If you’re a fan of the gripping crime drama genre, then you’ve likely enjoyed the critically acclaimed film Traffic. Traffic dives deep into the complex world of drug trafficking, showcasing the intertwined lives of various characters. Here are 20 movies that capture the same intense, multi-layered storytelling and compelling performances.
1. Sicario
Sicario follows an FBI agent who is enlisted by a government task force to bring down the leader of a powerful and brutal Mexican drug cartel. Starring Emily Blunt, Benicio Del Toro, and Josh Brolin, this film is a tense and gritty look at the war on drugs.
2. The Departed
The Departed is a crime thriller about an undercover cop and a mole in the police force who are trying to identify each other while infiltrating an Irish gang in Boston. The film boasts an all-star cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson.
3. City of God
City of God tells the story of two boys growing up in a violent neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro who take different paths: one becomes a photographer, the other a drug dealer. The film stars Alexandre Rodrigues and Leandro Firmino.
4. No Country for Old Men
No Country for Old Men is a neo-Western crime thriller about a hunter who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and takes off with a suitcase full of money, while a relentless hitman pursues him. The film stars Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, and Josh Brolin.
5. Heat
Heat is a crime drama that follows the lives of a group of professional bank robbers and the dedicated detective determined to bring them down. Starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Val Kilmer, this film is a masterclass in tension and action.
6. American Gangster
American Gangster chronicles the rise and fall of Frank Lucas, a heroin kingpin in 1970s Harlem, and the dedicated detective who brings him to justice. The film stars Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.
7. Gomorrah
Gomorrah offers a raw and unflinching look at the Neapolitan crime organization known as the Camorra. The film, based on a book by Roberto Saviano, features a cast of largely unknown actors, adding to its gritty realism.
8. Donnie Brasco
Donnie Brasco is based on the true story of an undercover FBI agent who infiltrates the mob and forms a close bond with one of its members. Starring Johnny Depp and Al Pacino, this film explores the complexities of loyalty and betrayal.
9. The French Connection
The French Connection follows two New York City detectives as they pursue a wealthy French heroin smuggler. The film stars Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider and is known for its iconic car chase scene.
10. Serpico
Serpico is based on the true story of Frank Serpico, an NYPD officer who exposes widespread corruption within the force. Al Pacino stars in this gripping tale of one man’s fight for justice.
11. Narcos
Narcos is a television series that chronicles the rise of the cocaine trade in Colombia and the gripping real-life stories of drug kingpins like Pablo Escobar. The series stars Wagner Moura, Pedro Pascal, and Boyd Holbrook.
12. Blow
Blow tells the true story of George Jung, a man who established the American cocaine market in the 1970s. Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz star in this fascinating look at the rise and fall of a drug empire.
13. The Insider
The Insider is a gripping drama based on the true story of a whistleblower in the tobacco industry. Starring Russell Crowe and Al Pacino, the film delves into corporate corruption and the pursuit of truth.
14. The Godfather
The Godfather is an epic tale of a powerful Italian-American crime family and their rise to power. Starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and James Caan, this classic film is a cornerstone of the crime drama genre.
15. Scarface
Scarface follows the rise and fall of Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who becomes a powerful drug lord in Miami. Al Pacino delivers a legendary performance in this iconic film directed by Brian De Palma.
16. The Wire
The Wire is a critically acclaimed television series that explores the complex world of crime, law enforcement, and society in Baltimore. The ensemble cast includes Dominic West, Idris Elba, and Michael K. Williams.
17. Requiem for a Dream
Requiem for a Dream is a harrowing look at the impact of addiction on four individuals in Brooklyn. The film stars Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayans.
18. Pulp Fiction
Pulp Fiction is a crime drama that intertwines multiple storylines involving mobsters, small-time criminals, and a mysterious briefcase. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, the film stars John Travolta, Uma Thurman, and Samuel L. Jackson.
19. Training Day
Training Day follows a rookie cop as he spends a day with a corrupt detective in the LAPD’s narcotics division. The film stars Denzel Washington, who won an Academy Award for his performance, and Ethan Hawke.
20. The Town
The Town is a crime thriller about a group of bank robbers in Boston and the FBI agent determined to bring them down. Directed by and starring Ben Affleck, the film also features Jeremy Renner and Rebecca Hall.
