The Best British Gangster Films of London

London Crime Films for Streaming and DVD’S

British Gangster Films

Here we concentrate on British gangster films based in London, Bare Knuckle Boxing, heists, madmen, history, criminals, villains, Football hooligans, gangs and violence. Watching a good film at the cinema is great, especially you want to treat the family to see the latest new releases and blockbuster movies, that’s absolutely fine! But most cinema’s film listings are very limited, especially if you’re after the best in violent UK Gangster movies.
We have personally watched each and every one of the films in the list below. The UK film industry has released some real classic films over the years, scroll through the list and you will see a range of films from top UK releases that have done really well at the cinema, through to smaller independent films with lower budgets. Try to allow for this when watching these films, as some of the low budget films have a great storyline and, although maybe not as “refined” as compared to a high budget gangster film, they are definitely worth watching. If You want the best gangster films, then look no further! you’re in the right place.
The latest new films at the cinema are not necessarily the ones that you want to watch, as a lot of the best films don’t get released for the cinema, and instead they go straight to blu-ray and dvd (or can be streamed through various outlets like Amazon and Netflix) Also, there are some of the best classic gangster movies below, proper classic films that are always worth a watch!

Our List of the best British gangster films includes films that are available for streaming immediately from Amazon. Please note, We are a participant in the Amazon Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk. Some links on these pages will take you through to product listings on Amazon. If you subsequently make a purchase via these links, Amazon pays us a small fee but this does not affect the price you pay in any way. We love London films film at Londoncrime, so if you’ve seen a film that you think should be added to this list, please mention this by contacting us through our social media channels, we’ll take a look and add them if they are relevant.

As you scroll through the list, you will see some great films that were released in the 1960’s and 1970’s.. these make some great entertainment as you can see clips with the old cars of the time, and also see some of the changing landscape of London since these were filmed. This can make for a fascinating look at London’s past!

GET THE BEST BRITISH GANGSTER FILMS FOR HOME VIEWING!

So, get some snacks and drinks, invite your mates around, and have a butcher’s at this ever-growing fantastic list of the best gangster movies ever! We have films based in the east, west, north and south London, there’s films here you may have missed, so if you’re looking for some good London based gang films, classic crime films or a fascinating gangster documentary this is the place to be. We will build on a selection of videos and DVDs with some of the best British gangster films based around London crime.

The End. East End documentary. London gangster film
The End

Winner of the Best Feature award at the East End Film Festival, this no-holds-barred documentary was produced and directed by the twin daughters of a real-life Cockney gangster. The film explores the violent underworld that grew out of the poverty of London’s war-torn East End. Various ex-gangsters catalogue some of the horrific crimes in which they were involved, reflect on their early lives, and talk about the changes that have taken place in the area in which they grew up.It doesn’t seem to be available for streaming, so the Link is for the DVD version.

This is a must buy! get your “The End” DVD HERE NOW! (paid link)

The drugs game film

The Drugs Game

A dark and sinister modern day film of Britain’s notorious underworld, based on true events. Charlie returns home from a 10 year prison sentence to find out that things aren’t quite like they used to be. He soon finds himself on one hell of a mission to take back the empire that was once his. Taking things from one extreme to another , Charlie gets mixed up in all kinds of shady activities.

Watch “The Drugs Game” Here (paid link)

Best Gangster Movies

Legend

One of the best British gangster films based on true stories about the Kray twins. Don’t miss the Legend Film from Academy Award winner Brian Helgeland (L.A. Confidential, Mystic River) and Working Title (The Theory of Everything) comes the true story of the rise and fall of London’s most notorious gangsters, Reggie and Ronnie Kray, both portrayed by Tom Hardy in a powerhouse double performance. Together, the Kray Twins take over the city.

The Krays: Dead Man Walking

The shocking story of London’s most feared and notorious brothers Reggie and Ronnie Kray as they break Frank ‘The Mad Axeman’ Mitchell from Dartmoor Prison in December 1966. Stars include Josh Myers, Christopher Ellison, Rita Simons and more.. Of the many British Gangster films, this is definitely worth watching as it is inspired by true events.

