One of cinema's most legendary partnerships began with a bang—and a bloody battle in the Five Points. The inaugural collaboration between director Martin Scorsese and actor Leonardo DiCaprio, the sprawling historical crime epic Gangs of New York, is set to leave the Peacock streaming service. Mark your calendars: the film's final day on the platform is May 1, 2026.
The Birth of a Cinematic Dynasty
While many actor-director duos have left their mark, few have defined an era like DiCaprio and Scorsese. Their alliance, now spanning nearly a quarter-century and six acclaimed films, began in the early 2000s. DiCaprio, seeking to move beyond his teen idol status, found a perfect mentor in Scorsese, who needed a bankable star to realize his ambitious visions. Their creative marriage proved so fruitful it launched one of modern film's most respected bodies of work.
Gangs of New York was that crucial first project. Released in 2002, it was a monumental undertaking. Scorsese famously battled to maintain his creative control, even investing his own money to complete the film after going over budget. The production was so vast that 19th-century New York was meticulously recreated on soundstages in Rome, setting the stage for a brutal story about the violent birth of modern America.
A Cast for the Ages
The film is far more than a two-man show. It boasts an astonishing ensemble cast led by Daniel Day-Lewis in an Oscar-nominated, electrifying performance as the villainous Bill "The Butcher" Cutting. Cameron Diaz, Brendan Gleeson, Liam Neeson, and John C. Reilly round out the key players in this gritty drama. The film was a commercial success, grossing nearly $200 million worldwide, and earned generally positive reviews for its ambitious scale and powerful performances.
Critics noted the film's sprawling and sometimes messy nature, but its production design and Day-Lewis's work were universally praised. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a "Certified Fresh" rating, with the consensus highlighting its impressive scope and the actor's unforgettable turn. For fans of gritty period pieces, it remains a essential watch. If you're looking for another gripping crime saga to dive into after this, check out Sean Bean's 'This City Is Ours', currently topping charts on AMC+.
From First Chapter to Lasting Legacy
Gangs of New York established thematic DNA that Scorsese and DiCaprio would explore for decades: ambition, corruption, violence, and the dark underbelly of the American dream. These themes resonated powerfully in their later collaborations like The Departed, The Wolf of Wall Street, and most recently, Killers of the Flower Moon. Their seventh film together, What Happens at Night starring Jennifer Lawrence, is already in the works for Apple.
This departure is a reminder of the ever-shifting landscape of streaming content. Just as major films arrive with fanfare, their exits prompt a rush to watch. For another title making waves on Peacock, the animated hit 'Space Jam' is scoring a streaming slam dunk this year. Meanwhile, not all shows get a lasting stay; Peacock recently canceled the Simu Liu spy thriller 'The Copenhagen Test' after a single season.
Stream It Before It's Gone
With its departure date set, now is the time to experience—or revisit—this cornerstone of Scorsese's filmography. At 168 minutes, it's a commitment, but one that immerses you in a vicious, vividly realized chapter of history. It's the explosive starting point for a partnership that has given us some of the most memorable films of the 21st century. For more iconic moments in film, explore our ranking of Cinema's Greatest Goodbyes.
So, before the curtain falls on this particular slice of streaming history, head to Peacock to witness the brutal birth of a legendary creative partnership. Once it's gone, you'll need to seek it out on other digital rental platforms or physical media to see where the DiCaprio-Scorsese saga truly began.
