Guy Ritchie has a signature style: sharp suits, Cockney banter, and a knack for turning criminal underworlds into cinematic playgrounds. His 2019 film The Gentlemen is perhaps the purest distillation of that formula, and it's currently enjoying a streaming resurgence just as its television counterpart gears up for a comeback.
The movie, which hit theaters internationally in 2019 and in the U.S. in early 2020, has climbed back into the streaming charts on JustWatch, nearly seven years after its initial release. The timing is no coincidence—Netflix's The Gentlemen spin-off series is set to return for a second season on September 3, 2026, and fans are revisiting the original to get their fix.
A Return to Form for Ritchie
The Gentlemen marked a return to the gritty, fast-talking crime genre that made Ritchie a household name with Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch. The film follows Mickey Pearson (Matthew McConaughey), an American expat who has built a thriving marijuana empire in Britain. When he decides to sell up and retire, his plans set off a chaotic scramble among London's criminal elite, each vying to take over his lucrative operation.
The ensemble cast is a who's who of British and international talent: Charlie Hunnam as Mickey's right-hand man Raymond, Michelle Dockery as his wife Rosalind, Jeremy Strong as a scheming investor, Colin Farrell as a boxing coach with a penchant for violence, Henry Golding as a rival gangster, Hugh Grant as a sleazy private investigator, and Eddie Marsan as a local tough. Grant, in particular, delivers a scene-stealing performance that showcases his comedic range.
Critics and audiences alike have embraced the film, with a 75% Rotten Tomatoes score from critics and an even stronger 84% audience approval. It's a testament to Ritchie's ability to blend humor, action, and style into a thoroughly entertaining package.
From Big Screen to Small Screen
Rather than a direct sequel, Ritchie expanded the Gentlemen universe with a Netflix series that premiered in 2024. The show shifts focus to Eddie Horniman (Theo James), an aristocrat who inherits his family's estate only to discover it sits atop a massive criminal enterprise run by Susie Glass (Kaya Scodelario) and her father Bobby (Ray Winstone). The first season was a hit, and the upcoming second season promises more of the same high-stakes intrigue.
For those who haven't yet experienced the original, now is the perfect time to catch up. The film's streaming success is a clear sign that audiences are hungry for more of Ritchie's unique brand of storytelling. And if you're a fan of his earlier work, you might also want to check out Guy Ritchie's 'Snatch' with Jason Statham, which is currently streaming free on Pluto TV.
With the spin-off's return just weeks away, the original Gentlemen is the perfect appetizer. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this is a crime caper that deserves a spot on your watchlist. And if you're looking for more under-the-radar crime dramas, Hulu's 'Furious' is another gem worth exploring.
So, as the countdown to September 3 begins, why not revisit the film that started it all? The Gentlemen is streaming now, and it's the perfect way to get ready for the chaos that's about to unfold.
