12 Shows Like Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) You Need to Watch

Remember the rush? The adrenaline-pumping plans, the ingenious Professor, the unforgettable red jumpsuits, and the unwavering loyalty of a crew fighting against all odds? Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) didn't just capture our imaginations; it redefined what a global phenomenon looks like on television. Since its explosive finale, fans worldwide have been searching for that next fix – that perfect blend of intricate heists, brilliant minds, and heart-stopping cat-and-mouse chases. Well, dear reader, your search ends here. As experts at SpanishTVShows.com, we’ve scoured the streaming landscape of 2026 to bring you a meticulously curated list of 12 shows that share the electrifying DNA of La Casa de Papel. Whether you crave the cunning of a master thief, the intensity of a high-stakes escape, or the moral complexities of characters pushed to their limits, prepare to find your next obsession!

Still Craving Spanish Thrills? The Legacy of La Casa de Papel Lives On

It’s only natural to start with shows that share the same vibrant cultural backdrop and often, the same creative minds, as Money Heist. Spain has proven itself a powerhouse for producing gripping, high-concept thrillers that captivate audiences globally. Here are some Spanish-language gems that will undoubtedly satisfy your craving for clever plots and intense character dynamics.

Berlin

Of course, we have to start with the show that takes us back to one of Money Heist's most charismatic, albeit morally ambiguous, characters: Berlin. This prequel series, which premiered in late 2023, delves into the earlier, more carefree days of Andrés de Fonollosa, long before the Royal Mint of Spain. Set in Paris, the series showcases Berlin's lavish lifestyle and his audacious heists, often driven by passion and a thirst for beautiful things, including romance. If you were captivated by Berlin's theatricality, his meticulous planning, and the complex relationships within the heist crew, this series is a must-watch. It offers a different flavor – perhaps less about social rebellion and more about pure, unadulterated thievery for the thrill of it – but the intricate planning and the magnetic pull of its protagonist are pure Money Heist.

Vis a Vis (Locked Up)

Before Money Heist, many of its cast members (like Alba Flores, Najwa Nimri, and Enrique Arce) were already delivering powerhouse performances in Vis a Vis. This gritty, intense prison drama follows Macarena Ferreiro, a naive young woman who ends up in a high-security women's prison after falling for her boss's scam. What unfolds is a relentless struggle for survival, power, and freedom. While not a traditional heist, Vis a Vis is packed with escape attempts, intricate plots concocted by inmates to outsmart guards and each other, and a constant cat-and-mouse game within the prison walls. The strong female characters, the high stakes, and the palpable tension make it an absolute binge for anyone who loved the desperate camaraderie and strategic thinking of the Money Heist crew.

Sky Rojo

From the creators of Money Heist, Álex Pina and Esther Martínez Lobato, comes Sky Rojo – a hyper-stylized, darkly comedic, and relentlessly paced action thriller. The series follows three sex workers – Coral, Wendy, and Gina – who go on the run after accidentally killing their pimp. What ensues is a frantic, no-holds-barred chase across the Canary Islands, as they are pursued by the pimp's ruthless henchmen. While it swaps bank vaults for desert highways, Sky Rojo delivers the same high-octane energy, moral ambiguity, and fierce loyalty among its protagonists that made Money Heist so addictive. The clever narrative structure and the constant sense of peril will keep you on the edge of your seat, just as the Professor's plans did.

Elite

At first glance, Elite might seem like a departure from the world of heists, focusing on the scandalous lives of students at an exclusive private school. However, for fans who appreciate the intricate plotting, the clever protagonists, and the intense mystery surrounding a central crime, Elite offers a similar thrill. Each season revolves around a new murder or disappearance, with the narrative expertly weaving between past and present, slowly revealing the truth through a series of interrogations and flashbacks. The students, much like the Money Heist crew, are constantly trying to outsmart each other, cover up secrets, and manipulate situations to their advantage. It's a cat-and-mouse game of wits and social maneuvering, driven by high stakes and often morally compromised characters. You can dive deep into the mysteries of Las Encinas and more Spanish originals on SpanishTVShows.com.

Global Heists and High Stakes: International Thrills That Deliver

The appeal of a well-executed heist or a cunning plan to beat the system isn't limited by language. The global streaming landscape has given us some incredible international productions that capture the essence of what made Money Heist a worldwide phenomenon. These shows, hailing from various corners of the globe, bring their unique cultural flavors to the table while delivering the same heart-pounding suspense.

Lupin

Hailing from France, Lupin introduces us to Assane Diop, a charming and brilliant gentleman thief whose life is inspired by the fictional adventures of Arsène Lupin. Assane orchestrates elaborate heists and intricate schemes, not for greed, but to avenge his father, who was framed for a crime he didn't commit. Omar Sy's captivating performance as Assane, combined with the show's stylish execution and clever plot twists, makes Lupin an absolute joy for any Money Heist fan. It's a masterclass in misdirection, disguise, and strategic thinking, often leaving you wondering how Assane will pull off his next impossible feat. The intelligence of the protagonist and the high stakes of his personal vendetta resonate deeply with the Professor's calculated approach.

