Top 10 Best Gangster Movies in Asia

Nameless Gangster garnered significant attention even before its release, thanks to a stellar cast including Choi Min Sik, famous for his role in the award-winning film "Oldboy," and Ha Jung Woo, known for his cold-blooded performance in "The Chaser." Set in 1982, the film tells the story of Choi Ik-hyeon, a middle-aged customs officer facing unemployment and the burden of supporting his three children. He unexpectedly encounters Choi Hyeong-bae, a powerful gang boss from Busan, with whom he forms a criminal partnership. Together, they navigate the world of corruption and crime, intertwining their fates in a dark, morally complex journey.

Nameless Gangster is notable for its strong character development, seamless narrative, and a script full of promise. The film cleverly intertwines ideology with traditional Eastern values, creating a rich, layered storyline. It shows how, in Eastern society, individuals—whether criminals or heroes—are bound by family ties and social hierarchies, which influence every action and decision. The film also explores the contradictions within characters, presenting the idea that life is rarely a simple dichotomy of right and wrong, but often a complex, grey area.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2015

Genre: Crime, Drama

Director: Yoon Jong-bin

Stars: Choi Min Sik, Ha Jung Woo

IMDb Rating: 7.0

The Last Tycoon is set in Shanghai during the 1920s and 1930s and tells the true story of a gangster named Cheng Dai Qi and his transformation from an innocent young man into a notorious crime boss. In 1917, Dai Qi is a kind and naive young man working as a fruit seller. He is in love with Ye Tri Thu, a woman with a captivating voice who dreams of becoming a famous singer. The two are set to marry once Dai Qi establishes a stable career. However, a tragic turn of events unfolds when Dai Qi witnesses his employer, the shop owner, having an affair with the chief of police. In order to silence him, the chief frames Dai Qi for murder and has him thrown into prison. While in jail, Dai Qi receives help from Mao Tai, a member of the Japanese military, who aids him in escaping. This event marks the beginning of Dai Qi's rise as a key player in Shanghai's underworld when he joins Hong Shuo Ding's notorious crime syndicate.

Released in December 2012, The Last Tycoon garnered attention with its star-studded cast, including Hong Kong cinema icons such as Chow Yun-fat, Huang Xiaoming, Donnie Yen, Ngai Sze-lin, and many more. The film also marked the long-awaited collaboration between Chow Yun-fat and director Wong Jing after 18 years, following their previous work on "God of Gambler."

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2012

Genre: Crime, Adventure, Action

Director: Lau Wai-Keung

Stars: Chow Yun-fat, Huang Xiaoming, Donnie Yen

IMDb Rating: 6.6

Unlike most other films that focus on the darker side of society and delve deeply into organized crime syndicates, Crows Zero takes a lighter and less complex approach, primarily revolving around high school gangs.

The story is set in Suzuran High School, a place almost exclusively for boys who either enjoy fighting or are destined to become future mafia members. Here, rather than studying, the students' main focus is on building their gangs. The key to surviving in this school is not intelligence, but strength – specifically, the ability to throw a punch. Crows Zero has a total of three films, but the first two remain the best, especially those that follow the character Genji. Genji, the son of a Yakuza boss, transfers to Suzuran with one goal: to take control of the most violent school in the region.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 2012
Genre: Crime, Comedy, Action
Director: Takashi Miike
Stars: Shun Oguri, Kyôsuke Yabe, Meisa Kuroki
IMDb Rating: 7.0

Japanese gangster films have always been a compelling genre, with numerous blockbuster titles, and Takeshi Kitano is one of the most prominent directors in this field. His film Outrage explores the conflicts between different generations within a powerful Yakuza family that has grown beyond control. During this sensitive transitional period, the family is secretly undermined by a corrupt and ruthless police officer.