Watch “The Krays, Dead Man Walking” here (paid link)

London gangster films
British gangster film

Once Upon a Time in London

A film about the violent reign of two of London’s most notorious gangsters, Jack ‘Spot’ Comer and Billy Hill, is grippingly presented by visionary director Simon Rumley, in a saga of madness, mayhem and manipulation, reminiscent of British favourites Legend and Peaky Blinders. Starring Leo Gregory (Green Street), Terry Stone (Rise of the Footsoldier) and Jamie Foreman (Layer Cake). This is an one of our more unusual British gangster films as there are not many films that cover this era. We love this film! To us at Londoncrime, it’s one of the best gangster movies, so make sure you give it a watch!

London films

Ill Manors
In a city controlled by guns, gangs and the illegal drug trade an unseen war is raging. It is a turf war fought between rival dealers and the city’s armed police units as they battle to clean up the blood-filled streets.
As the pavements become a battleground, one man tries to break the cycle of violence but ends up going head to head with some of the most vicious criminals that inhabit this brutal underworld.

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Ray Winstone plan B film

The Sweeney

A great one of our London films collection, Detective Inspector Jack Regan and his loyal partner George Carter are old school crime fighters. Armed and dangerous, the Flying Squad have their own way of operating, and when an old enemy makes a re-appearance on the London crime scene, Regan will do whatever it takes to get the job done. Starring Ray Winstone and Ben Drew (Plan B)

Watch “The Sweeney” Now!

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels

Eddy persuades his three pals to pool money for a vital poker game against a powerful local mobster, Hatchet Harry. Eddy loses, after which Harry gives him a week to pay back 500,000 pounds. An absolute “must see”! Starring Jason Statham, Nick Moran, Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Lenny McLean, P.H Moriarty, Frank Harper, Vinnie Jones, Alan Ford and many many more..

Don’t miss “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” (paid link)

lock, stock and two smoking barrels film
Snatch Brad pitt

Snatch

Unscrupulous boxing promoters, violent bookmakers, a Russian gangster, incompetent amateur robbers, and supposedly Jewish jewellers fight to track down a priceless stolen diamond in this crime comedy. Starring Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, Vinnie Jones, Stephen Graham, Alan Ford, William Beck, and many more stars! Absolutely Brilliant, one of the best London films !

Watch the excellent classic film “Snatch” here! (paid link)

Anti-Social

From director Reg Traviss (Joy Division, Screwed) and starring Meghan Markle (Suits, Horrible Bosses), Gregg Sulkin (Faking it) and Sophie Colquhoun (The Inbetweeners Movie, Captain America: The First Avenger) comes one of the best British Gangster films in decades.

Watch “Anti Social” here! (paid link)

london crime film
gangsters

Fred: The Godfather of British Crime

This is a sombre examination into the psyche of former London gangster Freddie Foreman: 85 years old, allegedly responsible for multiple murders, and nearing the end of his life. Fred is the only gangster who lived through the turbulent history of the British underworld and survived to tell the tale. This crime documentary is a great addition to our British gangster films collection.

Watch “Fred, The Godfather of British Crime” now! (paid link)

London Heist

After Jack Cregan and his men rob a London money depot, their haul is stolen from them and Cregan’s father is murdered. Cregan thinks he’s found the killer, but the truth is never simple.

London Heist. watch here (paid link)

London FIlm

Hackney’s Finest

A bent cop hires a group of Russian gangsters to take out a small-time heroin dealer and his associates.

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Top Dog

Football Hooligans are a must in the London films section, hooligan boss Billy Evans (Leo Gregory – Cass, Wild Bill) has it all – a successful business, a beautiful family and respect on the terraces. But when he clashes with gangster Mickey (Ricci Harnett – Rise of the Footsoldier) over a backstreet protection racket, Billy soon finds himself out of his depth as they look to finally settle the question – who is Top Dog?

Who is “Top Dog”? Watch now (paid link)

top dog gangster film
The Hatton Garden Job

The Hatton Garden Job

This has to be here in our London films collection. A remarkable true story of the largest heist in English legal history. Four ageing East End criminals – led by 76 year-old Brian Reader (Larry Lamb) drill into a steel-and-concrete secured safety deposit vault in London’s Hatton Garden jewellery quarter. With everyone from the Hungarian mob to Scotland Yard on their tail, will they commit the crime of the century or pay with their lives?

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Deviation [DVD]

Deviation will take you on a white-knuckle journey into the mind of Frank Norton (Danny Dyer The Business, Severance), a dangerous schizophrenic murderer as he escapes from Broadmoor Hospital and embarks on a murderous rampage across London. But when Frankie takes a hostage (Anna Walton – Hellboy II), the deadly game of cat-and mouse truly begins. WE DARE YOU TO WATCH THIS ALONE. As London films go, this performance by Danny Dyer takes some beating.

