18 Best TV Shows About Gangsters, Ranked

When it comes to television series, most audiences have a certain taste. Even though some may like traditional mafia shows over a rare niche of organized crime, some series are simply a must-see for anyone who claims to be a serious fan of the gangster genre. From lesser-known shows such as Magic City and Gomorrah to memorable gems like Boardwalk Empire and Godfather of Harlem, these are the 18 best television shows about gangsters, ranked.

18 'Law & Order: Organized Crime' (2021–)

Created by Dick Wolf, Ilene Chaiken, and Matt Olmstead

Christopher Meloni reprises his iconic role as NYPD Detective Elliot Stabler in the spin-off series titled Law & Order: Organized Crime. He is now working for the organized crime unit where he encounters an array of gangsters and mafiosos. After suffering a devastating loss, Stabler returns to the job but, after being away for a decade, he soon learns that things have drastically changed in the Big Apple as well as the justice system, forcing him to adjust while coping with his personal issues.

Even though the series focuses on the police's perspective, Law & Order: Organized Crime introduces a variety of gangsters who manage to keep things interesting and unpredictable. The series crosses over with Meloni's former show, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, which makes it a unique spin-off out of the Law & Order franchise with endless possibilities of perps and suspects.

Watch on Peacock

17 'Falcone' (2000)

Created by Bobby Moresco and Ken Solarz

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The CBS series, Falcone, is a gangster show that manages to slip through the cracks mainly because it only ran for one season, but despite its short-lived run, it's still a series for any mafioso aficionado to check out. The show is based on the true story and harrowing experience of F.B.I. agent, Joseph Pistone (Jason Gedrick), who went undercover and infiltrated the Colombo crime family.

In 1997, Pistone's story made its initial debut on the silver screen in the essential gangster film, Donnie Brasco, starring Johnny Depp and Al Pacino, which was a monumental success. While the film reigns superior, Falcone adds a bit more detail and insight into Pistone's story, giving audiences a more in-depth view of his time with one of the most powerful crime families in New York City.

Falcone is currently not available to stream, rent, or purchase in the U.S.

16 'Gangs of London' (2020–)

Created by Gareth Evans and Matt Flannery

Gangs of London is a marginalized gangster series based on the popular 2006 video game and hits the ground running with an immediate conflict. When the head of a powerful London crime family, Finn Wallace (Colm Meaney), is murdered, no one knows who ordered the hit, leading to an intense power struggle between local and international gangs which ultimately brings destruction and mayhem throughout the major city.

Even though the series has earned mixed reviews, with many noting the excessive violence, Gangs of London is celebrated for giving a raw, uncensored depiction of organized crime and features an array of exceptional performances by the entire cast, which are just the cherry on top of this promising gangster series. With the third season underway, Gangs of London is currently one of the most promising gangster series and has all the potential to rank among the big leagues of similar series.

15 'The Penguin' (2024)

Created by Lauren LeFranc

The Penguin is a spin-off series of Matt Reeves' 2022 movie, The Batman, which picks up where the film left off and follows Oz Cobb, A.K.A. The Penguin, and his rise to becoming one of Gotham City's most powerful gangsters. Colin Farrell, who played the infamous DC Comic villain in the movie, reprises his role in the show, giving a more modernized and realistic twist to the character in this surprising hit.

With only one season under its belt, The Penguin made a grand debut, earning rave reviews and has been credited as one of the best television series in recent years. Considering all the adaptations and remakes from the DC Universe, The Penguin stands out with its gritty, uninhibited tone and an intriguing blueprint of a traditional gangster story, which is guaranteed to entertain even those who are not fans of DC Comics.

14 'Mob City' (2013)

Created by Frank Darabont

Mob City gives viewers a look behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood during the 1940s and exposes the intense power struggle between a corrupt police force and organized crime, who are each determined to claim the West Coast as their domain. Jon Bernthal stars as a former Marine and Los Angeles detective, Joe Teague, who soon finds himself in the middle of a plot to take down the city's elite gangsters, specifically Mickey Cohen (Jeremy Luke) and Bugsy Siegel (Edward Burns).

The show is based on the book L.A. Noir: The Struggle for the Soul of America's Most Seductive City written by John Buntin, and gives real-life accounts from former LAPD officers and detectives, adding an authentic touch to this gangster show. Mob City is an absolute must-see for any viewers who are fans of the early days of the mafia and their journey to gaining control of not just the West Coast but practically the entire United States.

