Crime, mafia, and big risks: 8 must-watch gangster films on Netflix
A still from "The Equalizer"
If you enjoy stories about the mafia, criminal gangs, dangerous deals, and characters who live by their own rules, this collection is for you. You'll find everything here—from classic gangster dramas to modern action films that portray the criminal underworld without embellishment.
Look at these eight best gangster movies on Netflix that are guaranteed to keep you entertained.
"The Equalizer" (2014)
Denzel Washington plays a man with a dark past who tries to live a quiet, low-profile life but ends up drawn into a confrontation with the Russian mafia.
His character is not a typical "gangster," yet the film is driven entirely by criminal motives, the brutal rules of the underground world, and the idea that one person can bring down an entire system.
This is a case where someone even more dangerous goes up against the criminals.
"The Gentlemen" (2019)
Guy Ritchie once again delivers what he's loved for: a stylish criminal chaos, plenty of dark humor, charismatic criminals, and a plot where everyone tries to outplay everyone else.
At the center of the story is Matthew McConaughey's character, who wants to get out of the game and sell his empire—but the criminal world doesn't let go so easily.
Blackmail, betrayals, and unexpected alliances make this a perfect pick for an evening when you're in the mood for a "smart" crime.
"The Man from U.N.C.L.E." (2016)
Although it's a spy story, the film is rich in the atmosphere of secret syndicates and criminal organizations that control far more than meets the eye. Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer play agents who are forced to work together to stop a dangerous group.
The movie stands out not only for its action but also for its style—sharp suits, dynamic pacing, irony, and a slick, high-end look make it light yet highly entertaining.
"Midnight Run" (1988)
A genre classic that blends crime and comedy. Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin play an odd couple: a bounty hunter and an accountant who has managed to cross the mafia.
Their journey turns into a nonstop chase filled with pursuits and absurd situations.
It's a mafia movie without excessive gloom—lighter, more witty, and very cinematic.
"The Town" (2010)
A tense crime thriller about a gang of robbers tied to the mafia and how one wrong move can bring everything crashing down. Ben Affleck not only stars in the film but also directs it—and does so with great confidence.
The story runs high on emotion: friendship, loyalty, fear, risk, and a love that emerges where it least belongs.
"Sicario" (2015)
This is not a classic mafia story, but is one of the most powerful films about the war on drug cartels and the criminal machinery operating on the edge of the law.
Emily Blunt plays an agent who becomes part of an operation that quickly goes beyond anything she can fully understand.
Benicio Del Toro is the film's key "explosive" force, sustaining the tension all the way to the final scene.
After watching it, you're left with the unsettling feeling that evil can sometimes look disturbingly well-organized.
"American Gangster" (2007)
One of the most powerful films about a criminal empire—well worth watching at least once.
Denzel Washington plays drug kingpin Frank Lucas, who builds a supply and control system so efficient it's almost impossible to stop.
Russell Crowe portrays the detective trying to break that operation. This is not just "gangsters and shootouts," but a true story about power, money, ambition, and how crime turns into a business.
"The Irishman" (2019)
Martin Scorsese brings viewers back into the world of the mafia in a way only he can. Robert De Niro plays a hitman who reflects on his life, his choices, and the consequences that come with time.
This is a gangster film without romanticization—slow, heavy, mature, and brutally honest. It is not only about crime, but also about loneliness, guilt, and the price people pay for "loyalty to the system."
