Gangster films have captivated audiences for decades, with their gripping tales of crime, power, and loyalty. From classic mob epics to modern crime thrillers, virtually every major film industry has put its own cultural spin on the gangster genre. Below, we explore some of the all-time best gangster movies from around the globe – spanning the United States, Italy, the U.K., South Korea, Japan, India, Hong Kong, France, Brazil, and beyond. Each film includes its title, release year, country of origin, a brief plot summary, what makes it iconic, any notable awards or acclaim, and where you can (as of now) stream or watch it.
United States: American Gangster Classics
American cinema has produced many of the world’s most iconic gangster films. Early Hollywood set the template in the 1930s, and New Hollywood in the 1970s revived the genre with operatic mob sagas. From the Corleone family’s saga to Scorsese’s streetwise mobsters, these U.S. classics are essential viewing.
The Godfather (1972) – United States
Plot: The Godfather chronicles the powerful Corleone mafia family in post-WWII New York. Aging don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) hands over his empire to his reluctant son Michael (Al Pacino), who transforms from outsider war hero to ruthless mob boss. This epic story of family, power, and betrayal follows Michael’s rise as he protects the family business and avenges attacks on the Corleones.
Why It’s Iconic: Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential films ever made, The Godfather is a landmark of the gangster genre. It boasts masterful direction by Francis Ford Coppola, an unforgettable cast, and countless iconic scenes (from the opening wedding sequence to the infamous “offer he can’t refuse”). The film’s nuanced portrayal of the mafia “family” and its moral complexities elevated the crime genre to high art.
Awards: A massive critical and commercial success, The Godfather won Best Picture, Best Actor (Brando), and Best Adapted Screenplay at the 45th Academy Awards, among other nominations. It’s preserved in the U.S. National Film Registry for its cultural significance.
Where to Watch: Currently, The Godfather is streaming on Paramount+ and Pluto TV (free with ads), and available to rent or buy on services like Amazon and Apple TV.
The Godfather Part II (1974) – United States
Plot: A rare sequel that equals its predecessor, The Godfather Part II interweaves two stories: the 1950s saga of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) solidifying his grip on the family empire, and flashbacks to young Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) rising from orphaned Sicilian immigrant to New York crime lord. As Michael expands the Corleone business to Las Vegas and Cuba, he faces betrayal and tragedy that threaten to destroy his family from within, even as we witness how his father built that very empire decades earlier.
Why It’s Iconic: Coppola’s Part II is often hailed as one of the greatest sequels ever. It “surpasses its predecessor”, taking the Corleone story in two directions – into the past and the present – to deepen the themes of family, power, and corruption. The film’s parallel narrative is richly textured, providing a Shakespearean tale of a son’s fall even as we see the father’s rise. Many consider it as brilliant as (or even superior to) the original in its scope and emotional power.
Awards: The Godfather Part II made history as the first sequel to win Best Picture at the Oscars. It earned 11 Academy Award nominations and won 6, including Best Picture, Best Director (Coppola), Best Supporting Actor (De Niro), and Best Adapted Screenplay. It’s frequently cited among the greatest American films ever.
Where to Watch: Like its predecessor, Part II is available on Paramount+ (and often rotates on other services). You can stream it via Paramount’s Apple TV channel or rent it on Amazon, Apple TV, etc.
Goodfellas (1990) – United States
Plot: Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas is a high-energy depiction of life in an Italian-American crime syndicate, seen through the eyes of real-life mob associate Henry Hill (Ray Liotta). Spanning the 1950s through 1980s, the film follows Henry’s induction as a young kid into a Brooklyn gang, his flashy exploits with partners Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) and Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci), and the violent, cocaine-fueled downward spiral of their crew. It’s an unflinching look at the day-to-day of the mob – the heists, the hits, and even the infamous prison pasta sauce scene.
