The interest in the figure of Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria and the history of the Medellín Cartel seems to have no end, and more than three decades after his fall, streaming platforms continue to bet on narratives that explore the rise, terror, and downfall of the most famous drug trafficker in history. From masterful interpretations to documentary approaches, these are the productions that best portrayed this dark chapter in Latin American history. The best series about Escobar. Narcos (Netflix). It is, without a doubt, the most popular series on the subject. Based on the book by John Jairo Velásquez, alias “Popeye”, it shows the internal workings of the cartel and its operations. Escobar, the Patron of Evil (Caracol / streaming). Another option for those seeking a more classic and chronological narrative, with a strong dramatic charge and period reconstruction. Pablo Escobar: The Drug Lord (Prime Video). A lesser-known but well-received series that reconstructs the drug trafficker's rise with a more linear approach. Why they continue to generate interest. Series about Escobar and the Medellín Cartel not only portray the life of one of history's most notorious criminals but also explore: the impact of drug trafficking on politics and society; the structural violence in Colombia during the 80s and 90s; the international networks of organized crime. What to consider before watching them. While many of these productions are based on real events, they also include dramatizations and narrative licenses. Starring Wagner Moura as Escobar, it traces the rise and fall of the Colombian capo, with a focus also on the persecution led by the DEA, as reported by the Argentine News Agency. With a dynamic approach and a strong documentary base, Narcos became a global phenomenon and is the ideal starting point for those who want to know this story. Narcos: Mexico (Netflix). Although focused on the development of drug trafficking in Mexico, it serves as an expansion of the Narcos universe. It shows how the business moved and evolved after the fall of the Medellín Cartel. El Patrón del Mal (available on several platforms). This Colombian production offers a more extensive and detailed look at Escobar's life. With over 70 episodes, it delves into his personal history, his connections, and the social impact of his actions. It is one of the most complete and faithful versions, highly valued in Latin America. Surviving Escobar: Alias JJ (Netflix). Tells the story from the perspective of one of Escobar's closest hitmen. Therefore, it is recommended to take them as an audiovisual approximation, rather than as strict historical documents. With different perspectives and styles, these series allow us to understand why the figure of Pablo Escobar continues to be, decades later, a cultural and media phenomenon on a global level.
