11 Must-Watch Movies Similar to The Wire

The Sopranos: New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano deals with personal and professional issues in his home and business life that affect his mental state, leading him to seek professional psychiatric counseling. This show takes us on a golden trip back to a time when TV series were taken more seriously. The acting is so realistic and well done that sometimes we forget about the fictional drama. The writing is thoughtful and subtle, and it's a precious gem that marks an era. The evolution of the characters and the excellence in the construction of the seasons make it a series that goes down in history. We need more series with this level of dedication. Watch The Sopranos, you won't regret it.

Illtown is reminiscent of The Wire in that both movies explore the dark underbelly of the drug world. While The Wire focuses on the Baltimore drug scene through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement, Illtown tells the story of a man and his girlfriend running a profitable drug operation with the help of a group of teens. Both movies delve into the consequences of drug trafficking and the corrupt nature of some individuals involved. However, where The Wire takes a multi-faceted approach, examining the entire city of Baltimore and its various institutions, Illtown hones in on the specific dynamics of a small drug operation and the crackdown by the police. Despite their similarities, the two movies have distinct differences. The Wire is a highly acclaimed series, known for its complex characters, intricate storytelling, and attention to detail. On the other hand, Illtown, while not as critically acclaimed, offers a unique perspective with its series of vignettes presented out of sequence, providing a different and somewhat surreal experience.

Blow takes us back to the 1970s, when George Jung and the Medellín Cartel revolutionized the American cocaine market. Just like The Wire, Blow explores the gritty world of drug trafficking, but with a different twist. While The Wire focuses on the drug scene in Baltimore and the complex relationship between drug dealers and law enforcement, Blow tells the captivating story of one man's rise and fall in the drug trade. Both movies shed light on the dark underbelly of the drug world, but Blow takes us on a journey through the glamorous and dangerous era of the 70s. With outstanding performances from Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz, Blow offers a captivating glimpse into the life of a drug dealer. So if you're a fan of The Wire and want to dive into a different era and perspective of the drug trade, Blow is a must-watch.

Locked Up, released in 2005, is reminiscent of The Wire. Both movies fall under the Crime, Drama genre and explore themes of drug trafficking. However, while The Wire takes a multi-perspective approach, showcasing the drug scene from the eyes of both drug dealers and law enforcement, Locked Up focuses on the relationship between two inmates, Dennis and Mike. The Wire is known for its complex characters and intricate storytelling, while Locked Up, a German film, impresses with the natural performances of its relatively new cast members. Although the premise of two gay men sharing a cell may seem improbable, Marcel Schlutt and Mike Seal deliver fresh and authentic performances that make the movie worth watching. Schlutt's portrayal of a gay man and his chemistry with Seal as his black lover add depth to the film. Additionally, the realistic and brutal shower scene stands out as a provocative moment.

Company Business is reminiscent of The Wire in terms of its plot and setting. While The Wire explores the dark underbelly of the Baltimore drug scene and the dynamics between drug dealers and law enforcement, Company Business takes us on a thrilling journey of a retired CIA agent participating in a prisoner exchange with the Russians. Both movies delve into the world of crime and espionage, presenting complex narratives that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. However, while The Wire focuses on the entire city of Baltimore and the intricate web of characters and storylines, Company Business takes us on a globetrotting adventure, showcasing fascinating locations like Berlin and Paris. The witty one-liners and charming chemistry between the main characters, played by Gene Hackman and Mikhail Baryshnikov, provide a lighthearted touch to the movie. Although Company Business could use a bit more action, the shootout in the subway proves to be an exhilarating sequence.

El nino is reminiscent of The Wire in its exploration of the drug trade, but with a different setting and tone. While The Wire takes place in Baltimore and delves into the complexities of the city, El nino is set in the Gibraltar Straits and focuses on a small-time trafficker. Both movies provide an intriguing look into the world of drug trafficking, but El nino adds a thrilling element with car and motorboat chases. The Wire is known for its attention to detail and complex characters, and El nino follows suit with a fine cast and interesting screenplay. While The Wire may be too violent or complex for some, El nino offers action, drama, and emotion in a more accessible package. So if you enjoyed The Wire and want a Spanish thriller with a touch of adrenaline, El nino is definitely worth watching.

