TOP 17 Best Gangster Movies, Riveting and Worth Watching

For action movie enthusiasts, the best gangster movies from Hong Kong and Korea of all time are a must-watch. According to the latest updates, Port Kingpin (2017), Time To Hunt (2020), The Last Boss (2012), Deadly Pursuit (2016),... bring viewers intense confrontations and gripping scenes that will keep you glued to the screen. Dive into the exciting recommendations by Mytour Blog for a thrilling weekend movie marathon!

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TOP Hong Kong Gangster Movies, Best Action Martial Arts Films of All Time

Chasing the Dragon (2017) – Best Hong Kong Action Crime Film

Chasing the Dragon portrays real events in Hong Kong during the 1960s and 1970s. The film follows the story of drug lord Hào Què and one of the four great Chinese police chiefs, Lôi Lạc. One hidden in the shadows, the other working in the light, both facing numerous challenges in life and climbing the ladder of power step by step. In the end, they become the 'kings' of Hong Kong during an era.

• Release Year: 2017
• Duration: 2 hours 8 minutes
• Directors: Wong Jing, Jason Kwan
• Cast: Andy Lau, Donnie Yen
• IMDb: 6.7/10

Truy Sát (2016) – Action-packed Crime Thriller

Lieutenant Nguyễn An An is assigned by the Police Department to monitor and investigate a shady charity auction. During this process, he discovers Tài's intention to steal a national treasure and unintentionally kills him. Following the obtained clues, the anti-narcotics police team affirms that Băng Sói is the main culprit behind the entire illegal operation.

To avenge her sister's fiancé (Tài), Lộc (the notorious leader of Băng Sói) is determined to find ways to assassinate An and Bình (her brother). The only way for An to escape this terrifying death is to find the true mastermind.

The struggle between the police team and Băng Sói becomes increasingly fierce. Throughout the film, audiences will witness intense pursuits, one after another, along with a series of cunning tactics by the criminals.

• Release Year: 2016
• Duration: 90 Minutes
• Director: Ngô Quốc Cường
• Cast: Trương Ngọc Ánh, Lâm Vissay, Thiên Nguyễn
• IMDb Rating: Updating

The Last Leader (2012) 

The Last Leader is a crime drama film set in the chaotic backdrop of 1920s Shanghai. Criminal gangs run rampant, oppressing weaker forces. Đại Khí, a gentle young man, arrives in Shanghai to make a living. Later, he becomes a notorious gang leader through the trampling and disdain of those around him.

• Release Year: 2012
• Duration: 1 hour 47 minutes
• Director: Vương Tinh
• Cast: Châu Nhuận Phát, Ngô Trấn Vũ, Hồng Kim Bảo, Huỳnh Hiểu Minh
• IMDb Rating: 6.6

SPL: Sha Po Lang (2005) 

SPL: Sha Po Lang is a film revolving around the battle between two detectives, Trần Quốc Trung, Mã Quân, and the underworld kingpin Vương Phá along with his accomplice Jack – a notorious cold-blooded assassin. Spectacular martial arts fights and intense, suspenseful plot twists are sure to captivate the audience. 

• Release Year: 2005
• Duration: 93 Minutes
• Director: Wilson Yip
• Cast: Donnie Yen, Jing Wu, Sammo Kam-Bo Hung
• IMDb Rating: Updating

Young and Dangerous (1996)

Young and Dangerous is one of the most famous and worth-watching crime action movies of the 90s. The plot revolves around the main character, Trần Hạo Nam. He is courageous, righteous, and, along with his brothers, undergoes hardships to build a gang and rise to prominence in the underworld during this era. 

• Release Year: 1996
• Duration: 1 hour 39 minutes
• Director: Andrew Lau
• Cast: Trần Tiểu Xuân, Trịnh Y Kiện, Nhậm Đạt Hoa
• IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

Undercover Mission (2016)

Undercover Mission is a crime action film telling the courageous journey of the brave woman - Đinh Tỷ. To investigate the mysterious disappearance of 6 undercover cops, Đinh Tỷ decides to infiltrate the dangerous underworld, full of traps.

