29 Best Movies and TV Shows about Gangs (with Trailers)
Brace yourself for an adrenaline-fueled journey as we explore a handpicked selection of the best movies and TV shows that delve into the enthralling world of gangs. Delving into the intricate dynamics of gangs, both on the big and small screen, has captivated audiences for decades. From gritty street battles to complex character arcs, these movies and TV shows offer a captivating glimpse into the perilous and captivating underworld of organized crime.
Best Movies about Gangs
1. The Godfather (1972)
The Godfather follows the Corleone crime family, headed by Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). Set in the 1940s, the film explores themes of power, loyalty, and family as the Corleones navigate the world of organized crime. When an attempt is made on Vito’s life, his youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino), becomes involved in the family business, leading to a transformation from an outsider to a ruthless and strategic leader. The movie delves into the complexities of honor, betrayal, and the consequences of choosing a life of crime.
2. Goodfellas (1990)
Goodfellas is a gripping portrayal of the rise and fall of mobster Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) based on a true story. As a young boy, Henry idolizes local gangsters and eventually becomes a member of the Lucchese crime family. The film immerses viewers into the glamorous and dangerous world of organized crime, highlighting the camaraderie among Henry, his mentor Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro), and the volatile Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci). However, as drugs, violence, and paranoia take their toll, Henry’s life spirals into chaos, leading to his ultimate downfall.
3. The Departed (2006)
The Departed is a gripping crime thriller set in Boston. The film revolves around an undercover cop, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio), who infiltrates the Irish mob led by Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). Simultaneously, Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), a member of the Special Investigations Unit, acts as a mole within the police department for Costello. As both men struggle to maintain their double lives, the tension escalates, and a game of cat and mouse ensues. The Departed explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminality.
4. Scarface (1983)
Scarface depicts the rise and fall of Tony Montana (Al Pacino), a Cuban immigrant who becomes a powerful drug lord in 1980s Miami. Tony’s ambition and ruthless nature propel him to the top of the criminal underworld, but his insatiable hunger for power and wealth leads to his downfall. The film delves into themes of greed, corruption, and the destructive consequences of the pursuit of the American Dream. Scarface is known for its intense performances, iconic quotes, and a visceral portrayal of one man’s descent into madness.
5. Casino (1995)
Casino is a gripping crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese. Set in Las Vegas during the 1970s, the film follows Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Robert De Niro), a skilled gambler who is appointed by the mob to oversee the Tangiers Casino. As Ace runs the casino successfully, he falls in love with a hustler named Ginger (Sharon Stone). However, their volatile relationship, along with the corrupting influence of organized crime, threatens to bring down everything Ace has built. Casino explores themes of greed, betrayal, and the dark side of the gambling world.
6. City of God (2002)
City of God is a Brazilian crime drama that takes place in the crime-ridden Cidade de Deus suburb of Rio de Janeiro. The film follows Rocket, a young aspiring photographer, as he navigates through the violent and poverty-stricken favela. Rocket becomes entangled with Li’l Zé, a ruthless and ambitious drug lord, and their lives intertwine with the sprawling network of criminals and gangsters in the community. City of God provides a raw and gritty portrayal of the harsh realities faced by those living in the midst of gang violence and poverty.
7. A Bronx Tale (1993)
A Bronx Tale, set in the 1960s, revolves around a young Italian-American boy named Calogero (Lillo Brancato) who witnesses a murder committed by Sonny (Chazz Palminteri), a local mobster. The film explores the conflict between Calogero’s working-class father (Robert De Niro) and his fascination with the charismatic and alluring world of Sonny’s gang. As Calogero grows up, he faces decisions that will shape his loyalty, integrity, and understanding of the nature of loyalty, trust, and the consequences of involvement in organized crime.
8. Gangs of New York (2002)
Gangs of New York, set in 1863, showcases the historical conflicts between rival gangs in the Five Points neighborhood of New York City. The story revolves around Amsterdam Vallon (Leonardo DiCaprio), a young man seeking revenge against Bill “The Butcher” Cutting (Daniel Day-Lewis), the man who killed his father. Amidst a backdrop of political corruption, racial tensions, and gang warfare, Amsterdam infiltrates Bill’s inner circle, leading to a clash that will determine the fate of the neighborhood. Gangs of New York provides a vivid and immersive portrayal of a turbulent era in American history.
9. American Gangster (2007)
American Gangster is based on the true story of Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), a Harlem drug lord who rises to power in the late 1960s. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Lucas establishes a lucrative heroin empire by importing pure drugs directly from Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), an honest detective, becomes determined to bring down the drug trade and Lucas’ empire. The film explores themes of crime, corruption, and the blurred lines between law enforcement and organized crime.