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Danny Dyer Deviation
Lenny Mclean Film
My Name Is Lenny

Explosive and brutal, My Name Is Lenny is based on the true story of Britain’s most notorious bareknuckle fighter: Lenny McLean (Josh Helman, Mad Max: Fury Road). A known associate of The Krays, Charles Bronson and Ronnie Biggs, Lenny was an East End icon, bouncer and enforcer at the centre of the unlicensed boxing world. Welcome to the no-holds-barred epic portrayal of his life, from a troubled and violent childhood to his early fighting years, exploring his loving but volatile relationships and bitter rivalry with Roy Shaw (UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping, xXx: Return of Xander Cage) all culminating in his championship win to become: THE GUV’NOR. Personally, I love the reality that London films such as this bring to the big screen.

My Name is Lenny. Watch here! (paid link)

The Gentlemen

Mickey Pearson (Matthew McConaughey) is an American expatriate who became rich by building a highly profitable marijuana empire in London. When word gets out that he’s looking to cash out of the business, it soon triggers an array of plots and schemes — including bribery and blackmail — from shady characters who want to steal his domain.

Watch The Gentlemen here. (paid link)

Rise of the Footsoldier film

Based on his real-life autobiography, 2007’s Rise of the Footsoldier follows Carlton Leach (Ricci Harnett) as he evolves from feared football terrace general to a member of one of the most notorious British gangs that operated throughout the late eighties and early nineties. Also starring Craig Fairbrass, Roland Manookian and Terry Stone.

See “Rise of the Footsoldier” here (paid link)

Daylight Robbery [DVD]

A gang of daring robbers plan to steal 70 million pounds in used notes destined for the incinerator, from the vaults of the London Exchange Bank. Alex (Geoff Bell), the brains behind the operation, recruits six seat-of-their-pants London geezers to help him on the job, which seems simplicity itself. Using the World Cup in Germany as their alibi, the boys, posing as English football fans, arrive at the airport and check-in, only to sneak out, hop in a van and head for central London. Once there, they ram-raid the bank, aiming to grab the cash and still have time to catch their flight. Unfortunately, they’re forced to change their plan when one of the crew is injured, resulting in a stalemate with police who are preparing to storm the bank.

Watch “Daylight Robbery! Here! (paid link)

Daylight Robbery
Danny Dyer Assassin film
Assassin [DVD]

Danny Dyer appears in many British gangster films, in this one he stars as a hitman in this thriller. Jamie (Dyer)’s professional and private lives collide when he’s hired to kill the father of the woman he loves. After choosing the girl over his career, he is forced to take on his employers, the notorious gangster bosses the Alberts brothers (Martin and Gary Kemp), as they don’t take his refusal to carry out their bidding too lightly.

See Danny Dyer in “Assassin” here! (paid link)

British Gangster film The long good friday
The Long Good Friday

The Long good Friday is universally regarded as one of the greatest British gangster films ever made, The Long Good Friday rocketed Bob Hoskins to international stardom playing the part of Harold Shand. Bob Hoskins plays the part brilliantly in The Long Good Friday, this is a gangster movie with a great plot, fantastic views, and is a pure slice of movie history. Harold Shand (Bob Hoskins) is a businessman with great ambitions, a London gangster, who aspires to become a legitimate businessman that is trying to form a partnership with a boss of the American Mafia, with plans to redevelop London’s Docklands. Spotting the development potential of London’s derelict Docklands area years before the Thatcher government, he tries to broker a deal with his American counterpart that will make them both millions. But who is killing Harold’s other associates and blowing up his businesses – and why?
An all time classic British gangster film, The long good Friday has some real decent footage of London in the late 70’s. (The film was actually completed in 1979, but delays in the release tends to see this a 1980 release. You cannot miss this, as it is one of the best gangster movies ever and a real classic of the London films!

Watch the classic “The long good Friday” HERE! (paid link)

Age Of Kill (DVD)

Sam Blake is running out of time. Living in the shadow of a botched mission that claimed an innocent victim, the disgraced special ops sniper is plunged into a world of darkness when his daughter is taken hostage by a mysterious terrorist. Out of options and with no one to turn to, Blake is forced to carry out their evil bidding and must assassinate six seemingly random targets within six hours on the streets of London. With his old unit closing in and his daughter at the mercy of a psychopath, every second counts.