La Reina del Sur: Teresa Mendoza returns to Mexico after 8 years to fight with Mexican drug dealers. This series is unexpectable, always full of surprises & new ideas. It's worth watching specially Season 2.
La Reina del Sur is reminiscent of The Wire in its exploration of the drug trafficking world. While The Wire focuses on the Baltimore drug scene from the perspectives of both drug dealers and law enforcement, La Reina del Sur takes us to Mexico, where Teresa Mendoza returns after 8 years to confront Mexican drug dealers. Both series provide a thrilling and captivating look into the dangerous world of drug trafficking. However, La Reina del Sur adds a touch of telenovela flair, making it a unique and exciting watch. With its unexpected twists and turns, this series keeps you on the edge of your seat, always surprising you with new ideas.

Ranam is a movie that will remind you of The Wire. While The Wire delves into the Baltimore drug scene and the intricate relationship between drug dealers and law enforcement, Ranam explores the life of a mysterious getaway driver trapped in a life of crime. Both movies revolve around the theme of drug trafficking and the consequences it has on the characters' lives. However, Ranam takes a different approach by focusing on the redemption of its protagonist and the protection of his only friend. While The Wire is known for its complex storytelling and attention to detail, Ranam falls slightly short in terms of pacing and storytelling near the climax. Nevertheless, it is still a thrilling movie with high emotions and enjoyable songs. If you have seen The Wire and want to experience a different perspective on the world of drug trafficking, Ranam is definitely worth watching.

Easy Money is reminiscent of The Wire in its exploration of the criminal underworld and the complex lives of its characters. While The Wire takes place in Baltimore, Easy Money is set in Sweden, but both movies delve into the gritty world of drug trafficking and the consequences it has on those involved. Just like The Wire, Easy Money portrays its characters in a nuanced and empathetic way, making it easy for the audience to become invested in their lives. The two movies also share similarities in their use of violence, showcasing both brutal and sensitive moments with realistic depictions. However, Easy Money stands out with its innovative technical aspects, such as the lighting and shots during dialogue scenes, which make it visually interesting to watch. If you enjoyed the captivating storytelling and attention to detail in The Wire, you should definitely give Easy Money a chance.

NYPD Blue, released in 1993, is reminiscent of The Wire, a series that aired in 2002. Both shows fall under the crime, drama, and thriller genres, and they focus on the lives of law enforcement officers. However, while The Wire explores the drug scene in Baltimore through the eyes of both drug dealers and police, NYPD Blue takes a more concentrated approach, following detectives from the NYPD's 15th Precinct as they investigate homicides. Although The Wire is known for its complex storytelling and abundance of interesting characters, NYPD Blue also delivers gripping plots and strong character development. Additionally, both shows have received critical acclaim, with The Wire earning 54 nominations and 16 wins, while NYPD Blue has an impressive record of 203 nominations and 88 wins, including 20 Emmy awards. If you're a fan of crime dramas and are looking for a series that combines gritty realism with compelling storytelling, NYPD Blue is definitely worth a watch.

The Untouchables is a thrilling crime drama set in 1930s Chicago, where the seemingly untouchable crime boss Al Capone is challenged by a team of incorruptible U.S. Treasury Agents. Led by the indefatigable Eliot Ness, the agents embark on a mission to bring down Capone's empire. While The Wire and The Untouchables take place in different eras and locations, they share similarities in their exploration of crime and law enforcement. Both shows delve into the intricate workings of criminal organizations and the relentless pursuit of justice by the protagonists. However, The Untouchables presents a more romanticized portrayal of the battle between good and evil, with entertaining yet historically unrealistic stories. It captivates viewers with an excellent cast and a fantastic theme music by Joel Goldsmith.