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Craving More After Animal Kingdom? Explore These Thrilling Crime Dramas

Finished binging Animal Kingdom and now you’re stuck with a Cody-sized hole in your viewing schedule? You’re not alone. The sun-soaked, adrenaline-fueled world of the Cody family and their criminal enterprises captivated audiences for six seasons. The show’s blend of family drama, high-stakes heists, and morally ambiguous characters created a truly unique viewing experience. But the good news is that there are plenty of other series out there that capture a similar vibe and can fill that void. This guide will explore a curated selection of shows that offer the same thrills, complex characters, and gripping narratives that made Animal Kingdom so addictive. We’ll delve into what makes each show stand out, highlighting their similarities and differences to help you find your next obsession.

The Allure of the Criminal Underworld: Why We Love Shows Like Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom wasn’t just about crime; it was about family, loyalty, and survival in a world where the lines between right and wrong are constantly blurred. The show masterfully explored the dynamics of a dysfunctional family bound together by blood and illicit activities. The characters were complex and flawed, making their choices all the more compelling. This exploration of moral ambiguity, combined with the thrill of watching high-stakes heists unfold, is a key ingredient in the show’s appeal. Shows like Animal Kingdom offer a vicarious glimpse into a world that most of us will never experience firsthand, allowing us to explore the darker aspects of human nature from the safety of our living rooms.

The success of Animal Kingdom also speaks to a broader fascination with anti-hero narratives. We’re drawn to characters who operate outside the bounds of conventional morality, challenging our own perceptions of good and evil. These shows often explore themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of our choices, providing a rich and thought-provoking viewing experience. This is why finding more shows like Animal Kingdom that deliver on these aspects is so sought after.

Ozark: A Family’s Descent into Darkness

If you enjoyed the family dynamics and criminal enterprise aspects of Animal Kingdom, Ozark is a must-watch. This critically acclaimed series follows Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman), a financial advisor who relocates his family to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong. Marty must launder millions of dollars for a Mexican drug cartel to save his family’s lives. What sets Ozark apart is its slow-burn tension and the gradual transformation of the Byrde family as they become increasingly entangled in the criminal underworld. Just like the Cody family, the Byrdes are forced to make difficult choices that test their morality and their relationships.

Ozark excels at portraying the psychological toll of a life of crime. The characters are constantly under pressure, and the consequences of their actions are often devastating. The show also features a strong ensemble cast, with standout performances from Laura Linney as Marty’s wife, Wendy, and Julia Garner as Ruth Langmore, a local criminal with a complex relationship with the Byrdes. The picturesque setting of the Ozarks provides a stark contrast to the dark and dangerous world that the Byrdes inhabit, adding to the show’s overall sense of unease.

Key Features of Ozark:

Intense Suspense: Every episode ratchets up the tension, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Complex Characters: The Byrdes and the other inhabitants of the Ozarks are all flawed and fascinating.
Moral Ambiguity: The show explores the difficult choices that people make when their backs are against the wall.
Stunning Cinematography: The Ozarks setting is beautifully captured, adding to the show’s atmosphere.
Critically Acclaimed Performances: The cast delivers outstanding performances across the board.

Peaky Blinders: A Gang’s Rise to Power in Post-War England

For those who appreciate the historical setting and strong family bonds of Animal Kingdom, Peaky Blinders offers a similarly compelling experience. Set in post-World War I Birmingham, England, the series follows the Shelby family, a notorious gang known as the Peaky Blinders, as they rise to power in the criminal underworld. Led by the charismatic and cunning Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy), the Peaky Blinders engage in a variety of illicit activities, from illegal betting to arms dealing. What makes Peaky Blinders so captivating is its stylish visuals, its gritty portrayal of working-class life, and its exploration of the psychological impact of war.

Peaky Blinders is a masterclass in world-building. The show immerses you in the smoky, industrial atmosphere of post-war Birmingham, creating a sense of authenticity and realism. The characters are richly drawn, and their motivations are complex and often contradictory. The show also features a fantastic soundtrack, featuring contemporary music that perfectly complements the period setting. Like Animal Kingdom, Peaky Blinders explores themes of family, loyalty, and the pursuit of power, but it does so within a distinctly different historical and cultural context.

Key Features of Peaky Blinders:

Stylish Visuals: The show is visually stunning, with a distinctive and memorable aesthetic.
Gritty Realism: Peaky Blinders portrays the harsh realities of working-class life in post-war England.
Compelling Characters: The Shelby family is a fascinating and complex group of individuals.
Historical Setting: The show provides a glimpse into a pivotal period in British history.
Fantastic Soundtrack: The music perfectly complements the show’s atmosphere and themes.