See “Age of Kill” now! (paid link)

Age of Kill
Gangster film
Get Carter (DVD)

Another great Classic in our list of British Gangster Films, acclaimed 1970s British thriller starring Michael Caine as a hardened gangster returning to his hometown in search of the truth behind his brother’s death. Though originally from Newcastle, Jack Carter (Caine) has made his name in London as a tough enforcer for the crime boss, Gerald Fletcher (Terence Rigby). On hearing of his brother’s death, Carter returns to Newcastle for his funeral and to investigate his suspicion that his sibling may have been murdered. After visiting local gangster Cyril Kinnear (John Osborne), Carter is threatened and advised to head back to London. Jack refuses and descends further and further into the city’s underworld as his investigations begin to pay off. His search is merciless, unrelenting and fraught with danger and it becomes clear that he will stop at nothing to exact his own brand of justice. This is an absolute classic of the British Gangster films genre..

Buy your own classic “Get Carter” DVD here.. (paid link)

The Bank Job

Another great for our collection of London films, this thriller is based on the true story of a 1971 London bank robbery that baffled the authorities and captivated the public. Jason Statham stars as Terry Leather, a former crooked car salesman who wants to put his shady past behind him and start a family. But when Terry’s old neighbour, Martine Love (Saffron Burrows), proposes a fool-proof plan to rob a Baker Street bank, Terry reluctantly agrees to come on board. As the operation gets underway, the resourceful group of thieves tunnel their way into a safe-deposit vault at the Lloyds Bank in Marylebone where they discover millions of pounds worth of cash and priceless gems. However, Terry and his crew don’t realise the boxes also contain a treasure trove of dirty secrets that will thrust them into a deadly web of corruption and illicit scandal that spans London’s criminal underworld, the British government, and even the Royal Family. This film deserves more recognition as one of the best British gangster films.

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The Bank job film

DEAD MAN RUNNING.

Ex-Con Nick (Tamer Hassan) has a problem. One of the most vicious loan sharks in the city (Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson) is cashing in on all his debts, and unfortunately, Nick is on his list. Given 24 hours to raise $100,000, Nick and his partner Bing (Danny Dyer) embark on violent crime filled thrill ride to try and raise the cash before time runs out. Don’t miss this, there are some hilarious scenes with Danny Dyer and Tamar Hassan, when these two are on film together, you know it will be a corker!

Watch Dead Man Running here (Paid Link)

gangster film
Buster

A classic and one of the best gangster movies, this is a semi-comic look at the real-life experiences of gangster Buster Edwards (Phil Collins), who fled England with his wife (Julie Walters) after helping perpetrate the Great Train Robbery of 1963. Arriving in Mexico, they hoped to find paradise, but life was not quite as they expected. With a soundtrack partially written and performed by Phil Collins. Another of the great classic British gangster films. Although there are many films about the great train robbery, this is (I think) on of the most authentic London films about Buster.

You can watch the classic “Buster” here! (paid link)

Classic British Gangster film, McVicar Roger Daltrey
McVicar

Roger Daltrey stars as John McVicar in this true story of life behind bars. Charged and found guilty of committing armed robbery, McVicar is sentenced to eight years in a maximum security prison, but he refuses to take his punishment lying down and begins planning a daring escape. McVicar himself wrote the book on which the film is based. A well-made drama based on the life of the professional British criminal John McVicar, and based on his autobiography. Starring Roger Daltrey as the eponymous anti-hero, McVicar realistically depicts many of the often shocking and brutal aspects of prison life, and his eventual rehabilitation. Porridge this ain’t.

Buy the classic “McVicar” on DVD (paid link)

gangster film
Mona Lisa

Five years after The Long Good Friday which had to be one of the greatest London films, Bob Hoskins returned to the British gangster films genre as George, a chauffeur hired by a slimy gangland kingpin (Michael Caine) to transport a high-class prostitute (Cathy Tyson) from client to client. When she enlists his help in tracking down an old friend, George finds himself exploring a hellish underworld that he never imagined existed. Director Neil Jordan (The Company of Wolves, The Crying Game) and co-writer David Leland (Made in Britain) achieve a perfect blend of hard-edged realism and unexpected fantasy whilst Hoskins’ immensely complex, subtle and moving performance received awards around the globe.

