Since the release of the Godfather movies, the mob genre has become one of the most successful and popular among viewers. Despite the fact that many viewers may not condone criminal behavior in real life, they are drawn to the allure of movies that center around thugs, gangsters, and outlaws. These films offer a form of escapism, allowing viewers to indulge in the dangerous and exciting world of these characters without facing any actual risks.
It could be rebellious curiosity, the lavish lifestyles these characters lead, or the dominance and power they exude that leave many captivated by these gangster films. But one thing is certain: viewers often experience pulsating reactions as they navigate through the restless but fascinating worlds of these thugs and criminals, the rise and fall of their empires, and their never-ending quest for power. Through these best mob movies on Netflix, viewers can experience the thrill of being a gangster without having to get their hands dirty, all while comfortably watching on their couch.
Updated on June 25, 2023, by Daniela Gama:
It was just last year that The Godfather turned 50, and while the Francis Ford Coppola film remains the blueprint of the genre, there are infinitely more gangster flicks to choose from. Luckily for global viewers who can not help being fascinated by compelling, bloody, and gripping stories, one of the most popular streaming services worldwide offers a wide range of crime films featuring plenty of great options. From Emily the Criminal to The Departed, these are some of the best gangster movies on Netflix.
10 'Emily the Criminal' (2022)
Starring Aubrey Plaza, Emily the Criminal is a John Patton Ford crime drama that centers around the titular character. When Emily gets involved in a credit card scam, it ultimately leads her to the criminal underworld scene of L.A.
Last year's feature may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it certainly makes for an engaging watch. The entertaining flick features social critiques, realism, and relatability, all of which are aspects that certainly appeal to modern audiences who are also fans of the genre. All in all, Emily the Criminal is a refreshing crime story that viewers haven't probably seen before.
9 ‘Ferry’ (2021)
A Ruthless gangster, Ferry Bouman (Frank Lammers) is sent to his native region of Brabant by his boss Brink to avenge an attack on their gang.
Ferry isn’t just about a cold-blooded killer, but it also delves into a gangster’s captivating love story. Fans of the Undercover series will undoubtedly be thrilled to see the origin story of Ferry's involvement in the ecstasy trade. Even as a standalone film, Ferry is a solid and entertaining choice for audiences, featuring a mix of humor, love, violence, suspense and a talented cast. This crime thriller has something for everyone.
8 'El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie' (2019)
In this high-rated Breaking Bad spinoff that is a Vince Gilligan neo-Western crime thriller movie, Aaron Paul steps into the shoes of his character Jesse Pinkman again, this time to run away from his captors, the law, and the past.
A Breaking Bad story through and through, El Camino is guaranteed to pleasantly surprise both fans of the series and those who are completely new to its fictional universe. The film serves as an epilogue to the show and features extraordinary acting (especially from Robert Foster), undoubtedly making for a memorable time in front of the screen.
7 ‘The Raid: Redemption’ (2011)
In The Raid: Redemption, a SWAT team becomes trapped after their team’s cover is blown while invading the safe house of a powerful and dangerous drug lord Tama and his gang. Now, the surviving members must now engage in a fierce battle with limited ammunition to complete their mission.
With brutal and bloody fight scenes, this Indonesian action thriller provides maximum entertainment every step of the way. Featuring gruesome deaths and expertly choreographed brawls, it is certain to leave viewers feeling like a badass after seeing it. The incorporation of Indonesian martial arts also adds to the overall appeal of this action-packed film.
6 ‘The Irishman’ (2019)
One of the best mafia movies on Netflix is this epic gangster film directed by Martin Scorsese, which follows a truck driver’s rise to become a top hitman and a loyal member of the Bufalino crime family. Now the last man standing, Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) recounts all the nefarious activities he participated in as a member of the gang.
Despite the fact this mafia film has a great storyline and fabulous actors, some viewers may find it rather long given the movie's three hour run-time. However, this doesn’t change the fact that Martin Scorsese has masterfully created an unforgettable and passionate story about the impact of the life of crime. Among the best gangster movies on Netflix is definetly The Irishman, which offers the thrills of a mobster film along with valuable lessons and of course, a mind-blowing conclusion.
5 ‘American Gangster’ (2007)
In one of the most iconic mobster movies on Netflix, an incorruptible detective, Richie Roberts, is charged with the responsibility of taking down a drug empire led by Frank Lucas, a notorious heroin kingpin who smuggles drugs into the country using the coffins of soldiers returning from the Vietnam War.
Based on the true story of FrankLucas, this underrated gangster flick sheds some new light on drug trafficking while staying true to the original story. With its gritty and intense tone, the film showcases gripping characters and outstanding performances by Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Ruby Dee, Idris Elba, Carla Gugino, Lymari Nadal, Cuba Gooding Jr. and many others, making it a rather enticing package.
4 ‘Scarface’ (1983)
Directed by Brian De Palma, this American crime film tells the story of a Cuban refugee Tony Montana whose insatiable desires lead him to become one of Miami's most influential and ruthless drug lords.
The thrilling Scarface story has a unique charm that makes it hard for viewers not to root for the brutal, yet fearless criminal and villainous protagonist. Tony Montana’s story is quite relatable as he goes from nothing to a feared figure. While there may be mixed feelings about this film, fans of the gangster genre will have a great time seeing it as it is one of the greatest mafia flicks on Netflix. Al Pacino’s outstanding portrayal of Tony Montana undoubtedly makes this flick deserving of even more accolades.
3 'Reservoir Dogs' (1992)
In Quentin Tarantino's iconic debut as an auteur, Reservoir Dogs, six bandits are reunited to execute a simple jewelry heist — until it goes terribly wrong and the surviving criminals begin to question which one of them is actually a snitch.
Known for its strong depictions of violence and heavy use of profanity, Reservoir Dogs was named the "Greatest Independent Film of all Time" by Empire. On top of its crime elements, the 1992 movie — an extremely popular one, and for good reason — also features clever screenwriting and a fair share of comical scenes highly referenced in pop culture today.
2 'Heat' (1995)
It would've been a crime not to talk about mob movies on Netflix without mentioning Heat. Set in Los Angeles, the 1995 film stars Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Val Kilmer, depicting a group of high-end professional thieves as they are hunted by the police in the aftermath of a heist that goes wrong.
Michael Mann's unforgettable feature is nothing short of incredible, and its stellar acting, incredible direction, and captivating cinematography definitely play a part. Released to both critical and commercial success, Heat is one of the best gangster movies to date, remaining an unmatched feature and standing the test of time even after all these years.
1 ‘The Departed’ (2006)
In this thrilling crime tale on Netflix, an undercover cop, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) and a mole (Matt Damon) in the police find themselves in a confusing situation where their loyalties are torn between serving two masters – the drug cartel and the police. Their predicament is further complicated when they realize they are being watched by the enemy.
The Departed offers a captivating mix of twists, suspense, and tension that will keep even non-fans of gangster films on the edge of their seats. There’s no denying that this crime thriller has great entertainment value thanks to its well-written character, superb cast, well-paced dialogue, great soundtrack and loads of surprises. For many, this Martin Scorsese's gangster/detective flick never gets old, no matter how many times it is viewed.
NEXT: The Best Gangster Movies of All Time, According to the AFI
