W2TCH

32 Essential British Gangster Films

32 titles

Default orderPopularityIMDb ratingTMDB ratingRelease dateRuntimeTitleBudgetBox officeAscending
  1. 1In BrugesMovie · 2008 · 108m · Comedy, Drama, CrimeIn Bruges, Belgium, two hit men, Ray and Ken, await their next assignment. With downtime, they reflect on a past job. When Ken learns the details of the new mission, it turns out to be unexpected.Stream onIMDb 7.9TMDB 7.5
  2. 2VillainMovie · 1971 · 98m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerIn 1970s London, Scotland Yard carefully plans to bring down Vic Dakin, a ruthless mob boss. Dakin escalates his criminal actions by threatening Members of Parliament with blackmail, setting off a dangerous chain of events. The film is a suspenseful story of relentless pursuit, revealing that trust is scarce as the plot progresses. It explores corruption, power, and the blurred boundaries between law and crime, leading to a gripping story of revenge.Stream onIMDb 6.5TMDB 6.1
  3. 3The SweeneyMovie · 2012 · 112m · Action, CrimeDetective Jack Regan, a police officer known for bending the rules, is forced to face a dangerous figure from his history. Partnered with George Carter, Regan investigates a jewelry store robbery that results in a death. But was it truly a targeted killing? Facing pressure from his superior and complicated by a relationship with his boss's wife, Regan finds himself increasingly entangled in a web of trouble.Stream onIMDb 6.1TMDB 5.8
  4. 4McVicarMovie · 1980 · 112m · Crime, DramaJohn McVicar’s life revolved around crime, transforming him from a London street troublemaker into Britain’s most wanted after he participated in armed bank robberies. Known as "Public Enemy No. 1," his crimes made him infamous and led to a prison sentence in a top-security facility. This true story explores not just his criminal actions but also the complexities of his life and his eventual efforts toward rehabilitation, revealing the human side of someone who lived a life of crime. The film examines themes of crime, imprisonment, and redemption as it follows McVicar’s journey from the streets to prison and his attempts to find a new path.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.4
  5. 5The Disappearance of Alice CreedMovie · 2009 · 100m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerThe daughter of a wealthy man is being held captive in a deserted apartment by two ex-convicts. They kidnapped her and are demanding her father pay a ransom for her release.Stream onIMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5
  6. 6The LimeyMovie · 1999 · 89m · Crime, Drama, Thriller"The Limey" tells the story of Wilson, a British ex-convict who travels to Los Angeles to find out what happened to his daughter. Consumed by grief and anger over her death, Wilson plunges into L.A.'s criminal world to uncover the truth. His relentless search puts him at odds with Valentine, a powerful and brutal crime boss, and his dangerous allies, who will do anything to protect their secrets. Enduring physical hardship, Wilson pushes forward in his pursuit of revenge. The film is a tense and raw look at a man determined to fight back against fate, even in a hostile place. Through the story of vengeance, "The Limey" explores themes of loss, retribution, and human resilience, maintaining a suspenseful pace until the very end.Stream onIMDb 6.9TMDB 6.5
  7. 7This Is EnglandMovie · 2007 · 101m · Drama, CrimeSet in England during 1983, the film follows a troubled young boy. After a school fight, he encounters a group of skinheads who quickly become his closest friends, evolving into something akin to family. The story is drawn from the director's own experiences.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5
  8. 8Gangster No. 1Movie · 2000 · 103m · Action, Drama, ThrillerA retired gangster learns that Freddie Mays, an old associate, is being released from prison after thirty years. The news stirs up memories of his youth, specifically of a man who joined Freddie's gang – a man he both admired and eventually double-crossed.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.4
  9. 9The HitMovie · 1984 · 98m · Drama, Thriller, CrimeThis crime thriller follows a fragile alliance between two assassins and a dangerous fugitive as they journey from New York City to Paris. Ten years ago, the protagonist betrayed his mobster friends for immunity, but now he's a target for those he betrayed, with an execution order issued. Hired to deliver their target to Paris, the two hitmen face a perilous road trip filled with obstacles. Unexpected encounters with law enforcement and rival gangs threaten their mission. As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, the hitmen and their charge are tested. They navigate betrayals, loyalty, and deadly confrontations, ultimately facing a situation where trust is unreliable and redemption seems impossible.Stream onIMDb 7.0TMDB 6.4
  10. 10Down TerraceMovie · 2010 · 93m · Crime, DramaAfter their release from prison after serving time for an unknown offense, Bill and Karl are determined to uncover the identity of the person who betrayed them to the police. Meanwhile, their criminal enterprise is facing difficulties, and the group operating out of Down Terrace is rife with suspicion. What appears to be a normal house hides a dangerous atmosphere where tensions are escalating.Stream onIMDb 6.4TMDB 6.2
