11 Best Gangster Movies of Bollywood: From Animals, Wasseypur Gangsters to Lokhandwala Gunfight

Over the years, Bollywood has explored the crime genre to its fullest, masterfully portraying the intense and realistic world of gangsters. This exploration has led to the emergence of an interesting subgenre within the realm of gangster films. There are a number of Indian gangster films known for delving into the dark side of the criminal world, and they stand out as must-see classics.

11 best Bollywood gangster movies that redefine the crime genre

1. Animals (2023)

• Execution time: 3 hours 21 minutes
• IMDB rating: 6.8/10
• Movie genre: action/crime
• Movie star cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandana, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Tripti Dimri, Shakti Kapoor, Prem Chopra
• director: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
• Release year: 2023

Animal, a gripping action drama directed and edited by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, features an all-star cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna and Tripti Dimri. The story revolves around Rannvijay Singh, a fierce young man who discovers his father’s assassination plot and is forced to go on a journey of revenge. His is one of the best gangster movies of all time in Bollywood.

2. Vikram Veda (2022)

• Execution time: 2 hours 37 minutes
• IMDB rating: 7.1/10
• Movie genre: Thriller/Action
• Movie star cast: Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, Radhika Apte, Yogita Bihani
• director: Pushkar – Gayathri
• Release year: 2022
• Where to watch / OTT platforms: geocinema

Vikram Veda is a gripping Bollywood crime thriller directed by Pushkar-Gayathri. Starring Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan, the film depicts a cat-and-mouse game between a determined police officer and a charismatic gangster. Filled with plot twists, moral dilemmas, and great performances, this top-notch gangster movie is a compelling and highly acclaimed cinematic experience.

3. Rays (2017)

• Execution time: 2 hours 23 minutes
• IMDB rating: 6.7/10
• Movie genre: Thriller/Action
• Movie star cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Mahira Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Mohammed Zeeshan, Sheeba Chaddha
• director:Rahul Dholakia
• Release year: 2017
• Where to watch / OTT platforms: Netflix

Raees is one of the best mafia movies of all time in Bollywood. The film is directed by Rahul Dholakia and stars Shah Rukh Khan as the title character. The film, set in Gujarat, depicts the rise of Raees Alam as a bootlegger and his conflicts with the police. Rays explores the complexities of crime, morality, and power with strong performances and a gripping story.

4. Gangs of Wasseypur (2012)

• Execution time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• IMDB rating: 8.2/10
• Movie genre: crime/action
• Movie star cast: Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Richa Chaddha, Reema Sen, Piyush Mishra, Pankaj Tripathi, Tigmanshu Dhulia
• director: Anurag Kashyap
• Release year: 2006
• Where to watch / OTT platforms: Netflix

Anurag Kashyap’s masterpiece Gangs of Wasseypur revolutionized Indian cinema in many ways. Boasting an exceptional ensemble cast, unforgettable characters, a compelling plot, and timeless dialogues, the film is known as one of India’s best gangster films. Its brilliance transcends time and leaves a lasting impact. The equally captivating sequels added further value to its legacy and cemented its place in the field of Indian cinema.

5. Derry Belly (2011)

• Execution time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• IMDB rating: 7.5/10
• Movie genre: action/comedy
• Movie star cast: Imran Khan, Vir Das, Kunal Roy Kapur, Shehnaz Treshriwala, Vijay Raaz
• director: Abhinay Deo
• Release year: 2011
• Where to watch / OTT platforms: Netflix

When it comes to India’s top gangster films, Delhi Belly subverts expectations by blending the genre with humor. Far from the mainstream, this film revolves around a misplaced diamond that makes her three eccentric roommates the targets of a deadly gang, resulting in some hilariously unconventional plot twists.

