Gangster and mob stories often focus on family, gaining power, and ultimately, facing ruin. However, television has begun to explore these stories in more complex ways, moving beyond the typical tropes. Modern crime dramas now frequently delve into areas like politics, finance, the drug trade, and legal maneuvering. These shows prove that captivating audiences doesn’t always require violence; they can be just as compelling through clever strategy, ruthless ambition, and power struggles. While The Sopranos remains a classic, many other series offer the same level of gripping storytelling and satisfaction.
If you’re fascinated by stories of powerful people and the consequences they face, here are 10 great gangster TV shows – in addition to the famous one on HBO – that you shouldn’t miss.
10) The Blacklist
Unlike typical mob shows, The Blacklist offers a compelling glimpse into modern criminal power – how it functions in the digital age. The series centers around Raymond “Red” Reddington (James Spader), a once-elite intelligence officer who becomes a notorious criminal and surprisingly surrenders to the FBI. He offers them a carefully chosen list of dangerous international criminals, but don’t expect a show like The Sopranos. This series focuses on crime driven by connections, manipulation, and strategic blackmail. Red doesn’t run a family; he orchestrates a network.
What makes the show truly compelling is its portrayal of Reddington as a master manipulator with an incredible grasp of politics, money, and international affairs – often exceeding the knowledge of federal agents. He doesn’t gain power through force or territory, but through information: knowing who is indebted to whom, which governments are vulnerable, and which criminals he can use to his advantage. Over ten seasons, The Blacklist is fundamentally a show about strategy, and in that way, it reimagines the classic gangster drama for a modern audience.
9) Power
“Power” is a show that doesn’t get enough attention. While it looks like a typical drug-dealing story, it’s actually a drama about a man striving for success and power in the business world. The series follows James “Ghost” St. Patrick as he attempts to escape his life as a drug kingpin and become a legitimate entrepreneur, all while secretly continuing to run his criminal empire. What’s truly interesting about the show is the internal struggle it portrays: for Ghost, crime isn’t just a way to make money, it’s a core part of who he is. He thinks he can leave that life behind, but the very things that made him powerful are also what keep him stuck.
I’m really fascinated by how Power approaches the whole mob story. It’s not just about violence; it really focuses on the branding, how these guys try to look legitimate, and how they’re constantly trying to grow their operation – it feels like watching a business, honestly, a really dangerous one! There are definitely dramatic moments, but what I really love is the pacing and how power keeps changing hands. It makes everything feel so unpredictable and keeps me on the edge of my seat. It’s a great take on the modern gangster – someone who wants to appear like a successful entrepreneur, even though they’re still running things the old-fashioned, ruthless way.
8) Sons of Anarchy
Over the years, Sons of Anarchy has received a lot of attention and acclaim, and rightfully so. It deserves a place on this list because it’s fundamentally about how criminal legacies are passed down. The show centers on SAMCRO, a motorcycle club involved in illegal gunrunning and complicated relationships with drug cartels and other gangs. The story follows Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam), a leader who wants to change the direction of the club. While it initially appears to be about simply maintaining the club’s success, the show truly captivates viewers by gradually exploring the conflict between upholding tradition and embracing change.
The motorcycle club in Sons of Anarchy functions much like a traditional mafia family, with a strict chain of command, its own rules, strong bonds of loyalty, and severe punishments for disloyalty. The show centers on Jax, a member who doesn’t simply crave power, but wants to change the club from within. What makes Sons of Anarchy compelling is its suggestion that real change is incredibly difficult once criminal activity becomes deeply ingrained in an organization. While later seasons aren’t always perfect, the series is powerful because it recognizes a central idea in gangster stories: often, the greatest danger to a criminal organization isn’t the police, but problems arising from its own internal structure.
7) The Penguin
Whether you’re into gritty crime shows or superhero stories (particularly those from DC), The Penguin is a standout series. Picking up after the events of The Batman, it focuses on Oswald “Oz” Cobb (Colin Farrell) as he attempts to take control of Gotham’s criminal underworld after the downfall of a powerful mob boss. The show centers around his efforts to gain territory, defeat his enemies, and form strategic partnerships. But what truly sets this series apart?
What makes The Penguin stand out is its realistic portrayal of organized crime. Oz Cobblepot isn’t a typical, over-the-top villain; he’s carefully planning, holding grudges, and thinking several steps ahead – which adds depth to the story. The show focuses on the power struggles within Gotham’s criminal world, treating every move as a business decision with potential gains and losses. Essentially, it’s a classic gangster story set in a fictional city, with the superhero aspects taking a backseat. The driving force behind the plot is simple: ambition, and the relentless pursuit of power and control.
6) Gomorrah
Often overlooked, Gomorrah is arguably the most realistic show on this list. It focuses on the brutal power struggles within the Camorra, Naples’ criminal organization, where survival depends on navigating a world of constant betrayal. Unlike many gangster dramas that try to make criminals sympathetic, Gomorrah doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of crime – there’s no glamour, and every choice carries life-or-death consequences. It presents a cold, unforgiving look at a system where trust is a weakness.
