If You Love Animal Kingdom, You’ll Devour These Shows
TNT’s Animal Kingdom, with its sun-soaked Southern California backdrop and morally ambiguous Cody family, captured audiences with its blend of crime drama and complex family dynamics. The show, inspired by the 2010 Australian film of the same name, offered a raw and often brutal look at a family bound by loyalty, blood, and illegal activities. If you found yourself hooked on the Codys’ escapades and craving more of that adrenaline-fueled, morally gray storytelling, you’re in luck. There’s a whole world of shows that explore similar themes of crime, family, and survival. This article will delve into several shows like Animal Kingdom that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Shows Featuring Dysfunctional Families and Criminal Underworlds
One of the core appeals of Animal Kingdom is the dysfunctional family dynamic at its heart. The Cody family, led by matriarch Smurf, is a tangled web of secrets, betrayals, and unwavering loyalty. If you’re looking for more of that, consider these options:
Ozark
While Animal Kingdom is set against the backdrop of sunny California, Ozark plunges you into the murky depths of the Missouri Ozarks. This Netflix series follows Marty Byrde, a financial advisor who uproots his family from Chicago to a summer resort community in the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong. To save his family, he must repay a debt to a dangerous drug lord. Like Animal Kingdom, Ozark explores the lengths people will go to protect their families, even if it means compromising their morals. The stakes are high, the tension is palpable, and the characters are deeply flawed, making for a truly gripping watch. The complex relationships between family members are tested time and again, and the constant threat of violence looms large. If you enjoy the morally ambiguous characters and high-stakes situations of shows like Animal Kingdom, Ozark is a must-watch.
Sons of Anarchy
FX’s Sons of Anarchy takes you inside the world of a motorcycle club operating in Charming, California. Jax Teller, the vice president of the club, finds himself torn between his loyalty to the club and his desire to create a better life for his son. The show explores themes of brotherhood, betrayal, and the consequences of violence. Similar to Animal Kingdom, Sons of Anarchy features a strong family dynamic, albeit one built on brotherhood rather than blood. The characters are complex and often make questionable decisions, blurring the lines between good and evil. The show is known for its intense action sequences and its exploration of the dark side of the American dream. If you appreciate the gritty realism and complex characters of shows like Animal Kingdom, Sons of Anarchy will definitely appeal to you.
Queen of the South
Based on the novel La Reina del Sur by Arturo Pérez-Reverte, Queen of the South tells the story of Teresa Mendoza, a woman who rises to power in the drug world after her drug-dealing boyfriend is murdered. The show follows Teresa’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a powerful drug queenpin. Like Smurf in Animal Kingdom, Teresa is a strong and resourceful woman who is willing to do whatever it takes to survive. The show explores themes of power, betrayal, and survival in a dangerous world. The stakes are high, the action is intense, and the characters are compelling. If you enjoy the strong female characters and the high-stakes drama of shows like Animal Kingdom, Queen of the South is worth checking out.
Shows with Thrilling Heists and Criminal Activities
A significant part of Animal Kingdom‘s appeal lies in the intricate heists and criminal activities the Codys undertake. If you’re looking for more of that adrenaline rush, consider these shows like Animal Kingdom:
Sneaky Pete
Sneaky Pete, an Amazon Prime Video original, follows Marius Josipovic, a con man who assumes the identity of his former cellmate, Pete Murphy, to escape his past. He then becomes entangled in Pete’s family’s bail bond business. Like the Codys, Marius is constantly trying to outsmart those around him, and his past is always threatening to catch up with him. The show is full of twists and turns, and the characters are all hiding secrets. The tension is high, and the stakes are always rising. If you enjoy the con artist aspect of Animal Kingdom, Sneaky Pete is a great choice.
Good Girls
NBC’s Good Girls offers a slightly lighter take on the crime genre, but it still delivers plenty of thrills and suspense. The show follows three suburban mothers who decide to rob a grocery store to solve their financial problems. However, their actions quickly lead them down a dangerous path. Like Animal Kingdom, Good Girls explores the lengths people will go to protect their families. The show is funny, suspenseful, and surprisingly heartwarming. The characters are relatable, and their struggles are easy to understand. If you’re looking for a show that combines crime with humor and heart, Good Girls is a good option.