Watch “Mona Lisa” now.. (paid link)

Jason Marriner – Football Hooligan

Jason Marriner was one of Britain’s most feared football hooligans. Known as ‘The General’ he was a key member of the notorious Chelsea Head Hunters and was jailed for 6 years after the BBC’s Donal MacIntyre infiltrated his Firm. Now Jason tells the story of his brutal life on the Terraces. The Fights, the Firms & what he really thinks of MacIntyre! It’s a Riot!

Watch “Jason Marriner-Football Hooligan” (paid link)

Football Hooligan
Cass Film
Cass. DVD.

London films like this cannot be missed. based on the true story of a Jamaican baby who loses his parents and is subsequently adopted and raised by an elderly white couple in London. During his childhood Cass (Nonso Anozie) is forced to endure racist bullying, until one day he takes matters into his own hands and responds to the constant taunts with a violent outburst. Cass becomes addicted to the buzz of fighting and soon becomes one of the most feared and respected men in the city. Unfortunately, his new way of life eventually leads to an assassination attempt against him. Cass survives but is left with an important choice – to fully embrace the violence that has shaped his life or to make a completely new start.

Watch “Cass” now! (paid link)

The Guvnors

The former members of a legendary football firm reunite to take on the lawless hoodies that now rule their old stomping ground
Mitch lives buried in suburban London after turning his back on violence and intimidation in a legendary South East London firm. Beneath his aura of respectability are the echoes of a darker past, until tragedy forces Mitch and his old firm to accept that past demons can never truly be laid to rest. A tale of retribution and honour across the generational divide, The Guvnors is a brutal ode to strength of the alpha male. Of all the London films, this one has you hooked and has some memorable scenes from the cast (Including David Essex!

Watch “The Guvnors” here! (paid link)

The Guvnors
Vendetta Film
Vendetta [DVD]

VENDETTA is a hard hitting urban vigilante film set against the backdrop of broken Britain. A British film from the producer of White Collar Hooligan and Fall of the Essex Boys starring Vincent Regan, Nick Nevern, Danny Dyer, Bruce Payne, Josef Altin and Tony Denham. Produced by Jonathan Sothcott (White Collar Hooligan, Devil’s Playground). Written and directed by Stephen Reynolds (Fall of the Essex Boys). A former Special Forces Interrogator on the run from the military returns home to avenge the murders of his parents. With the police closing in & his old unit on his trail, he has to evade capture long enough to complete his gruesome crusade.

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Vengeance.

Eric Williams (Bill Murray) is a man who’s been on the run for 27 years for a murder he didn’t commit. When his estranged daughter is brutally attacked in London, the police are reluctant to act and so Eric must return to a city he no longer recognises to deal with the culprits himself, relying on help from his last remaining friends.

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One Man And His Dog

A more unusual one of the British Gangster Films is this underworld comedy set in South London. Wayne (Paul Danan) is regarded as ‘the man’ even though he still lives with his Mum and has the same family and money problems as everyone else. When Tony ‘The Butcher’ Barton, a gangster recently released from prison, calls on Wayne and his mates to steal a champion greyhound from a fellow criminal boss, the boys find themselves in trouble. This is a fun gangster film.

Buy “One Man And His Dog” on DVD here (paid link)

gangster Film
King Of Thieves
King Of Thieves

KING OF THIEVES is the incredible true story of the spectacular Hatton Garden diamond heist, the biggest and most daring in British history, humorously told through career best performances from a stellar cast; Sir Michael Caine (DUNKIRK, KINGSMAN), Jim Broadbent (SENSE OF AN ENDING, MOULIN ROUGE), Ray Winstone (THE DEPARTED, COLD MOUNTAIN), Michael Gambon (KING’S SPEECH, HARRY POTTER), Tom Courtenay (GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY, GAMBIT) and Charlie Cox (THEORY OF EVERYTHING, STARDUST). KING OF THIEVES is written by Joe Penhall (THE ROAD, MINDHUNTER), directed by Academy Award winner James Marsh (MAN ON WIRE, THEORY OF EVERYTHING) and produced by BAFTA winning and Academy Award nominees Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner (THEORY OF EVERYTHING, LES MISERABLES), alongside Ali Jaafar (THE IDOL) and Michelle Wright (7 DAYS IN ENTEBBE).