10. Boyz n the Hood (1991)
Boyz n the Hood is a coming-of-age drama set in South Central Los Angeles. The film follows three childhood friends—Tre Styles (Cuba Gooding Jr.), Doughboy (Ice Cube), and Ricky Baker (Morris Chestnut)—as they navigate the challenges and dangers of their neighborhood plagued by gang violence and drugs. Directed by John Singleton, the movie delves into themes of racial inequality, social dynamics, and the struggles faced by young African Americans growing up in a hostile environment.
11. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Pulp Fiction, directed by Quentin Tarantino, intertwines multiple interconnected storylines centered around crime, violence, and dark humor. The film follows hitmen Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson), as well as various other characters, including a boxer, a mobster’s wife, and two petty criminals. Pulp Fiction is known for its nonlinear narrative structure, sharp dialogue, and unexpected twists. The movie explores themes of redemption, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions in a stylized and often unpredictable manner.
12. Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Once Upon a Time in America spans several decades, chronicling the lives of a group of Jewish gangsters in New York City. The film follows David “Noodles” Aaronson (Robert De Niro) and his friends as they rise through the ranks of organized crime during the Prohibition era. As they become involved in bootlegging, robbery, and other criminal activities, their lives are marked by violence, betrayal, and regret. Directed by Sergio Leone, the film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the lasting impact of choices made in the pursuit of power and wealth.
13. The Warriors (1979)
The Warriors is a cult classic action thriller set in a dystopian version of New York City. The film follows a street gang called the Warriors, led by Swan (Michael Beck), as they try to make their way back to their home turf in Coney Island after being framed for the murder of a rival gang leader. As they navigate through hostile gang territories, the Warriors must fight for their survival and defend themselves against relentless pursuit. The film is known for its stylized depiction of gang culture, intense action sequences, and memorable characters.
14. Donnie Brasco (1997)
Donnie Brasco is based on the true story of undercover FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone (Johnny Depp) and his infiltration of the Bonanno crime family in New York City during the 1970s. Posing as jewel thief Donnie Brasco, Pistone gains the trust of aging mobster Lefty Ruggiero (Al Pacino). As Donnie becomes increasingly immersed in the mob’s criminal activities, the lines between his real identity and undercover persona blur, putting both his personal and professional life at risk. The film explores themes of loyalty, trust, and the toll of living a double life.
15. The Untouchables (1987)
The Untouchables is a crime drama set in Chicago during the Prohibition era. It tells the story of Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner), a federal agent who forms a specialized team called “The Untouchables” to take down the notorious gangster Al Capone (Robert De Niro). With the help of seasoned cop Jim Malone (Sean Connery) and streetwise officer George Stone (Andy Garcia), Ness embarks on a dangerous mission to bring down Capone’s empire. The film combines elements of action, drama, and historical events, highlighting the battle between law enforcement and organized crime.
Best TV Shows about Gangs
1. The Sopranos (1999-2007)
The Sopranos is a critically acclaimed crime drama series that revolves around Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a New Jersey mob boss struggling to balance his personal life and criminal empire. As Tony seeks therapy to cope with anxiety attacks, viewers gain insight into his complex psyche. The show delves into Tony’s relationships with his family, his fellow mobsters, and his therapist, Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco). The Sopranos skillfully portrays the dynamics of power, loyalty, and morality within the world of organized crime.
2. Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
Breaking Bad is a gripping and intense drama series that follows the transformation of Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer. Diagnosed with cancer, Walter partners with former student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) to produce and sell meth in order to secure his family’s financial future. As they navigate the dangerous underworld of drug cartels and law enforcement, Walter’s descent into darkness becomes increasingly profound. Breaking Bad explores themes of morality, consequences, and the consequences of a seemingly ordinary man embracing a life of crime.
3. The Wire (2002-2008)
The Wire is a highly acclaimed crime drama series set in Baltimore, Maryland. It offers a gritty and realistic portrayal of the city’s various institutions and their complex relationships with crime and corruption. The show explores different facets of urban life, including the drug trade, the police department, the education system, and the media. Through its multi-layered narrative and richly developed characters, The Wire delves into themes of systemic dysfunction, the cycle of violence, and the human cost of pursuing power and control.
4. Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014)
Sons of Anarchy follows the lives of the members of an outlaw motorcycle club called the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original (SAMCRO) in the fictional town of Charming, California. Led by Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam), the club balances its legal and illegal activities, including gun-running, protection, and territorial disputes. As Jax grapples with his loyalty to the club, he seeks to protect his family and navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries within the biker subculture. Sons of Anarchy explores themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and the consequences of a life immersed in violence and lawlessness.
