The allure of the outlaw lifestyle has always been intriguing to audiences. They are entertaining stories that contain sex, violence, and thematically rich stories of morality, containing the consequences of criminal activity while providing insight into the human condition. Directors likeBrian De PalmaandMartin Scorsesehave taken the genre and lifted it to its heights, giving gangster movies a home in people’s hearts.
A perfect gangster moviehas compelling characters with complex motivations, a well-paced plot filled with tension, authentic dialogue, and a vivid portrayal of the setting and era, thus giving audiences a new perspective on history and how the world works.In the last ten years, gangster films have experienced something of a resurgence, and while most are quite good, only a few are worthy of standing next to the all-time greats.
13’The Highwaymen' (2019)
Directed by John Lee Hancock
This is the familiar story of bank robbers and gang affiliates Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, but told from the perspective of the lawmen tracking them.Kevin Costner,Woody HarrelsionandKathy Lee Batesstar inJohn Lee Hancock’s well-appointed perid crime thriller for Netflix.
The Highwaymenis a well-crafted and exceedingly well-acted procedural with one hindrance of note that isn’t even the movie’s fault: there’s no way a movie about the lawmen tracking Bonnie and Clyde was ever going to be as thrilling as a movie about Bonnie and Clyde, especially in the shadow of the New Hollywood classic film. Still,it’s easy ro recommendThe Highwaymenbased on the lead performances alone.
The Highwaymen
12’The Many Saints of Newark' (2021)
Directed by Alan Taylor
Released day-and-date in theaters and on HBO Max (now Max),Alan Taylor’sThe Many Saints of Newarkis a prequel to one of the most iconic shows of all time, HBO’sThe Sopranos.Alessandro NivolaandMichael Gandolfini, it chronicles the rise of Anthony Soprano in the 1960s, specifically against the backdrop of the 1967 riots.
The Many Saints of Newarkcertainly isn’t on the same level of the series that inspired it, but if anything it’s a little underrated.The most remarkable part of the enterprise is the performance of Michael Gandolfini, who bears an incredible likeness to late fatherJames Gandolfini. Despite receiving generally positive reviews,The Many Saints of Newarkwas unfortunately a box-office bomb.
The Many Saints of Newark
11’The Gentlemen' (2019)
Directed by Guy Ritchie
Before the popular Netflix series of the same name, there wasGuy Ritchie’s 2019 movie of the same name, generally well-reviewed by fans and celebrated as a return to form.Matthew McConaughey,Charlie HunnamandColin Farrellstar ina fun, suave comedic thriller about warring gangsters feuding over a marijuana empire in London.
In addition to receiving overall warm reviews from critics,The Gentlemenwas released just in the nick of time to have a shot at box-office success before peak pandemic era challenged theaters. Released stateside in January 2020, the film grossed a respectable $115 million, over five times its reported budget. The spinoff TV series premiered earlier this year to positive critical notices and high audience interest.
The Gentlemen
Mickey Pearson, a wealthy American living in London, has built a successful marijuana empire. Planning to cash out, he announces his intention to sell the business, sparking a wave of criminal intrigue. Rival gangs, ambitious newcomers, and corrupt officials all vie for control, leading to a series of betrayals and power plays. As Mickey tries to secure his retirement, he faces challenges from all sides, including a cunning private investigator who complicates matters further.
10‘The Drop’ (2014)
Directed by Michaël R. Roskam
InJames Gandolfini’s final role, he plays Marv, the owner of a bar that acts as a “drop” location for illegal cash transactions from the local mobsters and criminals. But when the bar is robbed, the bartender, Bob (Tom Hardy),finds himself caught up in a web of conspiracy. The aggressors make Bob confront his past and keep him guessing as he tries to make the best decisions to protect himself and his family.
The narrative makes this movie excel, filling it with meticulous twists and turns from the moment the bar is robbed to when audiences learn of secret identities and the motives of innocuous characters. Keeping a slow-burning pace that allows for gradual reveals and simmering conflicts to come to a head,The Dropadds depth and suspense to the story, which helps the viewers stay engaged until the final payoff.
Bob Saginowski finds himself at the center of a robbery gone awry and entwined in an investigation that digs deeply into the neighborhood’s past where friends, families, and foes all work together to make a living – no matter the cost.