Why It’s Iconic: Goodfellas is “widely regarded as one of the finest works” of Scorsese’s career, noted for its dynamic cinematography, razor-sharp editing, and outstanding performances. It injected rock-and-roll pacing into the gangster genre and influenced countless films after. Unlike the top-down mafia focus of The Godfather, Goodfellas shines a light on the soldiers and street-level life of organized crime, giving the film a gritty authenticity. The result is an exuberant yet ultimately sobering crime saga with endless rewatch value.
Awards: The film was nominated for six Oscars (including Best Picture and Best Director) and won one – Best Supporting Actor for Joe Pesci’s fiery performance. It also won multiple BAFTAs (including Best Film and Director) and has since become preserved in the National Film Registry. Critics and audiences alike have come to embrace Goodfellas as “one of the greatest mobster movies of all time”.
Where to Watch: Goodfellas is currently available to stream on Netflix and on Max (HBO Max) in select regions. It’s also accessible on various platforms (Amazon, Apple TV, etc.) for rent or purchase.
The Departed (2006) – United States
Plot: The Departed is a modern Boston-set gangster thriller about two moles on opposite sides of the law. Irish mob boss Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson) plants Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) as a spy inside the Massachusetts State Police, while the police send undercover trooper Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) to infiltrate Costello’s crew. As a cat-and-mouse game ensues, each mole scrambles to uncover the other’s identity before being found out. The film builds to a feverishly suspenseful showdown as trust erodes on both sides of the criminal divide.
Why It’s Iconic: Directed by Martin Scorsese, The Departed is a gritty remake of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs that stands on its own as a taut, twist-filled crime saga. It was hailed as a return to form for Scorsese – a “critical and commercial success” praised for its powerhouse ensemble cast and intense storytelling. The film expertly transplants a Hong Kong triad story to the streets of Boston, exploring themes of double identities and deception. With crackling dialogue and brutal surprises, The Departed brought the traditional gangster film into the 21st century, winning Scorsese long-awaited Oscar glory in the process.
Awards: This film earned four Oscars at the 79th Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Scorsese’s first win), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. It also netted Scorsese a Golden Globe and BAFTA, firmly cementing The Departed as one of the top crime films of its era. (Interestingly, it’s one of the only Oscar-winning remakes of a foreign film.)
Where to Watch: The Departed is available on Netflix (in many regions) and often streams on Max (formerly HBO Max). It can also be rented or bought on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Honorable Mentions (USA): Scarface (1983) deserves a nod for Al Pacino’s iconic turn as Cuban kingpin Tony Montana, as does Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in America (1984) for its sweeping portrayal of Jewish gangsters. Other classics include the 1930s originals (Scarface 1932, The Public Enemy 1931), and modern entries like Casino (1995) and American Gangster (2007). The four films above, however, represent the pinnacle of American gangster cinema’s global influence.
Italy: The Mafia Through an Italian Lens
Italian cinema has its own rich tradition of mafia movies, often focusing on the gritty realities of organized crime in Italy. These films forego the romantic Hollywood gloss to show crime’s impact on society and individuals. One standout is a modern classic that took the world by storm:
Gomorrah (2008) – Italy
Plot: Gomorrah (original title Gomorra) is an unflinching depiction of the Camorra crime syndicate’s stranglehold on Naples. The film follows five interwoven stories of ordinary people entwined in the Camorra’s web – from a young boy who gets recruited by gangsters, to a tailor dabbling in black-market couture, to low-level thugs inspired by Hollywood crime films There’s no singular hero or kingpin; instead, Gomorrah paints a sprawling mosaic of a community where “power, money and blood” rule daily life and residents are forced to obey the syndicate’s brutal rules to survive.
Why It’s Iconic: Matteo Garrone’s Gomorrah is perhaps “the single most comprehensive deconstruction of mobsters ever made,” stripping away any romanticism of the Mafia. Gritty, realistic, and almost documentary-like, the film plunges the viewer into a world of crime that feels deeply real. By the end, the romantic view of the mafia “disintegrates like shoreline sand” – you’re left with a sobering portrait of organized crime’s corrosive effect on society. Gomorrah’s importance also lies in its impact: it sparked widespread discussion in Italy about the Camorra and even led to threats on the author of the source book, Roberto Saviano.
