Robert De Niro’s latest gangster film, The Alto Knights, is attracting renewed global attention as it climbs into seventh place on HBO Max’s global Top 10 a year after its lackluster theatrical run, highlighting shifting audience tastes and the evolving appeal of the Robert De Niro gangster movie. Initially released in March 2025, the crime drama underperformed at the box office but is now finding unexpected popularity among streaming viewers.
From Cinematic Disappointment to Streaming Hit
Despite having legendary director Barry Levinson at the helm and a script by Nicholas Pileggi—known for inspiring Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas—The Alto Knights struggled during its theatrical debut. The film boasted significant star power, with Robert De Niro playing both Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, two rival crime leaders in 1950s New York. Audiences were initially unenthused, leading to a disappointing $9 million box office return from a hefty $50 million budget.
The story follows Frank Costello, who, after surviving a failed assassination attempt, decides to step away from his position at the Luciano crime family’s head, offering the leadership to underboss Vito Genovese. As old friends turned adversaries, both men wrestle with trust and ambition within the criminal underworld. Supporting roles feature Debra Messing as Bobbie Costello, Michael Rispoli, Cosmo Jarvis, and Kathrine Narducci.
Mixed Critical Reception and Box Office Woes
The Alto Knights was released by Warner Bros. Pictures in late March of the previous year and quickly garnered a 40% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, marking it as one of the less appreciated entries in De Niro’s diverse portfolio. Despite strong industry names—such as director Barry Levinson, whose past works include Rain Man and Sleepers—the film failed to connect with moviegoers initially. By the end of its theatrical run, the movie had grossed just $9 million, far short of recouping its production costs.
Rivalries and Dual Performances Drive the Narrative
Within the narrative, De Niro delivers a dual performance that puts him at the crossroads of a cutthroat turf war. The rivalry between Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, once close friends, drives the tension of the film as each man’s motives become more uncertain. The depiction of their struggle not only extends the enduring fascination with organized crime stories but also underscores the actor’s long-standing connection to the genre.
Alongside De Niro, the film showcases performances by Debra Messing in the role of Bobbie Costello, as well as Michael Rispoli, Cosmo Jarvis, and Kathrine Narducci. These supporting characters round out a cast that reflects both the familial and combative aspects typical of classic mob cinema.
Shifting Fortunes on Streaming Platforms
Following its initial theatrical setback, The Alto Knights has begun to find an audience on streaming, particularly through HBO Max, where global viewership has propelled it into the Top 10. The unexpected surge suggests that viewers are giving the film a second chance outside the pressures of box office expectations. This trend reflects a growing opportunity for films to succeed through digital platforms even after disappointing cinema runs.
As audiences revisit this Robert De Niro gangster movie and its portrayal of 1950s New York crime networks, The Alto Knights stands as an example of how films can experience renewed relevance. With household names like De Niro, Barry Levinson, and Nicholas Pileggi attached, continued interest in the movie may lead to broader discussions about its place in the mob film genre and influence on future projects.
