Following a modest theatrical run and a brief stint on premium VOD, The Alto Knights—a throwback mob drama helmed by Oscar-winner Barry Levinson—is officially headed to streaming. Warner Bros. has confirmed that the film will make its subscription streaming debut on HBO Max. Additionally, it will premiere on HBO’s linear channel the next day.
What is The Alto Knights About?
Set in the 1950s at the height of organized crime’s influence in America, The Alto Knights is a gritty retelling of the real-life rivalry between two Mafia giants: Frank Costello and Vito Genovese. The twist? Both roles are played by Robert De Niro, in a rare dual performance that showcases the actor’s unparalleled ability to disappear into complex characters.
Written by Goodfellas screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi, the story unfolds as once-close allies become bitter enemies, locked in a power struggle that threatens to fracture the entire New York underworld. As betrayal, paranoia, and violence escalate, the fallout spills beyond the crime world—reshaping not just the Mafia, but the country’s criminal justice system as well.
Rounding out the cast are Debra Messing, Cosmo Jarvis, Kathrine Narducci, and Michael Rispoli.
Where to Watch The Alto Knights Online?
The Alto Knights will be available to stream on HBO Max starting June 6, 2025. The film was previously released on PVOD on April 11, 2025, and is currently available for purchase or rental on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play, at a discounted price of $5.99 for rental and $9.99 for purchase. You can Buy/Rent the movie here in case you don’t have a HBO Max subscription.
When and Where Will The Alto Knights Stream?
In addition to its Max streaming debut, The Alto Knights will also premiere on HBO’s cable channel on Saturday, June 7 at 8:00 p.m. ET—perfect for those who prefer to catch it during prime time on traditional TV.
Box Office & Critical Response
Released in theaters on March 21, 2025, the film earned a respectable $12.4 million domestically, performing solidly among older audiences and fans of classic mob dramas. Though it wasn’t a breakout hit, it did draw praise for De Niro’s commanding performance and Pileggi’s tight, historically grounded screenplay.
Why Watch The Alto Knights?
If you’re a fan of old-school gangster epics like The Godfather Part II or Goodfellas, The Alto Knights delivers the goods: period-accurate grit, morally murky characters, and power plays laced with violence and betrayal. Robert De Niro’s dual role alone is worth the watch, showcasing the legendary actor at his most nuanced and intense.
Whether you’re in it for the history, the performances, or the blood-stained drama, The Alto Knights is a must-watch for crime cinema enthusiasts.
