Netflix Shows Like Animal Kingdom: Your Guide to Crime Family Dramas

If you’re hooked on the adrenaline-pumping, morally gray world of the Cody family in Animal Kingdom, you’re likely searching for your next fix of crime, family drama, and sun-soaked Southern California vibes. The good news is Netflix has plenty of shows that scratch that itch, offering a similar blend of complex characters, high-stakes situations, and questionable decisions. This guide dives deep into the best Netflix shows like Animal Kingdom, providing you with a curated list that captures the essence of family, loyalty, and the criminal underworld. We’ll explore what makes these shows compelling, highlighting their unique features and why they deserve a spot on your watchlist. Get ready to discover your next obsession!

Exploring the Appeal of Crime Family Dramas

Animal Kingdom struck a chord with audiences due to its raw portrayal of a dysfunctional family bound by criminal activity. The show masterfully blends action, suspense, and emotional depth, making viewers question the characters’ motives and allegiances. What resonates most is the exploration of familial bonds tested by greed, betrayal, and the constant threat of law enforcement. This combination creates a captivating narrative that keeps us invested in the characters’ fates, even when they make reprehensible choices.

Deconstructing the Elements of Success

Several key elements contribute to the success of shows like Animal Kingdom:

• Complex Characters: Flawed protagonists with compelling backstories and conflicting motivations.
• High-Stakes Plotlines: Criminal activities that lead to constant danger and suspense.
• Family Dynamics: Exploration of the bonds and conflicts within a family unit involved in crime.
• Atmospheric Setting: A distinct location that enhances the overall mood and narrative.
• Moral Ambiguity: Blurring the lines between right and wrong, forcing viewers to question their own values.

Top Netflix Shows to Watch If You Love Animal Kingdom

Here are some of the best Netflix shows that share similar themes, tones, and qualities with Animal Kingdom, promising to keep you on the edge of your seat:

Ozark: A Descent into Darkness

Ozark follows Marty Byrde, a financial advisor who relocates his family to the Lake of the Ozarks to launder money for a Mexican drug cartel. Like Animal Kingdom, Ozark delves into the complexities of family dynamics under immense pressure. The Byrdes, much like the Codys, must navigate a dangerous world where one wrong move could cost them everything. The show is known for its dark tone, intricate plot twists, and outstanding performances.

The series offers a masterclass in suspense, constantly raising the stakes and pushing the characters to their limits. The moral compromises the Byrdes make to survive create a compelling narrative that explores the dark side of ambition and the lengths people will go to protect their family.

Peaky Blinders: A Stylish Crime Saga

Set in post-World War I Birmingham, England, Peaky Blinders centers on the Shelby family, a notorious gang known for their sharp dressing and ruthless tactics. While the setting differs from sunny Southern California, the show shares Animal Kingdom’s focus on family loyalty, criminal enterprise, and power struggles. The Shelbys, led by the enigmatic Tommy, are determined to expand their influence, facing off against rival gangs and corrupt authorities.

Peaky Blinders stands out for its stylish visuals, captivating soundtrack, and compelling characters. The show explores themes of ambition, trauma, and the consequences of violence. The Shelby family’s complex relationships and internal conflicts add depth to the narrative, making it more than just a simple crime drama.

Queen of the South: Rise to Power

Queen of the South tells the story of Teresa Mendoza, a woman who rises from poverty to become a powerful drug trafficker. After her drug-dealing boyfriend is murdered, Teresa is forced to flee and seek refuge in Spain, where she teams up with an unlikely ally to build her own empire. This show offers a different perspective on the crime world, focusing on a female protagonist who defies expectations and challenges the established order.

Queen of the South is a thrilling and suspenseful drama that explores themes of survival, ambition, and betrayal. Teresa’s journey from vulnerable fugitive to powerful leader is captivating, and her relationships with other characters add depth to the narrative.

Narcos: A Gripping True Story

Narcos chronicles the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar and the Medellin Cartel in Colombia. While not centered on a family in the same way as Animal Kingdom, Narcos offers a similar level of intensity, danger, and moral complexity. The show provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of drug trafficking, exploring the motivations and consequences of Escobar’s actions.

Narcos is a meticulously researched and grippingly told story that captures the brutality and chaos of the drug war. The show’s use of archival footage adds a layer of authenticity, making it all the more compelling. The cat-and-mouse game between Escobar and the DEA agents is constantly suspenseful, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Sons of Anarchy: Brotherhood and Mayhem

Sons of Anarchy revolves around a motorcycle club involved in illegal activities in a fictional California town. Like Animal Kingdom, the show explores themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and the consequences of a life of crime. The club members, bound by a code of honor, must navigate rival gangs, law enforcement, and internal conflicts to protect their way of life.

Sons of Anarchy is a gritty and intense drama that delves into the complexities of outlaw culture. The show’s characters are deeply flawed but also fiercely loyal to each other, creating a compelling dynamic. The constant threat of violence and betrayal keeps viewers engaged, and the show’s exploration of themes like family, honor, and redemption adds depth to the narrative.

A Closer Look: Key Similarities and Differences

While each of these shows offers a unique take on the crime drama genre, they share several key similarities with Animal Kingdom:

• Family as a Central Theme: All of these shows explore the dynamics of families involved in criminal activities, highlighting the bonds, conflicts, and sacrifices that come with this lifestyle.
• Moral Ambiguity: The characters in these shows often operate in a gray area, making difficult choices that challenge their own values and the viewers’ perceptions of right and wrong.
• High-Stakes Situations: The characters constantly face danger and must navigate treacherous situations to survive, creating a sense of suspense and excitement.
• Complex Characters: The shows feature flawed protagonists with compelling backstories and motivations, making them relatable despite their questionable actions.

However, there are also some key differences to consider:

• Setting: The shows are set in different locations, ranging from the sunny beaches of Southern California to the gritty streets of Birmingham, England.
• Type of Crime: The shows explore different types of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and gang warfare.
• Protagonist’s Perspective: Some shows focus on the perspective of law enforcement, while others center on the criminals themselves.

Decoding the Allure of Family Crime Dramas

The enduring popularity of family crime dramas stems from their ability to tap into fundamental human emotions and desires. We are drawn to stories of loyalty, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones. These shows offer a glimpse into a world that is both exciting and dangerous, allowing us to vicariously experience the thrill of a life lived on the edge.

Furthermore, the moral ambiguity of the characters forces us to confront our own values and question our assumptions about right and wrong. We may find ourselves sympathizing with characters who commit reprehensible acts, blurring the lines between good and evil. This complexity is what makes these shows so compelling and thought-provoking.

Finding Your Next Crime Drama Fix

Whether you’re drawn to the sun-soaked beaches of Animal Kingdom or the gritty streets of Peaky Blinders, Netflix offers a wide range of crime dramas that are sure to satisfy your craving for suspense, action, and complex characters. By exploring the shows listed above, you’ll discover new favorites and delve deeper into the themes and ideas that make this genre so captivating. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be transported to a world where family is everything and loyalty is tested at every turn.