Best Movies About Gangs

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather is a 1972 crime drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel of the same name. The film follows the Corleone crime family, led by Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). After Vito's death, his youngest son Michael (Al Pacino) takes control of the family and attempts to move them away from their life of crime. However, he finds himself pulled back in as rival families attempt to take away his business. Michael must use his cunning and his connections in order to protect his family and his empire. Through a series of violent negotiations, he establishes himself as the most powerful figure in the Mafia. The Godfather is widely considered a classic of modern cinema.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather Part II is a 1974 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola. It is both a sequel and a prequel to the 1972 film The Godfather, presenting parallel dramas: one picks up the 1958 story of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), the new Don of the Corleone crime family, protecting the family business in the aftermath of an attempt on his life; the other is a series of flashbacks following his father, the young Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro), from his Sicilian childhood to the founding of his family enterprise in New York City. The film is based on Mario Puzo's novel of the same name, and features an ensemble cast including actors such as Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro, Talia Shire, and Lee Strasberg. The Godfather Part II received overwhelming critical acclaim and was nominated for eleven Academy Awards, winning six, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor for De Niro's portrayal of a young Vito Corleone. It was the first sequel to win a Best Picture Oscar, and is widely seen as one of the greatest films ever made.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis
Rated R

Pulp Fiction is a 1994 American crime film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. It tells the story of two Los Angeles mobsters, Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield, as they embark on a series of dangerous and bizarre missions for their boss, Marsellus Wallace. In the process, they meet a number of misfits, including an aging boxer, a quirky couple, and even a mysterious briefcase. As the story progresses, the characters' lives become increasingly intertwined, and the paths of each character reveal secrets that may have life-altering consequences. Pulp Fiction is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time, and its influence is still evident today.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco
Rated R

Goodfellas is a 1990 crime film directed by Martin Scorsese and based on the non-fiction book Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi. The film follows the life of Henry Hill (played by Ray Liotta), an Italian-American who grows up in Brooklyn, New York in the 1950s and 1960s and eventually rises to become a member of the Lucchese crime family. As he ascends the ranks of organized crime, he befriends mobsters Tommy DeVito (played by Joe Pesci) and Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro). Along the way, Henry also experiences the effects of drug abuse, betrayal, and a stint in prison. The film is acclaimed for its gritty, realistic portrayal of life in the mafia and its intense violence, as well as its use of humor.

From Directors: Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund, starring Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Matheus Nachtergaele, Phellipe Haagensen
Rated R

City of God is a 2002 Brazilian crime drama film directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund. Set in the Cidade de Deus favela of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the film tells the story of the rise of organized crime in the slum from the 1960s through to the early 1980s. The story is told through the perspective of the narrator, Rocket, and follows two friends, Li'l Ze and Rocket, who eventually end up on opposite sides of the law. The film is filled with violence and crime, but also shows the hope and resilience of the people living in the community. The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of life in the favelas and won numerous awards, including four Academy Award nominations.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg
Rated R

The Departed is a 2006 American crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese. The movie follows the lives of two men on opposite sides of the law: Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) is a police officer in the Massachusetts State Police, working for a powerful mob boss (Jack Nicholson); Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is an undercover cop infiltrating the Irish mob. As the two investigate each other, their lives become increasingly intertwined and dangerous. The film features an all-star cast, including Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, and Alec Baldwin. The intense plot is filled with double-crosses, lies, and violence, as well as a powerful score by legendary composer Howard Shore. The Departed won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It has become a classic in the crime genre, and a must-see for any fan of Scorsese's films.

From Tony Kaye, starring Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Jennifer Lien
Rated R

American History X (1998) is an American drama film directed by Tony Kaye and written by David McKenna. It stars Edward Norton as Derek Vinyard, a reformed neo-Nazi skinhead and former convict trying to prevent his younger brother from following in his footsteps. Set in Venice Beach, California, the story follows Derek's struggle to find redemption and save his brother, Danny, from a similar fate. Derek's transformation is told through flashbacks and powerful scenes of violence, racism, and white supremacy. The film was lauded for its raw and honest portrayal of racism and its ability to reach its audience through powerful, emotionally charged performances and thought-provoking themes. American History X received numerous awards and nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Norton.

From Sergio Leone, starring Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Treat Williams
Rated R

Once Upon a Time in America is a 1984 epic crime drama directed by Sergio Leone. Set in the 1920s and 1930s, the film follows a group of Jewish mobsters from childhood to adulthood and their struggles in the world of organized crime. Robert De Niro stars as a Jewish gangster named Noodles, who is reunited with his childhood friends after spending 30 years in prison. Together they attempt to seek revenge against a rival gang leader who betrayed them during their criminal activities. The film spans a lifetime, showing the characters' rise to power and also their eventual downfall. The film is complex and multi-layered, exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, betrayal, fame, and power. Once Upon a Time in America is a cinematic masterpiece and one of the greatest films ever made.

