Gangs of New York (2002)
Kernel Score: 84% · 7,097 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, History, Crime
Released: 2002-12-14
Runtime: 168 minutes
Is Gangs of New York worth watching?
Worth watching. Scorsese's big, bloody 1860s New York epic is held up by Daniel Day-Lewis as a terrifying villain. The story is uneven and long, but the production and the villain are hard to forget.
Watch it if you
- like Scorsese's gangster films
- enjoy historical epics
- want a great villain performance
Skip it if you
- dislike violence or long runtimes
- want a tight, focused story
Best for: Long weekend watch
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Gangs of New York
- Stream: Fubo, Paramount+, Starz
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla
- Rent: JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In early 1860s New York, Irish immigrant Amsterdam Vallon is released from prison and returns to the Five Points, seeking revenge against his father's killer, William Cutting, a powerful anti-immigrant gang leader. He knows that revenge can only be attained by infiltrating Cutting's inner circle. Vallon's journey becomes a fight for personal survival and to find a place for the Irish people.
Gangs of New York parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Gangs of New York depicts brutal historical gang violence and racist characters in 1860s New York.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Frequent brutal violence including gang warfare, murder, and fires depicted in a gritty historical setting.
- Language: Moderate — Strong language consistent with its R rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Gangs of New York
If you liked Gangs of New York, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- GoodFellas (1990) — 92%: Scorsese's crime classic, faster and sharper.
- Once Upon a Time in America (1984) — 91%: Epic crime saga across decades in New York.
- The Departed (2006) — 96%: Scorsese crime story with DiCaprio at the centre.
- Miller's Crossing (1990) — 85%: Gangster story with period detail and ruthless men.
- American Gangster (2007) — 86%: Crime epic about power and corruption in New York.
- The Irishman (2019) — 86%: Scorsese's later, more reflective look at crime and loyalty.
Director
Cast
- Leonardo DiCaprio as Amsterdam Vallon
- Daniel Day-Lewis as Bill 'The Butcher' Cutting
- Cameron Diaz as Jenny Everdeane
- Jim Broadbent as Boss Tweed
- John C. Reilly as Happy Jack
- Henry Thomas as Johnny Sirocco
- Liam Neeson as 'Priest' Vallon
- Brendan Gleeson as Walter 'Monk' McGinn
- Gary Lewis as McGloin
- Stephen Graham as Shang
Gangs of New York FAQ
Is Gangs of New York worth watching?
Worth watching. Scorsese's big, bloody 1860s New York epic is held up by Daniel Day-Lewis as a terrifying villain. The story is uneven and long, but the production and the villain are hard to forget.
Where can I watch Gangs of New York?
In the US you can stream Gangs of New York on Fubo, Paramount+ and Starz, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla and rent it from JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Is Gangs of New York OK for kids?
Gangs of New York is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Gangs of New York depicts brutal historical gang violence and racist characters in 1860s New York.
What movies are like Gangs of New York?
If you liked Gangs of New York, try GoodFellas, Once Upon a Time in America, The Departed and Miller's Crossing.