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.
6. American Sicario (2021)
Helmed by RJ Collins, ‘American Sicario’ is a gritty crime thriller that dives into the brutal world of cartel warfare. The film follows Erik Vasquez (Philippe A. Haddad), an ambitious American gangster trying to establish dominance in Mexico’s ruthless drug trade. His rise to power puts him in direct conflict with rival cartels, law enforcement, and even his own allies, leading to a violent and dangerous struggle for survival. Featuring intense action sequences and raw performances, the film paints a dark portrait of power, ambition, and its inevitable consequences. Fans of cartel dramas and violent crime thrillers will find plenty to enjoy here. With its mix of tense storytelling and brutal realism, ‘American Sicario’ offers a thrilling ride into the deadly game of organized crime. You can stream it here.
5. Mob Land (2023)
In Nicholas Maggio’s ‘Mob Land’ Shelby (Shiloh Fernandez), a desperate family man, gets involved in a risky robbery targeting a mob-controlled operation. When things go wrong, he finds himself hunted by a relentless enforcer (John Travolta), sent to clean up the mess. With the rise in stakes, Shelby must play a deadly game of survival where every decision could mean life or death. With its moody cinematography and slow-burning tension, the film captures the grim reality of small-town crime. Travolta’s performance adds weight to the story, portraying a lawman caught between justice and corruption. Blending action with psychological depth, Mob Land is a gripping watch for those who enjoy crime thrillers with a gritty, atmospheric edge. You can watch this movie online here.
4. 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.
3. 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.
2. 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.
1. Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Based on gangster-turned-informant Harry Grey’s memoir ‘The Hoods,’ Sergio Leone’s ‘Once Upon a Time in America’ is a cult classic crime drama. At the center of the story, beginning in the 1920s, we have two young Jewish boys, David “Noodles” Aaronson and Maximilian “Max” Bercovicz, best friends hailing from the ghettos of New York City. Despite their impoverished background, the kids rise in the world of crime, from workers for a local gangster to feared gangsters themselves. Using these two characters, the movie charts the scene of crime in early 20th-century New York, providing the viewers with a gritty and gripping gangster drama that is considered one of the best ever. The film stars Robert De Niro as David “Noodles” Aaronson, James Woods as Maximilian “Max” Bercovicz, Scott Tiler as young Noodles, and Rusty Jacobs as Young Max. You can watch ‘Once Upon a Time in America’ here.
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