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Beyond the Codys: Riveting TV Shows Like Animal Kingdom Streaming on Netflix

If you’ve been captivated by the sun-soaked, crime-ridden world of the Cody family in Animal Kingdom, you’re likely searching for your next adrenaline fix. The complex family dynamics, high-stakes heists, and moral ambiguity that define the show have carved a unique niche in the television landscape. While Animal Kingdom itself isn’t currently streaming on Netflix in all regions, the good news is that there are many other series that capture similar themes and styles. This article dives deep into shows that offer the same blend of crime, family drama, and suspense, providing you with a curated list of binge-worthy alternatives available on Netflix and other streaming platforms. We’ll explore what makes these shows tick, highlighting their key features and why they might just become your next obsession.

Exploring the Appeal of Shows Like Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom, loosely based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name, distinguishes itself through its exploration of dysfunctional family bonds within a criminal enterprise. The series, which aired for six seasons, masterfully balances thrilling heist sequences with introspective character studies, examining the motivations and consequences of their actions. The show’s success lies in its ability to make you care about characters who are, at their core, morally compromised. The sun-drenched Southern California setting adds to the allure, creating a visually stunning backdrop for the dark and dangerous world of the Cody family.

What makes viewers seek out shows like Animal Kingdom? It’s a combination of factors:

Complex Characters: Viewers are drawn to characters with flaws, contradictions, and compelling backstories.
Intense Family Dynamics: The push and pull of family relationships, especially when complicated by crime, creates a rich tapestry of conflict and loyalty.
High-Stakes Action: The thrill of watching elaborate heists and dangerous confrontations keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Moral Ambiguity: Shows that challenge viewers to question right and wrong, and to empathize with characters operating in shades of gray, are particularly engaging.

Ozark: A Dark Descent into the World of Money Laundering

Ozark, a Netflix original series, shares several thematic similarities with Animal Kingdom. While the setting shifts from the sunny beaches of California to the murky waters of the Missouri Ozarks, the core elements of crime, family, and moral compromise remain firmly in place. The series follows Marty Byrde, a financial advisor who relocates his family to the Ozarks to launder money for a Mexican drug cartel. As Marty and his wife, Wendy, become increasingly entangled in the criminal underworld, they must navigate dangerous alliances and make impossible choices to protect their family.

Ozark excels at creating a sense of constant tension and dread. The stakes are always high, and the consequences of failure are dire. The show’s success is due, in part, to the outstanding performances of Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, who portray the Byrdes with a nuanced blend of desperation and ruthlessness. Like Animal Kingdom, Ozark explores the dark side of the American dream, revealing the lengths to which people will go to protect their families and their livelihoods.

Peaky Blinders: Gangster Family in Post-War England

For those captivated by the family aspect of Animal Kingdom, Peaky Blinders offers a historical, yet equally compelling alternative. Set in post-World War I Birmingham, England, this Netflix series follows the Shelby family, a notorious gang known as the Peaky Blinders. Led by the ambitious and cunning Tommy Shelby, the Peaky Blinders navigate the complex world of organized crime, vying for power and control in a city struggling to rebuild itself. The show is known for its stylish visuals, gritty atmosphere, and memorable characters. Cillian Murphy delivers a mesmerizing performance as Tommy Shelby, a complex and enigmatic leader haunted by his past.

Peaky Blinders showcases a different type of family dynamic than Animal Kingdom, but the core themes of loyalty, betrayal, and ambition remain central to the story. The Shelby family is bound together by blood and a shared history of hardship, but their individual desires and conflicting loyalties often lead to conflict and betrayal. The show’s historical setting adds another layer of depth, providing a fascinating glimpse into a turbulent period in British history.

Queen of the South: From Poverty to Drug Empire

Queen of the South, based on the novel La Reina del Sur by Arturo Pérez-Reverte, tells the story of Teresa Mendoza, a young woman from Mexico who rises to become a powerful drug trafficker. After her drug-dealing boyfriend is murdered, Teresa is forced to flee for her life, eventually building her own drug empire to survive. This series is a compelling exploration of power, ambition, and the corrupting influence of the drug trade. Alice Braga delivers a standout performance as Teresa Mendoza, portraying her transformation from a naive young woman to a ruthless and cunning leader.

Like Animal Kingdom, Queen of the South features a protagonist who operates outside the bounds of the law, making difficult choices to protect herself and her loved ones. The show explores the complexities of the drug trade, revealing the human cost of the war on drugs. The series also features strong female characters, challenging traditional gender roles within the criminal underworld.

