Enter the gritty underworld of real-life gangsters with these captivating gangster dramas that bring true stories of crime, power, and betrayal to the small screen. Drawing inspiration from true events and historical figures, these gangster dramas offer a compelling glimpse into the lives of infamous mob bosses, drug kingpins, and organised crime figures. From rural India to South America, each series brings the untold stories of real-life gangsters to life that you can watch on Netflix, JioCinema, ZEE5 and more.
7 edge-of-the-seat gangster dramas based on the true stories of infamous mobsters; available on Netflix, JioCinema, ZEE5 and more
1. Rangbaaz – ZEE5
Comprising three seasons, the web series tells true stories of infamous gangsters. Set against the backdrop of rural India, this gripping drama follows the rise and fall of real-life criminals. The first season features Saqib Saleem portraying a character based on Shri Prakash Shukla, one of the most wanted gangsters from Uttar Pradesh. The second season sees Jimmy Sheirgill playing a notorious gangster from Rajasthan based on Anandpal Singh. Vineet Kumar Singh stars in the third season as a politician-turned-gangster loosely based on Mohammad Shahabuddin. From their humble beginnings to their meteoric rise as underworld dons, the series offers a riveting portrayal of ambition, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of dominance.
2. Peaky Blinders – Netflix
Peaky Blinder takes you back in time to the smoke-filled streets of post-World War I Birmingham. The series is inspired by the real-life exploits of a youth gang of the same name from 1880 to 1910. Set against a backdrop of political upheaval and economic tribulation, the plot follows the Shelby crime family as they climb their way to the top of the criminal underworld. With stylish cinematography, gripping narrative, and power-packed performances, the series offers a gritty and authentic portrayal of the era’s gang culture, led by the enigmatic Tommy Shelby (played by Cillian Murphy).
3. Griselda – Netflix
Inspired by the life of Griselda Blanco, a crime boss who headed one of the most powerful drug cartels in Miami. This series takes viewers on a wild ride through the highs and lows of her tumultuous reign in the drug trade, offering a thrilling glimpse into the mind of a master manipulator and the power struggles that defined her empire.
4. Narcos – Netflix
This groundbreaking web series transports you deep into the heart of the Colombian drug trade. Inspired by real events and characters, the web series chronicles the rise and fall of the infamous drug lord and gangster Pablo Escobar and the Cali Cartel. With its intense action sequences and morally grey characters, the series gives a terrifying glimpse of the dangerous world of narcotics trafficking and the relentless pursuit of power. There’s also a spin-off titled Narcos: Mexico, which shows the seedy world of illegal drug trade in the 1980s in Mexico.
5. The Sopranos – JioCinema
The timeless classic offers an intimate look into the life of Tony Soprano, a charismatic mob boss struggling to balance the demands of family and business. With its masterful storytelling, rich character development, and unflinching portrayal of organised crime, the series takes us on a thrilling journey through Tony’s turbulent reign as the head of the Soprano crime family. Characters with moral complexities, powerful performances, and a riveting plot make this critically acclaimed series a must-watch.
6. Ek Thi Begum – MX Player
Based on the untold and true story of a beautiful lady don, Ashraf Bhatkar, who was born in an economically backwards family in Aurangabad and raised in the harsh environs of the Bombay of 1980s. The series chronicles the journey of a woman who transforms from a grieving widow into a formidable force seeking justice for her husband’s murder. Fueled by determination and vengeance, she navigates the male-dominated world of crime and power struggles. With its intense drama, plot twists, and notable performances, the web series keeps you hooked till the end.
7. Boardwalk Empire – JioCinema
Set in New Jersey during the 1920s Prohibition era the series is based on the eponymous non-fiction book. Inspired by real historical figures and events, it brings to life the story of the enigmatic criminal Enoch ‘Nucky’ Thompson. As Nucky bulldozes his way through the murky and treacherous world of organised crime and politics, we are shown the gritty reality of that time through a thrilling narrative peppered with betrayal, intrigue, and larger-than-life characters. Take a stroll through the seedy underbelly of Boardwalk Empire, where every deal comes with a price.
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