and Chris Potter, Kung Fu: The Legend Continues showcases the love between a father and son who must overcome their differences. So if you enjoyed the captivating journey of The Sopranos, you'll definitely want to give Kung Fu: The Legend Continues a watch.

Homicide: Life on the Street takes you on a journey through the gritty and captivating world of the Baltimore Police Department's Homicide Unit. Just like The Sopranos, this show captivates viewers with its realistic characters and thought-provoking storylines. While The Sopranos delves into the world of organized crime, Homicide: Life on the Street focuses on the equally complex world of solving homicides. The show stands out with its unique shooting style, racially diverse cast, and magnificent writing. It's a shame that not enough viewers tuned in when it aired, but now you have the chance to catch this Emmy and Peabody-award-winning show in syndication. Whether you're already a fan of police procedural dramas or looking for a show that breaks the mold, Homicide: Life on the Street is a must-watch.

Vanishing Son is reminiscent of The Sopranos in its exploration of crime, violence, and the pursuit of justice. While The Sopranos focuses on the Italian-American mafia and the personal and professional struggles of mob boss Tony Soprano, Vanishing Son follows Jian-Wa, who comes to America from Beijing with his brother Wago in search of freedom. Both shows delve into the dark underbelly of society, where characters are faced with difficult choices and moral dilemmas. However, Vanishing Son takes a more action-packed approach, incorporating martial arts training and a die-hard scenario. While The Sopranos captivates viewers with its realistic performances and thoughtful writing, Vanishing Son offers an entertaining and thrilling ride. So, if you're a fan of The Sopranos and want to experience a different take on crime drama with a touch of martial arts, Vanishing Son is definitely worth a watch.

RoboCop: Alpha Commando, released in 1998, brings back memories of The Sopranos, a crime drama series from 1999. While the two may seem like polar opposites, they share a common thread of violence. However, instead of exploring the Italian-American mafia, RoboCop: Alpha Commando delves into the futuristic world of a federal agency fighting a high-tech terrorist organization. The main movie's compelling plot and excellent character development are matched by the similar movie's cool gadgets and thrilling action sequences. Although RoboCop: Alpha Commando may not reach the same level of critical acclaim as The Sopranos, it still offers an entertaining journey into the year 2030. So if you're a fan of crime dramas and want a taste of futuristic superhero action, strap in and give RoboCop: Alpha Commando a watch.

A Certain Justice: Released in 1998, "A Certain Justice" is reminiscent of "The Sopranos" in its crime and drama genres, as well as its mysterious plot. While "The Sopranos" explores the life of a New Jersey mob boss dealing with personal and professional issues, "A Certain Justice" follows Dalgliesh and his team as they investigate the murder of a top-flight lawyer with an abrasive reputation. Both shows delve into the dark underbelly of their respective worlds, but while "The Sopranos" takes place in the world of the mafia, "A Certain Justice" focuses on the legal system and the secrets it holds. With captivating performances and intriguing storylines, "A Certain Justice" is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas looking for a fresh take on the genre.

The Wire takes you on a wild journey through the Baltimore drug scene, showcasing the perspectives of both drug dealers and law enforcement. It's like The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, and Game of Thrones, but completely different. While those shows are exceptional in their own right, The Wire stands out by portraying the entire city of Baltimore. It's not just about drug dealing, the police, politics, or the education system; it's a comprehensive exploration of the city itself. With its abundance of interesting characters and intricate storylines, The Wire is a must-watch for any film and TV series lover. Each season delves into a different facet of the city, becoming more complex as the series progresses. The attention to detail is unparalleled, with even the smallest side characters having intriguing stories that unfold throughout the entire series. The Wire is a show that lives up to its high expectations, and once you watch it, you'll join the countless others recommending it to everyone you know.

Deadwood takes us back to the late 1800s in Deadwood, South Dakota, a town plagued by corruption and crime. This series, much like The Sopranos, captivates audiences with its attention to detail, compelling storylines, and well-developed characters. Both shows excel in creating a realistic and immersive world that draws viewers in. While The Sopranos explores the dark underbelly of the Italian American mafia, Deadwood delves into the gritty world of the Old West. The profane yet authentic dialogue in Deadwood adds a theatrical element, making it stand out from other westerns. The exceptional performances, particularly by Ian McShane as Al Swearengen, make the characters come alive and keep us hooked. The nominations and awards received by both series speak to their quality and impact.

Criminal Minds, released in 2005, shares a few similarities with The Sopranos. Both are gripping crime dramas that keep you on the edge of your seat. However, Criminal Minds takes a different approach by focusing on a group of criminal profilers who work for the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit. They use behavioral analysis and profiling techniques to investigate crimes and catch the suspect known as the unsub. While The Sopranos delves into the world of the New Jersey mafia and follows mob boss Tony Soprano as he deals with personal and professional issues. The Sopranos is known for its realistic and well-done acting, while Criminal Minds boasts a talented cast and a strong central character in Hotch, who unfortunately left the show. Despite these differences, if you enjoyed the intense storytelling and character development in The Sopranos, you'll find yourself hooked on the thrilling investigations of Criminal Minds.

Standoff has some similarities with The Sopranos, but it also has its own charm. Both shows belong to the Crime and Drama genres, exploring the complexities of human relationships in high-pressure environments. While The Sopranos delves into the world of the Italian-American mafia and the struggles of mob boss Tony Soprano, Standoff focuses on a pair of hostage negotiators who try to resist their growing attraction to each other. The Sopranos is known for its realistic acting, thoughtful writing, and excellent character development, making it a landmark series that goes down in history. Standoff, on the other hand, impresses with its camera angles and delivers excellent plots, dialogues, and acting. However, it lacks the twist at the conclusion that many viewers crave, as each crisis is resolved at the end of every episode. Despite this, Standoff offers a delightful mix of wit, humor, action, and drama.

10i entoli is a Greek series that shares similarities with The Sopranos. Both shows fall under the crime and drama genres, exploring the dark side of human nature. However, while The Sopranos focuses on the life of a New Jersey mob boss and his struggles with mental health, 10i entoli takes a different approach. It tells the stories of ordinary people who, at a crucial point in their lives, cross the limits in a shocking way. The Greek series delves into the depths of human behavior and showcases the consequences of their actions. Despite the differences in setting and storyline, 10i entoli captures the essence of The Sopranos by delving into the complexities of human nature and the choices we make when pushed to our limits. If you enjoyed The Sopranos and want to explore a different cultural perspective on crime and drama, 10i entoli is a must-watch.

Vratice se rode. A story of two friends and petty thieves trying to make a living, but failing in every possible way. This Serbian series, released in 2007, is reminiscent of The Sopranos. Both shows delve into the underworld, showcasing the struggles and complexities of their respective characters. While The Sopranos focuses on the Italian-American mafia, Vratice se rode explores the lives of small-time criminals in a village. Despite their different settings, both series masterfully blend comedy, crime, and drama to create compelling narratives. The Sopranos, with its brilliant acting and thought-provoking writing, has become a benchmark for quality television. Vratice se rode, although less known internationally, deserves recognition for its directorial prowess and memorable characters. If you enjoyed The Sopranos and want to explore a different cultural perspective on the world of crime, Vratice se rode is a must-watch.