Must-See Movies That Will Keep You on the Edge After Watching Sicario!

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If you’re a fan of Denis Villeneuve’s gripping crime thriller ‘Sicario’, released in 2015 and now available on Netflix, you might want to explore other films with similar qualities. The movie stars Emily Blunt, Benicio Del Toro, and Josh Brolin, who deliver outstanding performances, and its storyline offers a tense, action-packed experience that keeps viewers hooked. With a 92% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and an audience score of 85%, ‘Sicario’ is undoubtedly a standout film about the illegal drug trade. The movie was nominated for three Oscars, and its success led to the 2018 sequel, ‘Sicario: Day of the Soldado’, directed by Stefano Sollima. While ‘Sicario: Day of the Soldado’ didn’t receive the same positive response as the original, ‘Sicario’ continues to be a must-watch for crime thriller enthusiasts.

If you’re looking for films akin to the gripping crime story found in Sicario, here are three suggestions that might appeal to you.

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For those seeking movies comparable to the captivating crime narrative of Sicario, these three titles may pique your interest.

Traffic

Prior to his role as a cartel leader in the movie “Sicario”, Del Toro previously acted as a Mexican police officer in Steven Soderbergh’s film “Traffic” from the year 2000. Similar to “Sicario”, this film delves into the war on drugs, but from multiple vantage points. The diverse cast of characters includes an American judge, a Mexican Army General, powerful drug lords, and DEA agents. Michael Douglas, Jacob Vargas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Don Cheadle, and Del Toro are among the notable actors in this compelling production.

boasting four Oscars, the film Traffic was an unparalleled success after its premiere and has continued to impress with its timeless appeal. The gripping, high-stakes crime narrative in Traffic keeps viewers riveted for nearly two hours and a half, as the movie maintains an ongoing sense of tension throughout. Similar to Sicario, Soderbergh’s acclaimed movie delves into the far-reaching consequences of the illegal drug trade. With its morally complex characters and thought-provoking themes, Traffic stands as a remarkable cinematic achievement that is sure to satisfy fans seeking intense crime drama reminiscent of Sicario.

Training Day

2001’s “Training Day” and “Sicario” bear similarities as both are crime thrillers focusing on a rookie police officer’s initiation into a city’s narcotics unit, in this case, the Los Angeles Police Department for “Training Day”. Antoine Fuqua’s masterpiece features Denzel Washington as an experienced yet unorthodox cop and Ethan Hawke as a novice recruit. Their performances earned them Oscar nominations, with Washington winning Best Lead Actor. The film also boasts a strong supporting cast that includes Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.

The plot of “Training Day” unfolds with unexpected turns as a pair navigates an exhilarating 24 hours through LA’s gang-dominated areas. The movie delves into the matter of police department corruption, showcasing the destructive results when ambition outweighs morals. Watching “Training Day” uncover the intricacies of its characters and narrative is a riveting experience, as it portrays a chilling depiction of the drug underworld and the cops entangled in it. If you’re looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking tale akin to “Sicario”, make sure to add “Training Day” to your queue.

American Gangster

6 years after his stellar role in “Training Day”, Denzel Washington squared off against Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott’s “American Gangster”. In this film, Washington portrays the actual Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas who is chased by Detective Richie Roberts, played by Crowe. “American Gangster” garnered two Oscar nominations due to its captivating narrative and exceptional acting. Interestingly, it’s often overlooked among Scott’s works as he is predominantly known for his masterpieces in the science fiction genre.

If you appreciated the intensity of Sicario, you’ll find American Gangster captivating with its tense back-and-forth between drug lords and law enforcement in New York City. Washington delivers a compelling portrayal of the real-life gangster, while Crowe leads an engaging police investigation. What sets American Gangster apart is its grounding in true events, enhancing its dramatic authenticity. Despite numerous mobster crime movies before and after it, Scott’s direction keeps American Gangster as a standout and enjoyable addition to the genre, making it an excellent choice for watching following Sicario.

All of these titles are available to rent, purchase, or stream across various platforms.

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2025-03-08 06:40