The show doesn’t aim to make you favor any particular character. Instead, it highlights how fragile and fleeting power is within the world of organized crime. The series portrays the criminal hierarchy as dangerous – the more power someone gains, the more vulnerable they become. There’s no sense of lasting security, and no one is truly safe. Every step up comes with the risk of a fall. This makes watching the show intense and unsettling, but that’s precisely what Gomorrah intends to achieve.
5) Boardwalk Empire
If you enjoy The Blacklist and are interested in the origins of modern organized crime, Boardwalk Empire is a must-watch. The show, set during Prohibition, centers on Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi), a politician who uses his position to dominate the illegal alcohol business in Atlantic City. It explores the growth of the black market and features partnerships with actual historical gangsters. Because of its intricate plot and focus on detail, it’s best suited for viewers who prefer a more deliberate, slower-paced story.
So, why should you watch Boardwalk Empire? It brilliantly explores how crime and politics are deeply connected. The show doesn’t portray them as separate entities, but rather demonstrates how organized crime became more sophisticated by making deals with institutions, operating through secret agreements, and gaining political power. In essence, it shows us the origins of the modern American mafia. Beyond that, the show is incredibly well-crafted, with rich details and a sharp look at how power operates, making it a true standout in its genre.
4) Narcos
Narcos stands out by transforming true events into a gripping crime story. It achieves this through its massive scope, detailing the growth and collapse of Pablo Escobar’s empire and later, the Cali Cartel. Throughout the series, American and Colombian law enforcement attempt to take down these huge criminal organizations. What sets it apart is the global scale of the crime – the cartel functions much like a large international company, with intricate planning, political influence, and business-focused tactics. Pablo Escobar is depicted as a brilliant strategist and a dangerous, unpredictable force, able to both build a criminal empire and cause widespread instability.
What truly sets Narcos apart is its skillful blend of dramatic storytelling and historical accuracy. By incorporating actual footage, dates, and the political climate of the time, the show consistently reminds viewers that it’s not simply fiction. It’s a portrayal of events that profoundly impacted Latin America and U.S. foreign relations. Each major plot point – a rival’s downfall, a declaration of war – isn’t just a story device; it represents real-world consequences like bombings, international conflicts, and significant changes within entire countries. This added layer of reality gives the series a depth and impact that most crime dramas lack.
3) Peaky Blinders
Almost everyone knows about Peaky Blinders. It’s a standout crime drama because it portrays criminal activity as a carefully planned business, often involving violence. While it follows familiar gangster themes, the show feels new and exciting, attracting viewers who might not usually watch mafia stories. The series centers on the Shelby family as they grow their criminal empire after World War I, with Tommy Shelby (played by Cillian Murphy) driving their expansion from a small Birmingham gang to an international operation.
As a movie buff, I’m completely hooked on Peaky Blinders. What really strikes me is how brilliantly it shows that building a criminal empire isn’t just about brute force – it’s about constantly changing with the times, making deals with the right people, and being incredibly manipulative. The show has a really cool style, but it never forgets its central idea: power is always something you have to grow, secure, and defend. We see this again and again, especially through Tommy Shelby, who gets that true stability is just a fantasy. Each season feels like a new step in building this empire, and the risks and consequences just keep getting bigger. Throw in the amazing visuals, a really complex main character, and the fact that actions matter, and you can see why it’s still so popular – a movie is even coming out, which is awesome!
2) Better Call Saul
If you enjoyed Breaking Bad, you’ve probably heard of Better Call Saul. But if you haven’t watched it yet, you really should! It’s not a typical crime drama; instead, it offers a unique look at the criminal underworld from the perspective of those who manage it. The show centers on Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk) and his journey to establish himself as a lawyer, eventually becoming Saul Goodman – the lawyer criminals turn to. You don’t need to have seen Breaking Bad to understand and enjoy this spin-off.
What makes this show stand out among crime and drama series is its deliberate pacing. Instead of sudden bursts of violence, criminal activity gradually unfolds. Better Call Saul meticulously shows how each of Jimmy’s questionable decisions contributes to his eventual descent into the criminal world. We also see other characters systematically building their criminal enterprises, with every action carefully planned. Essentially, the show focuses on how someone becomes a criminal, not just the moment they do. It’s about the entire process of transformation, which is what makes it so much more captivating than many other gangster dramas that prioritize violence.
1) The Wire
Many consider The Wire to be just as good as The Sopranos, and it’s widely praised as one of the best crime dramas ever made. What sets it apart is its complex and realistic portrayal of crime, going far beyond a simple police procedural. The show begins by focusing on the drug trade in Baltimore, but quickly expands to explore the interconnectedness of politics, schools, and the media. Unlike typical gangster stories, The Wire doesn’t romanticize crime; it presents a gritty, unglamorous look at how it’s woven into the fabric of an entire system.
What makes The Wire so exceptional is its portrayal of drug organizations functioning with a surprising level of order, while simultaneously battling the same bureaucratic hurdles as the police. The show avoids simple resolutions, offering no clear-cut heroes or villains – characters are complex and nuanced. It emphasizes the underlying structures and intricate details that make the world feel authentic. Ultimately, The Wire isn’t simply a crime drama; it explores the reasons why organized crime continues to thrive. It’s a brilliant example of compelling storytelling that also offers insightful observations about life.
What’s your favorite show about gangsters? Tell us in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-02-17 22:15