While popular films like “Rebel Ridge” and “Uglies” dominated Netflix's top 10 last week, a thrilling crime drama based on a true story made a surprise appearance, landing on the streaming service on September 16 and currently sitting in seventh place (although it could move higher) American Gangster is that film, and it appears to be finding a new audience on streaming services

With a stellar cast that includes Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, the film depicts the gritty world of organized crime and the complexities of law enforcement The crime thriller was actually considered underrated in the 2000s because of the overwhelming focus on the blockbuster franchise But now that it is gaining popularity with major red streamers, it is getting the attention it deserves

But even though it made the top 10, is it worth streaming on Netflix? Here's everything you need to know about “American Gangster” and whether it should be on your watch list

“American Gangster” is a crime drama loosely based on the true story of 1970s Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas Lucas (Denzel Washington) comes to power by bypassing the traditional mafia-controlled supply chain and smuggling heroin directly into the United States from Southeast Asia His operation is surprisingly profitable, as he brings in drugs that are purer and cheaper than his competitors

The film also follows the honest and relentless Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), whose mission is to bust Lucas, and Detective Truppo (Josh Brolin), a corrupt drug enforcement officer who colludes with drug dealers He embodies the moral ambiguity within law enforcement

Truth be told, “American Gangster” is relentless, and the on-screen violence is not for those looking for a relaxing watch this weekend This film stands out for its depiction of the gritty, cold-hearted nature of the drug trade Even the first scene, in which Lucas watches as his mentor Bumpy Johnson (Clarence Williams III) commits a horrific crime, is one of the most brutal scenes ever, yet he shows no emotion

So the film is not for the faint of heart, as most of the action unashamedly shows the harsh realities of the drug trade However, that is not to say that it is not worth watching Denzel Washington's performance alone makes this film outstanding (and deserves to be on your list) He plays a ruthless, shrewd, and complex man, but he never falls too far into the villain category

Critics and audiences alike seem to agree that this crime drama is worth a look American Gangster has an 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an even higher 89% from viewers, says the BBC's Stella Papamichael: “There's no doubt that it's pure heart-pounding entertainment” Meanwhile, Paul Burns of the Sydney Morning Herald calls it “one of the most intelligent gangster films ever made”

Of course, the film has its weaknesses, mainly due to its unnecessary length (a whopping 2 hours and 56 minutes); James Kendrick of the Q Network Film Desk agrees that its length often waters down the story

So is “American Gangster,” which made the top 10, actually worth watching? This crime drama is worth watching for the strong performances, especially from Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, and the intense action (which can get brutal, remember) alone

Be warned, however, that the running time is long: at over two and a half hours, some scenes feel a bit drawn out If you are comfortable with long viewing times and like deep character-driven stories, “American Gangster” is definitely a film to add to your streaming list

If you're in the mood for another movie Check out some of the best romantic dramas streaming for free See also our guide to the best Netflix movies to watch in 2024

Stream “American Gangster” on Netflix now