Thegangster moviehas been around for over a century, but it’s still one of the most popular genres of cinema today. Over the decades, thesecrime-driven filmshave evolved to encompass a wide range of narratives, from comedies to thrillers to character dramas and more. But the best gangster movies, whether they’re more witty or gritty, are the ones made specifically for an adult audience.Netflixhas a number of R-rated gangster movies in their catalog, some better than others. And the best of those include some of the greatest movies ever made. Read on to discover our selection of the best R-rated gangster movies you’re able to stream on Netflix right now.
For more recommendations, check out our list of thebest movies on Netflixor thebest Netflix shows you can binge-watch.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
‘American Gangster’ (2007)
Rotten Tomatoes: 81% | IMDb: 7.8/10
American Gangster
Loosely based on a true story,American Gangsteris a biographical crime film directed and produced byRidley Scottand written bySteven Zaillian. Set in the 1970s, the film follows the life of drug kingpin Frank Lucas, who built a heroin empire in the United States by smuggling the drug on American service planes returning from the Vietnam War.Denzel Washingtonstars as Frank, leading an ensemble cast that includesRussell Crowe,Ted Levine,John Ortiz,Josh Brolin,Chiwetel Ejiofor,Ruby Dee,Lymari Nadal, andCuba Gooding Jr.in supporting roles.
American Gangsterwas a critical and commercial success when it premiered in 2007, grossing over $266 million worldwide. While some of the real people portrayed in the film have criticized the movie, critics have praised it for its writing, direction, performances, and gritty narrative.American Gangsterhas also earned several accolades, including Oscar nominations for Best Art Direction and Best Supporting Actress. Ruby Dee, who received the Supporting Actress nomination, also won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role.
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‘The Irishman’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 7.8/10
The Irishman
Directed and produced byMartin Scorsesefrom a screenplay bySteven Zaillian,The Irishmanis a crime drama film based onCharles Brandt’s 2004 bookI Heard You Paint Houses. The movie follows the life of mob hitman Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro), who narrates the story of his criminal career, becoming friends with mobster Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci) and union boss Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino). The film boasts an ensemble cast that also includesRay Romano,Bobby Cannavale,Anna Paquin,Harvey Keitel, and more.
The Irishmanpremiered at the 2019 New York Film Festival, receiving critical acclaim. Nominated in 10 categories at the Academy Awards, this epic crime saga steps away from the simplistic narratives of classic gangster movies to tell a poignant story about a mobster in his twilight years looking back on his life with honest regret. A beautifully crafted film full of powerful performances,The Irishmanis a strong reminder of why Scorsese is regarded as one of the finest filmmakers of all time.
Rotten Tomatoes: 43% | IMDb: 6.8/10
Directed byMichael Bayin his feature directorial debut,Bad Boysis a 1995 buddy comedy action film starringMartin LawrenceandWill Smithas narcotics detectives in Miami. When $100 million of seized heroin is stolen from a secure police vault, the two detectives set out to find those responsible. In the process, they must also protect a witness from a ruthless international drug dealer. Besides Smith and Lawrence, the movie also featuresTéa Leoni,Tchéky Karyo,Theresa Randle,Joe Pantoliano,Marg Helgenberger, and more in supporting roles.
Bad Boysreceived mixed to negative reviews from critics at the time of its premiere, but that didn’t stop it from becoming a huge commercial success, grossing $141 million worldwide. The film’s box office success has led to the creation of three sequels and a spinoff TV series. While the movie has very little in the way of plot, it is full of Michael Bay’s signature explosive action sequences, which do help keep things moving. The film is further elevated by Smith and Lawrence’s entertaining chemistry as they play off each other to great comedic effect.
‘The Gentlemen’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 75% | IMDb: 7.8/10
The Gentlemen
Written, directed, and produced byGuy Ritchie,The Gentlemenis an action comedy film starringMatthew McConaughey. The movie follows a successful American cannabis baron based in England as he attempts to sell off his criminal enterprise. This fateful decision sets off a series of dominoes as rival gangs vie for control of his empire. The film’s ensemble supporting cast includesCharlie Hunnam,Henry Golding,Michelle Dockery,Jeremy Strong,Eddie Marsan, andColin Farrell, withHugh Grantas the unreliable narrator of the whole sordid tale.
