If The Waterfront kept you hooked until the very end, there’s another gripping series on Netflix that you might want to dive into next. It’s a family drama with intense twists, and it could easily steal the spotlight from your recent binge-watch.
Ozark: A Family’s Descent Into the Dark World of Crime
If you enjoyed the emotional turmoil and family struggles in The Waterfront, Ozark is a must-watch. This critically acclaimed series, with 44 episodes spread over four seasons, takes the family drama to an entirely different level—mixing ordinary family life with the extreme pressure of dealing with criminal activity. Like The Waterfront, it delves into how an everyday family is forced to cope with an extraordinary situation, but the stakes are much higher in this one.
The story revolves around Marty Byrde (played by Jason Bateman), a financial planner who gets entangled with a dangerous drug cartel while trying to keep his family safe. What starts as a desperate attempt to launder money in the tranquil Ozarks soon spirals into a deadly game with life-threatening consequences. This dark and intense series unfolds in a way that will keep you on the edge of your seat, much like The Waterfront, but with the added complexity of the criminal underworld.
A Cast That Brings the Drama to Life
Much like The Waterfront, Ozark features a stellar cast, which adds layers of realism to its dark plot. Bateman’s portrayal of Marty Byrde is nothing short of masterful, earning him three Golden Globe nominations. He also won an Emmy Award in 2019 for directing one of the episodes. His performance is both compelling and heartbreaking as he tries to balance his crumbling morality with his need to protect his family.
Laura Linney, who plays Marty’s wife Wendy, gives a nuanced performance that earned her two Golden Globe nominations and two Emmy nominations. As Wendy, she is deeply intertwined with the moral compromises that the family must make, adding a lot of emotional weight to the show.
The children, played by Sofia Hublitz and Skylar Gaertner, are also central to the story, with their characters being forced to grow up quickly in an unforgiving and dangerous world. However, the standout performance comes from Julia Garner, who plays Ruth Langmore, a rebellious and cunning young woman tied to the Byrde family’s criminal dealings. Garner’s portrayal earned her multiple accolades, including a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress in 2023 and two Emmy Awards in 2019 and 2020.
A Series With a Real Impact
Ozark isn’t just another crime drama. It’s a show that has garnered critical praise for its powerful storytelling and character development. It’s a series that builds tension with every episode, showing how far people will go to protect the ones they love—and how easily they can slip into a life of crime when survival is at stake.
The show’s plot is full of surprises, and its portrayal of family dynamics under extreme pressure offers a new lens through which to explore the consequences of living a double life. The violence and moral corruption that run through Ozark may seem far removed from the struggles of The Waterfront, but the emotional core remains the same: a family trying to stick together, no matter the cost.
A Show That Deserves a Spot on Your Watchlist
With its captivating plot, complex characters, and stellar performances, Ozark has solidified its place as one of Netflix’s most unforgettable series. If you loved the intensity and emotional rollercoaster of The Waterfront, Ozark is more than worth your time. The dark undertones, family bonds, and unpredictable twists make it a standout recommendation.
So, if you’re ready to immerse yourself in a world where the stakes are high and the tension is palpable, Ozark will undoubtedly leave you wanting more. Grab some popcorn—this series is sure to keep you glued to the screen for hours.