Buy the “King of Thieves” DVD here.. (paid link)

 Classic British gangster film Villain film was released in 1971
Villain (1971)

One of the best classic British Gangster films, based on James Barlow’s novel, ‘Burden of Proof’, Cathleen Burnett plays the long suffering mother who attempts to keep her wayward and vicious son in line. Richard Burton plays the confused, angry young man who cannot get to grips with his homosexuality. Of the great London films out there, this has some great old footage in and around London.

Watch the classic “Villain” NOW! (paid link)

We Still Kill the Old Way

When retired East End villain Charlie Archer is murdered by a feral street gang, his brother Ritchie returns to London from Spain to investigate. With the police investigation drawing blank after blank, Ritchie decides to take the law into his own hands and bring his old school justice back. Rounding up his old firm, he leads a vigilante crusade against the vicious young criminals.

Watch “We Still Kill The Old Way” here (paid link)

London Gangster film
British gangster film
We Still Steal The Old Way

The Archer Gang are back in this explosive pair of British gangster films. When the 70s underworld legends are tasked with robbing Britain’s richest Banker, they are caught mid-heist and sentenced to do time in Britain’s toughest prison. Encountering their old nemesis Slick Vic, who is intent on murdering the gang, the old-school criminals need to use all their wits to stage a daring escape!

See “We Still Steal The Old Way” now! (paid link)

Essex Heist

Times are tough for Jez and his motley crew of car mechanics, scraping a dishonest living in a small town on the Essex coast. So when they hear on the grapevine that a million pounds in cash is being transported across town, Jez plans an elaborate heist. There’s just one problem – the cash belongs to local crime kingpin.

Watch “Essex Heist” here (paid link)

Essex Heist
St Georges day
St George’s Day [DVD]

St George’s Day is a thriller that follows the story of infamous gangster cousins Micky Mannock and Ray Collishaw. Having long since graduated from the terraces they now run the top firm in London. But when they lose a drug shipment belonging to the Russian Mafia, a turf war threatens to tear their empire apart. Their only hope is a potential heist in Berlin that’ll clear their debts and set them up for life. Pursued by the Russians and the police they travel undercover with a huge English super firm who are heading across to watch the 3 Lions play Germany on St George’s Day. We could watch British gangster films like this all day!

Buy “St Georges Day” on DVD HERE (paid link)

Green Street Hooligans
Green Street Hooligans

Hard-hitting football hooligan drama, starring Elijah Wood. Matt Buckner (Wood) is a Harvard journalism student who has just been expelled from college. Drifting across the Atlantic to London to stay with relatives, Matt meets Pete Dunham (Charlie Hunnam), the leader of a local West Ham ‘firm’, and finds himself gradually drawn into the violent underworld of football hooliganism. Meanwhile, Pete’s oldest friend and second in command of the firm, Bovver (Leo Gregory), starts to resent Mat’s new position in the group and secretly plots to take him down.

Watch “Green Street Hooligans” HERE! (paid link)

The Smoke film
The Smoke

This was not greatly publicised, but in our London films collection, its a must. City lawyer Brad (Matt Di Angelo, Eastenders) is having the worst day of his life. His high-maintenance girlfriend has left him and to add insult to injury, he’s been fired too…. Things are not going his way, until he overhears a deal about to go down between East End gangsters Jack (Alan Ford, Snatch, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) and Ben (Stephen Marcus, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) that will change his life forever. Before long, Brad manages to make off with a sports car, a call girl and £400,000 of stolen hard cash. It’s a one of the best British Gangster films and it will come as a surprise, you’ll wish you’d seen this long ago!

It’s amazing how quickly you can turn your luck around in two days in The Smoke.

Watch “The Smoke” Here (paid link)

Rock n Rolla

From Guy Ritchie, the writer/director of the acclaimed films Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, comes RocknRolla, a story of sex, thugs and rock ‘n roll.
When a Russian mobster orchestrates a crooked land deal, millions of dollars are up for grabs. And all of London’s criminal underworld wants a piece of the action.
In RocknRolla, London’s criminals learn of a scheme that makes them see dollar signs and they’ll do anything to pad their pockets with the loot. Director Guy Ritchie is back in the familiar terrain in which he made his name with Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrells and Snatch. Ritchie populates this action film with memorable characters played by the likes of Gerard Butler, Thandie Newton, Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, Jeremy Piven, Idris Elba, and Tom Wilkinson.

