If you’re a fan of Prison Break, then you probably love the thrill, suspense, and twists that come with it. The show, which follows Michael Scofield’s daring plan to break his brother out of prison, has become one of the most iconic in the world of TV dramas. But what happens when you finish watching all of the seasons, and you’re looking for something similar to keep you hooked? Well, you’re in luck! There are plenty of other series out there that carry the same intensity, clever plots, and action-packed sequences as Prison Break. Whether it’s about daring escapes, secret missions, or high-stakes games, the shows we’ll cover here share some common threads with the beloved Prison Break.
In this article, we’ll list 10 of the best TV series like Prison Break. These shows offer a similar combination of thrilling action, suspense, and unexpected plot twists, and many also feature characters who find themselves in dangerous and life-threatening situations, just like Michael and Lincoln. So, if you’re searching for your next binge-worthy series, keep reading!
1. Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)
Money Heist, or La Casa de Papel, is one of the most popular and internationally acclaimed TV shows in recent years. The plot centers around a group of thieves led by a mastermind known as “The Professor.” Their plan? To rob the Royal Mint of Spain. Like Prison Break, the series revolves around carefully planned heists and unpredictable twists. The team, much like Michael’s crew, faces a variety of challenges and unpredictable circumstances, and there’s always a sense of impending danger that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Both shows explore themes of loyalty, clever strategies, and the tension between the law and those breaking it. If you enjoy high-stakes action and smart characters who work together to escape dangerous situations, Money Heist is an excellent choice.
2. Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad is considered one of the best TV series of all time, and for a good reason. The story follows Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who turns to manufacturing methamphetamine after being diagnosed with cancer. What starts as a way to secure his family’s future turns into a dark journey filled with crime, deception, and dangerous confrontations.
Like Prison Break, Breaking Bad has a focus on personal transformation under pressure. Walter White’s character arc is compelling, and his descent into the world of crime is both fascinating and terrifying. If you enjoy morally complex characters, intense storylines, and thrilling moments, Breaking Bad is a must-watch.
3. 24
If you love the constant tension and action-packed scenarios in Prison Break, 24 will definitely keep you on your toes. The series follows Jack Bauer, a counter-terrorism agent who must prevent disasters within a 24-hour period in each season. The show is known for its real-time format, where each episode represents one hour of Bauer’s day, creating an intense, fast-paced narrative.
Much like the tension-filled atmosphere in Prison Break, 24 presents high-stakes situations, with life-or-death decisions happening all the time. The series is filled with action, suspense, and moments of shocking betrayal, making it a great pick for those who loved the edge-of-your-seat thrills of Prison Break.
4. The Escape Artist
The Escape Artist is a British miniseries about a young, talented barrister named Will Burton, who becomes involved in a high-profile case involving a man accused of murder. Will is known for his incredible skill at getting clients off the hook, but his involvement in this case takes a personal turn when the accused man is released and starts threatening him and his loved ones.
Similar to Prison Break, this series revolves around a smart protagonist who gets caught up in a complex situation where every decision counts. The show has a tense atmosphere, gripping plot twists, and a psychological edge, making it an excellent series for fans of thrilling courtroom dramas and intense personal stakes.
5. The Blacklist
The Blacklist stars James Spader as Raymond “Red” Reddington, a former criminal mastermind who mysteriously surrenders to the FBI. Red offers to help the agency catch dangerous criminals, but only under the condition that he works exclusively with Elizabeth Keen, a rookie profiler. As the series progresses, the plot reveals numerous twists and turns, secrets, and betrayals, much like the shocking moments in Prison Break.
Both shows are filled with suspense, action, and the complex relationship between their lead characters. The Blacklist also explores themes of crime, redemption, and trust, which are central to Prison Break as well. If you enjoy clever criminals, FBI investigations, and constant plot twists, The Blacklist is a great choice.
6. Ozark
Ozark tells the story of Marty Byrde, a financial planner who is forced to move his family to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong. The series follows Marty’s attempts to navigate the criminal underworld while trying to keep his family safe. Like Prison Break, Ozark explores the consequences of a normal person being thrust into dangerous, life-threatening situations. It also focuses on clever problem-solving and the tension of trying to outsmart criminal forces.
The atmosphere in Ozark is tense and filled with dark twists, making it a great follow-up if you love the high-stakes drama in Prison Break. The show is not just about crime but about survival, loyalty, and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones.
7. Narcos
Narcos chronicles the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar, the notorious Colombian drug kingpin. The series is a thrilling look into the world of drug cartels, law enforcement, and the people caught in between. Just like Prison Break, Narcos offers intense action, strategy, and a constant sense of danger. It’s a show filled with clever maneuvers, shocking betrayals, and moments where the characters find themselves on the edge of disaster.
If you enjoyed the thrill of escaping from prison, you’ll likely love the tension-filled world of Narcos, where the stakes are just as high and the consequences are just as deadly.
8. The Fall
The Fall is a British psychological thriller that focuses on the cat-and-mouse game between a serial killer named Paul Spector and the detective tasked with catching him, Stella Gibson. The show delves deep into the psyche of both the killer and the detective, exploring their complex motivations and interactions. Like Prison Break, The Fall is filled with suspense, mind games, and an intense atmosphere of anticipation.
The cat-and-mouse dynamic, combined with the intense psychological drama, makes this series a great pick for fans of dark, thrilling plots like those seen in Prison Break.
9. Bodyguard
Bodyguard is a British political thriller about a war veteran, David Budd, who is assigned to protect a controversial politician. As Budd deals with the pressure of his high-stakes job, he begins to uncover dangerous plots and conspiracies that threaten not only the politician but also his own life. The show has plenty of tension, action, and surprising twists, much like Prison Break.
Both series feature a protagonist who finds themselves in difficult situations where trust and loyalty are tested, and both shows explore themes of power, corruption, and survival. If you enjoy action-packed thrillers with complex characters, Bodyguard is definitely worth watching.
10. Designated Survivor
In Designated Survivor, Kiefer Sutherland plays Tom Kirkman, a low-level cabinet member who suddenly becomes the President of the United States after an attack kills everyone above him in the line of succession. The series follows Kirkman as he navigates the pressures of the presidency, facing both political crises and personal challenges. Like Prison Break, Designated Survivor is filled with tension, constant threats, and high-stakes decisions.
While the political context is different, both shows share a focus on a protagonist who is unexpectedly thrust into a dangerous situation and must navigate complex, life-or-death scenarios. The combination of suspense, strategy, and personal stakes makes this show a perfect fit for Prison Break fans.
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of Prison Break, these 10 TV series will offer a mix of thrilling action, unexpected twists, and compelling characters that you’ll want to keep watching. From high-stakes heists to complex moral dilemmas, these shows explore themes of loyalty, survival, and the struggle to outsmart danger, making them perfect picks for your next binge-watch. No matter which series you choose, you’re sure to find something that keeps you just as hooked as Prison Break did!
