This is the fourth in a series of articles where we’ll be covering the Top Films About Gangsters. The Gangster Films subgenre typically acts as an umbrella subgenre that also includes Films about Mobsters, The Mob, The Mafia, The Yakuza, The Triad and other forms of Organized Crime. Because organized crime covers such a wide area of criminal activity, the Gangster Films subgenre is often associated with other Crime subgenres including Films About Assassins & Hitmen, Films About Capers & Heists, Films About Cops & the FBI, Films About Narcos, Films About Gambling and Films About Undercover Agents. While some Films About Gangs or Films About Drug Trafficking will also often be included in this subgenre, we have unorganized, teen gangs and films that primarily deal with drug dealers in their own collections, dependent on the film’s overall theme.
Films About Gangsters have had a long and storied history in Cinema from Little Caesar (1931) and Angels with Dirty Faces (1938) to classic mafia films of the 70’s with The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather: Part II (1974). Other popular Gangster films over the past decades include On the Waterfront (1954), Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Scarface (1983), The Untouchables (1987), Goodfellas (1990), City of God (2002) and The Departed (2006).
This fourth article will cover the Top Films About Gangsters You Haven’t Seen from the 2000’s and you can check out additional articles by decade below. We are also going to include a Best Of subgenre article as a grand finale. There are so many great Gangster Films over the last 70 years that we felt it best to break down some of the subgenre’s forgotten and lesser-known gems by decade before we give you the Best Of list which will likely feature many films you’ve already heard of or have seen.
- Top Films About Gangsters You Haven’t Seen – 1970’s
- Top Films About Gangsters You Haven’t Seen – 1980’s
- Top Films About Gangsters You Haven’t Seen – 1990’s
- Top Films About Gangsters You Haven’t Seen – 2000’s
- Top Films About Gangsters You Haven’t Seen – 2010’s
- Best Recent Gangster Films
- Best Films About Gangsters
Though the 2000’s couldn’t quite compare to the 1990’s caliber of subgenre films, the decade still produced quite a few classic Gangster Films and continued the popularity of crime-driven mafia tales. One unique theme of the decade involved the rise of the British Gangster Film while other popular subgenre themes continued with Gangster Biopics, Gangster Comedies and remakes and sequels of classic films from previous decades.
British Gangster Films proved popular in prior decades with notable films such as Get Carter (1971), The Long Good Friday (1980), The Krays (1990) and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998). However, the 2000’s saw the explosion of these British crime films led by the likes of Guy Ritchie, Matthew Vaughn and Nick Love. Many of these British crime films contained a unique mix of action, humor and raw violence that would be comparable to the Quentin Tarantino films of the 1990’s. A list of the notable British Gangster Films from the 2000’s includes Gangster No. 1 (2000), Essex Boys (2000), Snatch (2000), Sexy Beast (2000), My Kingdom (2001), Shooters (2001), Shooters (2002), I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead (2003), Layer Cake (2004), The Business (2005), Revolver (2005), Johnny Was (2006), Rise of the Footsoldier (2007), Sugarhouse (2007) and RockNRolla (2008).
Mafia and gangster biopics continued as a popular theme of the subgenre similar to prior decades. One Hundred Steps (2000) would evoke themes of The Godfather (1972) with its portrayal of the Sicilian Mafia (Cosa Nostra). Paul Castellano, head of the Gambino mafia family in New York City, would be portrayed by Chazz Palminteri in Boss of Bosses (2001). Road to Perdition (2002) would be very loosely based on Illinois gangster John Patrick Looney. Viktor Bout and other arms dealers were the composite inspiration for Nicolas Cage’s character in Lord of War (2005). Find Me Guilty (2006) would be a comedic take on New Jersey mobster Jackie DiNorscio and depict the longest mafia trial in U.S. history. The life experiences of Terrence Winter would be documented against the mob wars of the 1980’s in Brooklyn Rules (2007). American Gangster (2007) was based on American drug lord and gangster Frank Lucas and his rise to power during the Vietnam War. The Camorra mafia of Italy would take center stage in the realistic and harsh portrayal of the mafia organization’s activities in Gomorrah (2008). Mesrine: Killer Instinct (2008) and Mesrine: Public Enemy #1 (2008) would see Vincent Cassel portray France’s most notorious gangster, Jacques Mesrine. And infamous American gangster John Dillinger would again be featured in the period crime film Public Enemies (2009).
