What If ‘Breaking Bad’ Was a Movie? TV Crime Stories That Could Work on the Big Screen

Most people agree that ‘Breaking Bad’ is one of the best television programs ever produced, but what if it had been a film instead?  The elements of a successful crime thriller are all present in ‘Breaking Bad’, including its compelling plot, enduring characters, and intense drama.  If recast as a movie, it might have concentrated on Walter White’s plunge into criminality in a shorter, more dramatic story, like ‘Scarface’ or ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’.

Watching Walter White change over the course of five seasons, however, made his trip all the more powerful. This was one of the show’s greatest virtues.  The plot would probably have had to be simplified for a movie adaptation, maybe concentrating solely on his interactions with Gus Fring and Jesse Pinkman.  A two-hour timeframe could have provided an exciting, fast-paced experience, but it would not have had the rich character development that was so unique to ‘Breaking Bad’.

Image Courtesy: Netflix

There are plenty of other TV crime dramas that may make excellent movies, in addition to ‘Breaking Bad’.  For example, ‘The Wire’ might serve as a brutal criminal drama that depicts the conflict between Baltimore’s police and drug lords.  With its in-depth examination of the FBI’s early studies on serial killers, ‘Mindhunter’ might produce a terrifying psychological thriller.  ‘Peaky Blinders’ is a sleek, action-packed vintage crime series that could transfer nicely.

 While television’s long-form storytelling is advantageous for certain series, many crime dramas have enough action, tension, and compelling plots to be successful on the big screen.  These TV shows, whether they are spinoffs or shortened versions, have the potential to become essential crime movies.

–Farheen Ali