20 British shows you need to watch if you loved Gangs of London

With extreme violence, criminal intrigue and a unique look into the world of gangsters, there are many fans looking for other shows like Gangs of London. Premier in 2020 and Created by Gareth Evans and Matt Flannery, Gangs of London has grown in popularity, with the series showing contemporary struggles between rival gangs in London. In addition to garnering high viewing figures, the show has also received much critical acclaim. While it separates itself in the genre, Gangs of London Delivers the thrills and storylines fans of British crime dramas will enjoy.

After an explosive season 2, fans have been waiting for a long time Gangs of London Season 3 to take shape. But, in the meantime, there are some great options to check out that capture a similar vibe. These shows contain the raw violence and the brutal struggle for power all told by the complex characters in whom the audience is invested even as they watch them do terrible things. These are the same kind of thrills that have been made Gangs of London So popular.

20

Time (2021-present)

Available on Brit Box

The first season is the best for Gangs of London Fans to check out

one of Gangs of LondonIts biggest theme is how certain people survive in a violent crime world such as this. Some of the characters are shown not to be cut out for such an existence, while others make compromises to survive. These themes are also explored in the series time, which takes a look at the lives of various characters in the prison system. There have been two seasons to date with each focusing on different characters, but the first season is the best for Gangs of London Fans to check out.

Sean Bean stars as a family man and teacher whose alcoholism leads him to accidentally kill a man and be sentenced to prison, where his thick and reserved personality is challenged. Meanwhile, Stephen Graham plays an honest and hardworking guard who is put in a difficult position when an incarcerated gangster threatens his family. It is an intense and riveting look at the inhumane world of a prison and the unlikely people who have the strength to show their humanity.

19

Strike Back (2010-2020)

Available on Brit Box

A big reason why Gangs of London Is such a popular series is its intense action. For a show on the small screen, the action scenes and shootouts rival the kind of pulse-pounding and visceral sequences seen in the likes of the John Wick Movies. While Hit backThe action sequences are not quite on this level, it is a must-watch for fans of the genre, as it is one of the most action-packed British shows on TV.

The series follows a special branch of MI6 as they carry out high-risk missions around the world. While many British crime series dig deeper into the psychology of their characters and embrace the brooding tone, Strike Back Seems to understand the role it plays as pure entertainment, following a formula of exciting and intense spy missions.

18

Slow Horses (2022 - present)

Available on Apple TV+

There is a down-and-dirty quality to it Gangs of LondonWhich is refreshingly gritty compared to some of the more polished British crime series. It does not resist the ugliness and grammar of its characters, which makes them even more entertaining to spend time with. This is one of the qualities that has gradually made Slow Horses Considered one of the best shows on television.

The spy series separates itself as far from James Bond as it can by focusing on a group of​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ took on September 2019 onwards, from James Bond, a group of MI6 agents whose incompetence and colossal mistakes in their jobs have led to them being demoted to a disregarded and ridiculous slouch house, run by the Gross Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman). The show has a great sense of humor, something Gangs of London Mostly salmonBut it never loses the stakes of the spy story as the underdogs find themselves caught up in real missions.

17

The Night Manager (2016-present)

Available on Prime Video

The undercover aspects of Elliot (Sope Dirisu) infiltrating the gang world offer some of the tensest scenes in Gangs of London. There is a constant threat that the truth of his identity is revealed and puts his life in danger. This is part of the thrill in the crime series, The Night Manager. Based on the story of master of the spy genre John le Carre, it is another look at undercover spy work with danger around every corner.

The Night Manager Starring Tom Hiddleston as a former British soldier managing a hotel in Cairo when he is approached with a mission to infiltrate the inner circle of an arms dealer (Hugh Laurie). Hiddleston makes a sassy and grounded hero while Laurie is excellent in the villainous role. The series also stars the likes of Elizabeth Debicki, Tom Hollander, and Olivia Colman. To the delight of fans, The Night Manager Season 2 will continue the story after a long wait.