5. Narcos (2015-2017)
Narcos is a crime drama series that chronicles the rise and fall of infamous drug cartels in Colombia. The show focuses on the real-life stories of drug kingpins, including Pablo Escobar (Wagner Moura) and the Cali Cartel. It follows the efforts of law enforcement, particularly DEA agents Steve Murphy (Boyd Holbrook) and Javier Peña (Pedro Pascal), as they navigate the treacherous world of drugs, violence, and corruption. Narcos provides a compelling portrayal of the drug trade and its impact on Colombian society and international relations.
6. Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders is a British period crime drama set in post-World War I Birmingham, England. The show revolves around the Shelby family, led by the ambitious and cunning Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy), who operate a criminal gang known as the Peaky Blinders. As they expand their influence and navigate conflicts with rival gangs and law enforcement, the Shelbys become entangled in political intrigue and face personal challenges. Peaky Blinders explores themes of power, family loyalty, and the consequences of criminal activities in a rapidly changing society.
7. Ozark
Ozark is a tense crime drama series that follows the lives of the Byrde family as they are forced to relocate to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme goes awry. Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman), a financial planner, must navigate the dangerous world of drug cartels while keeping his family safe. As he sets up a new operation in the Ozarks, Marty faces numerous challenges, including local criminals, law enforcement, and internal family conflicts. Ozark delves into themes of survival, morality, and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones.
8. Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014)
Boardwalk Empire is a historical crime drama series set in Atlantic City during the Prohibition era. The show centers around Enoch “Nucky” Thompson (Steve Buscemi), a corrupt politician and powerful bootlegger who controls the city’s criminal underworld. As Nucky navigates the shifting alliances and rivalries among gangsters, law enforcement, and politicians, he must maintain his grip on power while dealing with personal and professional challenges. Boardwalk Empire explores themes of greed, ambition, and the consequences of pursuing wealth and influence in a tumultuous time.
9. Better Call Saul
Better Call Saul is a prequel to the critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad and focuses on the transformation of Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk) into the morally ambiguous lawyer Saul Goodman. Set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the show explores Jimmy’s journey as he navigates the legal world, facing personal and professional challenges along the way. Better Call Saul delves into Jimmy’s complex relationships with his brother Chuck (Michael McKean), love interest Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn), and the criminal underbelly that eventually leads him to become involved with Walter White.
10. The Shield (2002-2008)
The Shield is a gritty and intense police drama that follows the members of the Strike Team, a corrupt anti-gang unit in the fictional Farmington district of Los Angeles. Led by Detective Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis), the team bends the rules and engages in criminal activities while trying to maintain order and control on the streets. As they navigate the blurred lines of law enforcement and criminality, the members of the Strike Team face internal conflicts, ethical dilemmas, and the constant threat of exposure. The Shield examines themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of compromised ideals.
11. Fargo
Fargo is a darkly comedic crime anthology series inspired by the Coen Brothers’ film of the same name. Each season presents a different story set in the quirky and unpredictable world of the fictional town of Fargo, North Dakota. The show explores the intricate web of criminal activities, moral ambiguity, and the collision of ordinary people with violent and unpredictable circumstances. With its distinct blend of dark humor, eccentric characters, and unexpected plot twists, Fargo offers a fresh and captivating take on the crime genre.
12. Power (2014-2020)
Power is a crime drama series that delves into the dangerous and complex world of drug trafficking in New York City. The show follows James “Ghost” St. Patrick (Omari Hardwick), a successful nightclub owner and drug lord who seeks to leave his criminal past behind and become a legitimate businessman. However, Ghost’s aspirations clash with his ties to the drug trade, his complex relationships with his wife Tasha (Naturi Naughton) and his former lover Angela (Lela Loren), and the constant threat of rival gangs and law enforcement. Power explores themes of power, loyalty, and the high stakes of living a double life in pursuit of success.
13. El Chapo (2017-2020)
El Chapo is a crime drama series based on the life of notorious Mexican drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. The show depicts El Chapo’s rise to power within the Sinaloa Cartel and his subsequent attempts to evade capture by law enforcement. It explores the inner workings of the drug trade, the violence and corruption that permeate the cartel world, and the impact of El Chapo’s actions on Mexico and the United States. El Chapo offers a gripping and dramatic portrayal of the life of one of the most infamous criminals in recent history.
14. Gomorrah
Gomorrah is an Italian crime drama series based on the best-selling book of the same name. Set in Naples, the show explores the brutal and ruthless world of organized crime, focusing on the Savastano clan and their involvement in drug trafficking and other criminal activities. The series delves into the power struggles, betrayals, and violent conflicts within the Camorra, a powerful and influential criminal organization. Gomorrah provides a gritty and realistic portrayal of the dark underbelly of Italian organized crime and its devastating impact on individuals and society.
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