Rent on Apple
9‘The Infiltrator’ (2016)
The Infiltratoris based on Robert Mazur’s autobiography andstarsBryan Cranstonas Mazur, a U.S. Customs special agent. Set in the 80s, when the war on drugs was reaching its height, the film sees Mazur going undercover as a money launderer to infiltrate the drug trafficking network of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.
Cranston’s performance carries this movie, portraying Mazur with gripping authenticity as he remains morally conflicted by the actions he has to take. Surrounded by the suspenseful atmosphere in the world of drug trafficking,The Infiltratorkeeps viewers on the edge of their seats and immersed in the possibilities that could happen. Cranston creates empathy with this character, giving a different relationship with the viewer that other gangster films don’t have.
The Infiltrator
8‘Wrath of Man’ (2021)
Based on the 2004 French filmCash Truck,Wrath of ManstarsJason Stathamas H, a mysterious and skilled security guard hired by an armored truck company in Los Angeles. H’s background is shrouded in secrecy as he proves himself to be a formidable protector of the company’s cash shipments. Eventually, he becomes embroiled in a deadly game of revenge and uncovers the truth behind a heist that resulted in his son’s death.
Wrath of Mantakes on vengeance with intense gusto, showcasingGuy Ritchie’s signature styleof gritty and fast-paced violence. However, it may fall short for some viewers looking for character development, as supporting characters are underdeveloped, and H’s motivations are not fully fleshed out. Nevertheless, this seems more of a creative choice, and plenty of excitement happens elsewhere, seeking deeper storytelling and character exploration through fight choreography and H’s rage.
Wrath of Man
7‘Legend’ (2015)
Directed by Brian Helgeland
This fascinating gangster picturestarsTom Hardyin a dual roleas twins Ronald and Reginald Kray, notorious gangsters in London’s East End during the 50s and 60s. The film shows their criminal empire and how they controlled nightclubs, gambling rings, and extortion rackets while rubbing shoulders with celebrities and other politicians.
Legendmaintains the dark allure of a stereotypical organized crime film while delving into the Kray brothers' complex relationshipand the impact their criminal activities had on those around them. Offering a stylish portrait of London’s underworld,Legendis bolstered by Hardy’s performance, who has to possess contrasting personalities and motivations.
6‘The Outfit’ (2022)
Directed by Graham Moore
Set in the world of organized crime,The Outfitfollows an expert tailor (Mark Rylance) who runs a bespoke suit shop in Chicago. When Leonard becomes entangled in a dangerous situation involving a mysterious woman and a violent gangster, he must use all of his cunning skills to navigate the treacherous underworld and protect himself and his business.
The Outfitexplores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and survivalas the protagonist finds himself caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse where nothing is what it seems. With an intense atmosphere,The Outfitis a thrilling take on a classic genrethat soars where others fall. The plot inevitably allows the audience to relate to Rylance’s character because he is in a situation that could have happened to anyone in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The Outfit
5‘The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil’ (2019)
Directed by Won-Tae Lee
The South Korean action thrillerThe Gangster, The Cop, The Devilis an unlikely partnership between a hardened gangster and a determined police detective teaming up to track a vicious serial killer targeting gang members. When a gangster survives his attacker, he forms an uneasy alliance to seek revenge, leading to an exploration of the blurred lines between good and evil as the trio confronts their demons while pursuing their common enemy.
The seamless blend of action, crime, and dramamakesThe Gangster, The Cop, The Devilone of the most refreshing gangster filmsto come out in a while. The unlikely alliance creates a compelling dynamic, driving the narrative forward with tension and intrigue that is sure to grip any fan of the genre. WithWon-Tae Lee’s tight pacing and fast-moving sequences,The Gangster, The Cop, The Devilwill quickly become a new viewer’s favorite.
The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil
4‘A Most Violent Year’ (2014)
Directed by J.C. Chandor
Set in New York City during the winter of 1981,A Most Violent Yearfollows Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac), a determined immigrant trying to grow his heating oil business while navigating the city’s increasingly violent and corrupt environment. As Abel faces threats from rival competitors, violent hijackings, and an aggressive District Attorney, he must grapple with difficult choices when protecting his family and business.
Abel’s moral dilemmas are the tip of the iceberg.A Most Violent Yearoffers a nuanced portrayal of the city, capturing urban decay and the allure of the American Dream. With its compelling storyline, complex characters, thoughtful direction, and career-best performances from Isaac andJessica Chastain,A Most Violent Yearis a thrilling cinematic experiencethat raises the stakes with each act.
