Movies About Gangs

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

The Godfather is a classic crime drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on the novel of the same name by Mario Puzo. The film follows the Corleone family, a prominent Mafia family in New York City in the 1940s, and the story of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as he leaves the family business and attempts to distance himself from the family’s criminal activities. As the story progresses, Michael is forced back into the criminal underworld and ultimately becomes the head of the family, becoming the “Godfather”. Along the way, he is faced with difficult decisions and must confront a variety of enemies and allies. The Godfather is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time and was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won 3.

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 produced and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, who co-wrote the screenplay with Mario Puzo, based on Puzo's 1969 novel The Godfather. It is both a sequel and a prequel to The Godfather (1972), chronicling the story of the Corleone family following the events of the first film, while also exploring the origins of the family. It stars Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, John Cazale, and Lee Strasberg. The film follows Michael Corleone (Pacino), the new Don of the Corleone family, as he attempts to expand the family's criminal enterprise while dealing with the personal and professional consequences of his choices. At the same time, the story also follows his father Vito Corleone's (De Niro) rise to power in the early 1900s, providing insight into the circumstances that ultimately shape Michael's destiny. The film includes a series of flashbacks that bridge the two stories, which are often intercut to provide a greater depth of understanding into the respective characters' motivations. The Godfather Part II is widely regarded as one of

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, who are sent to retrieve a mysterious briefcase as part of a deal gone wrong. The movie follows their adventures as they encounter various characters throughout the course of the movie, including a pair of rival gangsters, a struggling boxer, a drug-addicted couple, and a mysterious crime boss. Throughout the film, the characters explore themes of loyalty, morality, and redemption, as their lives are intertwined in unexpected ways. Pulp Fiction is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time, and is renowned for its clever dialogue, unpredictable plot twists, and genre-defying style.

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

Goodfellas is a classic gangster film directed by Martin Scorsese and released in 1990. The movie follows the story of mob associates Henry Hill, Tommy DeVito and Jimmy Conway as they rise through the ranks of the New York mafia in the 1950s and 1960s. Along the way, the three men commit numerous crimes and enjoy the spoils of their success. However, their lifestyle of easy money, violence, and excess eventually leads to their downfall. The movie features a cast of iconic actors, including Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Ray Liotta, and is widely considered to be one of Scorsese's greatest works.

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

City of God (2002) is a crime drama film directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund. Set in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, the film tells the story of two boys growing up in a violent, poverty-stricken area of the city. Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues) is a timid boy who chooses to stay away from crime and gangs, while his best friend Li'l Zé (Leandro Firmino da Hora) follows a life of crime. As the years pass, Li'l Zé's ambition and ruthlessness lead to him becoming the most powerful drug dealer in the favela and he begins to terrorize the community. Meanwhile, Rocket works as a photographer, documenting the violence and corruption around him, determined to show the world the realities of life in the City of God. The film is a raw, powerful portrait of life in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, highlighting both the struggles and the beauty of the city.

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

The Departed is a crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese. Set in South Boston, the film follows the story of two men: Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio), an undercover cop, and Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), a mole who has infiltrated the Massachusetts State Police. As their paths cross and their loyalties are tested, the two men become entangled in an escalating conflict that threatens to destroy them both. In their pursuit of justice, the two men battle ruthless crime boss Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). The Departed is a thrilling, action-packed exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the choices we make in life.

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

American History X is a powerful drama about a reformed neo-Nazi and his attempt to prevent his younger brother from going down the same path of hatred and intolerance that almost cost him his life. After serving three years in prison for voluntary manslaughter, Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) returns home to find that his younger brother, Danny (Edward Furlong), has become involved with the same white supremacist gang that Derek was a part of. Derek realizes that he must protect Danny from the same destructive path he was on and sets out to help him. This film explores the depths of racism as Derek confronts his past and attempts to break the cycle of hatred and prejudice.

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

Once Upon a Time in America is a sprawling crime epic directed by Sergio Leone. Set in New York City during the 1920s and 1930s, the film follows the lives of Jewish gangsters as they rise and fall in the world of organized crime. David "Noodles" Aaronson (Robert De Niro) and Maximilian "Max" Bercovicz (James Woods) are two lifelong friends and partners in crime who, along with their gang, become part of a powerful crime syndicate. Tragedy strikes and the friends are forced apart, only to find themselves reunited decades later. As Noodles reflects on his life of crime and his friendship with Max, he ultimately discovers that their past may not be what it seems. The film is an exploration of crime, justice, friendship and the American dream.

