10 Shows where we see organized crime in action

For decades, crime dramas have attracted viewers who become immersed in dark criminal behind-the-scenes activities that present power conflicts, ethical problems, and risky double-crosses. These shows present different criminal enterprises, from the deadly Colombian drug operations in Pablo Escobar, El Patron del Mal to Tommy's criminal gang in Peaky Blinders, so viewers can experience thrilling organized crime shows.

The best features regarding storytelling, character development, and suspenseful elements emerge in this remarkable genre through antiheroes and horrifying villains who rule entire cities. If you're looking for a gripping watch, this ranked list of the top 10 organized crime shows will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Disclaimer: Please note that this entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

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10. Pablo Escobar, El Patron del Mal (2012)

The famed Medellín Cartel leader Pablo Escobar's rise and demise are documented in this TV series. It is a biographical crime drama. Through sequential scenes, the show reveals how Pablo Escobar evolved from basic drug operations to developing into a worldwide leader in drug cartel control. The show also reveals the cruel tactics of political ambitions and ongoing violent tactics Pablo Escobar used to establish power.

The organized crime factors of Escobar's well-structured cartel operations make Pablo Escobar a central story in this genre since it explores both his criminal drug business with his controlling criminal organization and sustaining corruption. From its storytelling format, this crime show reveals fundamental elements of criminal groups and shows how they fight with law enforcement in legal courts.

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9. Top Boy (2011)

The premiere of this crime show aired on October 31, 2011, and Yann Demange directed it featuring Ashley Walters, Kane Robinson, and Shone Romulus. According to the synopsis of the series, Sully & Dushane experience the deadly threats that come with drug trade and gang fighting. The viewers can access the show on Netflix. In season 1 episode 2, Leon's following line emphasizes how severe their surroundings are,

"You’re either a predator or prey out here. Choose wisely."

The harsh reality of drug trafficking and gang violence in East London is reflected in this statement. Leon highlights the difficult decisions that players must make in this perilous game, where winning or losing determines one’s survival.

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8. Gomorrah (2014)

This TV show premiered on May 6, 2014. Stefano Sollima directed the show and stars Marco D'Amore, Fortunato Cerlino, and Salvatore Esposito. The crime show follows Ciro Di Marzio, who navigates the brutal world of organized crime. Di Marzio is a member of the Savastano Camorra clan in Naples. In Episode 105 of Gomorrah, Ciro teaches Daniele how to shoot. Ciro says,

"You want to shoot, but just at bottles? Or really shoot? Shootin' a man is different you gotta get close. I bet it scares you."

The harsh truth of violence is brought into focus by Ciro's speech to Daniele. He distinguishes between shooting bottles and killing people. Thus, he highlighted the starkly different, terrifyingly emotional, and psychological effects of taking a human life. The show is available on Netflix. Gomorrah is an organized crime show because it delves into the power struggles, violence, and criminal activities inside Camorra. Thus, the series highlights the criminal impact on individuals and the community.

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7. Boardwalk Empire (2010)

The director of this crime show is Martin Scorsese, and he cast Steve Buscemi, Kelly Macdonald, and Michael Shannon as the leads. The show takes place in the crime-dominated Atlantic City underworld during the 1920s prohibition period, where it reveals Nucky's rise to power. We witnessed that he uses his relationships while managing corruption and deadly conflicts to construct his powerful bootlegging and gambling enterprise. When Nucky threatens to have Jimmy killed in the first episode of Boardwalk, Jimmy knowingly replies,

"Yeah, but you won't. You can’t be half a gangster, Nucky. Not anymore."

This TV show qualifies as an organized crime show because it shows illegal criminal organizations, among other elements of the period, while depicting detailed characters pursuing unlawful activities to create a dramatic story about control and illegitimate operations. The entire series can be watched on HBO MAX.

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6. Breaking Bad (2008)

In Breaking Bad, Season 4, Episode 3, Walt icily confronts Hector with a dark plan. Walt intends to place a pipe bomb in Hector's wheelchair by taking advantage of Hector's vulnerability and Gus's frequent visits. This instance highlights from this crime show reveals Walt's decline into evil motivated by revenge and pragmatism, even at the expense of innocent lives in a care home, and exposes his utter moral degradation and contempt for human life.

