Top 10 Crime Boss Dramas to Watch

Description: This British classic follows Harold Shand, a London gangster, as he tries to expand his empire into legitimate business, only to find his world crumbling due to an unknown enemy. It's a gripping tale of power, betrayal, and the harsh realities of the criminal underworld.

Fact: Bob Hoskins was nominated for a BAFTA for his role as Harold Shand. The film was initially banned in Ireland due to its portrayal of the IRA.

Description: Based on the true story of the 1971 Baker Street robbery, this film follows a group of small-time crooks who are manipulated by MI5 to rob a bank, only to find themselves entangled in a web of political intrigue and blackmail.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life unsolved robbery, and the plot involves real historical figures and events.

Description: A retired gangster, now living in Spain, is forced back into the criminal life by a menacing former associate. This film is a masterclass in tension and character development, showcasing the dark side of loyalty and the inescapable pull of one's past.

Fact: Ben Kingsley's performance as the terrifying Don Logan earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Description: A chilling exploration of a gangster's rise to power in London, this film delves into the psyche of a man obsessed with becoming the top dog, showing the brutal cost of ambition.

Fact: The film was initially released with an 18 certificate due to its graphic violence and strong language.

Description: Set in the 1980s, this film follows a young man who escapes the dreary life in London to join the drug trade on the Costa del Sol, only to find himself in a dangerous game of power and betrayal.

Fact: The film features real-life ex-gangsters as extras, adding a layer of realism to the story.

Description: A former hooligan returns to his old stomping grounds to confront a new generation of violent street gangs, exploring themes of legacy, violence, and the cyclical nature of crime.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of its writer and director, Gabe Turner.

Description: Tom Hardy stars as both Ronnie and Reggie Kray, offering a dual performance in this stylish biopic about the infamous twin brothers who dominated London's criminal scene in the '60s.

Fact: Tom Hardy's portrayal of the twins was critically acclaimed, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Description: A successful drug dealer, known only as "XXXX," plans to retire, but his plans are upended by a series of events involving a missing girl, a drug deal gone wrong, and a ruthless crime lord. This film provides a stylish and intelligent look at the British underworld.

Fact: Daniel Craig's performance in this film helped him land the role of James Bond.

Description: This biopic explores the lives of the notorious Kray twins, Ronnie and Reggie, who ruled the London underworld in the 1960s. It's a chilling portrayal of how ambition and violence intertwine in the criminal world.

Fact: The film was shot on location in the East End of London, where the Krays operated.

Description: A gritty tale based on the real-life Essex Boys murders, this film examines the violent world of drug dealing in Essex, focusing on the rise and fall of a group of criminals.

Fact: The film was shot in the actual locations where the events took place, adding to its authenticity.