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

Snatch is a British crime comedy film written and directed by Guy Ritchie. The film follows the story of a diamond heist gone wrong in the London underworld, and the various characters whose lives become intertwined as a result. In the center of the story is Turkish (Jason Statham), an unlicensed boxing promoter who becomes involved in the diamond theft, and his friend Tommy (Stephen Graham) who is an expert "snatch" artist. Along the way, they cross paths with a variety of shady characters such as Boris the Blade (Rade Serbedzija), a ruthless Russian gangster, Bullet-Tooth Tony (Vinnie Jones), a former criminal enforcer, and Brick Top (Alan Ford), a notorious gangster. The film also follows the exploits of a group of streetwise con artists, led by Frankie Four-Fingers (Benicio del Toro). In the end, the film's characters all come together to attempt to solve the mystery behind the diamond theft.

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. The film follows four friends who unknowingly take part in a high-stakes card game and find themselves in debt to a powerful and dangerous local criminal. To pay off their debt, they must pull off a daring heist. The film is known for its non-linear narrative, comedic dialogue and colorful characters. It was a critical and commercial success, and has since become a cult classic.

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

On the Waterfront is a 1954 American crime drama film, directed by Elia Kazan, and starring Marlon Brando. The film follows the story of an ex-boxer, Terry Malloy, who is struggling to stand up against corrupt union leaders, who are taking advantage of the dockworkers. Terry is initially manipulated by the leaders, who are led by Terry's brother, Charley. However, after meeting Edie, a local activist, and Father Barry, a Catholic priest, Terry begins to see the truth and decides to testify against the leaders. In the end, Terry's courage and determination to make a change leads him to be successful in his mission and bring justice to the waterfront.

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

High Noon is a 1952 western film directed by Fred Zinnemann and starring Gary Cooper as Marshal Will Kane. The film follows Kane, who is set to retire as he marries his Quaker bride (Grace Kelly). However, his plans are interrupted when a vengeful outlaw, Frank Miller, is set to return to town, seeking revenge on Kane for having sent Miller to prison. Kane is unable to find any of the townspeople willing to help him and is left alone to face Miller, forced to make a moral decision between staying and fighting or running away. High Noon is a tense classic western that highlights themes of courage, morality, and justice.

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

Infernal Affairs (2002) is a Hong Kong crime-thriller directed by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak. It follows the story of two undercover cops, one posing as a mole in the police force and the other pretending to be a member of a triad. Both men are caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse as their loyalties are tested and their lives become increasingly intertwined. As their missions become more complex, they each realize the importance of solving the case before the other has a chance to betray them. With a thrilling plot, intense action sequences and a talented cast, Infernal Affairs is considered to be one of the best Hong Kong films of all time.

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

The Untouchables is a 1987 American crime drama film directed by Brian De Palma and written by David Mamet. It is based on the book of the same name by Eliot Ness and Oscar Fraley. The film stars Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro, Charles Martin Smith, Andy Garcia and Richard Bradford. The film tells the story of a team of law enforcement agents led by federal agent Eliot Ness who attempt to bring down the legendary Chicago mobster Al Capone. The team is made up of Ness, a former accountant; Jimmy Malone, an experienced police officer; George Stone, a rookie officer; and Oscar Wallace, an African-American Treasury agent. The team employs unorthodox methods to achieve justice, as they come up against an enemy far more powerful than they ever could have imagined. The Untouchables is an Academy Award-winning crime classic, renowned for its action sequences and classic characterizations. The film was a huge success, and it was praised by critics for its gritty realism and excellent performances.

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, who co-stars with Chazz Palminteri. The film follows a young Italian-American boy, Calogero Anello, who is drawn into the world of organized crime. After witnessing a murder committed by a mob boss, Calogero is torn between following the path of his father, Lorenzo, an honest bus driver and upholding the code of omertà, or silence, of the mob boss, who takes Calogero under his wing, providing him with money and protection. Calogero must ultimately choose between loyalty to his father, or loyalty to the mob boss, Sonny. As Calogero grows into adulthood, he eventually finds the courage to stand up for what he believes is right, and his decisions have far-reaching consequences.