13 'The Untouchables' (1959–1963)

Created by Desilu Productions

Before the 1987 gangster film The Untouchables starring Kevin Costner, Robert De Niro, and Sean Connery, Robert Stack starred in the hit series of the same name as the Prohibition agent Elliot Ness, who, along with a group of trustworthy men, fought to bring down the Chicago mob during the 1930s. Even though the series follows the same material as the film, the show served as the foundation for the film adaptation, making it a crucial gangster series.

With a successful run of four seasons, The Untouchables was a pivotal show that ultimately changed the formula of the hard-hitting drama series and even earned Stack an Emmy Award for Best Actor in a Dramatic Series in 1960. Some may be put off by the show being in black and white, but the riveting performances by Stack and the overall cast and detailed storytelling of each episode makes The Untouchables all worthwhile.

Buy on Amazon

12 'Get Shorty' (2017–2019)

Created by Dacvey Holmes

Chris O'Dowd stars in Get Shorty as an enforcer, Miles Daly, who works for a murderous crime ring in Nevada. After growing tired of his current situation, Daly decides he wants to change his profession and sets his sights on Hollywood. There, he makes connections while working to find a production crew and raise funding to produce a film, which he quickly learns is easier said than done.

Based on the 1990 novel by Elmore Leonard, Get Shorty is more of a homage to Leonard's work than an actual adaptation and has no connection to the 1995 film version by the same name starring John Travolta. The series is a humorous spin on organized crime, oftentimes poking fun at the traditional tropes of the gangster genre, and is much more in line with Leonard's dark sense of humor. The series ran for two seasons and in 2019, and even though there hasn't been a third season, MGM+ has not officially canceled the series at this time.

11 'The Wire' (2002–2008)

Created by David Simon

The award-winning series, The Wire, takes an in-depth look into the Baltimore narcotics scene through both the eyes of law enforcement and the gangsters and drug lords who run the city. Each season, The Wire introduces a different institution, ranging from the port system to governmental departments, weaving an alluring and intriguing web of crime, corruption, and murder that makes it one of the best gangster series of all time.

The Wire is considered to be one of the best dramas that changed the landscape of television and features an all-star cast which also consists of Idris Elba, Michael B. Jordan, and Wood Harris. The series is loosely based on the real-life experiences of the show's creator, David Simon, who used to work as a police reporter. The Wire earned two Emmy Award nominations, but despite its lack of accolades, it is still celebrated as a top-tier gangster series that continues to be a favorite among television fans.

10 'Magic City' (2012–2013)

Created by Mitch Glazer

Set in the late 1950s, a former cabana boy turned hotel mogul, Ike Evans (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) owns the luxurious Miramar Playa hotel in Miami Beach, and as Fidel Castro takes control of Cuba, his hotel becomes a hotspot for the wealthy, high-class guests as well as gangsters and CIA officials. As Evans tries to keep the Miramar Playa on top, he struggles with his past involvement with mob boss, Ben "the Butcher" Diamond (Danny Huston) who financed his dream hotel and isn't too keen on Evans wanting to end their partnership.

The Walking Dead star, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, shines in the two-season series, Magic City, which explores the rise of Miami Beach and its status as a vital location during the 1950s for both the rich and powerful. Morgan's character has one foot in the legitimate world while trying to free the other from the underworld, which essentially puts him on top, creating an interesting power struggle that affects a series of people in Ike Evans' life. While the gangster aspect is key to the series, Magic City also dazzles with exceptional costuming and authentic set design that effortlessly immerses audiences into its designated period. Even though it wasn't a long-running series, Magic City is still a thrilling gangster series that sheds light on a lesser-known time in mobster history paired with excellent performances.

9 'Lilyhammer' (2012–2014)

Created by Anne Bjornstad and Eilif Skodvin

When a New York gangster, Frank "The Fixer" Tagliano (Steven Van Zandt) testifies against his former associates, he asks to be sent to Lillehammer, Norway, which is a town he has always admired, after watching the 1994 Winter Olympic Games. Upon his arrival, Tagliano tries to adjust to his new surroundings, but when he's unable to leave his criminal ways and lifestyle behind him, he begins to set up his own operation while maintaining a low profile.

Known for his role as Silvio Dante in The Sopranos, Van Zandt puts a comedic twist on organized crime in the gangster comedy series, Lilyhammer. Tagliano is out of his element as the classic mafioso attempts to blend in with the humble Norweigian town which has little to no crime and is populated by simple, innocent folks. As he begins to exploit the town with certain aspects of his former life, it results in a series of comedic as well as dramatic scenarios that take the concept of a gangster show to another level. While Van Zandt's character has similar traits to Silvio Dante, the characters are not meant to be the same, but there is a fan theory that Lillyhammer is Dante's dream while he's in a coma, which is the state he was left in when The Sopranos ended. With an unusual twist on the gangster genre and the showstopping Van Zandt, who continues to surpass his talent, and notable guest stars including Tony Sirico and Maureen Van Zandt, Lilyhammer is hands down one of the top series about gangsters.