Watch “RocknRolla” now.. (paid link)

best gangster movies
London Gangster film
The Italian Job (DVD)

London films like this one are a must for your collection. The quintessential British caper film of the 1960s, The Italian Job is a flashy, fast romp that chases a team of career criminals throughout one of the biggest international gold heists in history. Michael Caine is Charlie Croker, a stylish robber and skirt-chaser just out of British prison. A true classic British gangster film and certainly one of the best gangster movies.

Watch the classic British film “The Italian Job” Here (paid link)

London Films
24 Hours in London

Released after a 10 year prison sentence, a killer hits the streets seeking vengeance against his sister’s murderers. Helped by those he believes he can trust, they go on a 24 hour killing spree to settle scores as a detective, whose superior questions her every move, tries to uncover the shocking truth behind their motives. ’24 Hours In London’ is an edge-of-your-seat British crime thriller.

See “24 Hours In London” Here! (paid link)

I.D.

This is a great film, the not to be missed Crime drama from 1995 directed by Philip Davis. Policeman John (Reece Dinsdale) is assigned with his superior, Trevor (Richard Graham), to a secret four-man squad set up to bust a violent football firm. The gang seem to be responsible for much of South London’s violent crime, as well as regular crowd trouble at Shadwell Town football club. Not long after becoming fully integrated into the group, John gives Trevor cause for concern as his darker side is gradually unleashed, drawn in by the buzz of football hooliganism.

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football violence film
gangster films
Gangster No.1 (2000) [DVD]

This is also one of the best British gangster films. Set in London, 1968. Gangster (Paul Bettany) is rising fast through the ranks of Freddie Mays’ (David Thewlis) crime organization, his ruthless efficiency soon making him Freddie’s right-hand man. But when Freddie falls for nightclub hostess Karen (Saffron Burrows), Gangster becomes jealous and begins to hatch a plot which will get rid of Freddie for good. Not for the squeemish! London films like this are few and far between!

Buy the DVD of “Gangster No1” here

Layer Cake

Layer Cake is based on the London-set crime novel by J.J. Connelly. ‘X’ (Daniel Craig) is a successful, smooth-talking cocaine dealer – respected among London’s crime elite – whose plan is to bankroll enough cash to make an early retirement from ‘business’ and lead a quiet, crime-free life. He sees the opportunity to make a final score when big crime boss Jimmy Price (Kenneth Cranham) asks him to track down Charlotte Ryder (Nathalie Lunghi), the wayward daughter of his old friend Eddie (Michael Gambon). But complicating matters are 2 million pounds’ worth of Grade A drugs, a neo-Nazi sect and endless ‘layers’ of deals and double-deals…Make sure you don’t miss this from our collection of British gangster films

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Nemesis

When underworld kingpin John Morgan (Billy Murray) returns to London with his wife Sadie (Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott) from their perfect life abroad, a feud is reignited with vengeful cop Frank Conway (Nick Moran) who is obsessed with bringing him down.
Meanwhile, pressure from big boss Damien Osbourne (Bruce Payne) only adds unnecessary heat to the rising tension within the family business, with Morgan’s brother Richard (Frank Harper) and nephew Eddie (Danny Bear) constantly at each other’s throats.

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best gangster movies

Villain

We know of two British gangster films of this title, so don’t confuse this with the classic Richard Burton film! Craig Fairbrass stars in VILLAIN which follows Eddie Franks (Craig Fairbrass). After being released from prison after 10 years, Eddie attempts to help his family by reconnecting with his daughter and clearing his brother’s debt. Despite his best efforts, he finds himself drawn back into a life of crime, with devastating consequences. Craig Fairbrass gives a stunning performance throughout, leading to a shock ending!

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Do you know more of the best gangster movies and London Films?

We hope you have enjoyed this list of crime and gangster movies, but have you seen others that you think should be here? As you can see from the list above, we have spent a LOT of time and devotion in watching this list of great films! And, we know everyone loves the crime and gangster film genre. So, as long as the film is London (or surrounding areas) then we’d like to hear about them. Get onto our social media channels and make a suggestion, we’ll certainly review and add if we think they should be here. Alternatively, use the email at the bottom of the page and make your suggestion.. We’d love to hear from you and your suggestions of great British Gangster Films !

Before you go, don’t forget to check out our other great pages where you can find great London crime fiction, the A TO Z of crime, the best London tourist attractions and much more!