Comedy would also continue in the subgenre during the 2000’s with notable Gangster Comedies including Flickering Lights (2000), Gun Shy (2000), Made (2001), Avenging Angelo (2002), Analyze That (2002), WiseGirls (2002), Be Cool (2005), My Boss, My Teacher (2006) and Find Me Guilty (2006).
And like other popular subgenres, there were plenty of remakes and sequels of popular Gangster Films throughout the decade. Be Cool (2005) would be a sequel to the Elmore Leonard subgenre classic Get Shorty (1995). Get Carter (2000) was an inferior remake of the 1971 classic British Gangster film. And the Hong Kong crime classic, Infernal Affairs (2002), would not only produce two sequels in Infernal Affairs II (2003) and Infernal Affairs III (2003), but also be remade by Martin Scorsese as his Best Picture winner, The Departed (2006).
Our complete list of Films About Gangsters, The Mafia and The Mob features over 378+ films from 1954 – 2024. This collection features almost every film featuring mobsters, gangsters, the yakuza and other forms of organized crime. If you don’t see a film in our collection, it is likely in other collections such as Films About Assassins & Hitmen, Films About Capers & Heists, Films About Cops & the FBI, Films About Gambling, Films About Gangs and Films About Drugs & Narcos. Also, as we’re always updating our collections and will be releasing additional articles of great Gangster Films, subscribe to our newsletter for our latest updates as we post them.
Classic Films About Gangsters from the 2000’s: Snatch (2000), Sexy Beast (2000), City of God (2002), Road to Perdition (2002), Infernal Affairs (2002), 25th Hour (2002), Layer Cake (2004), Lord of War (2005), A History of Violence (2005), The Departed (2006), Eastern Promises (2007), American Gangster (2007), No Country for Old Men (2007), Gomorrah (2008), Mesrine: Killer Instinct (2008), Mesrine: Public Enemy #1 (2008), RocknRolla (2008) and Public Enemies (2009).
Films About Gangsters from the 2000’s that didn’t make our list: Spreading Ground (2000), Gun Shy (2000), Kilimanjaro (2000), Gangster No. 1 (2000), Essex Boys (2000), The City of Lost Souls (2000), Get Carter (2000), Flickering Lights (2000), Blue Hill Avenue (2001), The Mexican (2001), Knockaround Guys (2001), My Kingdom (2001), Shooters (2002), Shottas (2002), Highway (2002), Avenging Angelo (2002), I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead (2003), Be Cool (2005), The Protector (2005), Revolver (2005), My Boss, My Teacher (2006), Election 2 (2006), Idlewild (2006), Exiled (2006), SPL: Kill Zone (2006), Johnny Was (2006), The Air I Breathe (2007), Illegal Tender (2007), Gangster’s Paradise (2008), Stiletto (2008), The Tender Hook (2008), Hellsinki (2009), Charlie Valentine (2009), Boogie (2009) and Dolan’s Cadillac (2009).
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Here is our list of the Top Films About Gangsters You Haven’t Seen – 2000’s. Note: Due to the overwhelming number of Gangster Films this decade, we have included a Top 20 vs. our usual Top 10 list of films.
