Ritesh Sharma
Gangster movies are one of the most complete genres in cinema, offering a vivid and often brutal look into the world of organized crime. These films don’t just depict the rise and fall of criminals; they explore power, loyalty, betrayal, and the high stakes that come with a life of crime. Directors draw audiences in with the allure of wealth, control, and rebellion — only to flip the coin and reveal the chaos, paranoia, and inevitable downfall that follows. Whether told through pulse-pounding action or slow-burning psychological drama, gangster films always promise one thing: total engagement. If you’re looking for gripping stories about crime lords, ruthless enforcers, and power struggles, Hulu has a strong lineup of gangster movies that capture every facet of this dangerous underworld. We’ve curated a list of the best ones for you — each offering a different yet equally thrilling perspective on life in the mob.
4. Rob the Mob (2014)
‘Rob the Mob’ is based on true events and follows two small-time criminals who decide to rob the American mafia in the early 1990s. Tommy Uva and Rosie DeToma join hands to raid mafia social clubs and make fools out of them. When their antics make it to the newspapers, harming the mafia’s reputation big time, the latter decide to do something about it. Furthermore, the FBI also gets involved, putting its own cards on the table of risky reputations. Directed by Raymond De Felitta, the movie stars Michael Pitt as Tommy and Nina Arianda as Rosie. For crime fans, the charm of ‘Rob the Mob’ lies in its relevance to reality, that of Queens couple Thomas and Rosemarie Uva, who hit about a dozen mafia joints in 1992. You can watch the movie here.
3. The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil (2019)
Won-Tae Lee’s South Korean action thriller ‘The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil’ offers an action-packed take on a cop and a gangster making a deal to grab a serial killer. Knowing the advantages of each other’s powers and sources, Jung Tae-suk, the cop, and Jang Dong-soo, the gangster, decide to work together, setting aside their differences. As the plot proceeds, more murders are committed by the killer, and both the guys find themselves struggling to get hold of him. Can they really track him down? Starring Ma Dong-seok as Jang Dong-soo and Kim Mu-yeol as Jung Tae-suk, ‘The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil’ is as captivating visually as it is psychologically. You can enjoy it here.
2. The Infiltrator (2016)
Brad Furman’s ‘The Infiltrator’ explores the world of druglord Pablo Escobar from the POV of US Customs Special Agent Robert Mazur (Bryan Cranston), who infiltrated the former’s gang in the 1980s. Naturally, Mazur steps into something extremely dangerous as one small error will result in death, and a painful one. To bring down the real gangster, he must become a good fake one and take actions and decisions he doesn’t want to. A gripping narrative fueled by Cranston’s compelling performance, ‘The Infiltrator’ is a must-watch gangster drama about one of the biggest busts in American history. It is based on Mazur’s eponymous autobiography and can be streamed right here.
1. Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead (2007)
‘Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead’ is a gripping crime thriller that explores the devastating consequences of greed and desperation. The story follows two brothers, Andy (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and Hank (Ethan Hawke), who, drowning in financial troubles, plan a seemingly simple heist—robbing their own parents’ jewelry store. However, the plan spirals out of control, setting off a chain of irreversible events that shatter their lives. As tensions rise, betrayal and guilt consume them, leading to a gripping downward spiral. Directed by Sidney Lumet, the film masterfully weaves nonlinear storytelling with intense character-driven drama. Watch this powerful movie here.
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