Works Similar to The Penguin 2024 — A Curated List
Why I Loved This Series
The Penguin (2024) is a distinguished drama series that deeply explores the theme of rising from the bottom in the world of crime and darkness. The series presents us with the character of Oswald Cobblepot in a complex humanistic way, where the villain is not absolutely evil and the hero is not purely righteous. This delicate balance between ambition and cruelty, between nostalgia for the past and pursuit of the future, makes the series a refined cinematic experience worth following.
What also distinguishes the work is its strong narrative structure and the protagonist's character development, as we witness a gradual transformation that reflects the reality of life in all its complexity. The streets of Gotham, filmed in bleak colors and dramatic lighting, create an atmosphere of constant danger and psychological tension.
What Works Are Similar to The Penguin?
If you are a fan of this series, here is a list of eight films and television works that share the same spirit and content:
1. Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
This classic American series is considered the spiritual father of all modern crime dramas. It follows the transformation of Walter White from an ordinary chemistry teacher to a dangerous drug dealer. The similarity to The Penguin is evident in the portrayal of a protagonist who gradually falls into the abyss of crime and tries to justify his actions with personal motives that seem logical at first.
Both works focus on the psychological aspect of the main character and how a person changes when he chooses the path of darkness. The series is suitable for those who appreciate complex storytelling, multi-dimensional characters, and tragic endings that leave a deep psychological impact.
2. Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)
This British series tells the story of the Shelby family and its rise from the poor streets of Birmingham to the world of organized crime. It shares The Penguin's same elements: an ambitious character seeking power, powerful rivals, and a family that influences the protagonist's decisions.
The difference here is that Peaky Blinders focuses more on family dynamics, but both works present a balanced picture of the different evils of the characters. The dramatic lighting, costumes, and classical music lend the work an elegance and seriousness that few other works possess. Suitable for lovers of historical drama mixed with calculated crime and violence.
3. Gotham (2015-2019)
This is the parent series to The Penguin in terms of background and setting. Gotham presents the same city of Gotham but from the perspective of young police officer James Gordon. But what matters here is that Gotham served as an incubator for famous villain characters, including the creation of Oswald Cobblepot.
If you want to better understand the background of the Penguin character, Gotham will give you the complete context for how he developed. The series presents a dark and corrupt city where the police are helpless and crime is rampant. The similarity is evident in the atmosphere, supporting characters, and the world that shapes the Penguin.
4. Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014)
This HBO series set during the Prohibition era in the United States shares several important elements with The Penguin. The protagonist Nucky Thompson seeks to control the illegal alcohol trade and must deal with ruthless competitors.
Both works focus on historical context (even if one is fictional), the struggle for power, and how ambition can destroy a person. Cultural and temporal differences exist, but the psychological foundation is the same. Suitable for those who enjoy political drama and complex crime with charismatic characters.
5. Succession (2018-2023)
While Succession does not focus on crime in the traditional sense, it presents the same frenzied race for power and influence. Four siblings compete for the inheritance of a media empire, each using different and sometimes brutal methods.
The similarity to The Penguin lies in the portrayal of ambitious characters, in the complex relationships between individuals, and in how the pursuit of power corrupts and transforms a person. The differences in focus (wealthy people here instead of street criminals), but the psychological drama is similar. Suitable for those who appreciate smart scenarios and sharp dialogue.
6. The Sopranos (1999-2007)
The legendary series that changed television forever. Tony Soprano is a mob boss who suffers from psychological crises and sees a therapist. The series presents crime in a humanistic way, where villains have feelings, weaknesses, and families they care about.
The difference between Tony and Oswald is that the former was born into power while the latter seeks it, but the common ground is clear: both try to maintain their power amid constant threats. The Sopranos is considered the primary reference for understanding the genre's evolution on television. Suitable for viewers who want to understand the roots of modern television drama.
7. Dexter (2006-2022)
A series about a serial killer who works for the Miami police. The similarity to The Penguin lies in a complex character who hides behind a mask and tries to live a normal life while engaging in criminal activities. There is also a strong relationship with a family member who influences the protagonist's decisions.
The difference is that Dexter focuses on mystery and suspense, while The Penguin focuses on rising and power. But both present a character who cannot be fully described as either hero or villain. The series is suitable for those who love criminal suspense mixed with psychological drama.
8. Ozark (2017-2022)
This series tells the story of an ordinary financial advisor (Marty Byrde) who is forced to launder mob money. He transforms from an ordinary person into an actual mob boss. The similarity to The Penguin is very obvious: the protagonist starts from a low position and seeks to rise, faces rivals, and is forced to make harsh decisions.
Ozark focuses more on family dynamics and the psychological pressures of living in the world of crime, while maintaining refined narrative construction. Geographic and contextual differences exist, but the spirit of struggle is the same. Suitable for those who want a complex series that focuses on personal development amid chaos.
📝 This article is editorial content based on publicly available information about the series. The author's opinions do not necessarily represent the platform's position, and details may differ from official sources.