The Gentlemenpremiered in December 2019 ahead of a theatrical release in 2020, which brought in over $115 million worldwide. The film was also positively received by critics, though it did receive some criticism for its language (which is offensive but makes sense in the context of the film). A highly energetic movie full of quirky characters,The Gentlemenmay not be Ritchie’s absolute best, but it is a stylish, funny, and entertaining crime comedy thriller. The success of the movie has led to the creation of a spin-off Netflix series,also calledThe Gentlemen, which is a loose adaptation of the film.
‘The Highwaymen’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 59% | IMDb: 6.9/10
The Highwaymen
Directed byJohn Lee Hancockand written byJohn Fusco,The Highwaymenis a period crime thriller that follows two former Texas Rangers in the 1930s who come out of retirement to hunt down the infamous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde. The film starsKevin CostnerandWoodyHarrelsonin the lead roles, with a star-studded supporting cast that includesKathy Bates,John Carroll Lynch,Kim Dickens,Thomas Mann, andWilliam Sadler.
The Highwaymenpremiered at the 2019 South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival in the “Headliners” section. While the movie’s reviews were decidedly mixed, the film has been praised for the performances of its two leading men. The chemistry between Costner and Harrelson is the highlight of the film, which becomes more about their characters than the actual manhunt. A slow-burn character drama propelled by one of the most notorious manhunts in American history,The Highwaymenis a fascinating watch full of subtle details and layered individuals.
‘Redemption’ (2013)
Rotten Tomatoes: 48% | IMDb: 6.2/10
Redemption
Written and directed bySteven Knightin his directorial debut,Redemption(originally titledHummingbird) is an action crime drama film starringJason Statham. The movie follows a homeless alcoholic veteran who squats in a photographer’s house and assumes a fake identity as he attempts to find a friend who has been coerced into prostitution. The film’s supporting cast includesAgata Buzek,Christian Brassington,Vicky McClure,Benedict Wong,Ger Ryan,Victoria Bewick, and more.
Redemptionreceived rather mixed reviews when it premiered in 2013, but it did receive credit for attempting deeper, more profound themes than what you find in most Jason Statham actioners. The film’s combination of sad soul-searching and heavy action can feel incongruous, but Statham’s committed performance does help make it work. Despite its flaws,Redemptionis an engaging movie with some truly moving moments between all the martial arts action. It’s certainly one of Statham’s better films, even if it isn’t one of his most popular ones.
‘The Equalizer 3’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 76% | IMDb: 6.8/10
The Equalizer 3
Directed byAntoine Fuquaand written byRichard Wenk,The Equalizer 3is the third movie inThe Equalizertrilogy, which is, in turn, an adaptation of the eponymous 1980s TV series.Denzel Washingtonreprises his role as Robert McCall, a former U.S. Marine and DIA officer. Set in Southern Italy, the film follows McCall as he takes on ruthless gangsters to protect his new friends. Besides Washington, the movie also starsDakota Fanning,Eugenio Mastrandrea,David Denman,Gaia Scodellaro, andRemo Gironein supporting roles.
Released in September 2023,The Equalizer 3was a critical and commercial success. While the film’s plot is fairly predictable, the movie has received praise for its setting, music, action sequences, and Washington’s stellar-as-always performance in the lead role. The film has also earned some accolades, including a Saturn Award nomination for Best Action or Adventure Film. An entertaining and well-made thriller,The Equalizer 3is a must-watch for fans of no-holds-barred action. And while it has technically been called the last movie in the trilogy, Fuqua has expressed interest in following it up with a sequel or prequel film.
‘Scarface’ (1983)
Rotten Tomatoes: 79% | IMDb: 8.3/10
A remake of the eponymous 1932 movie,Scarfaceis a 1983 crime drama directed byBrian De Palmaand written byOliver Stone. The movie starsAl Pacinoas Cuban refugee Tony Montana, who claws his way to the very top of Miami’s drug scene. However, his own paranoia and ego lead Tony to his downfall. A star-studded film,Scarfacealso starsSteven Bauer,Michelle Pfeiffer,Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio,Robert Loggia,Míriam Colón, andF. Murray Abrahamin supporting roles.
The critical reaction toScarfaceat the time of its premiere was quite negative, with reviews panning the movie for its violence and profanity. Despite that, the film was quite successful at the box office, becoming the seventh highest-grossing R-rated movie released in North America in 1983. It was eventually re-evaluated by critics as well, and today,Scarfaceis hailed as one of the most influential crime films ever made. Powerfully acted, well-written, and masterfully directed, the film is a thrilling moral story with one of the most memorable endings of all time.
