The Ultimate Guide to Guy Ritchie Gangster Movies

Guy Ritchie is renowned for his contributions to the crime and gangster movie genre. Despite the variability in his filmography, Ritchie has cemented his status as a filmmaker with a distinct style and penchant for storytelling. From gritty street tales to elaborate heists, Ritchie’s gangster films have captivated audiences for decades. Let’s delve into the realm of Guy Ritchie Gangster Movies, ranking all six of his notable contributions.

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An Overview of Guy Ritchie’s Cinematic Journey

Guy Ritchie’s cinematic journey spans several decades, marked by a diverse array of projects. While his recent works exhibit a departure from the traditional gangster narrative, Ritchie’s early career was defined by his foray into the crime genre. From his breakout success with “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” to his more recent ventures, Ritchie’s filmography showcases his evolution as a filmmaker. Despite experimenting with different genres, Ritchie’s gangster movies remain a cornerstone of his legacy.

6. Revolver (2005): A Departure from the Norm

In “Revolver,” Ritchie ventures into the realm of psychological thriller, deviating from his signature gangster narrative. Starring Jason Statham, Ray Liotta, and Vincent Pastore, the film explores the complexities of the human psyche amidst a backdrop of crime and deception. While it features notable actors synonymous with the gangster genre, “Revolver” fails to resonate with audiences due to its convoluted plot and repetitive nature. Despite its ambitious premise, “Revolver” stands as one of Ritchie’s critical misfires, earning the dubious distinction of being his weakest gangster film.

Despite featuring notable actors like Jason Statham and Ray Liotta, “Revolver” struggled both critically and commercially. With a convoluted plot and lukewarm reception, the film only grossed approximately $6 million globally.

Release Date: September 11, 2005
Runtime: 15 minutes
Main Genre: Crime

5. Wrath of Man (2021): A Bleak Exploration of Crime

“Wrath of Man” sees Ritchie adopting a darker tone, focusing on action over dark comedy. Starring Jason Statham, Holt McCallany, and Josh Hartnett, the film offers a bleak portrayal of the criminal underworld, characterized by tense heists and relentless action sequences. While an improvement over “Revolver,” “Wrath of Man” falls short of expectations, with its simplistic plot and excessive runtime dampening its overall impact. Despite its shortcomings, the film offers a glimpse into Ritchie’s evolving approach to the crime genre.

“Wrath of Man,” while not strictly a gangster movie, still falls within the crime/action genre often associated with Ritchie. The film, starring Jason Statham, garnered mixed reviews but managed to earn around $104 million worldwide, showcasing Ritchie’s continued appeal to audiences.

Release Date: April 22, 2021
Director: Guy Ritchie
Runtime: 118 minutes

4. The Gentlemen (2019): A Return to Form

“The Gentlemen” marks Ritchie’s return to his roots, delivering a quintessential gangster narrative infused with dark humor and intricate plot twists. Starring Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, and Hugh Grant, the film follows the exploits of a British drug lord navigating the complexities of the criminal underworld. Despite its occasional narrative inconsistencies, “The Gentlemen” succeeds in capturing the essence of Ritchie’s earlier works, earning praise for its ensemble cast and sharp dialogue.

As one of Ritchie’s more recent gangster films, “The Gentlemen” performed admirably at the box office, grossing over $115 million worldwide. The film benefited from positive reviews and the star power of actors like Matthew McConaughey and Hugh Grant.

Release Date: December 3, 2019
Director: Guy Ritchie
Runtime: 113 minutes

3. RocknRolla (2008): Entertaining and Solid

In “RocknRolla,” Ritchie delivers a compelling gangster film packed with memorable characters and dynamic storytelling. Starring Gerard Butler, Tom Wilkinson, and Thandiwe Newton, the film revolves around a high-stakes real estate scam that ensnares various underworld figures. While the plot may feel familiar, “RocknRolla” excels in its execution, blending betrayals, double-crosses, and murder with Ritchie’s trademark wit and style. Though not without its flaws, “RocknRolla” stands as one of Ritchie’s stronger contributions to the genre.

“RocknRolla” experienced moderate success at the box office, earning approximately $25 million worldwide. While it didn’t reach the same heights as Ritchie’s earlier works, the film still attracted audiences with its entertaining narrative and ensemble cast

Release Date: September 4, 2008
Runtime: 114 minutes

2. Snatch (2000): A Chaotic Masterpiece

“Snatch” emerges as one of Ritchie’s most ambitious and memorable works, blending comedy and crime with unmatched flair. Starring Brad Pitt, Jason Statham, and Benicio del Toro, the film weaves together multiple narrative threads, culminating in a chaotic yet exhilarating cinematic experience. From Pitt’s eccentric performance to the film’s intricate plot twists, “Snatch” captivates audiences with its unpredictability and wit. While toeing the line between comedy and crime, “Snatch” ultimately delivers a cohesive and compelling narrative that solidifies its status as a modern classic.

The film grossed around $83 million globally.

Release Date: September 1, 2000
Runtime: 103 minutes

1. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998): A Genre-Defining Classic

“Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” remains Ritchie’s magnum opus, heralding his arrival as a formidable force in the world of cinema. Featuring a sprawling ensemble cast and a labyrinthine plot, the film immerses viewers in the gritty underbelly of London’s criminal underworld. From its rapid-fire dialogue to its visceral action sequences, “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” captivates audiences with its raw energy and uncompromising vision. As a genre-defining classic, the film solidifies Ritchie’s place in cinematic history and stands as the pinnacle of his contributions to the gangster genre.

As Ritchie’s breakout film, “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. Despite its modest budget, the film garnered attention for its unique style and storytelling, earning approximately $28 million worldwide.

Release Date: August 28, 1998
Runtime: 106 minutes

In conclusion, Guy Ritchie’s gangster movies represent a diverse tapestry of cinematic experiences, ranging from gritty street tales to elaborate heists. While some entries may falter in execution, Ritchie’s contributions to the genre have left an indelible mark on cinema, shaping the landscape of crime and gangster films for generations to come. Whether exploring the complexities of the human psyche or delving into the intricacies of the criminal underworld, Ritchie’s films continue to captivate audiences with their bold storytelling and dynamic characters.