Are you ready to delve into the dark, twisted world where crime meets the supernatural? This curated list of horror movies about gangsters is not just for fans of the genre but also for those who appreciate a good scare with a criminal twist. Each film in this selection offers a unique blend of suspense, horror, and the gritty underworld of organized crime, providing an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The Last House on the Left (1972)
Description: A group of criminals, after committing a heinous act, seek refuge in the home of their victims' parents. The film's raw depiction of crime and revenge horror makes it a cornerstone of the genre.
Fact: This was Wes Craven's directorial debut, and it was inspired by Ingmar Bergman's "The Virgin Spring."


The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976)
Description: Although not about traditional gangsters, the film features a masked killer terrorizing a small town, embodying the fear and criminality of an unknown assailant. The blend of true crime and horror is compelling.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life Texarkana Moonlight Murders, and the killer's identity remains unknown to this day.


The Hills Have Eyes (1977)
Description: While not directly about gangsters, this film features a family of mutants who terrorize a vacationing family, embodying the essence of a criminal gang in a horror setting. The original film's gritty atmosphere makes it a fitting addition.
Fact: Wes Craven, the director, was inspired by the legend of Sawney Bean, a Scottish cannibal who lived in a cave with his family.


The Dead Zone (1983)
Description: While primarily a horror film, it features a subplot involving a political candidate with criminal intentions. The psychological horror and the looming threat of a criminal mastermind make it relevant to this list.
Fact: The film was adapted from Stephen King's novel, and King himself makes a cameo appearance.


From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
Description: Although it starts as a crime thriller, it quickly turns into a horror fest when the Gecko brothers, two notorious criminals, seek refuge in a bar that turns out to be a vampire den. The mix of crime and horror elements makes it a standout choice.
Fact: The film was directed by Robert Rodriguez and written by Quentin Tarantino, who also stars in it. It was initially conceived as a direct-to-video project.


The Devil's Rejects (2005)
Description: This film follows a family of sadistic killers on the run from the law, blending horror with the dark allure of a crime family. It's a perfect fit for this list due to its portrayal of a gang of outlaws with a penchant for terror.
Fact: The film was initially banned in several countries due to its graphic violence. It also features a cameo by horror icon Sid Haig.


The Crazies (2010)
Description: While not directly about gangsters, this film features a town where residents turn violent due to a biological weapon, creating a scenario where normal citizens become criminal-like in their actions. The horror of societal breakdown is palpable.
Fact: The film is a remake of George A. Romero's 1973 film of the same name, with a more polished production but retaining the original's chilling premise.


The Strangers (2008)
Description: Although not traditional gangsters, the masked intruders in this film act like a gang, terrorizing a couple in their home. The film's tension and the unknown motives of the attackers make it a horror classic with criminal undertones.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events, including the Manson Family murders.


The Purge: Anarchy (2014)
Description: Set during a night when all crime is legal, this film showcases various criminal elements, including a gang of masked killers. The societal breakdown and the criminal freedom make it a unique horror-crime blend.
Fact: The film was shot in Los Angeles, with some scenes filmed during actual nighttime hours to capture the eerie atmosphere.


The Hitcher (1986)
Description: This film follows a young man terrorized by a mysterious hitchhiker who seems to be a criminal mastermind. The psychological horror and the criminal pursuit make it a chilling addition.
Fact: The film was remade in 2007, but the original is often considered superior for its suspense and atmosphere.
