Gangster films have been a beloved genre of cinema for many years, and for good reason. These films depict the intricate lives of criminals, gangsters, and other antiheroes, and take viewers on an exhilarating journey into the sinister and dangerous realm of organized crime. From classic tales of organized crime to modern interpretations, Hulu offers a wide selection of gangster movies to choose from, ensuring that viewers will find something to captivate them. Here are the best gangster movies to watch on Hulu in 2023.
You can also find our list of the best gangster movies on Netflix, HBO Max, Disney plus, Paramount Plus, Prime Video and Peacock.
Once Upon a Time in America
 | Once Upon a Time in America | |
| Genre Crime, Drama | Runtime 3 Hours 49 Minutes | |
| Director Sergio Leone | 8.9/10 | |
| Cast Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern | ||
The award-winning film Once Upon A Time in America is renowned for its captivating storytelling and remarkable cinematography. Director Sergio Leone’s direction and the exceptional performances of the cast create a captivating and awe-inspiring atmosphere.
The film’s nonlinear structure and its exploration of themes of memory and time travel make it a deeply meaningful and provocative gangster film. Its meticulous attention to detail and intricate character arcs have earned it a place in the annals of film history.
Cocaine Cowboys
 | Cocaine Cowboys | |
| Genre Documentary, Crime, History | Runtime 1 Hour 58 Minutes | |
| Director Billy Corben | 7.7/10 | |
| Cast Jon Roberts, Al Sunshine, Sam Burstyn | ||
This captivating documentary, directed by Billy Corben, provides an insightful exploration of a dark period in Miami’s history. Through the use of archival images, conversations, and recreations, viewers are able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the cocaine trade and the law enforcement response to it. The film is sure to be a must-see for true crime aficionados due to its captivating narrative and detailed accounts.
Sicario: Day of the Soldado
 | Sicario: Day of the Soldado | |
| Genre Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller | Runtime 2 Hours 2 Minutes | |
| Director Stefano Sollima | 7.1/10 | |
| Cast Benicio Del Toro, Josh Brolin, Isabela Merced | ||
The third installment in the Sicario series retains the same grim and intense atmosphere as the preceding film. The action sequences are particularly captivating, highlighting the harsh reality of the drug market.
Despite some criticism from critics that the film lacks the subtleties and nuances of the preceding film, it still provides an engaging exploration of the moral complexities of the war against drugs. The performances of Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro, and the rest of the cast are remarkable, combining their onscreen chemistry with the complexity of the characters.
Out of the Furnace
 | Out of the Furnace | |
| Genre Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller | Runtime 1 Hour 56 Minutes | |
| Director Scott Cooper | 6.7/10 | |
| Cast Christian Bale, Casey Affleck, Zoe Saldana | ||
A melancholic and character-driven drama that celebrates the resilience and perseverance of working-class individuals. Christian Bale gives a strong and nuanced performance as a man haunted by the past and motivated by a sense of obligation.
The film’s Rust Belt setting provides a deeper understanding of the economic decline and despair that permeates the lives of its characters. Although the pace may feel sluggish at times, the story’s emotional resonance and strong performances make it an enjoyable viewing experience for those who enjoy introspective crime dramas.
Paradise City
 | Paradise City | |
| Genre Action, Thriller | Runtime 1 Hour 32 Minutes | |
| Director Chuck Russell | 3.6/10 | |
| Cast Bruce Willis, John Travolta, Stephen Dorff | ||
Mixed reviews have been received for the film Paradise City. The performances of the main actors are commendable, however, the narrative suffers from poor pacing and an inconsistent script. The film captures the atmosphere of Los Angeles in a dark and gritty manner, evoking a sense of unease and danger.
Nevertheless, some viewers have found the plot of the film to be predictable and lacking originality. Despite the film’s shortcomings, it still provides moments of tension and the talents of the cast are evident, making it an enjoyable viewing experience for fans of the film genre.
Snakehead
 | Snakehead | |
| Genre Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller | Runtime 1 Hour 37 Minutes | |
| Director Evan Jackson Leong | 5.2/10 | |
| Cast Sung Kang, Perry Yung, Shuya Chang | ||
The film Snakehead has been met with generally positive reviews, garnering a positive rating on IMDb and a positive rating on RottenTomatoes. It provides a captivating and realistic depiction of the immigrant life and the lengths individuals will go to in pursuit of a better future.
The performance of Shuya Chang as the character of Sister Tse is highly commendable, as she brings to life the complexities and vulnerabilities of the character. The film’s director, Evan Jackson Leung, deftly interweaves elements of identity, fidelity, and the quest for the American Dream to create a captivating crime thriller.
American Sicario
 | American Sicario | |
| Genre Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller | Runtime 1 Hour 41 Minutes | |
| Director RJ Collins | 4.3/10 | |
| Cast Philippe A. Haddad, Maurice Compte, Maya Stojan | ||
The film American Sicario has not been widely publicized and does not have a high number of reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Nevertheless, the IMDb rating indicates a generally unfavorable opinion of the film. The film has been widely criticized for its poor production quality, including inadequate writing and lackluster performances.
Wrapping it up!
To sum up, there is an abundance of gangster-themed movies on Hulu that offer a comprehensive examination of the intricate and often deadly world of organised crime. Movies ranging from the classic, nonlinear narrative and thematic intricacy of Once Upon a Time in America to the engrossing documentary, The Cocaine Cowboys, which examines the complex history of Miami’s drug trade, are sure to entice viewers with their compelling narratives.