Awards: The film received widespread critical acclaim, winning the Grand Prix (Grand Jury Prize) at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival and seven David di Donatello Awards (Italy’s top film honors), including Best Film and Best Director. It also won multiple European Film Awards. Gomorrah was Italy’s submission for the Oscars (and though it didn’t get a nomination, its reputation has only grown). Today it’s considered a modern Italian classic for its raw power.
Where to Watch: Gomorrah is currently streaming (in the U.S.) on Amazon Prime Video (also available free with ads on Prime’s Freevee). It can be rented or purchased via Amazon and Apple TV as well. (Note: Don’t confuse the film with the later TV series of the same name, which it inspired.)
Other notable Italian gangster films: Salvatore Giuliano (1962) – a groundbreaking docudrama about a Sicilian bandit; Mafioso (1962) – a darkly comic take on a Sicilian man tangled with the mob; and The Traitor (2019) – based on Tommaso Buscetta, the first high-profile mafioso turned informant. But Gomorrah remains unparalleled in its authentic portrayal of Italy’s underworld.
United Kingdom: British Underworld Tales
British gangster films often blend gritty crime with unique British humor and style. From the cockney criminals of London’s East End to the organized gangs of decades past, the UK has produced standout mob movies that hold their own.
Snatch (2000) – United Kingdom
Plot: Guy Ritchie’s Snatch is a fast-paced crime caper set in London’s underworld. Two intertwining plots collide: one involving the theft of an 84-carat diamond, and another about an unlicensed boxing match rigged by a ruthless gangster boss. A colorful ensemble of characters cross paths – including Turkish (Jason Statham), an overmatched boxing promoter; Mickey O’Neil (Brad Pitt), a fast-talking Irish gypsy boxer with a virtually indecipherable accent; Frankie Four-Fingers (Benicio Del Toro), a diamond thief with a gambling habit; and brick-bat wielding mobsters and hapless robbers galore. Chaos, double-crosses, and dark comedy ensue as everyone scrambles for the diamond or tries to survive the rigged fight.
Why It’s Iconic: Snatch has become a “cult classic” and one of the defining British gangster films of the early 2000s. It’s celebrated for its stylized violence, whip-smart Monty Python-esque humor, and memorable one-liners – in short, “a brilliant, chaotic, and endlessly quotable piece of cinema”. Director Guy Ritchie’s signature frenetic editing and nonlinear storytelling are on full display, creating an ultra-energetic romp that’s as funny as it is thrilling. The ensemble cast’s chemistry (especially Brad Pitt’s scene-stealing turn as Mickey) and the film’s ironic tone helped Snatch stand out. Over time it has influenced a wave of British crime comedies and solidified Ritchie’s reputation after Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
Awards: While Snatch didn’t pick up major industry awards, it was a box-office hit and its reputation has only grown. Critics were mixed initially, but audiences “embraced Snatch wholeheartedly”, and it now enjoys high rankings on lists of fun gangster flicks. The film did win a few local awards (e.g. a British Independent Film Award for producer). More importantly, it cemented itself as a pop-culture favorite – often mentioned alongside Pulp Fiction for its witty crime dialogue and ensemble cast.
Where to Watch: Snatch is currently streaming on Paramount+ (via the Apple TV channel). It’s also available to rent or buy on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, and Amazon. In some regions, it intermittently streams on Max (HBO) as well.
