Enter the adrenaline-fueled world of intense gangster movies, where action and emotion collide in a cinematic symphony of chaos and conflict. These movies available on Amazon Prime Video, SonyLIV, Disney+ Hotstar and more take you on a rollercoaster ride through the seedy underbelly of organised crime, delivering heart-stopping action and packing an emotional punch. From explosive shootouts to tense standoffs, these movies thrust you into the gritty underworld, where every decision has life-altering consequences. While The Godfather, Scarface, Donnie Brasco, Dayavan, and Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, among several others, will forever remain iconic gangster movies, here’s a look at a few more that show danger, drama, and raw human emotion.
7 enthralling and violent gangster movies which are not for the faint-hearted; available on Amazon Prime Video, SonyLIV, Disney+ Hotstar and more
1. Gangs of Wasseypur 1 & 2 – Netflix
Directed by Anurag Kashyap, this ground-breaking crime drama is filled with intense action sequences, emotional turmoil, and dark humour. Set in the coal-rich region of Dhanbad, Jharkhand, the movies span several decades (68 years) and revolve around the inter-generational feud between three crime families. The story begins with the exploitation of coal workers by the British and traces the evolution of organised crime in Wasseypur. The movies are known for their intricate plot, complex characters, and gritty realism. They explore themes of revenge, power, and the cyclical nature of violence. With a star-studded ensemble cast led by Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Richa Chadda, the movies are celebrated for their fearless approach to storytelling.
2. Satya – SonyLIV
Satya (JD Chakravarthy), a young man, arrives in Mumbai with the dreams of making it big. However, an unfortunate turn of events forces him to work at a dance bar. A fight while serving drinks lands Satya in prison where he meets a local gangster Bhiku Mhatre (Manoj Bajpayee). Impressed with Satya’s courage during a fight in the jail, Bhiku arranges for his release and takes him under his wings, training him to avenge the ones who wronged him. What sets the movie apart is its gritty realism and portrayal of Mumbai’s criminal underworld. The gripping storyline, atmospheric cinematography, and pulsating soundtrack create a tense and immersive viewing experience.
3. Vaastav – Amazon Prime Video
The movie chronicles the journey of a middle-class boy Raghu (Sanjay Dutt), who is forced to enter the world of crime after they accidentally kill gangster Fracture Bandiya’s (Jack Gaud) brother. Raghu’s descent into a life of crime is depicted with gritty realism, showing the consequences of his choices on himself and his family. Dutt delivers a powerful performance, portraying the character’s journey from a struggling youth to a hardened criminal with nuance and depth. The supporting cast, including Namrata Shirodkar, Mohnish Bahl, and Shivaji Satam, also deliver memorable performances.
4. Aaranya Kaandam – Disney+ Hotstar
This neo-noir Tamil-language gangster movie is set in the underbelly of Chennai and primarily revolves around the rivalry between two aged gangsters – Singaperumal (Jackie Shroff) and Gajendran (Boxer Arumugam) and how their greed for money and power leads to their downfall. The narrative unfolds through a series of interconnected vignettes, each focusing on different characters and their motivations, creating a complex and multi-layered story. The movie features a talented ensemble cast, including Ravi Krishna, Sampath Raj, and Yasmin Ponnappa, who deliver compelling performances that breathe life into their respective roles. Jackie Shroff’s nuanced performance adds depth to the character. The movie breaks away from traditional genre conventions and offers a fresh perspective on the crime thriller genre.
5. American Gangster – Amazon Prime Video
Set in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the movie is based on the true story of Frank Lucas, a Harlem drug lord who rises to power by smuggling heroin into the United States from Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Denzel Washington delivers a powerful performance as Frank Lucas, portraying his journey from a driver for a Harlem crime boss to becoming one of the most influential and ruthless gangsters in New York City. Russell Crowe co-stars as Richie Roberts, a determined detective relentlessly pursuing Lucas to bring him down. The movie has high-octane action, suspenseful moments, and emotional depth, making it a compelling watch.
6. Goodfellas – Amazon Prime Video
Adapted from the non-fiction book Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi, the movie chronicles the rise and fall of Henry Hill, a young man who becomes involved in the Italian-American mob in New York City. The movie is a character-driven exploration of the Mafia lifestyle, showcasing the allure of power, wealth, and camaraderie, as well as the deadly consequences that come with it. The movie features an ensemble cast led by Ray Liotta as Henry Hill, alongside Robert De Niro as the calculating Jimmy Conway and Joe Pesci in his Oscar-winning role as the volatile Tommy DeVito. With its stylish cinematography and dark humour, the movie is a multi-dimensional portrayal of the criminal underworld.
7. Gangs of New York – Amazon Prime Video
The movie transports us to the tumultuous time of the 1860s New York City, specifically the Five Points neighbourhood, where rival gangs vie for power and control. The story revolves around the rivalry between Irish and Italian immigrant gangs. It follows a young boy, Amsterdam (Leonardo DiCaprio) who sets out on a deadly quest to avenge his father’s death by gangster Bill “The Butcher” Cutting (Daniel Day-Lewis). He infiltrates Bill’s gang and becomes his protege. However, the outbreak of the Civil War brings more troubles for him. The movie features powerhouse performances, particularly from Day-Lewis, whose portrayal of Bill the Butcher is both menacing and mesmerising. It’s a visceral and emotionally charged plot of the immigrant experience and the pursuit of power.
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