6. Once Upon a Time in Mumbai (2010)

• Execution time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• IMDB rating: 7.4/10
• Movie genre: Crime/Thriller
• Movie star cast: Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi, Randeep Hooda, Prachi Desai
• director: Milan Luthria
• Release year: 2010
• Where to watch / OTT platforms: Disney+Hotstar, Amazon Prime

Considered one of the best gangster films in Bollywood, Milan Luthria’s Once Upon a Time in Mumbai, as its title suggests, explores the complexities of Mumbai’s underworld. Let me explain. Starring Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi, Prachi Desai and Randeep Hooda, the film’s characters are inspired by real-life gangsters, adding authenticity to the story and captivating the audience.

7. Gunfight at Lokhandwala (2007)

• Execution time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• IMDB rating: 7.1/10
• Movie genre: Action/Drama
• Movie star cast: Vivek Oberoi, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Tushar Kapoor, Arbaaz Khan
• director: Apoorva Rakia
• Release year: 2007
• Where to watch / OTT platforms: Disney + Hotstar, Amazon Prime, Geo Cinema

Ranked among the top gangster films in Bollywood, Lokhandwala Shootout is a dramatization of a real-life clash between gangsters and police that took place in 1991. Despite being labeled based on true rumors, the movie is action-packed and thrilling. Vivek Oberoi steals the show with his brilliant performance as Maya (Mahindra Dras), a gangster.

8. Don (2006)

• Execution time: 2 hours 51 minutes
• IMDB rating: 7.1/10
• Movie genre: Thriller/Action
• Movie star cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Esha Koppikar, Boman Irani, Arjun Rampal, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Om Puri
• director: Farhan Akhtar
• Release year: 2006
• Where to watch / OTT platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime

Don, directed by Farhan Akhtar, is a Bollywood crime thriller starring Shah Rukh Khan. A remake of the 1978 film, it stars the iconic character Don, a cunning criminal. Its sequel, Don 2, continues the story of Don’s expansion into international crime. Both the films are highly acclaimed for their suspenseful plots and his charismatic portrayal of SRK.

9. Gangster: A Love Story (2006)

• Execution time: 2 hours 3 minutes
• IMDB rating: 7.2/10
• Movie genre: Romance/Thriller
• Movie star cast: Emraan Hashmi, Shiny Ahuja, Gulshan Grover
• director: Anurag Basu
• Release year: 2006
• Where to watch / OTT platforms: YouTube

Gangster: A Love Story is a fascinating film that explores the complexities of love and the moral struggle between good and evil. A woman who has moved on with her life is faced with a dilemma when her ex-gangster lover reappears. The plot, songs, performances, and unforgettable ending make this movie a truly memorable experience. One of the best mafia movies of all time in Bollywood!

10. Sarkar (2005)

• Execution time: 2 hours
• IMDB rating: 7.6/10
• Movie genre: Thriller/Action
• Movie star cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Tanishaa Mukherji, Katrina Kaif, Kay Kay Menon
• director: ram gopal varma
• Release year: Year 2005
• Where to watch / OTT platforms: Disney+Hotstar, Amazon Prime

Sarkar, one of the best Indian gangster films, revolves around an influential leader named Sarkar, who faces a trumped-up murder charge. In response, his son takes the stand to protect his family’s legacy and fulfill his responsibilities. This film is one of Ram Gopal’s most critically acclaimed works of his Varma and offers an engaging story and convincing acting.

11. Company (2001)

• Execution time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• IMDB rating: 8/10
• Movie genre: crime/action
• Movie star cast: Ajay Devgn, Vivek Oberoi, Mohanlal, Manisha Koirala, Antra Mali, Vijay Raaz
• director: Ram Gopal Varma
• Release year: 2001
• Where to watch / OTT platforms: G5

Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, Company is a gritty crime thriller that explores the underworld of Mumbai. Starring Ajay Devgn, Vivek Oberoi and Mohanlal, the film delves into the dynamics of organized crime and the complex relationships between gang members. It has been praised for its realistic depiction of the criminal world and compelling storytelling.