7 Shows Like Peaky Blinders That Will Make You Appreciate Cillian Murphy's Series Even More
But are still worth a watch…
Finished watching Peaky Blinders but desperate for more? These gangster shows are worth a try. They're all decent in their own right – and they'll remind you just how good Cillian Murphy was as Tommy Shelby.
1. Gangs of London
A rollercoaster ride that's more violent and graphic than Peaky Blinders, but too often strays outside the realm of believability. However, the actual plot of the show is quite good. Set in modern-day London, the only thing that really links it to Cillian Murphy's show is the fact that it's about a crime family.
2. Boardwalk Empire
Steve Buscemi stars as Nucky Thompson in a show set in the same era as Peaky Blinders, but in America. There are many parallels to be drawn between the two, but Boardwalk Empire is a success story in its own right. If you're a fan of gangster shows from this era, it's well worth watching.
3. Taboo
Created by Peaky Blinders alumni Tom Hardy and Steven Knight, Taboo is the closest show to Peaky Blinders and it can be hard not to constantly compare the two while watching it. It has the familiar gritty reality feel of Peaky Blinders, but is set in London in the early 1800s.
4. Sons of Anarchy
Fans of Peaky Blinders will recognise Tommy Flanagan, who appears in both shows. This is a period crime family drama that seems to have influenced Peaky Blinders. But the latter show does it so much better.
5. Warrior
A brutal drama full of violence. Starring Andrew Koju as hitman Ah Sahm, this San Francisco-based martial arts crime drama was inspired by Bruce Lee's work. Set in the 1870s, the action takes place against the backdrop of the infamous Tong Wars, which saw brutal battles between rival Chinese gangs.
6. Animal Kingdom
Set in California but based on the real-life Pettingill family from Australia, it's not a period gangster show, but it has that family element that worked so well in Peaky Blinders. You'd struggle to put it up against the likes of Boardwalk Empire (or Peaky Blinders), but it's a pretty good crime drama.
7. The Alienist
This period crime drama has a slight Peaky Blinders feel to it. But it's one that follows the exploits of those on the other side of the law. The acting is good across the board and the cinematography is superb. Nevertheless, it's included here because it's a period crime drama of sorts.