Breaking Bad
Often cited as one of the greatest television shows of all time, Breaking Bad tells the story of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with cancer and decides to start cooking methamphetamine to secure his family’s financial future. Like the Codys, Walter White is forced to make difficult choices that have far-reaching consequences. The show is a masterclass in character development and storytelling. The tension is constant, and the stakes are always rising. If you appreciate the complex characters and the high-stakes drama of shows like Animal Kingdom, Breaking Bad is a must-watch.
Shows Exploring Themes of Survival and Morality
Beyond the crime and family drama, Animal Kingdom also delves into themes of survival and morality. The characters are constantly forced to make difficult choices, and their actions often have unintended consequences. If you’re looking for shows that explore similar themes, consider these options:
Peaky Blinders
Set in post-World War I Birmingham, England, Peaky Blinders follows the Shelby crime family as they rise to power. The show explores themes of ambition, violence, and the consequences of war. Like the Codys, the Shelby family is fiercely loyal to each other, but their loyalty is often tested. The show is visually stunning, and the soundtrack is fantastic. The characters are complex and compelling, and the story is gripping. If you enjoy the historical setting and the complex characters of shows like Animal Kingdom, Peaky Blinders is definitely worth watching.
The Sopranos
HBO’s The Sopranos is a groundbreaking series that follows Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss, as he struggles to balance his family life with his criminal activities. The show explores themes of identity, family, and the American dream. Like the Codys, Tony Soprano is a complex and flawed character who is trying to navigate a difficult world. The show is known for its realistic portrayal of mob life and its insightful exploration of the human condition. If you appreciate the complex characters and the morally ambiguous themes of shows like Animal Kingdom, The Sopranos is a must-watch.
Bloodline
Netflix’s Bloodline tells the story of the Rayburns, a prominent family in the Florida Keys, whose dark secrets are revealed when their black sheep brother returns home. The show explores themes of family, guilt, and the consequences of the past. Like Animal Kingdom, Bloodline features a strong family dynamic, but one that is riddled with secrets and betrayals. The show is slow-burning and atmospheric, and the characters are all hiding something. The tension builds slowly but surely, leading to a shocking climax. If you enjoy the family drama and the slow-burn suspense of shows like Animal Kingdom, Bloodline is a good choice. [See also: Ozark vs. Bloodline: Which Dark Family Drama Reigns Supreme?]
Finding Your Next Obsession: More Shows Like Animal Kingdom
Ultimately, the best shows like Animal Kingdom for you will depend on what aspects of the show you enjoyed the most. Whether it’s the dysfunctional family dynamics, the thrilling heists, or the exploration of morality and survival, there’s a show out there that will scratch that itch. This list provides a starting point, but don’t be afraid to explore other options and discover your next favorite series. Happy watching! The morally gray characters are what makes shows like Animal Kingdom, Ozark, and Breaking Bad so addicting. The family dynamic in shows like Animal Kingdom is a key element, similar to Sons of Anarchy and Bloodline. Fans of shows like Animal Kingdom often enjoy the thrilling heists and criminal activities found in Sneaky Pete and Good Girls. Remember that shows like Animal Kingdom focus on survival and difficult moral choices, as seen in Peaky Blinders and The Sopranos. The gritty realism of shows like Animal Kingdom is a draw for many viewers. The complex characters in shows like Animal Kingdom are what make the stories so compelling. The high-stakes drama of shows like Animal Kingdom keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Finding shows like Animal Kingdom can be a rewarding experience for fans of the genre. Many people are constantly searching for shows like Animal Kingdom that capture the same essence. The search for shows like Animal Kingdom is driven by the desire for compelling storytelling. The appeal of shows like Animal Kingdom lies in the blend of crime, family, and survival. Fans often seek shows like Animal Kingdom to fill the void left by the series finale. The unique elements of shows like Animal Kingdom make it a standout in the crime drama genre. The popularity of shows like Animal Kingdom has sparked a wave of similar series.