  11. 11The Italian JobMovie · 1969 · 99m · Action, Crime, ComedyAfter a recent prison release, Charlie travels to Turin, Italy, where he learns a friend's risky robbery has fallen under the control of the mafia. Charlie takes charge, assembling a team of drivers and a variety of vehicles – including Minis, Jaguars, and a bus – to execute a complex plan. The goal: cause massive traffic chaos to steal a valuable gold fortune and escape. Packed with car chases, close calls, and inventive strategies, the film delivers constant excitement as Charlie races against the clock and evades the mafia to complete the heist.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0
  12. 12LegendMovie · 2015 · 132m · Crime, ThrillerIn 1960s London, the charismatic but unpredictable Reggie Kray and his volatile twin brother Ronnie begin building a reputation in the city's criminal world. They use violence to achieve their goals, planning robberies and murders while controlling nightclubs and running protection rackets. As Detective Leonard "Nipper" Read closes in, the brothers rapidly gain power and become infamous in the tabloids.Stream onIMDb 6.9TMDB 7.1
  13. 13Sexy BeastMovie · 2001 · 89m · Crime, Thriller, DramaGal Dove, a former safecracker, is enjoying a peaceful retirement in Spain with his wife. His quiet life is disrupted when his old rival, Don Logan, arrives and tries to convince Gal to take one final job in London.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0
  14. 14I'll Sleep When I'm DeadMovie · 2003 · 97m · Drama, Action, ThrillerWill Graham, a former crime boss, lives as a recluse in the forest, trying to escape his past. Haunted by the people he killed, he wants no connection to his old life. But when his brother dies by suicide after being assaulted by a dangerous car dealer, Will returns to London. He seeks to uncover the truth behind his brother's death and bring those responsible to justice.Stream onIMDb 5.8TMDB 5.4
  15. 15Get CarterMovie · 1971 · 112m · Crime, ThrillerIn the hidden corners of London, Jack Carter lives a life outside the ordinary. He learns his estranged brother has died in Newcastle, officially ruled a suicide. But Jack doesn't believe it. Driven by loyalty, he investigates his brother's life, exploring the dangerous world of his friends and associates in Newcastle. The film follows Jack as he searches for the truth behind his brother's death, uncovering a complex network of relationships and fighting for justice amidst betrayal. It’s a story about family, loyalty, and the pursuit of answers.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0
  16. 16Dead Man's ShoesMovie · 2004 · 90m · Drama, Thriller, CrimeAfter serving in the military, a soldier returns to his hometown and systematically retaliates against the criminals who abused his brother while he was deployed.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1
  17. 174.3.2.1Movie · 2010 · 117mJo is stuck in a dead-end job at a supermarket while her friends pursue exciting lives. A chance meeting with a group of diamond thieves throws their lives together, colliding with destiny.Stream onIMDb 5.8TMDB 5.5
  18. 18Love, Honour and ObeyMovie · 2000 · 103m · Action, Comedy, ThrillerJonny works a tedious job as a courier and yearns for something more. Through his childhood friend, who is the nephew of crime boss Ray Kreed, he gets accepted into the most dangerous gang in North London. Eager to prove himself, Jonny ignites a conflict between Ray's gang and a rival group from South London, led by drug kingpin Sean and his second-in-command Matthew.IMDb 6.4TMDB 5.8
  19. 19The Long Good FridayMovie · 1980 · 114m · Crime, Thriller, DramaIn 1970s London, Harold Shand, a shrewd Cockney crime boss, wants to legitimize his criminal business by building a property empire. He plans to redevelop a rundown area, hoping it will become a candidate for the Olympic Games, and seeks investment from the American Mafia. But as the mobsters arrive, a series of bombings strike Shand's organization, threatening his ambitious project. Amidst the chaos, Shand races against time to expose a traitor within his group and regain control through ruthless means.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2
  20. 20Essex BoysMovie · 2000 · 102m · Crime, ThrillerBilly lands a job with a local crime organization, starting as an entry-level employee. His first assignment is to watch Jason, a recently released convict known for his volatile temper. Jason intends to instruct Billy in the ways of crime, drugs, and relationships. Unbeknownst to Jason, Billy is interested in Jason's wife, Lisa. When a drug deal involving ecstasy goes wrong, Jason seeks revenge against the crime boss, while Billy plots to eliminate Jason. Soon, bodies begin to appear.Stream onIMDb 6.1TMDB 5.6