From Guy Ritchie, starring Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, Stephen Graham, Vinnie Jones
Rated R

Snatch is a crime-comedy film written and directed by Guy Ritchie. The film follows the story of a group of small-time criminals in London's underworld as they attempt to get their hands on a valuable stolen diamond. Along the way, they must face off against a variety of opponents, including a psychotic mob boss and a bare-knuckle boxing promoter. The film has been praised for its witty dialogue, clever editing, and stylish visuals. The ensemble cast includes Brad Pitt, Benicio del Toro, Vinnie Jones, and Dennis Farina. Snatch is an entertaining and fast-paced ride, with plenty of comedic moments and a few twists and turns.

From Guy Ritchie, starring Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran, Jason Statham
Rated R

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is a British crime comedy film directed by Guy Ritchie and released in 1998. The film follows four Londoners who get caught up in a botched card game and must then endeavor to pay off a massive debt to a local crime lord. The group of four end up trying to rob a group of drug dealers in order to make the money they need. The film follows the group's efforts to pull off the heist while dodging the crime lord's thugs. It stars Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran, Jason Statham, Stephen Marcus, and Vinnie Jones. The film features a blend of black comedy, crime and stylized action which has become a trademark of Ritchie's later works. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is considered to be a cult classic and has been praised for its inventive plot, chaotic editing and dark humor.

From Elia Kazan, starring Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Lee J. Cobb, Rod Steiger
Rated Approved

"On the Waterfront" is a 1954 drama film directed by Elia Kazan and written by Budd Schulberg. The film stars Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Lee J. Cobb, Rod Steiger, and Eva Marie Saint in her film debut. It tells the story of Terry Malloy, a troubled former boxer and dockworker, played by Brando, who struggles to stand up to his corrupt union bosses and fight for justice. With the help of Sister Edith, a selfless Catholic nun, and Father Barry, a compassionate priest, Malloy begins to take a stand against the injustice and violence in his neighborhood. The film won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Brando. It is considered a classic of American cinema and one of the greatest movies ever made.

From Fred Zinnemann, starring Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, Thomas Mitchell, Lloyd Bridges
Rated PG

High Noon is a classic 1952 western film directed by Fred Zinnemann. The story follows Will Kane (Gary Cooper), a former marshal of the small town of Hadleyville, who is about to leave town with his new bride Amy (Grace Kelly). However, on the day of their departure, word arrives that criminal Frank Miller (Ian McDonald) has been released from prison and is planning to take his revenge on Kane for sending him there. Kane decides to stay and face Miller and his gang, despite the townspeople's fearful refusal to help. With only a few hours before Miller's arrival, Kane must stand alone against a dangerous foe and the clock that is counting down until noon. In the end, Kane courageously faces Miller and the townspeople, who finally realize that they should have supported him all along. High Noon is a timeless classic and one of the most iconic westerns of all time.

From Directors: Andrew Lau, Alan Mak, starring Andy Lau, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Anthony Chau-Sang Wong, Eric Tsang
Rated R

Infernal Affairs is a 2002 crime thriller directed by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak. It follows the story of undercover cop Chan Wing-Yan (Andy Lau) and his attempt to infiltrate a gang syndicate led by ruthless triad boss Hon Sam (Eric Tsang). Meanwhile, the triad has infiltrated the police force by planting Lau Kin-Ming (Tony Leung Chiu-wai) as an undercover cop. As the two sides battle each other, they become increasingly aware of each other's presence, ultimately leading to a tense and thrilling conclusion. The movie has become a classic in Hong Kong cinema, inspiring two sequels and a Hollywood remake.

From Brian De Palma, starring Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro, Charles Martin Smith
Rated R

The Untouchables is a 1987 American crime film directed by Brian De Palma and starring Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro, and Andy Garcia. The film tells the story of Treasury agent Eliot Ness (Costner) and his quest to bring down Chicago crime lord Al Capone (De Niro), with the help of a team of incorruptible agents known as "The Untouchables". Overcoming obstacles and temptation, the Untouchables work together to bring down Capone and bring justice to Chicago.

From Robert De Niro, starring Robert De Niro, Chazz Palminteri, Lillo Brancato, Francis Capra
Rated R

A Bronx Tale is a 1993 American crime drama film directed by Robert De Niro and written by Chazz Palminteri. Set in the Bronx during the turbulent 1960s, the film follows Calogero Anello (Lillo Brancato), a young Italian-American boy who is caught between the temptations of organized crime and the values of his honest, hardworking father Lorenzo (Robert De Niro). Calogero's life is further complicated when he crosses paths with local mob boss Sonny (Chazz Palminteri). The film follows Calogero's struggle to reconcile the conflicting influences on his life, and his ultimate decision to choose a moral path. As a coming of age story, A Bronx Tale also touches on themes of love, loyalty, and family.