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

Boyz n the Hood is a powerful and heartbreaking coming-of-age story, directed by John Singleton, that follows the lives of three young men living in South Central, Los Angeles. The three boys, Tre (Cuba Gooding Jr.), Ricky (Morris Chestnut), and Doughboy (Ice Cube), all grow up in a neighborhood struggling with poverty, violence, and death. The film follows each of their stories as they navigate the struggles of growing up in a tough neighborhood and strive to make something of their lives. Tre attends college to make a better life for himself and his family, while Ricky and Doughboy take very different paths in life, ultimately leading to very different outcomes. Ultimately, Boyz n the Hood is a powerful exploration of the struggles of growing up in a largely neglected and at-risk community, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.

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

Training Day is a crime drama directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by David Ayer. Starring Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke, the film follows two LAPD narcotics officers over a 24-hour period in the gang-ridden neighborhoods of South Central Los Angeles. Officer Alonzo Harris (Washington) is a training officer for rookie cop Jake Hoyt (Hawke). Over the course of the day, it becomes clear that Alonzo is a corrupt cop, using his position to gain power and money from the drug dealers and gangs of the area. He twists the law to serve his own interests, and forces Jake to go along with his decisions. The film follows the two officers through a series of harrowing events, with Alonzo crossing the line more and more as the day progresses. In the end, Alonzo's corruption is exposed and he is arrested, while Jake is left to ponder the consequences of his actions.

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

End of Watch is an American crime drama film directed by David Ayer and starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña. The movie follows two Los Angeles police officers, Brian Taylor and Mike Zavala, who are close friends and partners in the South Central neighborhood. As they patrol the city and get to know the people in their community, they soon become targets for a dangerous drug cartel that has infiltrated the area. The officers must use their wits and courage to stay alive, protect the people they care about, and stay one step ahead of the cartel. With a unique blend of documentary-style cinematography and intense action, End of Watch is an uncompromising look at the reality of being a police officer in one of the most dangerous cities in America.

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

West Side Story is a 1961 musical romantic drama directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise. The film is an adaptation of the 1957 Broadway musical, which in turn was inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. It stars Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn, Rita Moreno, and George Chakiris. Set in the Upper West Side neighborhood of New York City in the mid-1950s, the story is about two young lovers from rival gangs and their struggle to survive in a world of violence and prejudice. The rival gangs, the Sharks and the Jets, are composed of teenage immigrants from different backgrounds. The Sharks are from Puerto Rico, while the Jets are from the United States. The story follows the two lovers as they try to keep their relationship alive despite the hatred and violence that surrounds them. The film was a critical and commercial success, receiving 10 Academy Award nominations and winning 10, including Best Picture and Best Director for Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins.

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

Menace II Society is a 1993 crime drama directed by the Hughes Brothers, Albert and Allen Hughes. It follows the story of Caine Lawson, a young African American man living in South Central Los Angeles. Caine's life is filled with violence, crime, and poverty, and he is struggling to find his way out. As he navigates the neighborhood, he finds himself tangled up in gang activity, drugs, and murder. His friends, O-Dog, Ronnie, and Sharif, are also caught up in the destructive lifestyle, and Caine is left with the difficult decision to either embrace the life of crime he is surrounded by, or find a way out. The film is a powerful and gritty portrait of inner city life, and it ultimately serves as a warning about the consequences of embracing a life of crime and violence.

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, set in the mid-19th century in the Five Points district of New York City. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Cameron Diaz. The film follows Amsterdam Vallon (DiCaprio), a young man who returns to the Five Points seeking revenge against Bill "The Butcher" Cutting (Day-Lewis), the leader of the local gang, for the death of his father. Through his journey of revenge, Amsterdam learns about the history of the Five Points and the corruption of power. Along the way, he also falls for Jenny Everdeane (Diaz), a pickpocket, and discovers the true nature of his own identity. The film is a historical epic that interweaves themes of love, loyalty, and corruption, and explores the many layers of the underworld of New York in the 1860s.

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

The Warriors is a 1979 action-adventure film directed by Walter Hill. It follows the story of the titular gang, the Warriors, who are framed for the murder of a rival gang leader. As they fight to make their way back to their home turf, they face numerous obstacles, including other rival gangs and the police. Along the way, the Warriors must confront their own personal demons and prove their innocence. Along the journey, they discover the true meaning of loyalty and friendship. Filled with intense chase sequences and fight scenes, The Warriors is a classic action film that remains a cult classic.

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