8 'Gomorrah' (2014–2021)

Created by Roberto Saviano

In Naples, Italy, the Camorra reigns as one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the country and is led by a relentless mobster, Pietro Savanstano (Fortunato Cerlino). When Savanstano's right-hand man, Circo Di Marzio (Marco D'Amore), witnesses how far his boss is willing to go to remain in power, he questions his motives, but despite his feelings, he still feels a sense of loyalty to Savanstano and does his best to protect his boss' son (Salvatore Esposito), who is expected to take over the family business.

The Italian gangster drama, Gomorrah, is a hidden gem of a series that takes audiences to the homeland of the mafia with a modern backdrop. While the series is in Italian with English subtitles, Gomorrah is still highly recommended, especially for those who are diehard gangster fans. Unlike most other gangster series, Gomorrah depicts the non-Americanized vision of organized crime and, even though there are many similarities between the two, it provides a rare view into the underworld and its local roots. Some might be put off by the subtitles, but considering the captivating performances and rare perspective into the origins and modern mafia, Gomorrah ranks as one of the best shows about gangsters.

7 'Tulsa King' (2022–)

Created by Taylor Sheridan

Sylvester Stallone stars in the latest gangster series, Tulsa King, as mobster, Dwight "The General" Manfredi who, after being released from serving twenty-plus years behind bars, is exiled by his boss to Tulsa, Oklahoma to establish their operation. Like a fish out of water, Manfredi tries to adapt to his new environment and when he starts to realize he might be outgrowing his current family, he begins to recruit his own.

Tulsa King is a surprisingly modern and humorous gangster series starring Stallone, who is best known for his tough guy, no-nonsense roles, and fits the part of Manfredi like a glove. The series goes to extensive lengths to expand the traditional gangster genre into more modern avenues, like the cannabis industry and the unlikely location of Tulsa, but Stallone's character still rings true to the classic mafioso, creating an interesting blend of worlds that draws audiences in. Tulsa King is one of the best gangster series that is sure to go fairly far.

6 'Godfather of Harlem' (2019–)

Created by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein

Oscar-winning actor, Forest Whitaker, stars in Godfather of Harlem as real-life drug kingpin, Bumpy Johnson, who tries to regain control of his stomping grounds from the Italian mafia. After spending a decade in prison, Johnson returns to his home of Harlem and is instantly thrown into a power struggle with the Italians, who have a strong hold on the city's territory and operations. Through strategic planning and forming unlikely alliances, Johnson goes to extreme measures to take back Harlem, even if it costs him his life.

Godfather of Harlem is an intriguing gangster series that sheds light on Johnson's career as well as the social injustices and discrimination that were prominent during the 1960s. The series brilliantly correlates a balance of both worlds: the Civil Rights Movement and the reign of organized crime during one of the most crucial times in American history. Whitaker is sublime as Johnson and is constantly pitted against his profession and the obligation he has to the African American population in his city, which ironically, is plagued by the poison Johnson makes a living off of selling. Johnson's constant internal struggle paired with the social and professional issues that find their way to his doorstep is what makes Godfather of Harlem a captivating series about gangsters.

5 'Sons of Anarchy' (2008–2014)

Created by Kurt Sutter

In the fictional town of Charming, California, a motorcycle club member, Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam), discovers a manifesto written by his late father and founder of his motorcycle club, SAMCRO (Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original), which leads to him reexamining himself as well as the current state of the group of bikers. Acknowledging the power and muscle the SAMCRO has, the club protects its town, dealing with a series of social issues such as drugs, racism, and government corruption and reformulating the purpose of its long-running club.

FX's highest-rated series of all time, Sons of Anarchy, centers on the life and relationships of Teller, who tries to fulfill his father's vision of the club while keeping his friends and family safe from the vices that come with their world. While the show centers around Teller, it also expands into a tight-knit biker club of colorful characters who each bring their own unique quality to the show, some even having real-life experience in the biker life, adding an authentic view into the world of motorcycle gangs. Even though it isn't the classic mobster gang that is prominent in the genre, Sons of Anarchy still reigns as a superb one-of-a-kind show about gangsters.

