If you enjoyed the gritty realism and intense drama of The Guv'nor (2016), this list is for you. We’ve curated 10 gripping movies and shows that share its themes of power, loyalty, and the underworld. Whether you're drawn to crime sagas or character-driven thrillers, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Long Good Friday (1980)
Description: A tense and gritty crime thriller about a London gangster whose empire begins to crumble over one violent weekend, with themes of betrayal and revenge.
Fact: The film was initially banned in Ireland due to its portrayal of the IRA.
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The Krays (1990)
Description: A biographical crime drama about the infamous Kray twins, who ruled London's underworld in the 1960s, focusing on their violent rise and fall.
Fact: The film was produced by the Krays' former associate, who wanted to portray them in a more sympathetic light.
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Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
Description: A chaotic and stylish crime caper involving small-time crooks, high-stakes gambling, and a series of interconnected misadventures, all set in London's criminal underbelly.
Fact: The film was shot on a tight budget, with many of the actors wearing their own clothes to save money.
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Sexy Beast (2000)
Description: A psychological crime drama featuring a retired gangster pressured into one last heist, with intense performances and a focus on the darker side of the criminal lifestyle.
Fact: Ben Kingsley's performance as the psychotic Don Logan earned him an Academy Award nomination.
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Snatch (2000)
Description: A fast-paced crime comedy with a focus on underground boxing, dodgy deals, and eccentric characters, blending dark humor with gritty underworld action.
Fact: The film features a mix of British and American actors, with Brad Pitt's character Mickey O'Neil speaking in an almost unintelligible Irish Traveller accent.
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Layer Cake (2004)
Description: A sophisticated crime drama about a drug dealer trying to retire but getting pulled into one last job, with a focus on the hierarchy and politics of the criminal world.
Fact: Daniel Craig's performance in this film was a major factor in him being cast as James Bond.
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The Business (2005)
Description: A crime drama set in the 1980s about British expats running a nightclub in Spain, blending violence, hedonism, and the pursuit of the criminal high life.
Fact: The film's soundtrack features many iconic 80s hits, contributing to its nostalgic vibe.
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Rise of the Footsoldier (2007)
Description: A brutal and unflinching look at the rise of a football hooligan turned drug dealer, based on true events and featuring extreme violence and criminal ambition.
Fact: The film is based on the autobiography of Carlton Leach, a former hooligan and enforcer for the Essex firm.
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RocknRolla (2008)
Description: A slick and violent crime thriller centered around London's property market, Russian mobsters, and a missing painting, featuring a mix of dark humor and brutal action.
Fact: The film was intended to be the first in a trilogy, but the sequels were never made due to the director's focus on other projects.
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Legend (2015)
Description: A crime biopic about the Kray twins, exploring their brutal reign over London's gangland and the complex relationship between the two brothers.
Fact: Tom Hardy plays both Ronnie and Reggie Kray, using subtle differences in performance to distinguish the twins.
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