Rank #20 – 1:
#20 Very Mean Men (2000) Where to Stream / Buy: YouTube
#19 10th & Wolf (2006) Where to Stream / Buy: Amazon
#18 We Own the Night (2007) Where to Stream / Buy: Amazon
#17 Revolver (2005) Where to Stream / Buy: Amazon
#16 Ichi the Killer (2001) Where to Stream / Buy: Amazon
#15 Find Me Guilty (2006) Where to Stream / Buy: Amazon
#14 Wasabi (2001) Where to Stream / Buy: Amazon
#13 One Hundred Steps (2000) Where to Stream / Buy: Amazon
#12 Tsotsi (2005) Where to Stream / Buy: Amazon
#11 Election (2005) Where to Stream / Buy: TubiTV
#10
WiseGirls
Plot: Low on money and fresh out of hope, aspiring doctor Meg Kennedy (Mira Sorvino) is forced to return home to Staten Island, N.Y., where she finds work as a waitress at Santalino’s, a boisterous Italian restaurant. Soon, Meg befriends coworkers Raychel (Mariah Carey) and Kate (Melora Walters) and begins to start a new life. But, after Meg discovers that Santalino’s is a mob front, she finds herself deep in danger, and is recruited by the police to spy on her criminally connected boss.
KBZ’s Take: WiseGirls is a deceptively good subgenre film that you will have to be patient with while watching. The first half of the film is melodramatic and doesn’t seem like it even belongs to any crime subgenre. However, the second half takes a very dark turn with some of the most gruesome mafia activities depicted on film.
If you can wait out that first half, you’ll find one of the better underrated films of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: Amazon
#9
Made
Plot: Two aspiring boxers and lifelong friends get involved in a money-laundering scheme through a low-level organized crime group.
KBZ’s Take: Made might seem like it’s too popular of a film for our list, but we wanted to include one of the better dark comedies of the decade here. Coming off the heels of Swingers (1996), this film might seem like a sequel of sorts to the further adventures of the Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn comedic duo.
While the film still has the very funny Favreau and Vaughn banter, it’s much darker, meaner and almost nihilistic in its portrayal of the mafia underworld.
Where to Stream / Buy: Amazon
#8
Middle Men
Plot: The story of Jack Harris who pioneered internet porn and his involvement with the mafia.
KBZ’s Take: Middle Men is more of a Techno Thriller film as it chronicles the rise of Jack Harris (Wilson) and the usual issues that affect somebody that is suddenly rich – booze, dugs, women and more. The film is elevated by Wilson’s performance and the always engaging Rade Šerbedžija (who has been Hollywood’s go-to actor in portraying crooked Russians for the last 20 years).
Though the film narrative plays like a weaker version of Casino (1995), it’s still a great film every subgenre fan should check out.
Additional Lists: Top Gangster & Mob Films You Haven’t Seen #3
Where to Stream / Buy: Amazon
Plot: The story of the rise and fall of the powerful New York City organized crime boss, Paul Castellano.
KBZ’s Take: Most younger subgenre fans are likely not familiar with the 80’s mob wars involving the Gambino crime family and John Gotti. Even though this biopic is mostly a ‘by-the-numbers’ biopic of one of New York’s infamous mafia heads, it’s very watchable due to Chazz Palminteri’s charismatic performance as Paul Castellano.
We would also suggest watching Gotti (1996) starring Armand Assante as it acts as a companion piece to Boss of Bosses with more insight into the dynamics of the mafia power struggle.
Where to Stream / Buy: Amazon
#6
The Business
Plot: During the ’80s, a young man named Frankie (Danny Dyer) dreams of escaping London’s South East region, and his mother’s thug of a boyfriend gives him just the opportunity. After beating up the abusive beau, Frankie runs off to Spain, where he lands a job delivering a package to the dapper Playboy Charlie (Tamer Hassan), a gangster who takes him under his wing. Working as Charlie’s driver, Frankie is immersed in a world of fast cars and pretty women – but all the excess could be his undoing.
KBZ’s Take: Though most of the Guy Ritchie-directed British Gangster Films are well known (and considered classics of the subgenre), we did want to include at least one of the lesser-known films of British gang life here. We thought The Business was the best with its 1980’s setting, music soundtrack and twisting narrative.
If you’re a fan of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998), Snatch (2000) or Layer Cake (2005), then this film will be right up your alley.
Where to Stream / Buy: Amazon
#5
Gomorrah
Plot: An inside look at Italy’s modern-day crime families, the Camorra in Naples and Caserta. Based on a book by Roberto Saviano. Power, money and blood: these are the values that the residents of the Province of Naples and Caserta have to face every day. They hardly ever have a choice and are forced to obey the rules of the Camorra. Only a lucky few can even think of leading a normal life.
