We all know how fearless and ruthless Thomas Shelby can be, but did you know there are other characters just like him who make us root for their dark side?
These characters are immensely complex and blend ambition, intelligence, loyalty, and moral ambiguity.
Now, without any further ado, let’s discuss who these characters are and how they are more like our Thomas Shelby.
Disclaimer: This list is based on our opinion; your choice of these characters can vary.
1. Walter White From Breaking Bad
Walter White begins as a modest chemistry teacher who, after a terminal diagnosis, pivots to becoming a powerful guy in underworld. His transformation showcases his intelligence, ambition, and strategic prowess.
Like Thomas, Walter is morally ambiguous—his initial motive of providing for his family shifts to a ruthless pursuit of power. Both characters justify their actions as necessary for survival and ambition, making them compelling antiheroes.
2. Tony Soprano From The Sopranos
Tony Soprano is a mob boss balancing family responsibilities with the dark world of organized crime. He embodies loyalty to his family and struggles with trauma, depicted through his anxiety and depression.
Tony’s mix of brutality and vulnerability reflects Thomas Shelby’s complexities. Both characters navigate a fine line between caring for their loved ones and making harsh decisions that serve their leadership roles.
3. Michael Corleone From The Godfather
Michael Corleone’s evolution from reluctant outsider to powerful mafia boss is marked by a deep sense of protectiveness and resourcefulness. He adapts quickly to the demands of his role as the head of the Corleone family.
Like Thomas Shelby, Michael is a complex leader whose moral code becomes blurred as he ascends in power. Both men are willing to sacrifice their moral compass to protect their families and maintain control.
And as we know, for both of them, their family comes first.
4. Frank Underwood From House of Cards
Frank Underwood is driven by an insatiable hunger for power. His intelligence and strategic mind help him orchestrate elaborate schemes that secure his position in Washington, D.C.
Frank’s ambition, cunning nature, and charisma mirror Thomas Shelby’s traits. They both use manipulation and persuasion to stay ahead, sacrificing ethics for influence.
5. Stringer Bell From The Wire
Stringer Bell is not just a street-level criminal; he’s a strategist who seeks to merge business with the substance trade. He demonstrates loyalty to his partners while displaying a strong sense of intelligence and resourcefulness.
Thomas Shelby and Stringer Bell share the ambition to transcend their roots and aim for greater power. Both characters exhibit a mix of sharp business acumen and the ruthlessness needed to stay on top.
6. Tom Ripley From The Talented Mr. Ripley
Tom Ripley is a chameleon-like figure who uses his intelligence and cunning nature to climb the social ladder, often resorting to morally questionable acts.
Like Thomas Shelby, Tom is resourceful and willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve his goals. They both operate in morally gray areas, justifying their decisions as part of a larger plan for personal betterment.
7. Nucky Thompson From Boardwalk Empire
Nucky Thompson’s journey from city treasurer to powerful crime boss is marked by ambition and complex leadership. His actions are influenced by personal traumas and losses.
Nucky and Thomas share similar leadership traits, balancing control with moments of empathy. They both face inner conflicts and the weight of their pasts while building their empires.
8. Omar Little From The Wire
Omar Little operates with a strict moral code despite being a criminal. He is protective of those in his circle and uses resourcefulness to survive in a world of danger.
Like Thomas Shelby, Omar is a morally ambiguous character. They both adhere to their own principles, even when those principles don’t align with societal norms, making them complex figures in their respective narratives.
9. Tommy DeVito From Goodfellas
Tommy DeVito’s charm and humor mask a more dangerous and violent side. His loyalty to friends is matched by an unpredictable temper and ruthlessness.
Similar to Thomas Shelby, Tommy’s personality combines charisma and lethal determination. Both characters are fiercely loyal, though their actions often lead to morally questionable outcomes.
10. Jax Teller From Sons of Anarchy
Jax Teller is a motorcycle club leader who aims to legitimize his club while dealing with personal traumas and the legacy of his father. His role demands a complex balance of ambition, loyalty, and moral struggle.
Like Thomas Shelby, Jax is haunted by his past and driven by ambition. Both are complex leaders who strive to protect their organizations while battling their own inner demons.
These characters capture the ambition, intelligence, loyalty, and emotional depth that define Thomas Shelby, making them must-watch figures for fans of layered storytelling.
By the way, if you loved reading this piece, then you might enjoy our piece on characters like Thomas Shelby, and we are sure you will enjoy our comparison of Prison Break and Lost. Feel free to leave us a comment down below.