Breaking Bad: A Chemistry Teacher’s Descent into Crime

While not focused on a family in the same way as Animal Kingdom, Breaking Bad is a masterclass in character development and moral decay, sharing similar themes of desperation and the allure of the criminal underworld. The series follows Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Desperate to provide for his family, Walter uses his chemistry skills to cook methamphetamine, partnering with a former student, Jesse Pinkman, to build a drug empire. Bryan Cranston delivers a tour-de-force performance as Walter White, transforming from a mild-mannered teacher into a ruthless drug lord.

Breaking Bad explores the dark side of human nature, revealing the lengths to which people will go when faced with desperation and the promise of power. The series is known for its tight plotting, suspenseful pacing, and morally complex characters. Like Animal Kingdom, Breaking Bad challenges viewers to empathize with characters who are deeply flawed and morally compromised.

Sons of Anarchy: Brotherhood and Outlaw Life

Sons of Anarchy delves into the world of a motorcycle club involved in organized crime, offering a raw and intense look at brotherhood, loyalty, and the consequences of violence. The series follows Jax Teller, the vice president of the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, as he struggles to balance his loyalty to the club with his desire to create a better life for his son. The show is known for its complex characters, Shakespearean plotlines, and brutal action sequences. Charlie Hunnam delivers a compelling performance as Jax Teller, portraying his internal conflict with depth and nuance.

Similar to Animal Kingdom, Sons of Anarchy explores the complexities of family and loyalty within a criminal organization. The show examines the allure of the outlaw lifestyle, as well as the devastating consequences of violence and betrayal. The series also features a strong sense of community, highlighting the bonds that tie the members of the motorcycle club together.

Features That Define These Compelling Crime Dramas

These shows share several features that contribute to their popularity and critical acclaim. Understanding these features can help you identify what you enjoy most about shows like Animal Kingdom and find other series that align with your tastes:

Intricate Plotlines: These shows are known for their complex and unpredictable storylines, keeping viewers guessing until the very end. The writers skillfully weave together multiple plot threads, creating a rich and engaging narrative.
Morally Ambiguous Characters: The characters in these shows are not simply good or evil; they are complex individuals with flaws, contradictions, and compelling motivations. This moral ambiguity makes them relatable and engaging, even when they are making questionable choices.
High-Stakes Conflict: The stakes are always high in these shows, whether it’s a dangerous heist, a power struggle within a criminal organization, or a desperate attempt to protect loved ones. This constant tension keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Strong Performances: These shows feature talented actors who bring their characters to life with depth and nuance. The performances are often praised for their authenticity and emotional resonance.
Atmospheric Settings: The settings of these shows are often as important as the characters and plotlines. Whether it’s the sun-drenched beaches of Southern California, the murky waters of the Missouri Ozarks, or the gritty streets of post-World War I Birmingham, the settings create a unique and immersive viewing experience.
Exploration of Family Dynamics: Many of these shows explore the complexities of family relationships, whether it’s the bonds of blood, the ties of loyalty, or the conflicts that arise from shared history and conflicting desires.

The Enduring Appeal of Crime Dramas: Why We Can’t Look Away

Crime dramas have long held a fascination for audiences, and shows like Animal Kingdom are no exception. There are several reasons why these shows continue to captivate us:

Escapism: Crime dramas offer a form of escapism, allowing us to vicariously experience a world that is far removed from our own. We can explore the thrill of danger and the allure of the forbidden without facing the real-world consequences.
Moral Exploration: These shows often challenge our moral compass, forcing us to question our own values and beliefs. We are drawn to characters who operate in shades of gray, and we are fascinated by the choices they make.
Suspense and Thrills: Crime dramas are often filled with suspense, action, and unexpected twists, keeping us on the edge of our seats. We are drawn to the adrenaline rush of watching high-stakes conflicts unfold.
Character-Driven Stories: At their core, crime dramas are often character-driven stories that explore the human condition. We are drawn to characters who are complex, flawed, and relatable, even when they are making questionable choices.

Finding Your Next Binge-Worthy Obsession

If you’re searching for your next binge-worthy obsession after Animal Kingdom, Netflix and other streaming platforms offer a wealth of options. From the dark and suspenseful world of Ozark to the historical drama of Peaky Blinders, there’s a crime drama out there to suit every taste. Consider what aspects of Animal Kingdom you enjoyed most – the complex family dynamics, the high-stakes action, or the morally ambiguous characters – and use that as a guide to explore other series that share similar themes and styles. By exploring the shows detailed above, you’re guaranteed to find something new to keep you entertained.