Top 10 Most Notorious TV Gangsters

“Prison Break” (2005-09; 2017)
Every prison has its top dog, and Fox River’s is John Abruzzi. The Chicago mob boss enjoys more freedom than most while inside, which is why protagonist Michael Scofield recruits him to his planned escape attempt. A devoted family man, despite his criminal nature, Abruzzi captures the attention whenever he’s onscreen. His intense, unpredictable nature leads to many shocking (and violent) developments during his time on the show. While his tenure in the series is nowhere near as long as we’d like it, Abruzzi still looms large in a series filled with fascinating characters.

“Banshee” (2013-16)
The Amish community probably has few gangsters to its name, but Kai Proctor is the exception that proves the rule. The resident crime boss in the titular town of this criminally underrated series, Proctor may be “known to the authorities,” but he’s always charming and cunning enough to evade going down for good. Proctor makes us uncomfortable, not only with his creepily close relationship with his niece, but also with how often we find ourselves rooting for such a ruthless, vile man. But the devil you know is often easier to love than the ones you don’t.

“Ozark” (2017-22)
The Byrde family suffers plenty of anxiety in laundering money for a drug cartel. And the cartel’s leader, Omar Navarro, is the number one source of that stress. While he does respect competence and honesty, Navarro proves to be the boss from hell. The drug lord is volatile and unpredictable, with his mood shifting rapidly in his every encounter with his subordinates. Worst of all, Navarro is impatient, and frequently sets unrealistic deadlines for tasks to be accomplished. His presence and demanding attitude instantly make any scene he’s in fraught with tension.

“Justified” (2010-15)
Women can be gangsters too! They may be less common, but they’re just as vicious, if not more so! Mags Bennett, played by the always incredible Margo Martindale, is the matriarch of the Bennett family. A clan of generations of criminals, Mags and her brood have their fingers in a lot of pies, including everything from pot growing to moonshine (which actually tastes like apple pie). Despite her charming and homely facade, Mags is a cutthroat gangster who will do anything to protect her family’s interests. And she’ll even use poison, or exact harsh lessons to her sons with a hammer, if necessary!

“Sons of Anarchy” (2008-14)
It was very tempting to choose series protagonist Jax Teller instead, given that he steps up to lead the eponymous motorcycle club the series focuses on. But Jax’s stepfather Clay Morrow ultimately embodies the gangster archetype more in our eyes. Clay is responsible for increasing the club’s criminal activities, and nearly leads them to disaster many times. While charismatic and initially appearing to have the club's best interests at heart, Clay gradually betrays everyone close to him, revealing that he’s only looking out for himself. Flawed yet fascinating, Clay is one of “Sons of Anarchy”’s most watchable characters.

“The Wire” (2002-08)
In this fictionalized version of Baltimore, there are plenty of memorable gangsters on the streets. But our pick goes to Stringer Bell. The up-and-coming right-hand man of Avon Barksdale, Stringer Bell seeks to turn their organization legitimate. He often does so by studying economics and putting what he learns into practice in his criminal organization. Stringer manipulates and outmaneuvers his opponents, eschewing direct confrontation unless absolutely necessary. While his underestimation of both the criminal and legitimate businesses ultimately proves his undoing, Stringer’s ambition and pragmatic mindset make him a formidable gangster indeed.

“Marvel Cinematic Universe” (2008-)
The MCU has many notable crime bosses we could have chosen. While the brief reign of Cornell “Cottonmouth” Stokes on “Luke Cage” is entertaining, there’s only one Kingpin. Wilson Fisk is the enormously powerful head of a shadowy crime organization with connections across the United States. His reach is such that even FBI agents are on his payroll. But despite his impressive empire, we still often see Fisk as a vulnerable and lonely man. He may sport a massive frame, but Fisk never really grew up, and his moments of immaturity are often accompanied by fits of terrifying violence, which makes for a truly compelling villain.

“Boardwalk Empire” (2010-14)
Very loosely based on real New Jersey politician Nucky Johnson (though with enough creative liberties that he still qualifies for our list), Nucky Thompson is a corrupt county treasurer and gangster. While popular among everyday people due to his generosity and charming personality, Nucky effectively controls Atlantic City in its entirety, through both legitimate and criminal means. Wielding a tongue as sharp as his suits, Nucky orchestrates most of his criminal acts through others, but when he does get his hands dirty, he rarely hesitates. Played to brilliant perfection by Steve Buscemi, Nucky Thompson is an old school gangster through and through.

“Breaking Bad” (2008-13) & “Better Call Saul” (2015-22)
If Stringer Bell is a drug economics student, Gus Fring is a professor in the subject! Presenting himself in public as the affable owner of a chain of chicken restaurants, Gus is actually the cold, calculating head of a massive methamphetamine empire with ties to a Mexican drug cartel. Gus wields absolute control over his employees, manipulating them and threatening them into submission in equal measure. A perfectionist with an eye for the long game, Gus spends decades executing revenge on his enemies. Unfortunately for him, his decision to hire Walter White ultimately proves his downfall. However, after watching actor Giancarlo Esposito masterfully portray his rise and fall over multiple shows, there’s no denying that Gus is one of television’s greatest gangsters.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

A Terrifying & Foulmouthed White Supremacist Gang Leader

An Unassuming Mob Boss with a Brilliant Strategic Mind

They Call Her “Black” Mariah & Her Heart Is Certainly That

“The Sopranos” (1999-2007)
This famed mafia series is a positive goldmine of incredible TV gangsters. Silvio Dante and Paulie Walnuts are wildly entertaining, but c’mon - the name of the show is “The Sopranos,” and Tony Soprano is the head honcho! Tony perfectly balances all the intimidating brutality of a gangster with the vulnerability and relatability of a modern family man. His evolution throughout the show is as captivating now as it was when “The Sopranos” first aired. James Gandolfini’s performance has cemented Tony Soprano as the most iconic TV gangster of them all, and indeed one of the most famous fictional gangsters ever!