Watch These Two Iconic Gangster Movies on Netflix and Choose Your Favorite

Among the wide variety of genres, gangster movies stand out. While many may confuse them with a simple crime drama, the two are completely different. The gangster movie genre has a much more complex heart and usually tells the story from the point of view of those involved in organized crime.

It's a fairly cinematic style that explores the lives, operations, and moral dilemmas of criminals. Originating in the early 20th century, it has evolved to portray a range of storylines, from classic tales of mafia families to modern depictions of drug cartels and heists.

Usually the movie is focused on 1 or several multi-dimensional main characters, anti-hero protagonists, who navigate a world of violence, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. These movies challenge viewers to question the lines between right and wrong.

Netflix has become a prime platform for those who want to immerse themselves in the world of organized crime. But two movies that you should definitely check out are The Infiltrator and The Highwaymen. So let's take a closer look at both of them and analyze why they're a must-see.

The Infiltrator (2016)

Directed by Brad Furman, The Infiltrator is a gripping, based-on-true-events crime thriller, and it will definitely be the right choice for any Breaking Bad fan, or the fans of any other Bryan Cranston project.

The film stars Cranston as Robert Mazur, a U.S. Customs agent who goes undercover to infiltrate Pablo Escobar's powerful drug cartel in the 1980s. Mazur adopts the identity of a money launderer named Bob Musella and, with the help of his partner, brilliantly played by John Leguizamo, manages to slip into this dangerous world.

As the genre suggests, what follows is a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and ruthless criminals. The strength of The Infiltrator lies in its depiction of the complex details of undercover operations, as well as the ethical challenges faced by those who take on such roles.

“Well acted, well written and has a kickass soundtrack, standout is character actor king John Leguizamo who just floats right into his sleazy character. The movie has tension, stakes and good drama. So if you feel like you're lacking in movie-ideas, I'd check this one out,” one Redditor said.

The Highwaymen (2019)

The Highwaymen, directed by John Lee Hancock, takes a different approach to the gangster genre. It focuses on the law enforcement officers who brought down one of the most notorious criminal duos in American history: Bonnie and Clyde. Starring Kevin Costner as Frank Hamer and Woody Harrelson as Benjamin Maney Gault, the film tells the story of the two former Texas Rangers who were assigned to track down the infamous bank robbers.

Hancock's movie is a more traditional take on the genre, albeit with a unique perspective that is often overshadowed by the fame and media glorification of Bonnie and Clyde themselves. It focuses on two aging lawmen who were not part of the public narrative, but who worked tirelessly to bring the criminals to justice.

Costner and Harrelson deliver strong performances as two men well past their prime, but still driven by desire to right the wrongs of the past. The pacing of the movie is slower than in The Infiltrator. It's less about action and more about careful investigation, which creates a different kind of intensity than you might find in a more conventional gangster movie.

“I saw The Highwaymen yesterday and must say it is really a good film. Harrelson and Costner play introverts, I couldn't find a single plot hole and the era in which it plays is perfectly visualised.. I highly recommend it. Don't expect any gore or over the top action, there simply is none,” one Redditor said.

Which Movie to Choose for a Saturday Night?

Both The Infiltrator and The Highwaymen offer different but equally compelling takes on crime and law enforcement. The Infiltrator delivers a high-stakes journey into the heart of the drug world, where every move is dangerous. And The Highwaymen focuses on the moral and physical toll of catching criminals who have already achieved legendary status.

Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on what kind of gangster movie you prefer at the moment. Would you rather dive into the dark world of undercover operations, or do you want to watch seasoned lawmen end an infamous criminal legacy?

Either way, both movies offer a gripping look at the battle between good and evil, and both are definitely worth your time on Netflix.