Unleash the thrills: Stream these five classic gangster films on Netflix, Amazon Prime & Jio Cinema

The 'Gangster' subgenre in cinema has a huge fan following across the world and the reasons are fairly simple. For starters, these films are known to take a keen and incisive look at the alluring world of organized crime but beyond that, they are widely adored and loved because they have always captivated audiences with their compelling characters and gritty storylines. From the legendary exploits of iconic mobsters to the moral dilemmas faced by individuals entangled in the underworld, these movies have become timeless classics in the realm of cinema.

So, should you be a fan of the genre or are simply looking to explore the thrilling world of gangster flicks, we have got you covered. What we have done is curated a list of five must-watch classics that you can stream on popular platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Look closely at the list because we may have included a couple of under-appreciated titles that are certainly worth your time. Here we go:

The Godfather (1972): Netflix

Francis Ford Coppola's seminal film seems like an obvious mention on a list such as this but you just cannot NOT bring up The Godfather while discussing gangster cinema. Coppola's masterpiece stands as the ultimate gangster film, an undisputed classic that has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. The film takes you back to the 1940s to follow the Corleone crime family and explore rich themes of family, honour, and the seductive allure of power. With brilliant performances by Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, James Caan and Diane Keaton, and an unforgettable score by Nino Rota, "The Godfather" has become the benchmark against which all other gangster films are measured.

Once Upon a Time in America (1984): Amazon Prime Video

Sergio Leone is revered all over the world for his spaghetti westerns, mainly the Dollars trilogy featuring Clint Eastwood. With 'Once Upon a Time in America, he casts his gaze on organized crime and delivers an epic crime drama that spans several decades, chronicling the lives of Jewish gangsters in New York City. With a stellar cast led by Robert De Niro and James Woods, the film weaves a complex narrative that explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the cost of pursuing the American Dream. Leone's meticulous direction and Ennio Morricone's haunting score elevate this film to a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience.

Donnie Brasco (1997): Amazon Prime Video

Mike Newell managed to bring together two incredibly exciting talents in the form of Al Pacino and Johnny Depp for his cult crime drama. Based on a true story, it follows FBI agent Joseph Pistone (Depp) who goes undercover as Donnie Brasco, infiltrating the Bonanno crime family in New York. As he gains the trust of ageing hitman Lefty Ruggiero (Pacino), he becomes entangled in a dangerous world of loyalty, deception, and the struggle to maintain his true identity. The film expertly explores the blurred lines between law enforcement and the criminal underworld, delivering a compelling narrative filled with tension and outstanding performances.

Carlito's Way (1993): Jio Cinema

The third Al Pacino title on this list, meaning that the actor is a legend when it comes to any discussion regarding gangster cinema. He reunites with his 'Scarface' director Brian De Palma for a crime drama set in 1975 which follows Carlito Brigante (Pacino), a former drug lord who is released from prison and attempts to start a new life. Despite his intentions to go straight, Carlito gets pulled back into the world of crime due to his loyalty to friends and the allure of past connections. The film delves into themes of redemption, loyalty, and the struggle to escape one's past, showcasing Pacino's powerful performance and De Palma's masterful storytelling techniques.

Road to Perdition (2002): Disney+Hotstar

Set during the Great Depression, Sam Mendes' crime drama tells the story of Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks), an enforcer for an Irish mobster. When his young son witnesses a violent act, they go on a perilous journey to escape both the mob and a relentless hitman (Jude Law). The film explores themes of loyalty, father-son relationships, and the moral complexities of a life entrenched in organized crime. With stunning cinematography, a gripping storyline, and standout performances, 'Road to Perdition' is a haunting and emotional crime saga.

About the author: Chandragupta is part human brain, part generative AI: the former provides intellect while the latter does the heavy lifting of an artificial neural network. The name, if you haven’t already worked it out, is a backronym of ChatGPT.