10 Movies and TV Shows To Watch If You Liked The Penguin
If you loved The Penguin, a spinoff series from Matt Reeves’ The Batman, you might be wondering what other films or TV shows offer a similar mix of crime, complex characters, and gritty atmospheres. Colin Farrell's portrayal of Oswald Cobblepot is a definite standout in the world of Gotham’s criminal underworld, much like iconic mob bosses in film and television history. Here are ten movies and shows to watch like The Penguin along with all the information you need to stream them.
The Penguin’s journey begins here, with Colin Farrell delivering a show-stopping performance as Oswald Cobblepot. This iteration of Gotham is dark, atmospheric, and crime-ridden, offering an origin story of Batman and his iconic foes.
Like Oswald Cobblepot, Tony Soprano is a ruthless and calculating leader who rises to power through his wit and ambition. The Sopranos is one of the greatest crime dramas of all time, drawing parallels to the criminal underworld of Gotham. The morally complex characters and exploration of power dynamics will resonate with fans of The Penguin.
Gotham City in The Penguin bears many similarities to Baltimore in The Wire. Both settings feature crime-riddled neighborhoods, corrupt police officers, and complex, street-smart characters. The Wire masterfully depicts how the criminal world intersects with law enforcement and politics, providing an excellent backdrop for fans of gritty crime dramas.
In The Untouchables, Robert De Niro plays Al Capone, a mobster whose rise to power mirrors Oswald Cobblepot’s own ambitions in Gotham. The film focuses on the conflict between Capone and law enforcement, much like how Cobblepot vies for power in Gotham against Batman and corrupt officials.
This animated series is being hailed as a spiritual successor to the iconic Batman: The Animated Series. Co-created by Matt Reeves, the show dives into Batman’s early years, giving fans more of the Gotham underworld that is explored in The Penguin. With its noir-inspired art style and darker tone, it works as a fascinating companion series.
If you enjoyed The Penguin, Gotham offers another compelling take on Oswald Cobblepot’s rise to power. Robin Lord Taylor’s portrayal of the character explores Cobblepot’s vulnerability as much as his villainous traits.
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Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin of Daredevil, is another character who parallels the Penguin. Both are calculating crime lords with complex backstories, and both rule their cities with fear and intelligence. The dark, violent world of Hell’s Kitchen in Daredevil offers a tone and aesthetic that will appeal to fans of Gotham’s underworld.
Joker offers a standalone take on the iconic villain’s origin story and, like The Penguin, it explores the darker, psychological aspects of Gotham. Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker lives in a version of Gotham rife with corruption and inequality, similar to the city in which Cobblepot operates.
Danny DeVito’s portrayal of The Penguin in Batman Returns is drastically different from Farrell’s version but still iconic in its own right. DeVito’s Penguin is monstrous, grotesque, and tragic, offering a unique take on the character.
Pennyworth delves into the backstory of Alfred, Bruce Wayne’s butler, and is set in a pre-Gotham City world. With its emphasis on espionage and intrigue, the show offers another glimpse into the origins of the Gotham mythos.
