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Who doesn’t like gangsters going wild against each other and cops chasing bad guys down the block ? Well, now you can enjoy crime thrillers while watching some of the greatest collections of gangster flicks available on Netflix.
Below are some of the best gangster movies on Netflix as films come and go from the service.
1. Scarface (1983)
In his lengthy acting career, Al Pacino has played numerous gangsters and crime lords, but none of them was as outrageous as the one he played in this 1983 iconic gangster film. His portrayal of Miami’s crime lord Tony Montana, a Cuban-born criminal who rose to prominence, has inspired several parodies for both his one-liners and deeds, notably in the movie’s climactic moments. It’s undoubtedly one of the best-looking gangster movies ever made. Every generation now occasionally watches the cult classic Scarface.
Director: Brian De Palma
IMDb: 8.3/10
2. The Irishman (2019)
Frank Sheeran, a truck driver, becomes associated with the Pennsylvania crime family led by Russell Bufalino in the 1950s. Sheeran joins Jimmy Hoffa, a strong Teamster with ties to organized crime, while rising through the ranks to be a top hitman. It is partially inspired by the life of Frank Sheeran (De Niro), a World War II veteran who later worked as a truck driver. He eventually worked as a hitman for the mafia and had ties to Jimmy Hoffa, the late chairman of the Teamsters Union. The Irishman is one great movie on Netflix that you must watch.
Director: Martin Scorsese
IMDb: 7.8/10
3. Blow (2001)
The 2001 American biographical thriller film Blow, which Ted Demme directed, tells the story of an American cocaine baron and his global network. The 1993 book Blow: How a Small Town Boy Made $100 Million with the Medelln Cocaine Cartel and Lost It All by Bruce Porter was adapted by David McKenna and Nick Cassavetes. It is based on the real-life accounts of drug lords Pablo Escobar and Carlos Lehder Rivas (represented in the movie as Diego Delgado) and the Medelln Cartel, as well as American drug dealer George Jung (played by Johnny Depp). Johnny Depp portrays George Jung in this film. George Jung, who grew up in terrible poverty, starts selling cocaine to make money. Although this makes him wealthy, he encounters challenges that pose a threat. Both Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz have given powerful performances in the movie, making it a true gangster movie on Netflix.
Director: Ted Demme
IMDb: 7.5/10
4. Gun City (2018)
Spanish gangster movie Gun City takes place in Barcelona in the year 1921. It is best viewed in its original tongue and follows investigators as they look for anarchists who have taken over a military train. To gather information, the detectives use increasingly violent techniques, including murder. Once the investigators identify the core of the problem, they have a limited amount of time to either come up with a solution or run the risk of more bloodshed. On Netflix, Gun City is accessible in both English and Spanish.
Director: Dani de la Torre
IMDb: 6.3/10
5. The Ruthless (2019)
Italian-French crime drama The Ruthless, starring Riccardo Scamarcio and Renato De Maria, was released in 2019. It is directed by Renato De Maria. The movie had its Italian premiere on April 8, 2019, and on April 19, 2019, it became available on Netflix.
In this film, a disobedient kid develops into one of Milan’s most aggressive criminals during the ‘ndrangheta Mafia’s most prosperous period in the 1980s. It is one of the best gangster movies on Netflix if you don’t mind subtitles.
Director: Renato De Maria
IMDb: 6.2/10
6. The Gentlemen (2019)
Guy Ritchie, the maestro of British criminal drama, wrote the script and oversaw the filming of this drama in 2019. In this movie, Matthew McConaughey plays an American criminal who is seeking to auction off his cannabis business, and many Britons are interested in getting in on the activity. Along with many other actors, the film also features Hugh Grant, Colin Farrell, Henry Golding, and Michelle Dockery. It’s unquestionably among the finest gangster movies available on Netflix.
Director: Guy Ritchie
IMDb: 7.8/10
7. Donnie Brasco (1997)
Based on actual events, this 1997 film. Johnny Depp plays an FBI agent who goes undercover and into the New York City mafia in this movie from the 1970s. It made $124.9 million at the box office.
The film demonstrates how his character became excessively engrossed in his part and even forged a connection with one of the gangster characters, performed by Al Pacino. One of the top gangster films available on Netflix, this picture ought to be a requirement for all aficionados of crime movies.
Director: Mike Newell
IMDb: 7.7/10
8. The Shadow of Violence (2019)
This 2020 gangster film on Netflix (also known as Calm With Horses in other areas of the world) revolves around a mob enforcer who wants to reconnect with his ex-wife and son. It is set in rural Ireland. But now his gangster bosses want him to commit a murder on their behalf. He needs to decide whether maintaining good relations with the mafia family or his true family is more vital.
Is Calm with Horses and shadow of violence the same movie?
Calm with Horses is also known as The Shadow of Violence.
Director: Nick Rowland
IMDb: 6.8/10
9. Imperial Dreams (2014)
Imperial Dreams has been a success for the streaming service and received the public award at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. Imperial Dreams explores well-known topics including incarceration rates, police racism, literacy, and gang life, thus it is not surprising that it was so successful. Bambi, a former gang member, is released from prison and goes back to Watts, Los Angeles. He faces several challenges on the road to recovery.
Director: Malik Vitthal
IMDb: 6.7/10
10. Legend (2015)
Tom Hardy plays the twin characters of Reggie Kray and Ronnie in this 2015 film. The identical twin brothers, who were real, were dreaded mob figures in London in the 1950s and 1960s. Up until their eventual capture and life sentence in jail in 1969, we see their growth and fall as gangsters. Despite being underappreciated, it remains one of the top gangster films on Netflix.
Is Legend with Tom Hardy a true story?
Tom Hardy’s Legend is based on real-life events and is a must-watch for people who love crime thrillers as well as Tom Hardy movies.
Director: Brian Helgeland
IMDb: 6.9/10
A Final Word
The world of gangsters is full of terror, thrill, and adrenalin-boosting crimes. From the legendary Al Pacino and Johnny Depp to the more recent heartthrobs like Tom Hardy, the movies mentioned above are star studded with actors who have truly perfected their art.
Watch these crime thriller gangster movies on Netflix to get your blood pumping too.
