I don’t know about you, but lately, it feels really cathartic to see people who do harm and cause needless deaths get their comeuppance. For that, I always pop on a goodgangsterfilm, especially from directors likeGuy RitchieorMartin Scorsese, who thoroughly understand that no matter how high the bad guys fly, they will always come crashing down. Plus, the genre is so versatile that you never get bored from one movie to the next, because there is so much ground to cover when it comes toorganized crime. So let’s pop ontoNetflixand count down the best gangster movies on the platform.
For more recommendations, check out our ranked list ofThe 10 Best Mafia Families in Movies, RankedandBest Mafia Anime for Fans of Crime and Action Movies.
Disclaimer: These titles are available in the US.
8‘The Equalizer’ (2014)
Rotten Tomatoes: 61% | IMDb: 7.3/10
The Equalizer
DirectorAntoine Fuquateams up withDenzel Washingtonin this action flick based on the ’80s TV series of the same name. Washington lends his gravitas and endless charm to the role of a former Marine and retired federal agent who gets pulled into a battle with the Russian mafia when a sex worker he befriends, played byChloë Grace Moretz, gets hospitalized by her traffickers.The Equalizerlives in a niche subgenre of action movies following retired badasses who use their skills for one last outing, fromTakentoJohn Wickto the upcomingNobody 2, but none of them measure up to Washington and his efficient takedowns of mob cronies while being the most commanding presence in any room.
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7‘The Gentlemen’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 76% | IMDb: 7.8/10
The Gentlemen
Like many ofGuy Ritchie’sfilms,The Gentlemenis a fast-talking, star-studded nest of interwoven stories filled with delightfully quirky characters. Leading this crime comedy isMatthew McConaugheyas a weed kingpin in the UK who is looking to retire and sell off his empire, but nothing is easy in the world of gangs, criminals, and thieves, so he quickly finds himself in a war of blackmail and backstabbing. Joining McConaughey in the underworld are Ritchie regularsColin Farrell,Hugh Grant, andEddie Marsan. Folks who enjoy well-paced romps with plenty of action, pizzazz, and a little spoonful of heart will definitely get a kick out of this film, and once you fall in love with it, you can check out the Netflix series that spins off from the story.
6‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ (2016)
Rotten Tomatoes: 68% | IMDb: 7.2/10
The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
AnotherGuy Ritchieflick makes its way into the rankings, but this one is filled with spies taking on a worldwide criminal organization.The Man from U.N.C.L.E.takes the concept of the original ’60s TV show and turns up the action to create a dazzling showcase of Cold War period espionage revolving around the nuclear arms race.Henry CavillandArmie Hammertake on the American and Russian agent duo forced to work together to stop a secret syndicate from developing their own nuclear weapon and holding the world hostage. They make a great pair of reluctant buddy cops, and their performances are only bolstered by Richie’s stunning cinematography and bombastic set-pieces.
5‘Midnight Run’ (1988)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 7.5/10
Midnight Run
Speaking of buddy films,Midnight Runis an odd-couple film starringRobert De NiroandCharles Grodinas a bounty hunter and a crooked accountant, respectively, as they travel across the country fleeing the mob. DirectorMartin Brestbrings the same quirky charm that madeBeverly Hills Copsuch a memorable film while perfectly utilizing the natural antagonistic chemistry of his leads to mine comedy gold. Much of the fun of the movie comes from the wacky situations they encounter on this road trip as they evade both dangerous gangsters and unhinged federal agents. De Niro is a surprisingly good straight man who uses his intense aura as a springboard for Grodin’s quick, dry wit to bounce off of.
4‘The Town’ (2010)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 7.5/10
Ben AffleckadaptsChuck Hogan’shit novel as he stars, co-writes, and directs this award-nominated film.The Townfollows a gang of bank robbers backed by the Irish mob and the relationship that develops between one of their members and a hostage they released, though it is so much more than a romance story. There are twists and turns as the childhood friends-turned-criminal-gang start to fall apart once the jobs begin to go awry and the hostage they set free becomes a liability to the whole crew. Breaking the bank alongside Affleck is a phenomenal squad of talent, includingRebecca Hall,Jon Hamm,Blake Lively, andPete Postlethwaite.
3‘Sicario’ (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 7.7/10
DirectorDenis Villeneuvenot only delivers a film with innovative andcaptivating cinematographybut also a story that examines America’s role in the international drug trade.SicariofollowsEmily Bluntas an FBI agent assigned to a joint mission between the FBI, CIA, and a Colombian assassin where they are tasked with crippling the cartels in Mexico, but she soon realizes the mission is a front for something much more nefarious. Though Blunt takes center stage as the main protagonist,Benicio del Torogives a standout performance that keeps the audience guessing through the very end. Between Villeneuve’s long shots, intense action scenes, and the immaculate performances of the cast, this film is a thrill ride that begs to be watched over and over.
2‘American Gangster’ (2007)
Rotten Tomatoes: 81% | IMDb: 7.8/10
American Gangster
Denzel WashingtonandRussell Crowereunite for the first time sinceVirtuosityin this gangster drama loosely based on the life of notorious drug lordFrank Lucas. Washington portrays the titularAmerican Gangsteras he portrays Lucas as a criminal you almost want to root for, while Crowe plays the detective tasked with taking down his empire. DirectorRidley Scottdelivers a riveting cat-and-mouse game between Washington and Crowe as the audience gets to witness the rise of Lucas’s business, which used his connections with marginalized communities to build a heroin supply chain that the Italian and Irish mobs couldn’t touch during a time of high racial tensions. The film takes everything that makes a gangster film great and adds shades of color that you rarely see.
1‘The Irishman’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 7.8/10
The Irishman
There’s a reason thatMartin Scorseseis synonymous with the modern gangster film — he’s one of the best in the business to ever do it.The Irishmanis a loving reunion between Scorsese and his usual crew, includingRobert De Niro,Harvey Keitel, andJoe Pesci, while also sharing the spotlight with newer blood likeAnna PaquinandJesse Plemons. Scorsese adaptsCharles Brandt’sbook about real-life hitmanFrank Sheeran, with De Niro filling the shoes of the central truck driver-turned-killer for the mafia. This walk through the life of a hired gunman is not just a peek into organized crime but rather examines the ways that violence and ruthlessness are foundational to the American political and labor systems.
