If you’re a fan of Mexican gangster movies, you’re in for a treat. We’ve put together a list of five good ones that you might have missed. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed thriller or a heart-wrenching drama, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and enjoy some of the best Mexican gangster movies out there!
The Counselor (2013)
The Counselor is a 2013 crime thriller film directed by Ridley Scott and written by Cormac McCarthy. The film stars Michael Fassbender, Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, and Brad Pitt. It is an adaptation of McCarthy’s novel of the same name.
What would you do if you had a million dollars? When one man (Fassbender) gets involved in drug trafficking with some very dangerous people, he realizes that he may have made a mistake. This film is full of suspense and intrigue and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. So if you’re looking for an exciting night out at the movies, be sure to check out The Counselor.
The Counselor received mixed reviews from critics upon release. However, its acting was universally praised, with particular focus on Fassbender’s performance. Despite this, the consensus is that the plot is confusing and convoluted. Still, it’s worth a watch for fans of Mexican cartel movies and acted-out crime thrillers alike.
End of Watch (2012)
End of Watch, a movie about two Los Angeles Police Department officers, is an action-packed ride from beginning to end. Viewers are immediately drawn into the characters’ lives and feel as if they are right there on the streets of L.A. with them. The film’s talented cast, namely Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña, bring these believable characters to life and make the viewer feel invested in their story. While the ending may be somewhat predictable, End of Watch is nevertheless an enjoyable watch from start to finish.
The film premiered on September 8, 2012, at the Toronto International Film Festival. It was released in the United States on September 21, 2012. End of Watch received generally positive reviews from critics and grossed $41 million against its $7 million budget. Gyllenhaal and Peña both received nominations for Critics’ Choice Movie Awards for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor respectively.
It’s an intense cop drama set in the streets of South Central LA. Officers Brian Taylor and Mike Zavala patrol the gang-ridden neighborhoods, where they clash with dealers and criminals daily. But when Brian’s pregnant girlfriend (Anna Kendrick) becomes a target, the stakes are raised and the officers must put their lives on the line to protect her. With stunning camerawork and heart-pounding action, movies like the End of Watch are one of the best cops vs drug cartel movies out there.
Savages (2012)
If you’re looking for entertaining movies about cartels, look no further than Savages. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Don Winslow and tells the story of two Laguna Beach marijuana growers who are targeted by a Mexican drug cartel. When their shared girlfriend is kidnapped, the men must go to war against the cartel to save her. With its non-stop action and dramatic plot twists, Savages is sure to keep you entertained from start to finish.
Featuring an all-star cast including Salma Hayek, Blake Lively, and Taylor Kitsch, Savages is a suspenseful thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From gunfights to passionate love scenes, these are the moments that make Savages one of the most unforgettable films of 2012. So if you’re looking for a good reason to watch it again, or if you’ve never seen it before, be sure to check out our list today!
Triple Frontier (2019)
When you think of a heist movie, what comes to mind? A group of criminals planning and executing a robbery against some unsuspecting business or individual, right? Well, that’s the basic premise behind Triple Frontier. Except for this time, the stakes are higher than ever. Five former Special Forces operatives reunite to take on a dangerous mission in South America. But when things go wrong, they’re left fighting for their lives in the middle of nowhere. Can they get out alive? You’ll have to watch to find out…
Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)
If you love Robert Rodriguez movies or just westerns in general, “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” is a definite must-watch. Starring Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, and Johnny Depp, the movie delivers on gunslinging action and tense drama. If you’re not careful, you might even find yourself rooting for the bad guys!
The film follows the story of El Mariachi (Banderas), who is betrayed by his lover (Hayek) and must take on an army of assassins led by Barillo (Rourke) to get revenge. The film features an original score by composer Graeme Revell. Once upon a time in Mexico received mixed reviews from critics but was a box office success. Rodriguez later wrote and directed another sequel, Solo Dios Sabe,
Miami Vice (2006)
Miami Vice is a series of action-packed crime movies directed by Michael Mann and released on July 28, 2006. It was based on the hit TV show, which was first aired in the early 1980s. The story follows the undercover FBI agents Crockett and Tubbs, who infiltrate a global contraband smuggling organization. However, they end up getting into a deadly game when they find themselves as scapegoats for the murders of two undercover FBI agents.
Despite the film’s success, the movie was not without controversy. Filming took place in several locations outside South Florida, including Uruguay and Paraguay. The film’s budget was significantly affected by the effects of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, which caused the film to be delayed for a week. The movie’s production was also disrupted by shooting incidents, which forced Jamie Foxx to walk away from the movie.
The film follows the gang as they try to protect their lives and their loved ones. In the beginning, the Vice team is focused on protecting Leonetta and Crockett, but the Aryan Brotherhood soon catches them. As the gang members race to the new drop-off location, Crockett answers the phone. Alonzo Stevens is speeding through Miami in a car and pleads with Crockett to help him find his wife. He then insists that he doesn’t want to give up on Tubbs. During the tense moments, Crockett tries to find his girlfriend, but she gets an answering machine.