From John Singleton, starring Cuba Gooding Jr., Laurence Fishburne, Hudhail Al-Amir, Lloyd Avery II
Rated R

Boyz n the Hood is a 1991 American coming-of-age drama film directed by John Singleton and starring Cuba Gooding Jr., Ice Cube, Morris Chestnut, Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett. The film follows the lives of three African-American men in the South Central neighborhood of Los Angeles in the early 1990s, as they struggle with their families, gang violence, crime, and racism. The film paints a powerful portrait of the struggles faced by young African-American men in the inner city, and puts forth the notion that it takes a village to raise a child. The film earned a significant amount of critical acclaim and was nominated for two Academy Awards and won a number of awards from the National Board of Review, the New York Film Critics Circle, and the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.

From Antoine Fuqua, starring Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn, Tom Berenger
Rated R

Training Day is a 2001 American crime thriller film directed by Antoine Fuqua, starring Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke. In the film, Washington plays Alonzo Harris, a corrupt Los Angeles Police Department detective who takes rookie cop Jake Hoyt, played by Ethan Hawke, on a 24-hour patrol of the city's mean streets to give him a crash course in the reality of law enforcement. On the mean streets of Los Angeles, Harris pushes Hoyt to the limits to teach him the harsh realities of the LAPD. As the day progresses, what starts out as an educational experience soon turns into a descent into moral chaos, as Harris' true motives become increasingly clear.

From David Ayer, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Peña, Anna Kendrick, America Ferrera
Rated R

End of Watch is a 2012 American crime drama film directed by David Ayer. The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña as two Los Angeles Police Department officers who work in South Central Los Angeles. The story follows their day-to-day police work, their dealings with a certain gang, and their personal relationships. The film focuses on the lives of LAPD officers Brian Taylor (Gyllenhaal) and Mike Zavala (Peña), who have been best friends since their academy days. The two patrol South Central Los Angeles in their patrol car, often confronting the realities of gang and drug crime in the city. As their friendship deepens, their work brings them into contact with a dangerous drug cartel, and the two officers must put their lives on the line to protect their community. The film also explores the effect of their work on their personal lives.

From Directors: Jerome Robbins, Robert Wise, starring Natalie Wood, George Chakiris, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn
Rated Approved

West Side Story is a musical tragedy film directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise in 1961. The film follows the rivalry between two New York City gangs, the Sharks and the Jets, during the 1950s. Tony, a former member of the Jets, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. As their romance blossoms, Tony tries to help the two gangs come to an understanding. However, their attempt to find peace is hindered by the gangs' violent pride and prejudice towards each other. The story culminates in a climactic rumble that leads to tragic consequences for Tony and Maria. In the end, the film emphasizes the importance of understanding and acceptance, demonstrating that it is the only way to bring peace.

From Directors: Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes, starring Tyrin Turner, Larenz Tate, June Kyoto Lu, Toshi Toda
Rated R

Menace II Society is a 1993 American hood film directed by the Hughes Brothers. It follows the life of Caine Lawson, a young African American teen growing up in the streets of Watts, Los Angeles. After his best friend is murdered, Caine struggles to make the right decisions as he deals with the pressures of street life, drugs, and violence. In the face of immense tragedy, Caine must decide if he will succumb to the sinister forces of the inner city or if he will rise up and take control of his life. Menace II Society is an unflinching look into the cycle of violence, poverty, and gang culture that plagues inner city life in America.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Daniel Day-Lewis, Jim Broadbent
Rated R

Gangs of New York is a 2002 American epic period drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and set in the mid-19th century in the Five Points district of New York City. It tells the story of Amsterdam Vallon, a young man who returns to the Five Points seeking revenge against Bill "The Butcher" Cutting for the murder of his father. His quest for vengeance takes him through a tumultuous struggle in the streets of New York, as the Irish and Italian immigrants of the Five Points battle for control of the area. It also features Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Cameron Diaz in lead roles. The film is a brutal and uncompromising look at the violence and corruption of the time and a powerful story of redemption and revenge.

From Walter Hill, starring Michael Beck, James Remar, Dorsey Wright, Brian Tyler
Rated R

The Warriors is a 1979 action-packed crime film set in New York City. Directed by Walter Hill, the film follows a street gang named The Warriors, who must battle their way through New York City's seedy underworld after being framed for the murder of a powerful gang leader. In their attempt to make it back to their own turf in Coney Island, the Warriors take on a variety of rival gangs, including the Baseball Furies, the Hi-Hats, and the Rogues. The Warriors must rely on their street-smarts and combat skills in order to survive the night and make it back home. The film is an archetypal story of an underdog street gang fighting against the odds, and the fight scenes are stylishly and effectively choreographed. The Warriors is an influential cult classic that has been referenced in countless films, tv shows, and video games.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel, David Proval, Amy Robinson
Rated R

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze
Rated PG