The story begins with Sekiuchi (Kitamura Soichiro), the leader of the Sannokai gang, the most powerful Yakuza organization in the Kanto region. Sekiuchi issues a strict warning to his deputy, Kato (Miura Tomozaku), and his right-hand man, Ikemoto (Kunimura Jun), about a crucial operation. Kato quickly distances himself from the task and hands it over to Ikemoto, who then passes the responsibility to his associate Otomo (Beat Takeshi), who leads his own group. The job that no one in the mafia wants to take on eventually lands in Otomo's hands...

Like other thoughtful films such as Sonatine, Fireworks, and Brother, Outrage paints a harsh, dark, and violent world. As personal honor is tested by new value systems, the true nature of both the Yakuza and the authorities is revealed. The film stars the legendary actor and director Takeshi Kitano, who also directed the film.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2012

Genre: Crime, Drama, Action

Director: Takeshi Kitano

Stars: Takeshi Kitano, Kippei Shîna, Ryô Kase

IMDb Rating: 6.8

A Dirty Carnival is one of the trio of gangster films directed by Yu Ha, which also includes Once Upon a Time in High School and Gangnam Blues. This film stands out as one of the most authentic portrayals of gangsters, with its action scenes and scheming criminals closely reflecting reality. The story follows Byung Doo, a gangster boss in a professional crime syndicate, but constantly under the control of his superior, Sang Chul. With a sick mother and two younger siblings, Byung Doo faces constant financial strain. Things begin to look up when Byung Doo assists President Hwang, a powerful mafia leader, and becomes his trusted ally. At the same time, Byung Doo reconnects with two childhood friends, and after falling in love with Hyun Joo, a kind-hearted and beautiful woman, he starts to desire leaving the underworld for a quieter life.

Despite some illogical plot points, particularly surrounding the murders, which are common in Korean crime films, A Dirty Carnival remains a brilliant example of gritty realism. The film juxtaposes the harsh, brutal world of modern gangsters with a broader social context, presenting relationships and moral dilemmas with concise and engaging storytelling. It is widely considered one of the best Korean gangster films to date.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 2006
Genre: Crime, Drama, Action
Director: Ha Yoo
Stars: Jo In Sung, Lee Bo Young, Cheon Ho Jin
IMDb Rating: 7.3

Watch here: https://www.iq.com/album/a-dirty-carnival-2006-2ca1qqgia2g?lang=en_us

A Bittersweet Life is a critically acclaimed masterpiece from director Kim Jae Woon, which was praised by critics and ranked among the best Korean films of 2005. The lead actor, Lee Byung Hun, won the Best Actor award at the Chunsa Film Art Awards in 2005, and this film also marked the beginning of his rise to Hollywood fame.

The film follows Sun Woo, a loyal enforcer working for a crime boss who masquerades as a hotel manager. Sun Woo lives a monotonous, aimless life, yet he strives to do the right thing. However, his moral convictions come at a heavy cost. One day, his boss assigns him the task of keeping an eye on his mistress and to kill her when he finds out she has a lover. In a moment of weakness, Sun Woo spares the woman and her lover, which sets off a chain of catastrophic events. Though the storyline may seem simple, it carries profound meaning, making it a must-watch film.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2005

Genre: Action, Crime, Drama

Director: Kim Jae Woon

Stars: Lee Byung-hun, Shin Min A, Kim Yeong-cheol

IMDb Rating: 7.5

Watch here: https://vieon.vn/ngot-dang-cuoc-doi.html

Young And Dangerous is a legendary crime film series from Hong Kong cinema in the 1990s, directed by Lau Wai Keung. First released in 1996, it remains one of the most iconic films about the Triad society. Upon release, the film was met with widespread acclaim, leading the producers to create a sequel titled Cops and Robbers 2: The Triad’s Struggle. The series went on to spawn six parts, focusing on the character Chan Ho Nam and exploring the lives of various side characters from the original film.