Honorable Mentions (UK): The Long Good Friday (1980) – a classic starring Bob Hoskins as a London crime boss facing modernization; Get Carter (1971) – Michael Caine’s hard boiled revenge tale in Newcastle; and Sexy Beast (2000) – a stylish gangster film featuring Ben Kingsley’s terrifying performance as a psychopathic enforcer. For a more modern entry, Eastern Promises (2007), set in London’s Russian mob milieu, is another acclaimed crime drama. But if you want the quintessential British gangster caper with a twist of humor, Snatch is the go-to.
South Korea: Modern Korean Gangster Thrillers
South Korean cinema has gained global renown for its intense crime thrillers, and gangster films are no exception. Korean gangland movies often combine brutal action with intricate plotting and moral ambiguity. One shining example is a cult favorite frequently cited among Korea’s best:
New World (2013) – South Korea
Plot: New World (Sinsegye) is a sleek neo-noir gangster thriller about undercover cops and crime bosses in modern Korea. After the head of the powerful Goldmoon crime syndicate is assassinated, a struggle erupts to choose his successor. The police, led by relentless Chief Kang (Choi Min-sik), secretly pull strings in this mob “election,” planting their undercover agent Lee Ja-sung (Lee Jung-jae) to influence the outcome. Lee Ja-sung has spent years buried in Goldmoon (rising to be right-hand man to one contender, Jung Chung) and is torn between his duty and the brotherhood he’s formed with the gang. As rival candidates – the swaggering Jung Chung (Hwang Jung-min) and the cold Lee Joong-gu (Park Sung-woong) – battle for power, Ja-sung is caught in an ever-tightening web of loyalty and betrayal that threatens to blow his cover.
Why It’s Iconic: Often cited as one of the best Korean gangster films of all time, New World offers a “complex and suspenseful” exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and corruption within a crime empire. It’s been praised for its realistic portrayal of the inner workings of a Korean mob syndicate – essentially “a thrilling exploration of the inner-workings of a high-profile mob outfit and the mechanics of selecting a new leader”. The film channels the spirit of movies like The Godfather and Infernal Affairs but with a distinctly Korean style: brooding atmosphere, polished cinematography, and operatic showdowns (including a now-famous elevator fight scene with knives and bats). Featuring heavyweight actors (Choi Min-sik of Oldboy fame, for example) and razor-sharp tension, New World has become a cult favorite among crime thriller fans, often cited as one of Korea’s finest gangster epics.
Awards: Whole New World didn’t sweep big international awards, it received critical acclaim on home turf and has grown in esteem abroad. It was a box office hit in South Korea. Over the years, the film’s reputation has solidified – it’s now commonly listed in top Korean film lists and was influential enough to spawn talks of a Hollywood remake. In genre circles, New World is considered a prime example of modern Korean noir, sometimes mentioned alongside Park Hoon-jung’s other acclaimed gangster script, A Bittersweet Life (2005).
Where to Watch: New World is available on streaming platforms such as Netflix (in some regions) and Viki. It can also be rented or purchased through Amazon Prime Video and other digital services. (English-subtitled DVDs/Blu-rays are another option for international viewers.)
Honorable Mentions (South Korea): A Bittersweet Life (2005) – a stylish gangster-revenge drama by Kim Jee-woon; Nameless Gangster (2012) – a crime saga set in the 1980s examining politicians and mobsters; and The Outlaws (2017) – a more action-oriented cops-and-gangsters crowd-pleaser. South Korea’s gangster offerings are vast, but New World stands out for its intricate plotting and truly noir vibe.
Japan: Yakuza Dramas with a Twist
Japan’s gangster cinema (the yakuza film genre) ranges from classic honor-bound tales to avant-garde, hyper-stylized interpretations. Visionary filmmaker Takeshi Kitano, in particular, redefined the genre with his meditative, existential takes on yakuza life. One of his most celebrated works is:
Sonatine (1993) – Japan
Plot: Sonatine follows Murakawa (Takeshi “Beat” Kitano), a weary Tokyo yakuza lieutenant who is sent to Okinawa with his crew amid a gang turf dispute. Finding themselves pawns in a larger gang war and largely idle by the seaside, Murakawa and his men pass the time on a remote beach – engaging in childlike games and pranks – as an ominous sense of ennui and doom hangs over them. The film swings between laid-back, darkly comic scenes of the gangsters playing on the beach (at times literally playing games like pretend sumo wrestling) and sudden bursts of brutal violence as the gang conflict eventually catches up to them. Murakawa, disillusioned by the endless cycle of gang life, must decide how to end the standoff – leading to an unexpectedly poignant climax.