The film has elements of Michael Mann’s films, including taut realism, a serious tone, and an unfailing sense of grit. The gruff performance of Farrell and the serious turn of Foxx in the title role makes this a notable film. And of course, the moody Miami sky is part of the movie. If you’re interested in seeing this film, stream it on Amazon Prime Video or Starz.
Sicario (2015)
“Sicario” is the name of the 2015 film about a government task force traveling across the U.S.-Mexico border to take down a major cartel boss. The film also contains a compelling documentary, Cartel Land, about the ongoing drug problem on the U.S.-Mexico border. You can watch Cartel Land on Amazon Video, Google Play, and Netflix. The movie also stars Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, and Robert De Niro, and is a must-see for any fan of the genre.
In Sicario, Emily Blunt plays an FBI agent assigned to a dangerous stretch of the US-Mexico border, where she is exposed to the violent side of the Mexican drug cartel. She partners with a Mexican defector who has knowledge of the cartel. With the help of her new partner, Emily becomes increasingly immersed in the ruthless and corrupt nature of her FBI sting, and she is pushed to the brink of breaking point. This is a film that will leave you thinking about the world around us.
Despite the high stakes and dangers, the film is a thrilling ride that will leave you gasping for more. As the drug war rages on, a group of FBI agents is dispatched to the border region. The team, led by Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro, is tasked with finding a cartel leader and his accomplice, Manuel Diaz. The team is also warned that they are in the crosshairs of a hit squad.
Movies like Sicario have created such a demand for movies about cartels that the subgenre exploded in popularity after.
Traffic (2000)
Traffic is a widely popular 2000 crime thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh. The story revolves around the War on Drugs in the United States and follows two Mexican police officers who must turn a blind eye to drug trafficking. The movie is set during a time when America tries to clean up its drug problem, and a judge is hired to take on the drug dealers and their illegal activities. The drug lord’s wife is also caught in the middle and must deal with the consequences of her husband’s criminal activities.
Criterion’s Traffic Blu-ray includes a DVD-style keepcase. Inside, the disc includes a booklet containing the disc credits, transfer information, chapters, cast lists, and an essay by Manohla Dargis called “Border Wars” that analyses the film. The booklet is well worth checking out if you have never seen the movie. Although the booklet is sparse by Criterion’s standards, it contains the movie’s synopsis and analysis.
While it may not be a movie that will make you think twice about drug abuse, Traffic is an edgy drama that explores the illegal drug trade from multiple perspectives. Starring Michael Douglas and Benicio Del Toro, Traffic depict the high stakes of the drug trade from various perspectives. In addition to a powerful ensemble cast, the film includes Spanish-language dialogue. Traffic is a must-see for those who love crime dramas!
Rambo: Last Blood
As the final installment of the venerable Rambo series, Sylvester Stallone returns as John “Rambo” McClane, the man who brought us the first two movies. In this fourth installment, Rambo must confront his past and unearth his brutal combat skills. While this is a bleak premise, Rambo’s last blood does have one redeeming feature. Stallone reveals that this is the final movie in the Rambo series. While he hasn’t said that he’ll be returning to the series, he did say that he wanted to give the Rambo character “peace” and that he’d be happy to retire.
When Rambo returns to his family ranch, he meets his niece Gabrielle (Carmen Delgado). She has been kidnapped by the Martinez brothers and is left for dead in a dirty alley. Carmen (Paz Vega) rescues him, tending to his wounds and providing necessary exposition. Later, he returns to the Martinez’s joint to rescue Gabrielle, and the movie feels reminiscent of Taxi Driver.
Borderland (2007)
The 2007 Mexican-American horror film Borderland was based on a true story. Three college students spend a night in Mexico, drinking beer, pulling girls and prostitutes, and murdering a missing male. But they never know they’re being watched by a religious cult. What happens next is horrifying. Here’s what we know about the movie. But will you like it? Read on to find out.
The Borderland movie was based on real events and starred three Texas University students who are celebrating their senior year. Their weekend gets turned into a nightmare when they accidentally run into an ancient blood cult. The film’s blend of raw fear and true crime realism is reminiscent of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre and In Cold Blood. It’s not a good movie for children but it’s worth checking out if you’re into horror movies.
Borderland is a horror film starring Jake Muxworthy, Brian Presley, and Rider Strong. The plot revolves around three college graduates who go to Mexico to look for a missing friend. Unfortunately, the students find themselves trapped by Satanic drug smugglers, who have the goal of sacrificing them for their illegal goods. Sean Astin gives an incredibly disturbing performance, and his role in the movie will change his life forever.
Final Thoughts
The list of movies could go on and on, but the general idea is that Mexican cartel movies have become a popular Hollywood trope in recent years. Whether it’s because of our current political climate or simply because audiences are fascinated by tales of violence and lawlessness, these films continue to rake in millions at the box office. What do you think? Are you a fan of Mexican gangster movies? Let us know in the comments below!
