The Kray Twins: Best Movies About The Infamous Gangsters

Hey guys! Ever heard of the Kray twins? Ronnie and Reggie Kray were like, the ultimate gangster legends in London during the 1960s. These guys were seriously infamous, running the East End with an iron fist. Their story is so wild that it’s been brought to the big screen multiple times. So, if you’re looking to dive into their world of crime, here’s the lowdown on the best movies about the Kray twins.

Why the Krays Still Fascinate Us

Okay, so what’s the deal with the Kray twins that makes them so interesting even today? Well, it's a combo of things. First off, their story is just insane. Imagine two identical twins ruling the criminal underworld while also owning nightclubs and hanging out with celebrities. It's like a real-life movie plot! They were involved in everything from extortion and armed robbery to murder, yet they also had this weird public image of being local heroes. People were both terrified of them and fascinated by them.

Plus, the whole idea of identical twins leading this double life adds another layer of intrigue. How did they manage to keep everything together? What was their relationship really like? These are the kinds of questions that filmmakers love to explore. The Krays represent a dark, glamorous, and complex part of London's history, and that's why their story continues to captivate us.

The Krays (1990): A Gritty, Grounded Look

If you want a seriously gritty and realistic portrayal of the Kray twins, The Krays from 1990 is where it’s at. This movie stars Gary and Martin Kemp, who were actually members of the band Spandau Ballet! Talk about unexpected casting, right? But honestly, they nailed it. Gary Kemp played Reggie, the slightly more composed of the two, while Martin Kemp took on the role of Ronnie, who was… well, let’s just say he was more unpredictable and prone to violence.

What makes this movie stand out is its focus on the twins' upbringing and their relationship with their mother, Violet, played brilliantly by Billie Whitelaw. The film delves deep into the dynamics of their family and how it shaped them into the criminals they became. It doesn't glorify their actions; instead, it shows the brutal reality of their lives and the impact they had on the community around them. The atmosphere is dark and oppressive, perfectly capturing the mood of London's East End in the '60s. It’s less about the glitz and glamour and more about the raw, unflinching truth. If you're after a movie that pulls no punches, The Krays (1990) is a must-watch. The performances are top-notch, and the story is both disturbing and compelling. It’s a classic for a reason!

Legend (2015): Tom Hardy Times Two!

Okay, so now we're jumping ahead to 2015 with Legend, starring the one and only Tom Hardy. But here's the twist: he plays both Ronnie and Reggie Kray! Yeah, you heard that right. Tom Hardy took on the challenge of portraying both twins, and he absolutely crushed it. This movie takes a slightly different approach than the 1990 film. While it still explores their criminal activities, it also delves into the psychological aspects of their personalities and their complex relationship.

Legend definitely cranks up the style factor. The costumes are sharp, the music is killer, and the overall vibe is way more flashy than the earlier film. It's got that cool, swinging '60s London feel, but with a dark and dangerous edge. Hardy's performance is the main draw here. He manages to create two distinct characters, making it easy to forget you're watching the same actor. Reggie is suave and calculating, while Ronnie is… well, Ronnie is just a force of nature. He's unpredictable, violent, and often hilarious, all at the same time. Legend is a wild ride, full of action, dark humor, and some seriously impressive acting. If you want a more modern take on the Kray twins' story with a big dose of star power, this is the movie for you.

Comparing The Krays (1990) and Legend (2015)

So, how do these two Kray twins movies stack up against each other? Well, it really depends on what you're looking for. The Krays (1990) is the grittier, more realistic option. It focuses on the social and familial context of their lives, showing how they rose to power in the East End. The performances are strong, but it’s a much more low-key affair. It is also a movie that does not shy away from the more controversial aspects of the Kray's story, including the violence and brutality that they were known for.

On the other hand, Legend (2015) is the flashier, more stylized version. It's got a bigger budget, a bigger star, and a more modern sensibility. Tom Hardy's dual performance is the main attraction, and the movie leans into the dark humor and over-the-top aspects of the Kray twins' story. It is also a movie that takes some liberties with the facts, in order to create a more entertaining and dramatic story. Both movies are worth watching, but they offer very different experiences. If you want a deep dive into the Krays' background and the social conditions that shaped them, go for the 1990 film. If you're in the mood for a fun, action-packed crime flick with a powerhouse performance, Legend is the way to go.

Other Notable Kray Twins Portrayals

While The Krays and Legend are the most well-known movies about Ronnie and Reggie, there have been other portrayals of the infamous twins over the years. Here are a few that are worth checking out:

• Our Friends in the North (1996): This BBC drama series features a brief but memorable appearance by the Kray twins, played by Peter Vaughan and James Hazeldine. The series is a sprawling epic that covers the history of Britain from 1964 to 1995, and the Kray twins' appearance is just one small part of the story. However, it is a significant part, as it helps to illustrate the corruption and violence that were rampant in London at the time.
• The Kray Twins: Kill Order (2018): This low-budget film offers a different perspective on the Kray twins' story, focusing on their early years and their rise to power. It's not as polished as the other movies on this list, but it offers a unique glimpse into the Krays' world. The movie is a gritty and violent portrayal of the Kray twins' early years, and it is not for the faint of heart.

The Enduring Appeal of the Kray Twins

So, why do the Kray twins continue to fascinate us all these years later? It's a question that has been asked many times, and there is no easy answer. Part of it is the sheer audacity of their crimes. The Krays were able to get away with their crimes for so long because they were able to cultivate a climate of fear and intimidation. People were afraid to speak out against them, and the police were often unable to gather enough evidence to convict them. Their story is a reminder of a time when the criminal underworld was able to operate with impunity, and when the police were often powerless to stop them.

But it's not just about the crime. The Krays were also complex and contradictory figures. They were both ruthless criminals and charismatic public figures. They were both feared and admired. This duality is what makes them such compelling characters. They also had a strong sense of family loyalty, and they were fiercely protective of each other. This loyalty is one of the things that made them so dangerous, but it is also one of the things that made them so fascinating.

Ultimately, the Kray twins' story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and the corrupting influence of crime. But it's also a story about family, loyalty, and the enduring appeal of the gangster lifestyle. The Kray twins were able to get away with their crimes for so long because they were able to exploit the weaknesses in the system. Their story is a reminder of the importance of having a strong and effective criminal justice system.

Wrapping Up: Which Kray Twins Movie Should You Watch?

Alright, so after all that, which Kray twins movie should you actually watch? If you're into raw, gritty realism and want to see the dark underbelly of London's East End, The Krays (1990) is your best bet. It's a classic for a reason, and the performances are top-notch.

But if you're in the mood for something more stylish, action-packed, and with a killer dual performance from Tom Hardy, Legend (2015) is the way to go. It's a wild ride that'll keep you entertained from start to finish. And if you're a real Kray twins fanatic, why not watch both? They offer different perspectives on the same story, and both are worth checking out. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to dive into the world of Ronnie and Reggie Kray! You won't be disappointed.