16

Bodyguard (2018)

Available on Netflix

While the storylines of rival gangs going to war are exciting, Some of the best aspects of Gangs of London Deal with Eliot's journey. He is a dedicated soldier who seems to jump from one deadly confrontation to another without losing his resolve. Fans can find a similar hero with the character of David Budd in the equally intense British series Bodyguard.

Bud is an ex-soldier recovering from his traumatic experiences when his efforts to prevent a terrorist attack put him in the media spotlight. This leads to him being selected as a personal bodyguard for a controversial politician. However, he soon finds himself in the middle of a dangerous conspiracy. The series is a pulse-pounding ride from the first unforgettable sequences. Both Sope Dirisu and Richard Madden have garnered interest in potentially being the next James Bond thanks to their roles in their respective shows.

15

A Town Called Malice (2023)

Available on Apple TV+

The family aspect of Gangs of London is another part of the story that is explored in some thrilling ways. There are some members of the family who try to separate themselves from their criminal life, others who pretend that they are not part of it, and others who want to prove themselves worthy of the inheritance. There are some similar family elements in the crime comedy series A city called Malice.

The show focuses on the Lord family, a former criminal empire that has moved on from their illegal activities but also grown to miss their days of power. When one of the sons flees to Spain to avoid being arrested, the rest of the family joins him and start rebuilding their criminal empire. This is another series that takes a more comedic approach, but still has the violence and mayhem that fans of the crime genre will enjoy.

14

McMafia (2018)

Stream on AMC+

Go back to Michael Corleone in The godfather, It was a theme in gangster stories about the hope for someone in the family to escape this way of life. Gangs of London Season 1 focuses on Sean Wallace attempting to take over his father's business, but gradually realizing that he's not cut out for it, which is the opposite idea explored in McMafia.

The series Centers on Alex Godman, the son of a famous Russian crime family, who is sent to grow up in England and tries to avoid his family's history. Although Alex tries to stay away from the corruption and build a life with his partner, of course, he is pulled into the chaos. Although only one season, the show delivered an intense and exciting crime story with a sympathetic character at the center with James Norton turning in a spectacular performance.

A planned second season was reportedly canceled before it started production in 2022, but author and executive producer Misha Glenny has debunked the rumor, sparking hope of more to come.

13

Top Boy (2011-2023)

Stream on Netflix

Top Boy Delves into the lives of people living in the housing estates of East London in a gritty tense crime thriller. The series focuses on two characters, one a drug dealer trying to reach the top and another struggling to survive and be independent after his mother's breakdown. The series balances dramatic gang violence with social commentary and moments of humor that make for an underrated series that more people should seek out.

While Gangs of London largely focuses on those at the top of the criminal empire, It also explores the street-level aspects that are seen in Top Boy. It's exciting to get a deeper look at the world and the characters that make it up, and shows that despite being a smaller operation, the stakes are still high and the world is even more dangerous.

12

Taboo (2017)

Stream on Peacock

Tom Hardy is a riveting presence on screen and he is the best reason to check out the crime drama taboo. taboo Follows the adventurer Jacob Delaney (Hardy) when he returns home to England In the 1800s to claim his family inheritance in their shipping business, but he finds that nothing is what it seems and his enemies are ready to try to steal Delaney's power in the industry.

Although the series is not about gangs in particular, taboo is still similar to Gangs of London. It is another series that explores the dangerous struggle for power between two sides with the sense of family legacy at stake. Hardy makes a great unpredictable force, taking the fight to extreme measures in order to get the upper hand. He is an eccentric protagonist, and the show is elevated by his committed performance.

11

des (2020)

Available on AMC+

Gangs of London Shocked a lot of viewers with its extreme levels of violence. It's a reminder of the kind of dark stories that can be told in this age of television where crime dramas are so popular. Such is the case with Des Although the violence is not necessarily on screen, it remains dark and haunting. Des Focuses on Dennis Nilsen (David Tennant) who admits to killing several people in Scotland in the 1980s.