  21. 21Green Street HooligansMovie · 2005 · 109m · Crime, DramaWrongfully expelled from Harvard, American Matt Buckner goes to live with his sister in England. He befriends her charismatic but dangerous brother-in-law, Pete Dunham, and becomes immersed in the world of British football hooliganism. Through a developing friendship, Matt learns to be assertive within this hidden and often violent environment. *Green Street Hooligans* is a story about loyalty, trust, and the potentially harsh results of living life on the edge.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3
  22. 22The KraysMovie · 1990 · 115m · Drama, Crime, History"The Krays" explores the story of Ronald and Reginald Kray, twin brothers who became notorious gangsters in 1960s London. Born into a difficult family, they rose through the ranks of organized crime, using their intelligence and violence to dominate the city's underworld. Director Peter Medak tells a compelling story of ambition, brotherhood, and brutality. The film shows the Kray brothers' ascent to power, their complicated relationship, and the events that led to their downfall. With detailed visuals and accurate period settings, "The Krays" provides a gripping and moving look at a dark chapter in London's criminal past.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.1
  23. 23Lock, Stock and Two Smoking BarrelsMovie · 1998 · 105mA skilled card player and his reluctant companions must quickly raise a large sum of money after a bad poker game. They decide to rob a local gang who are operating out of the apartment next door.Stream onIMDb 8.1TMDB 8.1
  24. 24BronsonMovie · 2009 · 92m · Drama, Action, CrimeSentenced to seven years for a post office robbery, a young man unexpectedly spends thirty years in solitary confinement. The isolation profoundly alters him, and his personality gradually gives way to an alter ego: Charles Bronson.Stream onIMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0
  25. 25AwaydaysMovie · 2009 · 105mIn the bleak early 1980s on the Wirral, young men seeking excitement have always found plenty to choose from: sex, drugs, rock and roll, fashion, football, and fighting.Stream onIMDb 5.7TMDB 5.3
  26. 26Layer CakeMovie · 2004 · 105m · Drama, Thriller, CrimeA simple drug deal goes wrong, forcing XXXX to abandon his principles. He must escalate the situation to defeat his former associates and protect himself.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9
  27. 27SnatchMovie · 2000 · 103m · Crime, ComedyA group of unlikely players – shady boxing promoters, dangerous bookmakers, a Russian gangster, inept amateur thieves, and seemingly Jewish jewelers – all compete to find a valuable diamond that has been stolen.Stream onIMDb 8.2TMDB 7.8
  28. 28ShoppingMovie · 1994 · 105m · Crime, Drama, ActionIn a shadowy city, a daring underground culture thrives centered around ram-raiding – using cars to crash into stores and loot them before the police arrive. Tommy, a seasoned professional, finds himself in competition with Billy and Jo, who are passionately devoted to the dangerous sport. As their rivalry grows, the risks of their audacious "shopping" trips escalate. This is a gripping story of urban survival, passion, and the thrill of danger, set against a backdrop of gritty streets where the rules are constantly changing.Stream onIMDb 5.5TMDB 5.3
  29. 29PerformanceMovie · 1970 · 106m · Crime, DramaChas Devlin is a highly skilled enforcer in the criminal underworld, where loyalty is paramount and betrayal has severe consequences. Turner is a reclusive rock superstar, living a life dedicated to music and creativity. Their lives unexpectedly intersect, creating a compelling mix of danger and attraction. As Chas and Turner navigate this complicated connection, they must grapple with their own principles and difficulties, as their worlds increasingly overlap, blurring the boundaries between art, crime, and survival.Stream onIMDb 6.7TMDB 6.7
  30. 30RocknRollaMovie · 2008 · 114m · Action, Crime, ThrillerA Russian mobster orchestrates a lucrative real estate scheme, attracting the attention of London's diverse criminal element. As millions of pounds are made, a cast of shady characters – including Mr One-Two, Stella the accountant, and Johnny Quid, a drug-addled rock star – all vie for a piece of the wealth.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9
  31. 31The GeneralMovie · 1998 · 124m · Crime, DramaIn Dublin's rough underbelly, Martin Cahill, a compelling and mysterious criminal, becomes an unlikely folk hero. Famous for his bold robberies that gripped the country, Cahill and his unusual team pull off two daring heists during Ireland's unstable political times. But their fame attracts unwanted attention from both the police and rival paramilitary groups like the IRA and U.V.F., who view him as a challenge to their power. Meanwhile, loyalty within Cahill’s gang weakens, sparking dangerous betrayals. This intense story explores the complicated nature of a man struggling with his own desires while facing those determined to destroy him.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 6.7
  32. 32Rise of the FootsoldierMovie · 2007 · 119m · Action, Crime, Thriller*Rise of the Footsoldier* chronicles Carlton Leach's ascent from a prominent figure in football hooliganism to a key member of a notorious criminal gang. The film depicts their widespread criminal activities across London and Essex during the late 1980s and early 1990s.Stream onIMDb 6.7TMDB 6.3