KBZ’s Take: Gomorrah isn’t like most films on our list as it doesn’t glamorize the life of the mafia. In fact, it shows some of the more mundane activities that the Camorra have infiltrated from government to family life.
With that said, it’s still a brutal film detailing the circle of life with the Camorra’s unethical and immoral behavior at the center and corrupting all. And if you enjoy the film, there’s a follow-up series that’s equal to the film, if not better.
Where to Stream / Buy: Amazon
Plot: Brooklyn, 1985. With the mob world as a backdrop, three life-long friends struggle with questions of love, loss and loyalty.
KBZ’s Take: Brooklyn Rules was written by Terence Winter and if you’re familiar with his work, you’ll likely enjoy this film. Winter was a writer and executive producer of the crime series Boardwalk Empire (2010) and also a writer on the best mafia series of all-time, The Sopranos (2000).
This film is autobiographical in nature as it details Winter’s life growing up in Brooklyn surrounded by the mob wars of the 1980’s. Though it doesn’t get into too much detail about the famous figures of this time (Gotti, Castellano, etc.), it paints a surprisingly good picture of the allure of mafia life in the 80’s.
Where to Stream / Buy: TubiTV
Plot: The story of Jacques Mesrine, a French Gangster who became France’s #1 public enemy.
KBZ’s Take: This French film has 2 parts – Mesrine: Killer Instinct (2008) and Mesrine: Public Enemy #1 (2008) – and is often compared to Scarface (1983). That comparison is spot-on as Vincent Cassel gives a performance of a lifetime as a disillusioned ex-soldier who turns to a life of crime.
While the first film is more of a biopic that covers Mesrine’s transformation to a life of crime, the second film focuses more on the actual crimes and pursuit by French law enforcement. Both films are equally amazing and shouldn’t be missed by any fan of this subgenre.
Additional Lists: Top Gangster & Mob Films You Haven’t Seen #8
Where to Stream / Buy: Amazon
#2
City of God
Plot: Two kids in the slums of Rio grow up on different paths – one as a photographer and the other as a drug kingpin.
KBZ’s Take: We know the first thing people are going to say is, “How is City of God an unseen film? It’s one of the best films of all time!” And we agree 100%. However, there are a surprising number of people who have not seen this film due to the film’s native Portuguese language requiring English subtitles to watch or that it is now 20 years old and lost among the growing number of Drugs & Narcos Films released since 2002.
If you still haven’t seen this classic crime film, you’re doing a disservice to yourself. This is one of the best crime films involving gangsters and drugs layered over a deep and depressing political and societal critique of Brazil at the time. We don’t like throwing around ‘must see’ with respect to a film, but City of God is one of the rare films that warrants that distinction.
Additional Lists: Top Drugs & Narcos Films You Haven’t Seen #1
Where to Stream / Buy: Amazon
Plot: Chan Wing Yan, a young police officer, has been sent undercover as a mole in the local mafia. Lau Kin Ming, a young mafia member, infiltrates the police force. Years later, their older counterparts, Chen Wing Yan and Inspector Lau Kin Ming, respectively, race against time to expose the mole within their midst.
KBZ’s Take: This is another film that fans of this subgenre and World Cinema have likely already seen. But if you haven’t, it will seem quite familiar while watching as it was the source film for the Martin Scorsese remake, The Departed (2006). And even though The Departed received multiple accolades including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2007 Academy Awards, we have never been able to shake the feeling that the original Hong Kong film is even better.
Infernal Affairs is much tighter with a shorter running time, doesn’t spend as much time on the psychiatrist and mental stability of the undercover cop, has more thrilling sequences and has a much more realistic ending.
With all that said, you can’t go wrong with either film as they’re both great. But, if you enjoyed The Departed, you should definitely watch the original film which is not only one of the decade’s best films, but one of the best films of the entire Gangster Film subgenre.
Additional Lists: Top Films About Undercover Agents You Haven’t Seen #3
Where to Stream / Buy: Amazon