The show follows his arrest and trial and Nielsen's terrifying attitude. Although Des is about a singular serial killer and based on real-life events, it is still similar to Gangs of London for Its intricate and engaging narrative and power moves among the police, lawyers, and a biographer who attempts to prove Nielsen's guilt. Tennant proved that he can play a capable villain in Jessica JonesAnd he doubled down on that in Des.

10

Collateral (2018)

Available on Netflix

with John Sim, Doctor Whos Billy Piper, and Carey Mulligan, Collateral is one of the most underrated British crime thrillers of the last decade. The series starts with the murder of a pizza delivery boy and quickly develops to show a complex web of characters, each of them connected to the Event. Mulligan plays the inspector, who has come to the community looking for answers.

It's a perfect series for murder mystery fans, consisting of just four episodes that make for an easy but intense binge experience. But, despite the small-town murder mystery approach, it goes Gangs of London By looking at a wide variety of characters with their own secrets and agendas, everyone is looking to ensure that they come out of this ordeal unscathed. Mulligan is a solid lead but the ensemble aspect brings the story together.

9

London Spy (2015)

Available on Xumo

While the criminal aspect of Gangs of London is exciting, One of the best parts of the show is the undercover agents working to bring the operation down from the inside. Spy stories in movies and television always offer a gripping experience as seen in London Spy. With Ben Whishaw, Jim Broadbent, Charlotte Rampling and Mark Gatiss, London Spy is a five-part series with an intelligent and exciting plot.

He unravels the mystery surrounding the death of his lover, unknowingly throwing himself into the world of espionage

London Spy Follow Ben Whishaw's Danny as he unravels the mystery surrounding the death of his lover, unwittingly throwing himself into the world of espionage in the process. Much like Elliot Carter as the undercover agent in Gangs of LondonDan finds himself in a world of danger with threats at every turn, yet committed to getting to the bottom of it all at any cost.

8

Giri/Haji (2019)

Available on Netflix

Although there are many British crime dramas that capture the same style and feel of Gangs of LondonThere are also some excellent international options in the genre that should not be overlooked. Giri / Haji is a British/Japanese crime drama that follows a Japanese detective sent to London to find his brother, who was previously thought to be dead.

The series was a critical success in the UK, with the series continuing 100% Rotten tomatoes. It was praised for its exciting and intelligent plot with fantastic performances from the cast. like Gangs of LondonIt is A dark and gritty crime story with the central theme of the importance and duty of family. It adds an emotional element that grounds the story and makes it an even more compelling drama.

7

Strangers (AKA White Dragon) (2018)

Not currently available to stream

stranger, Originally titled white dragon, Follows a British professor as he travels to Hong Kong after his wife is killed in a car accident. However, the death of his wife is far from a simple story and the professor begins to uncover a complex web of lies and secrets of his wife's life, all of which have huge implications for both the professor and Hong Kong as a whole.

Much like how London is central to gangs of london, Strangers Uses the underbelly of the city of Hong Kong to great effect in this crime story. Both shows explore how simple murders can grow into something bigger that threatens to consume the entire city. It makes for a gripping rabbit hole to go down with Strangers Also offer a fish-out-of-water and culture shock element that adds an interesting flavor to it all.

6

The Stranger (2020)

Available on Netflix

Along with a similar title vi Strangers, The stranger is another crime drama about a distraught man looking for answers. Based on the novel by thriller author Harlan Coben, The stranger Follows a man who approached a stranger who tells him a secret about his wife. Soon after, the man's wife disappears, sending him on a quest to discover the truth behind the stranger who opens a web of conspiracies.

Starring Richard Armitage, Hannah John-Kamen and Anthony Head, this series is one of the most interesting Netflix crime originals of recent years and is worth a watch for fans of British crime shows. It features the same layered and complex story of Hidden motives and determined police officers that fuel a lot of the propulsive elements of Gangs of London.

