What’s a Good Gangster Movie on Netflix?
Gangster movies, in their essence, provide a glimpse of the dark side of a criminal underworld. Some of the best movies on Netflix about gangs feature riveting and turbulent storylines, slick violence, intriguing characters, and plenty of action. For those looking for a gangster fix, there’s no better place to turn than Netflix. Here we take a look at some of the best gangster movies on Netflix right now.
A Goodfellas is a classic gangster movie that few have been able to replicate. Directed by Martin Scorsese and based on the real-life story of mob associate Henry Hill, it’s an intense and often suspenseful saga of life as an organized crime member. This movie is one of the all-time greats and definitely one of the best gangster movies on Netflix right now. It stars Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Ray Liotta.
For a more lighthearted approach to gangsters, Pickup on South Street is a great choice. This movie was directed by the legendary Samuel Fuller back in 1953 and centers around a petty thief who steals a government microfilm without realizing it. It’s a fun and stylishly filmed movie with plenty of excitement and humor along the way.
Menace II Society is a more contemporary gangster flick and is often referred to as one of the most realistic looks at inner-city crime. The movie follows two friends as they try to escape the criminal life they were born into and stray away from the cycle of violence. Director John Singleton did a fantastic job of creating a movie with a unique visual style and talented performances. Menace II Society is worth watching.
The Godfather series stands alone as probably the greatest gangster movie saga ever created. This timeless series is directed by Francis Ford Coppola and stars Marlon Brando and Al Pacino as they struggle to keep their family together and also maintain the family business of organized crime. Considered by many to be a masterpiece, The Godfather trilogy really is an essential watch for anyone who loves gangster movies.
Scarface is one of those classic stories of a man living his dream of becoming a kingpin, and paying for it in the end. This movie is directed by Brian De Palma and stars Al Pacino in the lead role. This iconic drama of wealth, power and greed has also become a cult classic, being referenced and quoted in popular culture to this day.
The Animal Kingdom is an intense and suspenseful flick about an Australian crime family. The movie follows Josh, the teenage boy who is the newest recruit to the gang, and his struggle to deal with all the family dynamics while they deal with their criminal activities. This crime drama was critically acclaimed and definitely worth watching.
Jackie Brown is another classic by director Quentin Tarantino and stars Pam Grier and Samuel L. Jackson. This movie follows a flight attendant as she becomes involved in a smuggling operation led by an undercover cop, and the issues that arise in the process. This unique gangster flick is original and exciting, and definitely a must-watch for any fans of the genre.
Snatch
Snatch is a cleverly written and cleverly directed British crime movie from 2000. Written and directed by Guy Ritchie and starring some great actors such as Brad Pitt, the movie tells the story of a diamond heist that goes wrong and the heist crew who are scrambling to save the day. Snatch is an exciting, wild and funny ride that has gained cult status over the years.
Gomorrah
Gomorrah is an Italian crime drama based on Roberto Saviano’s non-fiction novel about the real-life Camorra crime syndicate in Italy. The series is directed by Matteo Garrone and features a great ensemble cast. Through a combination of intense, gritty scenes and a realism that really brings the story to life, Gomorrah is a truly impressive crime drama and one of the best gangster movies on Netflix.
The Irishman
The Irishman is a gangster movie directed and produced by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Al Pacino. This movie follows a mob hitman, who looks back on his time working for the mafia and his relationships with the powerful bosses whose lives he altered.
The Irishman is an epic portrait of a man of violence, but with a powerful story at its core. Although it is a long watch, it is one of the most ambitious and accomplished gangster movies on Netflix, and definitely worth the time investment.
Terminator 2 – Judgement Day
Terminator 2: Judgement Day is a classic action movie from the 90s, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and directed by James Cameron. It follows the story of a cyborg sent from the future to protect a young boy from a mechanical assassin. This movie also features some great gangster-like elements, with the T-1000 character being a faceless killing machine and the movie playing out like a conflict between two gangs.
Terminator 2 is an exciting and well-made action flick and one of the best gangster movies on Netflix. The combination of the science-fiction elements, the intense action scenes, and Schwarzenegger’s iconic performance make it a must-watch.
Dead Presidents
Dead Presidents is a 1995 drama directed by the Hughes Brothers, which tells the story of a group of Vietnam veterans who try to score big by committing armed robberies. This movie follows Anthony Curtis (Larenz Tate) as he deals with issues of civilian life, flashbacks of wartime battles, and the complications of the event. Dead Presidents is an underrated classic in the gangster genre, featuring action sequences mixed with thoughtful direction.
