Britain has a long and complex history, resulting in a diverse mix of cultures and social groups. This complicated background, combined with economic inequalities and a history of criminal organizations, makes the country vulnerable to gang activity. As an island with busy ports, Britain is also a natural entry point for illegal goods, which often drive the violence associated with gangs.
British films and TV shows have a long history of portraying the country’s criminal side. While movies like Mary Poppins are well-known, they exist alongside gritty gangster films such as Get Carter and The Long Good Friday. From classics like 1948’s Brighton Rock to more recent hits like The Gentlemen and Legend, the British gangster genre consistently delivers thrilling and memorable moments. This fascination with crime extends beyond film and is also prominent in British television.
Here are 12 fantastic TV shows that take you inside Britain’s criminal world, filled with gangs, violence, and illegal acts.
‘Gangs of London’ (2020 – Present)
Sky Atlantic
When a London gang leader dies, his impulsive son steps up to take control. The show follows him as he cautiously moves through the city’s dangerous criminal underworld, facing threats from groups like the Albanian mafia, the Kurdish PKK, a Pakistani drug cartel, and Welsh travelers.
Gangs of London is a very violent show and isn’t suitable for sensitive viewers. However, it’s been widely applauded for its realistic and brutal portrayal of London’s criminal world. Inspired by the 2006 video game of the same name, the series began its third season in early 2026 and continues to be a hit.
‘Top Boy’ (2011–2023)
Netflix
Top Boy is a gritty drama set in West London, following the lives of street gangs involved in drug dealing and turf wars. But it’s more than just action – the show delves into the complex emotions and difficult choices faced by its characters. It challenges viewers to consider their own values as they watch people struggle with moral dilemmas in a world marked by violence and poverty.
The show Top Boy originally ran for two seasons on Channel 4 in the UK, where it became very popular, but was canceled in 2014. Then, in 2017, Drake discovered the series and championed its return, eventually becoming an executive producer when Netflix picked it up. Since then, Top Boy has been a global hit on Netflix, even drawing comparisons to the acclaimed show The Wire, and has received perfect scores from critics on Rotten Tomatoes for several seasons.
‘This City Is Ours’ (2025–Present)
BBC One
In the film This City Is Ours, Michael Kavanagh (James Nelson-Joyce), a veteran member of a drug-smuggling gang, faces a difficult choice when he falls for Diana Williams (Hannah Onslow). As he dreams of leaving his criminal life behind, trouble arises when his boss’s son, Jamie (Jack McMullen), tries to take control of the operation and forces Michael out, leading to increased violence.
As a huge fan of crime dramas, I’ve been completely hooked by this new British thriller. It really reminds me of shows like The Sopranos and Gangs of London – it’s just that good! The story is incredibly gritty and emotionally intense, with so much at stake. What I especially love is how it’s set in Liverpool and really throws you into the local culture and way of speaking. Plus, the acting is phenomenal – James Nelson-Joyce is fantastic, and Sean Bean absolutely nails the role of the gang boss, Ronnie Phelan.
‘Sexy Beast’ (2024)
Paramount+
The film Sexy Beast first appeared at the 2000 Toronto International Film Festival and quickly gained praise from both critics and viewers. Today, it’s considered a classic British gangster movie. The story centers on the difficult connection between Gary “Gal” Dove (Ray Winstone), a former criminal living in Spain, and the dangerous gangster Don Loagan (Ben Kingsley), who forces him to participate in a bank heist in London.
The movie quickly reveals that each character has a rich and eventful past – stories that would be compelling enough for their own TV series. The upcoming show is a prequel, following a young Gal (played by James McArdle) as he rises through London’s criminal underworld, and delves deeper into his complex connection with Don Logan.
‘The Fear’ (2012)
BBC Worldwide
As a huge movie fan, I recently checked out ‘The Fear,’ and it’s a really gripping watch. It’s set in Brighton and centers around Richie Beckett, a major crime boss, who finds himself in a dangerous battle with an Albanian gang involved in sex trafficking – they’re trying to take over his territory. The whole story unfolds over four episodes, and the tension just keeps building and building until you get to a seriously intense finale. It’s a wild ride!
The story centers around a powerful crime boss who has a lot to worry about. It’s not just threats from other gangs, though – he’s also starting to show signs of early-onset dementia. This adds another layer of fear and makes his situation even more difficult, creating a more complex character and a richer story.
‘The Gentlemen’ (2024)
Netflix
Guy Ritchie has become a major Hollywood director, but he first gained recognition for his iconic British gangster films. He became known for a distinctive style that blended dark comedy, realistic violence, and clever conversations, all presented with a cool visual flair and stories that jump around in time. Many see him as the British equivalent of Quentin Tarantino. His 2019 film, The Gentlemen, marked a return to the gritty, chaotic world of crime that first made him famous.
The TV show The Gentlemen, though connected to the movie of the same name, tells a completely new story. It follows a young man who unexpectedly becomes involved in the UK’s criminal underworld when he inherits his father’s large estate – which turns out to be a massive cannabis farm. The series has a similar feel to the movie, letting fans enjoy more of that world, but it works perfectly well as a separate show you can watch on its own.
‘McMafia’ (2018)
Cuba Pictures
Inspired by Misha Glenny’s book McMafia: A Journey Through the Global Criminal Underworld, the series McMafia tells the story of a man trying to break free from his family’s criminal legacy as the son of a Russian Mafia boss in London.
Gangster shows and movies usually attract viewers with their violence. However, McMafia distinguishes itself by offering much more than just brutality. The show primarily focuses on dramatic storylines, well-developed characters, and the difficult moral choices they constantly grapple with. This added complexity is what set it apart and earned it positive reviews.
‘Taboo’ (2017)
FX
The show Taboo, set in the early 1800s, centers around James Delaney (Tom Hardy), an adventurer who returns to England from Africa following his father’s death. It explores the dark side of 19th-century London, revealing corruption within the powerful East India Company, the city’s criminal networks, and the hardships faced by working-class people.
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Tom Hardy is known for playing troubled, complex characters – from Bronson to Bane. He brings that same skill to this role, creating a character who is both frightening and relatable as he explores the criminal underworld of London.
‘A Town Called Malice’ (2023)
Sky Sutdios
Created by Nick Love, A Town Called Malice tells the story of a family running from their criminal past in the UK, hoping for a fresh start on Spain’s Costa Del Sol. However, they quickly find themselves caught up in trouble with the local criminal underworld, even before their old life can catch up to them.
The show, set in the 1980s, uses bright, vibrant colors that stand out against the flawed and often troubling behavior of its characters. This contrast is further emphasized by director Nic Love’s skillful use of humor, which balances the show’s moments of intense violence, creating a darkly funny and realistic crime story.
‘Hatton Garden’ (2019)
ITV Studios
Inspired by a true story, Hatton Garden tells the tale of a group of elderly, classic criminals planning one final, daring robbery. The film expertly portrays everything from the meticulous planning to the tense execution of the heist and its dramatic consequences. Strong acting by Timothy Spall, David Hayman, and Alex Norton truly brings this incredible story to life.
As a total movie buff, I just finished Hatton Garden, and it’s perfect if you’re looking for a quick, gripping watch. Only four episodes long, it’s the ideal weekend binge – you can easily finish it before Monday rolls around! Whether you already know the story of the heist or it’s totally new to you, it’s fantastic. If you do know it, seeing it brought to life by such talented British actors is a real treat. And if you don’t, prepare to be amazed by how incredibly bold and large-scale the whole thing was.
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2026-01-23 23:06