Why It’s Iconic: Sonatine is considered Kitano’s masterpiece by many and a “cult classic” that is utterly unique in the yakuza genre. It subverts expectations: instead of nonstop action, Kitano infuses long stretches of quiet, even absurdist humor, punctuated by sharp violence. This contemplative approach was “one of a kind” – the film finds poetry in gangsters’ boredom and existential angst. Sonatine’s ironic detachment and minimalist style earned it international acclaim (even though Japanese audiences initially didn’t flock to it). It’s “one of the most celebrated Japanese films of the ’90s for foreign audiences,” showing a yakuza world where violence is sudden, absurd, and ultimately empty. The influence of Sonatine can be seen in later Western gangster films that adopt a slower, character-driven burn. For fans of the genre, the film’s beach sequences and Kitano’s stoic performance are iconic.
Awards: While Sonatine wasn’t a commercial success in Japan (reportedly lasting less than two weeks in theaters there), it was screened at Cannes and other international festivals, significantly boosting Kitano’s profile in Europe and America. Over time, it has achieved cult status and is frequently listed among the best yakuza films ever. Takeshi Kitano won Best Director at the 1993 Yokohama Film Festival for Sonatine, and the movie’s critical reappraisal has grown with each passing decade – often hailed now as an art-house gangster classic.
Where to Watch: Sonatine can be tricky to find on mainstream streamers, but it’s available on the BFI Player in the UK and the Criterion Channel in the US (whenever they showcase Kitano’s works). It might also be on rental services like Apple TV or Amazon (disc releases with subtitles are an option as well).
Honorable Mentions (Japan): Battles Without Honor and Humanity (1973) – Kinji Fukasaku’s gritty epic (and its sequels) set the standard for realistic post-war yakuza dramas; Tokyo Drifter (1966) and Branded to Kill (1967) – director Seijun Suzuki’s ultra-stylized, avant-garde takes on gangster tropes; and Kitano’s own Outrage (2010) – for a more contemporary, hard-hitting yakuza thriller. But for a truly unique experience, Sonatine remains a high-water mark of Japanese gangster cinema.
India: Gritty Gangland Sagas from the Subcontinent
Indian cinema has produced some powerhouse gangster films, often rooted in real underworld history or the socio-political milieu of their times. Bollywood and regional industries have tackled organized crime in various ways – from stylish crime epics to raw, realistic dramas. One modern epic that garnered international attention is:
Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) – India
Plot: Gangs of Wasseypur is a two-part Hindi crime saga (often screened as one 5-hour epic) directed by Anurag Kashyap. Spanning 70 years of vengeance and violence, it chronicles the blood feud between two crime families in the coal-mining town of Wasseypur, India. The story, loosely based on real events, begins in the 1940s with Shahid Khan, a bandit who clashes with a local coal mine boss. The feud is inherited by subsequent generations – notably Sardar Khan (Manoj Bajpayee), who seeks revenge against the Qureshi clan and ruthless kingpin Ramadhir Singh. As decades pass, we witness the rise of Sardar’s sons, like the volatile Faizal Khan (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), amid shifting dynamics of politics, crime, and family. The film brims with colorful characters, sharp-witted dialogue, and a pulsating soundtrack, giving it an epic Godfather-meets-Scarface feel but set in rural India.
