Here are 10 must-watch crime dramas that pull no punches, diving headfirst into the gritty realities of the underworld.
Top 10 Gritty Crime Dramas You Can’t Miss
1. The Sopranos
The Sopranos delves into the domestic life of a mob boss. We see a gangster battling depression, a criminal yearning for love with a mother who has mental health issues, a neglected soul forced to heal himself, a father consumed by rage over the threat to his daughter, a middle-aged man still seeking his father’s approval, a child manipulated by his own mother, and ultimately, a person desperately seeking maternal love, only to be pushed further into darkness.
2. The Wire
What makes The Wire exceptional is its portrayal of the inner lives of its characters. Some are genuinely evil, while others retain a flicker of conscience. The human heart is complex and contradictory. Zooming out, the city’s struggles mirror the internal conflicts within individuals. Bubs, a vulnerable character from a marginalized group, is particularly compelling, as is the female police officer who brings a ray of hope into his life.
3. Peaky Blinders
With great power comes great responsibility, and the more decisions one makes, the more enemies one attracts. Polly’s prayer in the final episode perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Shelby brothers. John, with his many children, remains the immature younger brother. Arthur, despite being the eldest, lacks the strength to lead; he’s as likely to be killed by others as he is to destroy himself. Tommy is the family’s backbone, protecting everyone and making the tough choices, even if they’re not always understood.
4. Narcos
Almost every major character is well-developed. The cinematography and composition are solid. La viva Columbiana!! However, the show occasionally leans too heavily into ideological messaging, sometimes feeling like an Americanized, anti-drug version of a propaganda film. Pablo, you magnificent and brutal idealist tyrant, I suddenly have the urge to sell pineapples in Belize…
5. Undercover
The real star of Undercover is undoubtedly Bilzarian, the double-crossing ex-arms dealer turned reluctant accomplice. His cunning and wit provide the show’s only moments of levity. The plot structure mirrors the first season, with each episode ending on a twist to keep viewers hooked. The protagonist’s eagerness for revenge leads him to cross lines, venturing deeper and deeper into moral ambiguity.
6. Gomorrah
A Southern European crime drama that rivals its American counterparts. The most thrilling aspect is the casual violence, executed without hesitation. However, the initial prison scenes are somewhat underwhelming, and Jenny’s mother’s antics drag on for a few episodes. Then comes Ciro, followed by Jenny. The plot could benefit from smoother transitions.
7. Boardwalk Empire
Masterful direction is evident from the start, with top-notch production and meticulous attention to detail. A powerful figure who manipulates events and navigates both sides of the law, the protagonist’s life is ultimately tinged with sadness. “We born to die, don’t know why.” The final episode’s poignant reflection on life resonated deeply, eliciting a few tears.
8. Sons of Anarchy
Cool and atmospheric, but the characters’ thought processes are overly simplistic. They condemn people based on hunches rather than evidence, which aligns with the “redneck” stereotype. While not on par with The Sopranos, the story is decent and relatively realistic. America’s enduring fascination with gangster films stems from the fact that they are essentially political dramas, and politics, at its core, is about understanding human nature.
9. Narcos: Mexico
The production quality is high, but the writing and acting are lacking. Felix seems like a weakling compared to Escobar, and his rise to power feels less like his own doing and more like waiting for others’ approval. His negotiations with everyone come across as superficial. Compared to Colombia, Mexico’s state power is much stronger, forcing narcos to cooperate with the government to survive.
10. Power
Power is a solid show. The first season effectively introduces the various characters. It tells the winding story of a gangster trying to return to the right path, involving his family, lovers, children, and friends. The plot is full of twists and turns. While the first few episodes may be slow, give it time, and you’ll discover its strengths.