Based on the popular manga of the same name, Young And Dangerous tells the story of Chan Ho Nam, a kind-hearted young man who, after being bullied by street thugs, is taken under the wing of a Triad leader. Eventually, Ho Nam gets drawn deeper into the criminal underworld, joining the Hong Kong Triad and participating in violent turf wars against rival gangs.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 1996
Genre: Crime, Drama, Action
Director: Lau Wai Keung
Stars: Ekin Cheng, Jordan Chan, Ngai Sing
IMDb Rating: 7.0

Chasing the Dragon is based on true events from the 1960s and 70s in Hong Kong, telling the story of the notorious drug kingpin, Hao Que, and the infamous police chief, Lo Lai, who was one of the 'Four Great Police Chiefs' of the time.

The film features two of Hong Kong’s biggest stars, Donnie Yen and Andy Lau, in their first on-screen collaboration. Together, they portray the rise of Hao Que and Lo Lai, who navigate through hardships and challenges in their pursuit of power. Over time, they become the dominant forces in Hong Kong's criminal underworld, reigning over the city for an entire era. This film is a must-watch for fans of gangster cinema, especially those who appreciate Hong Kong’s past crime dramas.

If you’re a fan of Donnie Yen and worried about a lack of martial arts action, fear not—his incredible fight scenes are front and center. Furthermore, the on-screen chemistry between Yen and Lau is undeniable, creating a thrilling dynamic. Even if you’re not particularly into gangster films, you’ll still enjoy the action, humor, and compelling characters that this film offers.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 2017
Genre: Action, Crime, Biographical
Directors: Wang Jing, Wong Jing
Stars: Donnie Yen, Andy Lau
IMDb Rating: 6.7

Watch here: https://www.iq.com/album/war-against-gangsters-2019-19rqpkx05s?lang=en_us

Gangnam Blues, also known as Gangnam 1970, marks a comeback for two of South Korea's biggest stars, Lee Min Ho and Kim Rae Won, in this action-packed film set in the 1970s. The story follows two young men, former childhood friends turned street thugs who resort to extortion and selling scrap metal to survive. After getting caught in a violent clash between two rival gangs, they become separated, only to later join opposing criminal organizations led by powerful political figures. What was once a friendship is now a deadly rivalry as they find themselves on opposite sides of a blood-soaked conflict.

Gangnam Blues offers thrilling action sequences and brutal combat, but underneath the violence, the film delves into deeper human themes—such as desires, personal connections, and the hidden kindness among the tough and cold-hearted gangsters dressed in sharp black suits. These layered emotional beats add a layer of depth to the otherwise gritty story of survival and loyalty.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2015

Genre: Action, Crime, Drama

Director: Ha Yoo

Stars: Lee Min Ho, Kim Rae Won

IMDb Rating: 6.2

Friend is a two-part film series, with the first installment released in 2001. The story revolves around four childhood friends—Dong Soo, Joon Suk, Sang Taek, and Joong Ho—who grow up together. As they mature, they each change, leading to a tragic turn when two of the friends, Joon Suk and Dong Soo, end up joining rival criminal organizations. The second part, released in 2013, takes place 17 years after the first film. This time, the story follows Choi Sung Hoon, the son of Dong Soo. Raised in a harsh environment with a violent stepfather after his father's death, Sung Hoon becomes a rebellious thug, frequently in trouble with the law. Eventually, he reunites with Joon Suk, the close friend of his late father, leading to a complex and gripping narrative.

Both parts of Friend were praised for their stellar performances, particularly by Jang Dong Gun and Kim Woo Bin. With a solid script and intense character development, the films became massive box office successes. The first part attracted over 8 million viewers, while the second part reached 1 million viewers in record time, breaking several box office records in South Korea, despite both films being rated 19+.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 2001 - 2013
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Director: Kwak Kyung Taek
Stars: Yu Oh Sung, Jang Dong Gun, Kim Woo Bin
IMDb Rating: 7.2 (Part 1), 6.2 (Part 2)

Watch here: https://www.iq.com/search?query=Friend&originInput=Friend