During this process, Đinh Tỷ directly faces the two most formidable figures in the criminal underworld - a ruthless assassin and a drug lord. She receives support from the highly skilled superior Q-Sir. This journey is extremely perilous, posing a constant threat to her life. 

• Release Year: 2016
• Duration: 109 minutes
• Director: Wen Weihong
• Cast: Cổ Thiên Lạc, Xa Thi Mạn, Trương Gia Huy, Trần Hào, Ngô Trấn Vũ,
• IMDb: Updating

Dark Flowers (1998)

Dark Flowers is set in Macau. The two factions in the Triad are fiercely opposed, but after an agreement, they decide to cease fire. At a crucial moment, this agreement fails. One of the K brothers sends Sam - a morally compromised cop - to handle the situation. This plunges everything into a more complicated and dire situation. 

• Release Year: 1998
• Duration: Updating
• Director: Đỗ Kỳ Phong
• Cast: Lương Triều Vỹ, Thiệu Mỹ Kỳ, Lưu Thanh Vân
• IMDb: Updating

Operation Counterfeit Money – Most thrilling Hong Kong gangster movie

Operation Counterfeit Money keeps the audience on the edge of their seats in every scene, captivating them for every minute. The film follows the intense pursuit of the Hong Kong police against the mastermind leading a gang involved in counterfeiting, known as Painter. They successfully dismantle a sophisticated operation and apprehend key member Lee Man as he attempts to flee to Thailand. Through his confession, the police gradually uncover the identity and traces of Painter.

However, despite the intense pursuit, the Painter gang continues to cunningly acquire printing paper and then hijack trucks to mass-produce counterfeit dollars. Thanks to their clever tactics, they easily outsmart currency experts. Clearly, they are a formidable adversary for the police.

• Release Year: Updating
• Duration: Updating
• Director: Trang Văn Cường
• Cast: Châu Nhuận Phát, Trương Tịnh Sơ, Quách Phú Thành,
• IMDb: 6.9

The Card Player (1989) 

Legendary movie 'The Card Player' (1989) stands as a pioneering project in Hong Kong cinema, exploring the themes of gambling and deceit. The shadow of the main character, brilliantly portrayed by Châu Nhuận Phát, remains unmatched to this day. The story revolves around Cao Tiến, once a card-playing deity known for his unbeatable skills. However, he falls into the trap set by Tran Dao Tu, losing his memory. Dao Tu exploits Cao Tiến's talent to amass wealth through gambling. Despite facing numerous challenges, they eventually become a dynamic duo, accompanying each other in the most notorious gambling schemes in Hong Kong.

• Release Year: 1989
• Duration: 116 Minutes
• Director: Jing Wong
• Cast: Lưu Đức Hoa, Châu Nhuận Phát, Vương Tổ Hiền
• IMDb: Updating

Infernal Affairs (2002) 

'Infernal Affairs' (2002) is a gripping gangster film revolving around an intense, suspenseful mental duel between undercover cop Tran Vinh Nhan, secretly operating within the notorious Triad gang, and the criminal mastermind Lưu Kiến Minh. The latter, a trusted ally embedded within the police force by the Triad. To fulfill their espionage mission, both individuals continually engage in conflicting factions, facing a series of perilous situations, each trying to outsmart the other.

• Release Year: 2002
• Duration: 100 Minutes
• Directors: Alan Mak, Wai-keung Lau
• Cast: Andy Lau, Anthony Wong Chau-Sang, Tony Leung Chiu Wai
• IMDb: Updating

A Better Tomorrow (1986) 

'Heroic Identity' is a gangster film centering on Tong Tu Hao, a notorious counterfeit money gang leader determined to reform. His younger brother, Tong Tu Kiet, is an explosive police officer harboring deep resentment towards the criminal underworld. After their father's death, the once-close brothers became estranged. Tong Tu Hao must navigate the complexities of underworld relationships while trying to rebuild the bonds of brotherhood.