4 'Narcos' (2015–2017)

Created by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro

Set in the late 1980s, cocaine is at an all-time high, especially in the United States, and is mainly funneled through drug cartels, notably from Colombia. As various drug lords such as Pablo Escobar (Wagner Moura) fight against one another to gain control of the extremely profitable business, they are also faced with the conflict of being targeted by high-ranking political officials as well as law enforcement who are determined to win the war on drugs.

Netflix's original gangster series, Narcos, follows the rise of the cocaine trade through various viewpoints, ranging from the perspective of drug kingpins to the law enforcement agents who are tasked with fighting to end one of the world's most valuable commodities. The show meticulously intertwines each group and their efforts into an extensive web of conflict and violence, which is one of the main elements that causes Narcos to stand out from other gangster series. Despite centering around a well-covered period of the 80s drug scene, Narcos puts a spin on the subject by adding various viewpoints and well-developed characters, making it one of the all-time best shows about gangsters.

3 'Boardwalk Empire' (2010–2014)

Created by Terence Winter

Steve Buscemi stars in HBO's Boardwalk Empire as Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, who tries to balance his legitimate profession as Atlantic City's treasurer with his criminal underground operation as a bootlegger during the dawn of Prohibition. As Thompson forms alliances and deals with well-known mobsters such as Arnold Rothstein (Michael Stuhlbarg) and Johnny Torrio (Greg Antonacci) and rising stars like Charles "Lucky" Luciano (Vincent Piazza) and Al Capone (Stephen Graham), he sinks deeper into corruption, violence, and greed that eventually leads to his demise.

Created by former writer of The Sopranos, Terence Winter, Boardwalk Empire is an epic gangster series that centers around the height of organized crime as well as the political side of the Prohibition Era. For those who enjoy history or the early days of mobsters, Boardwalk Empire is right up your alley, but even though the show features real-life gangsters, it does take liberties with some aspects of the main plot and isn't considered to be historical fiction. With Oscar-winning director, Martin Scorsese and Sopranos writer, Tim Van Patten serving as executive producers and a glimpse through the eyes of the complex Thompson, Boardwalk Empire is a top-notch series about gangsters that is a must-see.

2 'Peaky Blinders' (2013–2022)

Created by Steven Knight

Oscar-winner, Cillian Murphy, takes on the role of Thomas Shelby in the British gangster series, Peaky Blinders, which is set shortly after the end of World War I. With Britain left in shambles, Shelby leads the area's most powerful gang, the Peaky Blinders, but when he decides he wants to advance higher than running the streets, he begins to set his sights on more profitable business endeavors. While he knows that crime does pay, he realizes that legitimate business operations are bound to have a larger payoff in the end.

Peaky Blinders is one of the top-rated series about gangsters and is loosely based on a real-life gang by the same name that ruled the city of Birmingham from the 1880s up until the 1910s. With Murphy delivering one of the genre's greatest gangsters in recent years, Peaky Blinders does a magnificent job of including not just the local historical setting but also the events around the globe that have an immense impact on the urban gang and their business operations, creating a complex picture to heighten the core story. Along with Murphy, other notable stars make appearances throughout the series, including Adrien Brody, Tom Hardy, and Game of Thrones star, Aidan Gillen. With a rarely seen take on organized crime overseas and impeccable performances laid against a gritty, authentic backdrop, Peaky Blinders reigns as one of the latest and best series about gangsters.

1 'The Sopranos' (1999–2007)

Created by David Chase

James Gandolfini stars in his breakout role in David Chase's The Sopranos as New Jersey mob boss, Tony Soprano, who tries to juggle his double life as an all-American family man and his unconventional career choice which comes with constant stress and unforeseen conflict seeping into his personal life. Gandolfini is joined by an array of all-stars including Edie Falco, Goodfellas' Lorraine Bracco, and Michael Imperioli, who deliver showstopping performances in easily the greatest gangster series of all time.

Let's be honest, the previous shows listed would not exist without The Sopranos, which essentially paved the way for the television mafioso drama and set the foundation for future shows to come. With over twenty Emmy Awards, The Sopranos takes a more relatable look into the world of a modern mobster who, on one hand, deals with a majority of the everyday struggles most people endure, but on the other, his job in, uh, "waste management", introduces a whole other layer of pressure and concerns that add to the show's overall appeal. The infamous legacy and influence of the series plus the unforgettable performances by the overall phenomenal cast is what ultimately makes The Sopranos the number one best series about gangsters of all time.

NEXT: The Best Gangster Movies, Ranked