For viewers seeking to immerse themselves in the gripping world of organised crime, the current streaming landscape offers a wealth of cinematic and television masterpieces. To help navigate this extensive genre, we have curated a selection of eight definitive gangster films and series available across major platforms including BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
Timeless Classics and Modern Epics at Your Fingertips
The allure of the gangster narrative, with its complex characters and high-stakes drama, continues to captivate audiences. From foundational cinematic trilogies to acclaimed modern television series, these selections represent the pinnacle of the genre. Whether you subscribe to one service or several, this round-up ensures there is a compelling story waiting for you.
1. The Godfather Trilogy on BBC iPlayer
The legendary Godfather trilogy, comprising parts I, II, and III, is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer. This epic saga chronicles the transformation of Michael Corleone, portrayed by Al Pacino, from a decorated war veteran determined to stay out of the family business into the merciless head of the Corleone crime empire. Marlon Brando's iconic performance as Don Vito Corleone anchors a story widely regarded as one of the finest in cinematic history.
2. Heat (1995) on BBC iPlayer
This seminal crime thriller features the legendary on-screen pairing of Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. Heat follows an elite crew of professional criminals whose meticulously planned robbery goes awry after they accidentally leave behind crucial evidence. This mistake triggers an intense and relentless cat-and-mouse pursuit with the Los Angeles Police Department, crafting a taut narrative of conflict and consequence.
3. Peaky Blinders on BBC iPlayer
Every episode of the critically acclaimed British gangster epic Peaky Blinders is available on iPlayer. Starring Cillian Murphy as the formidable Tommy Shelby, the series charts the rise of a criminal family in post-World War I Birmingham. Over its six-season run, the Shelby clan evolves from local street gangsters into a vast and influential criminal organisation, set against a backdrop of political turmoil and social change.
4. Casino (1995) on Amazon Prime Video
Directed by Martin Scorsese and inspired by true events, Casino stands as another cornerstone of the genre. Robert De Niro stars as Sam "Ace" Rothstein, a casino boss with mafia connections. The film meticulously details the disintegration of his lavish empire and his tumultuous relationships with his volatile childhood friend, Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci), and his wife, Ginger (Sharon Stone), a former hustler and showgirl.
5. Once Upon a Time in America (1984) on ITV and Disney+
Sergio Leone's sprawling crime saga is available to stream for free on ITV and via subscription on Disney+. This nearly four-hour epic, told largely through flashbacks to Prohibition-era New York, stars Robert De Niro as David "Noodles" Aaronson, a former gangster who returns to his old neighbourhood, confronting a past filled with betrayal, memory, and loss.
6. The Irishman (2019) on Netflix
Martin Scorsese's biographical crime drama reunites cinema legends Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. The Irishman tells the story of Frank Sheeran (De Niro), a real-life truck driver who became a prolific hitman for the Bufalino crime family. The film spans decades, following Sheeran's ascent within the criminal hierarchy and his complex relationship with powerful union leader Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino).
This collection showcases the enduring power and diversity of the gangster genre, offering everything from foundational classics to contemporary dramas. With so many options available across popular streaming services, there has never been a better time to explore these tales of power, loyalty, and ambition.