Why It’s Iconic: Gangs of Wasseypur has been called “quite possibly one of the most ambitious gangster films ever made” – and with good reason. Its vast scope and ensemble cast provide an immersive look at the evolution of crime in an Indian town, blending dark humor with brutal violence. Critics praised its bold mix of influences: it has the operatic family drama of The Godfather and the gritty energy of Goodfellas, “in a great mixture of elements from The Godfather and Snatch. The film is lauded for its realism (characters speak in local dialects and behave believably) as well as its stylish flair. It’s “darkly comic, brutal, and impactful,” unflinchingly portraying how crime and politics intersect in India. Wasseypur also introduced global audiences to a new wave of Indian cinema – one that’s edgy, violent, and far from the song-and-dance stereotype of Bollywood. Today, many consider it the definitive Indian gangster saga, often compared in stature to the classics of other countries.
Awards: While it didn’t feature at the Oscars, Gangs of Wasseypur won praise at the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight in 2012 and garnered several Filmfare Awards (the Hindi film industry’s prizes) for acting and directing. It holds a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score, with critics calling it “a true epic... one of the greatest crime films of all time”. The film has since achieved cult status internationally – The Guardian listed it among the 100 best films of the 21st century.
Where to Watch: Both Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 1 and Part 2 are available on Netflix in many regions. They can also be found on Amazon Prime Video (or its subsidiary, Freevee, with ads). Because of its length, some streaming platforms list it as a series or two films – but for the full experience, watch both parts in order.
Honorable Mentions (India): Satya (1998) – a Mumbai underworld classic that brought gritty realism to Bollywood; Company (2002) – another Mumbai crime film inspired by the real mafia don Dawood Ibrahim; Nayakan (1987, Tamil) – a South Indian film loosely inspired by The Godfather and once named by TIME as one of the best films of all time. India’s diverse languages each have their gangster gems, but Gangs of Wasseypur has arguably become the country’s most internationally renowned crime epic.
Hong Kong: High-Stakes Triad Thrillers
Hong Kong has a rich legacy of gangster films, particularly the hyper-cool “Heroic bloodshed” action films of the ’80s and the intense triad thrillers of the ’90s and 2000s. The territory’s most famous contribution to the genre even inspired a Hollywood Best Picture winner. That contribution is:
Infernal Affairs (2002) – Hong Kong
Plot: Infernal Affairs is a slick crime thriller centered on a deadly game of cat and mouse between moles. Triad boss Hon Sam (Eric Tsang) plants an apprentice, Lau Kin-ming (Andy Lau), as a mole inside the police, while the police send a young officer, Chan Wing-yan (Tony Leung), undercover inside the triads. Years later, both moles have risen through the ranks – Lau is a respected inspector and Chan is a trusted triad lieutenant. When each side realizes the existence of an informant in their midst, Lau and Chan are tasked with ferreting each other out, leading to an escalating series of close calls, double bluffs, and tense showdowns on the streets of Hong Kong. The film builds to a nerve-wracking climax as identities are nearly exposed and the line between good and evil blues for both men.
Why It’s Iconic: Infernal Affairs is often regarded as one of Hong Kong’s greatest crime films – “accept no substitute for the brilliant original,” as one critic wrote (in a nod to its later remake). It’s praised for its lean, taut storytelling (at a crisp 101 minutes), stylish direction, and the emotionally nuanced performances of Tony Leung and Andy Lau as two men living a lie. The movie rejuvenated the Hong Kong gangster genre in the early 2000s, trading balletic gunplay for psychological tension. It also had a massive international impact: Martin Scorsese remade it as The Departed (2006), which won the Oscar, introducing this gripping story to a broader audience. However, many fans still prefer the original’s sharp Asian cinema sensibility and its philosophical undertones (the title references Buddhist “inferno” hells, reflecting the characters’ trapped fates). With its ever-tightening suspense and clever plot twists, Infernal Affairs has achieved legendary status among crime-thriller aficionados worldwide.
