If you loved
American Made
Doug Liman · Film · 2017
You were captivated by American Made because it exposes the blurred lines between high-stakes institutional corruption and the chaotic, individual pursuit of power.
Books on the same thread
American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History
Chris Kyle, Scott McEwen, Jim DeFelice · Book · 2015
Explores: Warfare, Military Life, PTSD.
Much like the protagonist of American Made, this memoir explores the intense psychological toll and moral complexities inherent in serving the American military machine during high-stakes, real-world conflicts.
American Prometheus
Kai Bird, Martin J. Sherwin · Book · 2006
Shares a thread with American Made: Moral Ambiguity.
If the moral ambiguity of American Made intrigued you, this biography offers a deeper look at the heavy ethical consequences faced by those navigating the intersection of science and power.
An American Life
Ronald Reagan · Book · 1990
Explores: Executive Leadership, Cold War Diplomacy, Conservative Political Philosophy.
While American Made satirizes the era, this memoir provides an authentic look at the executive leadership and political philosophies that defined the Cold War landscape of the 1980s.
A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership
James Comey · Book · 2018
Explores: Leadership, Ethics, Integrity.
The tension between institutional integrity and political maneuvering in American Made finds a serious, non-fiction counterpart here as the author navigates the ethical challenges of high-level government service.
Series on the same thread
Narcos: Mexico
Doug Miro · Series · 2018
Shares a thread with American Made: Biographical Crime.
This series mirrors the dangerous, clandestine operations depicted in American Made, focusing on the volatile relationship between government agencies and the cartels they attempt to manage or dismantle.
Narcos
Chris Brancato · Series · 2015
Shares 2 threads with American Made: Moral Ambiguity, Biographical Crime.
Just as American Made chronicles the rise and fall of a smuggler, this series provides a gritty, expansive view of the corruption and power dynamics inherent in the drug trade.
Pablo Escobar: The Drug Lord
Carlos Moreno · Series · 2012
Explores: Rise and Fall, Organized Crime, Corruption.
The rapid ascent of a criminal empire seen in American Made is echoed here, detailing the calculated risks and ruthless ambition required to operate at the top of the cartel.
Barry
Alec Berg · Series · 2018
Shares 2 threads with American Made: Moral Ambiguity, Dark Comedy.
If the dark humor and existential crisis of American Made appealed to you, this series captures a similar blend of professional absurdity and personal moral conflict within a criminal life.
Podcasts on the same thread
Bag Man
Rachel Maddow, MS NOW · Podcast · 2023
Explores: corruption, political scandal, accountability.
If you enjoyed the way American Made highlights systemic failure and political scandal, this investigation exposes the brazen criminal enterprises that can exist within the highest levels of government.
Crime in Sports
James Pietragallo, Jimmie Whisman · Podcast · 2026
Explores: athlete misconduct, legal absurdity, scandalous behavior.
This podcast shares the dark comedic tone found in American Made, pairing the absurdity of legal trouble with a deep dive into the lives of those who lose everything.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is American Made based on a true story?
Yes, American Made is based on the true story of Barry Seal. The film depicts his life as a pilot who transported contraband for both the CIA and the Medellin cartel during the 1980s.
Who directed American Made?
American Made was directed by Doug Liman. The film was released in 2017 and centers on the operations of pilot Barry Seal as he worked for government agencies and drug cartels.
What is the premise of American Made?
American Made follows the life of Barry Seal, a pilot who becomes involved in high-stakes operations. He transports contraband for the CIA and the Medellin cartel, highlighting his complex double life during the 1980s.
Does American Made feature the Medellin cartel?
Yes, the Medellin cartel is a central part of American Made. The plot focuses on pilot Barry Seal and his dangerous work transporting contraband for the cartel while simultaneously working for the CIA.