Squid Game

While not a heist in the traditional sense, South Korea's phenomenon, Squid Game, shares much of Money Heist's DNA in its depiction of desperate individuals pushed to extreme lengths for money. Hundreds of cash-strapped contestants accept an invitation to compete in a series of children's games for a massive cash prize, only to discover that the stakes are deadly. The show excels in building tension, exploring moral dilemmas, and showcasing clever strategies employed by participants to survive. The ensemble cast, the meticulous planning (albeit by the game's creators rather than the players), and the intense, high-pressure situations will grip you just as tightly as any vault break-in.

Kaleidoscope

Netflix's innovative series, Kaleidoscope, presents a multi-linear narrative structure, allowing viewers to watch the episodes in almost any order. This unique approach mirrors the fragmented, yet ultimately cohesive, nature of a grand heist. The show revolves around a crew of master thieves attempting to pull off a seemingly impossible vault break-in amidst betrayals and shifting loyalties. Like Money Heist, it features a brilliant mastermind, a diverse crew with specialized skills, and an intricate plan that constantly faces unforeseen challenges. The non-linear storytelling adds an extra layer of cleverness, challenging the viewer to piece together the full picture of the heist and its aftermath.

Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area

For those who simply can't get enough of the core concept, Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area offers a thrilling reimagining of the original Spanish series. Set in a fictional future where North and South Korea are on the cusp of reunification, leading to a new unified currency, a brilliant strategist known as the Professor assembles a diverse crew of thieves to pull off an unprecedented heist at the Unified Korea Mint. This adaptation brings its own cultural nuances, political commentary, and fresh performances while retaining the beloved plot, character archetypes, and nail-biting suspense of the original. It’s a fantastic way to relive the excitement with a new perspective.

Beyond the Gold Vault: Clever Minds and Intense Escapes

Sometimes, what we really love about Money Heist isn't just the literal heist, but the sheer intellectual prowess of the protagonists, the strategic battles, and the relentless pursuit of freedom or justice. These shows might not be about robbing banks, but they are packed with clever schemes, intense cat-and-mouse dynamics, and characters who always seem to be one step ahead (or desperately trying to catch up).

Narcos

While focusing on the real-life exploits of drug kingpins and the law enforcement agencies hunting them, Narcos (and its spin-off Narcos: Mexico) provides a similar thrill to Money Heist through its depiction of strategic masterminds and intense cat-and-mouse battles. Figures like Pablo Escobar or the leaders of the Guadalajara Cartel are portrayed as brilliant, ruthless strategists who meticulously plan their operations, evade capture, and build vast criminal empires. The show offers a gripping look at the intelligence required to operate at such a high level, both for the criminals and the agents pursuing them. The high stakes, the constant tension, and the complex web of alliances and betrayals will resonate with fans of the Professor's intricate plans and the crew's desperate fight for survival.

Prison Break

The ultimate escape narrative, Prison Break is a classic for a reason. Michael Scofield, a brilliant structural engineer, intentionally gets himself incarcerated in a maximum-security prison to break out his wrongly convicted brother, Lincoln Burrows. With a meticulously detailed plan tattooed onto his body, Michael navigates the treacherous world inside the prison walls, recruiting fellow inmates and constantly improvising as obstacles arise. The series is a masterclass in strategic planning, unforeseen complications, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. If you loved the Professor's genius and the crew's ability to adapt under pressure, Prison Break's intricate escape schemes and high-stakes tension will undoubtedly hook you.

Ozark

When financial planner Marty Byrde gets entangled with a Mexican drug cartel, he's forced to relocate his family to the Ozarks and launder a staggering amount of money to save their lives. Ozark is a dark, gripping drama that excels in showcasing clever protagonists in over their heads, constantly strategizing to outsmart both the cartel and the FBI. The Byrde family, much like the Money Heist crew, must operate under immense pressure, make morally compromising decisions, and navigate a treacherous world where loyalty is fluid. The intricate schemes, the escalating stakes, and the brilliant, flawed characters make it a perfect watch for those who appreciate the strategic depth and intense drama of La Casa de Papel.

Gangs of London

For those who appreciate the brutal efficiency and intricate power dynamics within the criminal underworld, Gangs of London delivers a visceral and complex experience. When the head of London's most powerful criminal family is assassinated, his hot-headed son takes over, plunging the city into a violent struggle for control. While not a heist, the series is packed with strategic maneuvering, intense action sequences, and a constant cat-and-mouse game between rival gangs and covert organizations. The high stakes, the morally ambiguous characters, and the meticulously choreographed action sequences will appeal to fans who loved the raw intensity and intricate plots of Money Heist.

The Legacy of La Casa de Papel Continues

From the bustling streets of Madrid to the futuristic landscapes of unified Korea, and from the sophisticated art galleries of Paris to the gritty prisons of Spain, the spirit of Money Heist lives on. The desire for clever narratives, high-stakes drama, and compelling characters who push the boundaries of loyalty and morality is universal. Each of these 12 series offers a unique flavor of the excitement that made La Casa de Papel an unforgettable experience.

So, as you finish one thrilling season, know that another adventure awaits. Dive into these shows and discover new masterminds, daring plans, and unforgettable crews. And remember, for more in-depth reviews, cast interviews, and guides to all your favorite Spanish-language television, keep visiting SpanishTVShows.com – your ultimate guide to the best of Spanish TV for English-speaking audiences. Happy streaming!