Awards: The film was a box office hit in Hong Kong and swept the Hong Kong Film Awards (winning Best Film, Director, Actor, and more). It also won Best Asian Film at Japan’s Academy Awards. Its legacy includes spawning two sequels/prequels in Hong Kong and, of course, inspiring The Departed which won multiple Oscars. Infernal Affairs’ critical reputation remains sterling – in The Guardian’s ranking of mob movies, it was placed in the top 5, with the advice to “forget The Departed” and watch the original.
Where to Watch: Infernal Affairs is available on streaming services like HBO Max (under its international films section) and the Criterion Channel when they feature Hong Kong cinema. It can also be rented on Amazon or Apple TV. English-subtitled Blu-rays are out there for collectors, often bundled with its sequels.
Honorable Mentions (Hong Kong & China): John Woo’s A Better Tomorrow (1986) and The Killer (1989) – for stylized action with triad themes; Election (2005) – Johnnie To’s critically acclaimed drama about triad leadership elections; and Chungking Express (1994) – while not a gangster film per se, it offers a quirky take on Hong Kong’s criminal underbelly. But for pure triad intrigue, Infernal Affairs remains the crown jewel of Hong Kong gangster cinema.
France: Complex Crime Epics with Grit
French cinema has delivered some remarkably gritty and character-driven gangster films, often blurring the line between prison drama and mob movie. The most celebrated modern example is:
A Prophet (2009) – France
Plot: A Prophet (Un prophète), directed by Jacques Audiard, follows Malik El Djebena (Tahar Rahim), a 19-year-old French-Arab petty criminal who enters a brutal French prison and is forced to work for the Corsican mafia faction that dominates the inmate population. Initially vulnerable and illiterate, Malik must prove himself by executing dangerous tasks for César Luciani (Niels Arestrup), the Corsican mob boss who “protects” him. Over a six-year sentence, Malik quietly educates himself and climbs the criminal hierarchy – learning the Corsican language, forging alliances with Muslim inmates, and operating both within César’s crew and on his own. The film details Malik’s transformation from naïve outsider into a cunning, powerful player who can navigate between ethnic factions. Mixing gritty prison realism with almost mystical touches (Malik experiences prophetic dreams/visions of a slain inmate), A Prophet builds to Malik’s release, by which time he has grown into a formidable crime boss in his own right.
Why It’s Iconic: A Prophet is often hailed as a “stunning piece of filmmaking” and one of the finest crime dramas of its decade. It offers an unflinching look at prison’s microcosm of society – tackling themes of power, race, and survival. The film’s authenticity stands out: director Audiard went to great lengths to depict the harsh realities of French prison life and the complex social dynamics inside (Corsican mobsters, Muslim gang networks, corruption). Newcomer Tahar Rahim delivers a tour-de-force performance, making Malik’s evolution entirely believable and compelling. Critics have likened A Prophet to a modern Godfather in terms of its scope and storytelling (though set largely behind bars). It’s also notable for humanizing its protagonist without sanitizing him – we root for Malik even as he becomes a proficient criminal, thanks to the film’s nuanced exploration of his identity and moral compass. Over a decade later, A Prophet is considered a modern classic of French cinema and a gold standard for the gangster genre, showing how a fresh cultural perspective can invigorate familiar tropes.
Awards: A Prophet was the Grand Prix (second prize) winner at Cannes 2009 and went on to win Best Film at the BAFTA Awards for Foreign Language Film. It earned a coveted Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film and won nine César Awards (French Oscars) including Best Film, Director, and Actor. Critics universally lauded it – many calling it the best film of 2009. Over time, its “numerous awards” and critical acclaim have solidified its place as “one of the most influential and significant French films of recent years.” Where to Watch: A Prophet is available to stream on Netflix and Amazon Prime in some countries, and on specialized services like the Criterion Channel or Mubi at times. It’s also widely available for digital rental/purchase (Amazon, Apple TV). If you watch it, be prepared for subtitles and an engrossing, novel-like narrative that rewards your patience.