• Release Year: 1986
• Duration: 95 Minutes
• Director: Ngo Vu Sam
• Cast: Dich Long, Truong Quoc Vinh, Chau Nhuan Phat, Emily Chu
• IMDb: Updating

Criminal Society (2005) – Best crime thriller gangster film

The plot of 'Criminal Society (2005)' revolves around the intense power struggle between two factions within the notorious Tam Hoang gang in Hong Kong. During the election for a new leader, the prominent candidates are Music Thieu and Big D. They possess contrasting approaches, thinking styles, and personalities. While Music Thieu is cunning, scheming, and socially connected, Big D is impulsive, hard to control, and always resorts to violence as a solution in all matters.

After losing in a confrontation with Music Thieu, Big D, in a fit of rage, declares his intention to form his own gang. The escalating tension leads the Hong Kong police to temporarily detain key figures in the gang to prevent a bloodbath.

Later, Music Thieu reluctantly concedes to hold the power. However, he is concealing another devious plan.

• Release Year: 2005
• Duration: 101 minutes
• Director: Do Ky Phong
• Cast: Nham Dat Hoa, Truong Gia Huy, Luong Gia Huy, Co Thien Lac, 
• IMDb: Updating

Mysterious Scheme (2014) 

The movie 'Mysterious Scheme' follows a skilled martial artist and detective named A Tong. During a mission, he accidentally kills someone and gets entangled in legal troubles, leading to imprisonment. Subsequently, a series of continuous murder cases occur, all perpetrated by a mysterious killer, leaving the police helpless in the pursuit. Stay tuned to discover the unfolding fate!

• Release Year: 2014
• Duration: 100 minutes
• Director: Teddy Chan
• Cast: Donnie Yen, Baoqiang Wang, Charlie Yeung, Bing Bai
• IMDb: 6.5

Top Must-Watch South Korean Gangster Movies

A Bittersweet Life (2005) 

A Bittersweet Life is a South Korean gangster film intricately woven with romantic elements. The plot revolves around the right-hand man of a mob boss, who masquerades as a hotel manager. Initially aimless and bored, Sun Woo, the protagonist, is later assigned the task of eliminating the boss's mistress when her extramarital affair is discovered. However, Sun Woo, swayed by compassion, spares her life, triggering a series of escalating conflicts. 

• Release Year: 2005
• Duration: 1 hour 58 minutes
• Director: Kim Jee-woon
• Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Hwang Jung-min, Kim Yeong-cheol, Shin Min-ah
• IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Gangnam Blues (2015) 

Gangnam Blues marks the comeback of the famous South Korean duo Lee Min Ho and Kim Rae Won. The movie revolves around the story of two gangsters making a living through extortion and selling scrap. However, they get separated after getting involved in a clash between two underworld gangs. Later, they join opposing factions within the criminal society, initiating intense and blood-soaked battles. This scenario also reflects the typical scenes of Korean society in the 1970s. 

• Release Year: 2015
• Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Director: Yoo Ha
• Cast: Lee Min-ho, Jung Jin-young, Kim Rae-won, Seolhyun
• IMDb Rating: 6.3/10

Crows Zero (Kurôzu Zero)

• Release Year: 2007
• Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Director: Takashi Miike
• Cast: Shun Oguri, Kyosuke Yabe, Takayuki Yamada, Shunsuke Daito
• IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

Crows Zero revolves around high school gangs, delving less into the conventional underworld system seen in other films. The main character, Genji, son of a Yakuza boss, transfers to Suzuran School with the sole goal of becoming its leader amidst the pervasive violence.

Time To Hunt (2020) – Thrilling Gangster Film

Time To Hunt (2020) is a Korean gangster film depicting a group of underprivileged youths risking their lives to rob a casino, triggering an intense pursuit by a ruthless hunter.

• Release Year: 2020
• Duration: 134 minutes
• Genre: Action
• Director: Yoon Sung-hyun
• Cast: Choi Woo-sik, Park Jung-min, Ahn Jae-hong, Lee Je-hoon
• IMDB: 6.3

Here is the TOP 17 list of intense Hong Kong and Korean gangster films, updated recently. Hope you have an exciting and relaxing movie-watching experience. If you're looking to buy electronic devices for your entertainment needs, don't forget to check out the Mytour e-commerce platform for attractive deals.