American Gangster (2007)
Kernel Score: 86% · 5,903 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Crime
Released: 2007-11-02
Runtime: 157 minutes
Is American Gangster worth watching?
Worth watching. A quiet, disciplined Harlem man builds a heroin empire while a detective closes in. Ridley Scott's crime drama is long but absorbing, with fine work from Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, though it's less daring than the best of the genre.
Watch it if you
- like true-story crime dramas
- enjoy a cool, calculated criminal
- want a long, absorbing watch
Skip it if you
- want fast pacing
- dislike drug-trade violence
Best for: Long solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch American Gangster
- Stream: Apple TV, Fubo, YouTube TV, MGM+, Starz
- Free with ads: YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Loosely based on the criminal career of Frank Lucas, a gangster from La Grange, North Carolina, who smuggled heroin into the United States on American service planes returning from the Vietnam War, before being detained by a task force led by Newark Detective Richie Roberts.
American Gangster parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that this R-rated crime drama depicts heroin trafficking, gang violence, and police corruption.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Frequent violence tied to organized crime and drug trafficking, including police corruption.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Strong — Central plot involves large-scale heroin smuggling and drug dealing.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like American Gangster
If you liked American Gangster, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Serpico (1973) — 85%: True story of a lone honest cop against corruption
- GoodFellas (1990) — 92%: Gangster life told with energy and tragedy
- Donnie Brasco (1997) — 84%: True-story undercover crime drama with real stakes
- The Departed (2006) — 96%: Gripping cat-and-mouse between cops and criminals
- Once Upon a Time in America (1984) — 91%: Epic crime drama about rise and fall
- Blow (2001) — 81%: True-story drug-trade rise and fall
Director
Cast
- Denzel Washington as Frank Lucas
- Russell Crowe as Richie Roberts
- Josh Brolin as Detective Trupo
- Chiwetel Ejiofor as Huey Lucas
- Cuba Gooding Jr. as Nicky Barnes
- Lymari Nadal as Eva
- Ted Levine as Lou Toback
- Armand Assante as Dominic Cattano
- John Ortiz as Javier J. Rivera
- John Hawkes as Freddie Spearman
American Gangster FAQ
Is American Gangster worth watching?
Worth watching. A quiet, disciplined Harlem man builds a heroin empire while a detective closes in. Ridley Scott's crime drama is long but absorbing, with fine work from Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, though it's less daring than the best of the genre.
Where can I watch American Gangster?
In the US you can stream American Gangster on Apple TV, Fubo, YouTube TV, MGM+ and Starz, watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is American Gangster OK for kids?
American Gangster is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this R-rated crime drama depicts heroin trafficking, gang violence, and police corruption.
What movies are like American Gangster?
If you liked American Gangster, try Serpico, GoodFellas, Donnie Brasco and The Departed.