5

river (2015)

Available on Prime Video

Although there are many shows that deal with deep and complicated detectives, River is one of the most compelling and unique detective shows of recent years. with Stellan Skarsgård, The series follows the titular River as he tries to overcome the guilt of his former partner's death While also trying to solve a complex case. He is haunted by visions of his partner, which makes him an unpredictable and restless protagonist to follow.

The series is visually stunning and strongly acted by the cast, making it a must-see for any fans of the detective genre. Skarsgård gives a complex and gripping performance, showing the character's trauma while also infusing him with a relatable sense of humor. There is something that Gangs of London also very good, Creating tough and capable characters in a dangerous world, and making them vulnerable and human.

4

Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)

Available on Netflix

Before stepping into the lead role in Gangs of London season 1, Joe Cole played a supporting role in another crime drama. Peaky Blinders Follows the actions of the Shelby Gang, who operate in Birmingham in the immediate aftermath of the devastating First World War. Cillian Murphy leads the show as Tommy Shelby, a ruthless and dark gangster who strives to establish a more legitimate future for his family, even as he is constantly Pulled back into this violent world.

Peaky Blinders is a reminder that the backstabbing, mistrust, and killing of the modern-set Gangs of London

Tommy Shelby makes for a fascinating protagonist to follow in the series with Murphy delivering a powerhouse performance in the role. Peaky Blinders is a reminder that the backstabbing, mistrust, and killing of the modern-set Gangs of London was still very present in the world of organized crime a century ago. It is an intense and captivating series with a strong following that has led to the planned Peaky Blinders Movie.

3

Line of Duty (2012-2021)

Available on Hulu

While police procedural shows have been around for years and can sometimes be criticized for being too one-sided, line of duty Makes for a unique and bold approach. line of duty is a British procedural detective show that follows Steve Arnott, who after refusing to cover up corruption, is put in charge of a unit that attempts to uncover corruption in the police force, leading to some of the most tense and compelling plots Shows many series of the genre would not explore.

line of duty is easily one of the most popular BBC Two series of all time, with the series drawing in over 4 million viewers, receiving several awards and even being included in many lists of the best BBC Two shows of all time. Gangs of London Shows the influence organized crime can have even in the police force And line of duty Shows Arnott and his team gradually uncover how the crowd has become intertwined with the police department.

Unfortunately, the sixth season was under-appreciated, but there have long been rumors of a miniseries revival to bring it all to a more satisfying close.

2

Luther (2010-2019)

Available on Brit Box

Although it was initially unclear what his role in the larger story was, Elliot Carter emerged as the most exciting character in Gangs of London. He is A brave protagonist but also a cop who has shown a willingness to go to great lengths to solve the case as he sees fit. It is a character reminiscent of Idris Elba's titular detective in the excellent crime drama Luther.

Luther is one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful British crime shows of recent decades. Elba's John Luther is a rash but brilliant detective who solves gruesome London murders while also trying to fix his personal life. The popularity of the series delivered five seasons to fans followed by the Netflix movie Luther: Fallen Son Which was one of the biggest hits on the streaming platform.

1

Marcella (2016-2021)

Stream on Netflix

While detective stories have been popular on television for decades, recent years have seen a resurgence in the genre but with a greater focus on the complicated and flawed protagonists who solve crimes amidst their own troubles that they cannot solve. Starring Anna Friel as the title character, Marcella Follow the brilliant titular detective as she tries to balance her difficult personal life and fragile mental state with her stressful life as a detective investigating a murder case in London.

The show came from Swedish writer Hans Rosenfeldt, creator of the similar dark crime series The bridgeAnd air for three seasons to much acclaim. In a similar manner to Luther as well as Carter of gangs of london, The series Follows a gritty, intelligent and flawed detective whose personal troubles are matched by her endless determination to see the job done.