When one thinks of British gangster movies, the name Guy Ritchie immediately comes to mind thanks to his iconic films such as “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch.” However, the genre is rich with other gems that deserve equal praise for their storytelling, character development, and unique British flavour. Here are the 10 best British gangster movies that were not directed by Guy Ritchie:

1.”Get Carter” (1971) – Directed by Mike Hodges, this film stars Michael Caine as a London gangster who returns to his hometown to investigate his brother’s mysterious death. The movie is a gritty and intense portrayal of the criminal underworld.

2.”The Long Good Friday” (1980) – Helmed by John Mackenzie, it sees Bob Hoskins in a career-defining role as Harold Shand, a London mob boss whose empire starts to crumble over the course of a single day.

3.”Sexy Beast” (2000) – Directed by Jonathan Glazer, this psychological thriller features an unforgettable performance by Ben Kingsley as the menacing Don Logan who comes out of retirement to do one last job.

4.”Layer Cake” (2004) – Matthew Vaughn steps out from Ritchie’s shadow with his directorial debut about a cocaine dealer trying to pull off one final sale before retiring. The film features Daniel Craig in a standout role just before he became James Bond.

5.”The Krays” (1990) – Peter Medak’s biographical crime drama tells the story of the infamous Kray twins, two gangsters who terrorized London during the 1950s and 1960s.

6.”Gangster No. 1″ (2000) – Directed by Paul McGuigan, this gritty tale focuses on the rise and fall of a notorious gangster known only as ‘Number 1’. The film’s nonlinear storytelling and a powerhouse performance by Paul Bettany make it a must-watch.

7.”Brighton Rock” (1948) – Based on Graham Greene’s novel and directed by John Boulting, Richard Attenborough delivers a chilling performance as Pinkie Brown, a teenage gangster making his mark on the Brighton underworld.

8.”Mona Lisa” (1986) – Another Neil Jordan classic stars Bob Hoskins as George, an ex-con who gets entangled in the London crime scene while working for an upscale escort.

9.”Villain” (1971) – Richard Burton stars in this gritty crime flick directed by Michael Tuchner about a vicious London gang leader with plans that involve him overstretching his grip on the city’s underworld.

10.”The Crying Game” (1992) – While not entirely focused on gangsters, Neil Jordan’s film involves IRA terrorism which has analogs in gang culture. The movie became famous for its plot twist but is also notable for its deep explorations of violence and identity.