Sons of Anarchy: Brotherhood and Betrayal in a Motorcycle Club

If the adrenaline-pumping action and tight-knit group dynamics of Animal Kingdom appealed to you, Sons of Anarchy is another excellent choice. This series centers on the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, Redwood Original (SAMCRO), a motorcycle club operating in the fictional town of Charming, California. The show follows Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam), the club’s vice president, as he grapples with his loyalty to the club and his desire to create a better life for his son. Sons of Anarchy is a raw and visceral portrayal of outlaw culture, exploring themes of brotherhood, betrayal, and the consequences of violence.

Sons of Anarchy is known for its intense action sequences, its complex characters, and its Shakespearean plotlines. The show explores the moral compromises that the members of SAMCRO make in order to protect their club and their way of life. The relationships between the characters are often strained and volatile, leading to dramatic conflicts and shocking betrayals. Like Animal Kingdom, Sons of Anarchy features a strong ensemble cast and a compelling central protagonist who is forced to make difficult choices in a world of crime and violence.

Key Features of Sons of Anarchy:

Intense Action: The show is packed with thrilling motorcycle chases and violent confrontations.
Complex Characters: The members of SAMCRO are all flawed and morally ambiguous.
Shakespearean Plotlines: The show features themes of betrayal, revenge, and redemption.
Outlaw Culture: Sons of Anarchy provides a glimpse into the world of motorcycle clubs.
Strong Ensemble Cast: The actors deliver powerful performances across the board.

Queen of the South: From Poverty to Power in the Drug Trade

For viewers drawn to the criminal enterprise and power dynamics within Animal Kingdom, Queen of the South offers a compelling alternative. This series follows Teresa Mendoza (Alice Braga), a poor Mexican woman who rises to become a powerful drug lord. After her drug-dealing boyfriend is murdered, Teresa is forced to flee Mexico and seek refuge in the United States. She quickly learns the ropes of the drug trade and begins to build her own empire, facing numerous challenges and betrayals along the way. Queen of the South is a gripping and suspenseful drama that explores themes of ambition, survival, and the corrupting influence of power.

Queen of the South stands out for its strong female protagonist and its portrayal of the inner workings of the drug trade. Teresa is a complex and resourceful character who is constantly adapting to survive in a dangerous world. The show also features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and agendas. Like Animal Kingdom, Queen of the South explores the moral compromises that people make in order to achieve their goals, but it does so from a distinctly female perspective.

Key Features of Queen of the South:

Strong Female Protagonist: Teresa Mendoza is a compelling and resourceful character.
Inner Workings of the Drug Trade: The show provides a detailed look at the world of drug trafficking.
Suspenseful Plot: The series is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing.
Diverse Cast: The show features a diverse cast of characters from different backgrounds.
Themes of Ambition and Survival: Queen of the South explores the human desire for power and the will to survive.

Breaking Bad: A Teacher’s Descent into the Drug World

No discussion of crime dramas would be complete without mentioning Breaking Bad. While the setting and specific crimes differ, the core themes of moral compromise and family impact deeply resonate with Animal Kingdom. This critically acclaimed series follows Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a high school chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Desperate to provide for his family after his death, Walter turns to cooking and selling methamphetamine. What begins as a desperate act of self-preservation quickly spirals out of control, as Walter becomes increasingly involved in the criminal underworld. Breaking Bad is a dark and morally complex drama that explores the consequences of our choices and the corrupting influence of power.

Breaking Bad is a masterclass in character development. Walter White’s transformation from a mild-mannered teacher to a ruthless drug lord is one of the most compelling character arcs in television history. The show also features a strong supporting cast, including Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman, Walter’s troubled but loyal partner. Like Animal Kingdom, Breaking Bad explores the impact of crime on families and the difficult choices that people make when their backs are against the wall.

Key Features of Breaking Bad:

Compelling Character Arc: Walter White’s transformation is one of the most memorable in television history.
Morally Complex: The show explores the ethical dilemmas faced by its characters.
Suspenseful Plot: The series is full of twists and turns that keep you hooked.
Strong Supporting Cast: The actors deliver outstanding performances across the board.
Critically Acclaimed: Breaking Bad is widely considered to be one of the greatest television shows of all time.

Other Shows to Consider

If you’re still searching for more shows like Animal Kingdom, here are a few other options to explore:

The Sopranos: A classic crime drama that explores the life of a New Jersey mob boss.
Boardwalk Empire: A historical drama set in Atlantic City during the Prohibition era.
Narcos: A gripping series that tells the story of the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar.
Power: A crime drama that follows a drug dealer as he tries to go legitimate.
Snowfall: A series that explores the crack cocaine epidemic in 1980s Los Angeles.

Finding Your Next Crime Drama Obsession

The world of crime dramas is vast and varied, offering something for every taste. Whether you’re drawn to the family dynamics of Animal Kingdom, the historical setting of Peaky Blinders, or the intense action of Sons of Anarchy, there’s a show out there that will capture your attention. By exploring the shows listed above, you’re sure to find your next obsession and fill that void left by the Cody family. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be transported to a world of crime, intrigue, and morally ambiguous characters. You may find that these shows like Animal Kingdom provide a similar viewing experience.