Honorable Mentions (France): Le Cercle Rouge (1970) – Jean-Pierre Melville’s stylish heist film often counted among the great crime films; Mesrine (2008) – a two-part biopic of French gangster Jacques Mesrine (starring Vincent Cassel) that riveted audiences; and La Haine (1995) – while more about street gangs and social unrest, it’s a seminal French film on crime’s roots in poverty. Still, A Prophet has arguably become France’s marquee gangster masterpiece of the 21st century.
Brazil: Crime and Chaos in the Favelas
Brazil delivered one of the most explosive gangster dramas of the 2000s – a film that not only put Brazilian cinema on the map but also remains intensely relevant.
City of God (2002) – Brazil
Plot: City of God (Cidade de Deus) is an electrifying crime drama set in the notorious Cidade de Deus favela (slum) of Rio de Janeiro. Spanning the late 1960s to early 1980s, it chronicles the rise of organized crime in the favela through the eyes of two boys: Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues), a mild-mannered aspiring photographer, and Li’l Zé (Leandro Firmino), a ruthless young gangster. The film shows how Li’l Zé (once a mischievous child) seizes power by eliminating rival dealers, turning City of God into his personal drug empire by the ’70s. As gang wars erupt – with Li’l Zé and his charismatic partner Benny on one side and up-and-coming dealers and vigilante kids on the other – Rocket documents the brutal realities around him with his camera, dreaming of escape. The storytelling is dynamic and non-linear, introducing a host of characters (thieves, dealers, innocents caught in the crossfire) whose lives intersect in unpredictable, often tragic ways. With kinetic action and an almost documentary-style depiction of favela life, City of God builds to a violent climax as the slum descends into all-out gang warfare.
Why It’s Iconic: City of God received “widespread critical acclaim” upon release and is considered “the definitive motion picture of modern Brazil” as well as one of the greatest films of the 21st century. It’s lauded for its breathtaking energy – the camera work, rapid editing, and vibrant soundtrack plunge the audience into the chaos and vitality of favela life. Importantly, despite its style, the film feels authentic: it was shot on location with a largely amateur cast of real favela residents, lending a quasi-realism to the story. City of God does not shy from depicting extreme violence and poverty, but it also humanizes its characters – portraying them not simply as “gangsters” or “victims,” but as people making choices under brutal circumstances. This balanced perspective, combined with sheer cinematic craft, made the film a global sensation. It has inspired countless subsequent movies and TV series about organized crime in Latin America (such as the Netflix series Narcos). Two decades on, City of God remains as raw and powerful as ever, its commentary on crime, inequality, and corruption still urgently relevant in Brazil and beyond.
Awards: City of God was nominated for 4 Academy Awards (including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay) – a rare feat for a non-English-language film at that time. It won Best Editing at BAFTA and scores of critics’ awards. It’s frequently found on “best films of the 2000s” lists and has a stellar 91% Rotten Tomatoes rating. Notably, it sparked broader conversations about Rio’s favelas and even influenced social projects in Brazil. In 2022 (20 years after release), articles noted that the film “came to be seen as one of the greatest films of the 21st century” and has “legendary status” in modern cinema.
Where to Watch: City of God is widely available. It’s often streaming on HBO Max (as part of the international collection) and on Netflix. You can also rent or buy it via all major digital platforms. Given its importance, it’s a must-watch for any world cinema or gangster-film enthusiast.
Honorable Mentions (Latin America): Brazil’s Elite Squad (2007) offers another gritty view of crime (from the police’s perspective). Mexico’s El Infierno (2010) is a darkly comic take on drug cartel violence. And going back to the 1970s, Mexico’s City of God equivalent might be Los Olvidados (1950) – not a gangster film per se, but a seminal look at slum youth by Luis Buñuel. Latin America continues to produce compelling narco-crime dramas, but City of God remains the high benchmark for its artistry and impact.