The brilliant writing, complex characters, and ethical inconsistency of "Breaking Bad" make it the best crime show ever. The show explores Walter White's journey from a modest educator to a vicious criminal, illustrating the results of decisions and the potential for evil in human nature. Its compelling story and exceptional performances established a standard for criminal dramas.

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5. Queen of the South (2016)

This television program centers on Teresa Mendoza, a low-income Mexican lady who becomes powerful in the drug cartel industry following the assassination of her lover, a cartel member. Through its storytelling, the show depicts drug trafficking violence through the exploits of Guzmán, showing his cold-hearted strategies and his relationships with law enforcement and other criminal groups.

This show is an organized crime show since its plot follows the Sinaloa Cartel as it engages in criminal activities. The show portrays how the cartel executes drug trafficking together with money laundering and violent criminal work, as well as illicit business activities.

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4. Narcos (2015)

Narcos shows the rise and fall of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar and the Medellín cartel. Throughout the series, the audience witnesses how the cartel functions as well as how law enforcement works to stop them, also experiencing how drug trafficking affects everything in society. One of Pablo's famous dialogues represents his hunger for money by selling drugs, and for that, he murdered and killed many innocent people:

“We should make more than banks.”

His bombings on Avianca Flight 203 and Andino shopping mall were one of the most terrifying attacks in Colombia. Audiences have witnessed these attacks on screen. Thus, according to the viewers, this crime show can be called an organized crime show relating to drug cartel workings while studying their ability to control worldwide criminal enterprises.

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3. The Sopranos (1999)

On January 10, 1999, director David Chase released his crime show that featured James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, and Edie Falco as the leading actors. Tony Soprano leads a New Jersey crime organization in his role as mob boss while managing a personal existence. The dual responsibilities of his personal and professional life force Tony to seek therapy for stress management. Tony Soprano says,

"A wrong decision is better than indecision."

This declaration reveals Tony's conviction of prompting crucial actions in organized crime's unpredictable and perilous realm. The show is based on an organized crime drama because it follows Tony and his Mafia connections, unlawful actions, and their effects on his personal relationships and professional activities. It is exclusively streaming on the HBO Max platform.

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2. El Chapo (2017)

This TV show debuted on April 23, 2017. Story House Entertainment produced the show and screened it on Univision. In 2019, Mexican drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán was found guilty and given a life sentence. He is in prison in ADX Florence, Colorado, now. The story reveals his progression to cartel leadership at Sinaloa Cartel, along with multiple prison escapes that led to his final capture by authorities.

Through its storytelling, the show depicts drug trafficking violence through the exploits of Guzmán, showing his cold-hearted strategies and his relationships with law enforcement and other criminal groups. This show is an organized crime show since its plot follows the Sinaloa Cartel as it engages in criminal activities. The show portrays how the cartel executes drug trafficking together with money laundering and violent criminal work, as well as illicit business activities.

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1. Peaky Blinders (2013)

Steven Knight produced the British period crime drama television series Peaky Blinders. The notorious Peaky Blinders gang reigns supreme in the smoky streets of post-WWI Birmingham. This gripping crime show delves into the lives of a mixed Irish Traveller and Romani family led by the shrewd and ambitious Tommy Shelby. Set against the gritty backdrop of 1919, it unveils the cunning maneuvers and relentless ambition of a street gang determined to rise to power. In season 6 episode 6, Tommy Shelby's most iconic dialogue captures his inner turmoil and unstoppable personality,

"The only person who could ever kill Tommy Shelby is Tommy Shelby himself."

The show is called an organized crime show because the gang's illegal operations and power battles are shown vividly on screens. Peaky Blinders depicts the sinister appeal and deadly nature of the criminal underground. Moreover, the intricacies of criminality, loyalty, and the unwavering will of the characters are all expertly portrayed in this Netflix-based organized crime show.

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It is concluded that each organized crime show, such as the Breaking Bad, Narcos series, Gomorrah, and The Sopranos, restructure the way people tell criminal stories through their distinctive narratives and provocative content. The crime shows highlight more than criminals since they analyze power dynamics with antiheroes and laws of survival within criminal systems.