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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The Alto Knights is a 2025 crime drama about real New York mob figures Frank Costello and Vito Genovese—and its central hook is Robert De Niro playing both men. Directed by Barry Levinson and written by Nicholas Pileggi, the film dramatizes the pair’s rivalry rather than presenting a documentary account. It opened in U.S. theaters on March 21, 2025, and Warner Bros. Discovery announced its exclusive Max streaming debut for June 6, 2025.
What is The Alto Knights about?
The story follows Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, once friends whose relationship deteriorates into jealousy, betrayal and a struggle for control of New York’s streets. Warner Bros. describes their clash as one that reshapes the Mafia and America. The title refers to the Alto Knights social club in Little Italy, New York, according to TIME’s account of the film’s historical background.
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The Alto Knights (Blu-ray) | $15.27 | Buy on Amazon |
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![The Alto Knights [4K UHD + Digital Insert]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41nEAYURGvL._SL160_.jpg)
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The Alto Knights [4K UHD + Digital Insert] | $20.20 | Buy on Amazon |
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![The Alto Knights [Blu-ray] [2025] [Region Free]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41m1CKNjRYL._SL160_.jpg)
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The Alto Knights [Blu-ray] [2025] [Region Free] | $17.46 | Buy on Amazon |
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The Alto Knights Blu-ray | Robert De Niro, Debra Messing | $20.43 | Buy on Amazon |
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Batman: Bad Blood | $3.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Who is in the cast and who made the film?
Robert De Niro portrays both Costello and Genovese. Barry Levinson directed, and Nicholas Pileggi wrote the screenplay. Other credited cast members include Debra Messing as Bobbie Costello, Kathrine Narducci as Anna Genovese, Cosmo Jarvis as Vincent Gigante, and Michael Rispoli as Albert Anastasia. The official Warner Bros. film page lists additional cast members.
Is The Alto Knights based on a true story?
It is inspired by real people and events, but it is a dramatization, not a documentary. Costello and Genovese were real crime figures with different reputations: historians cited by TIME characterize Genovese as more associated with street violence and Costello as more of a political power broker. Both were involved in bootlegging and rum running during Prohibition, which ran from 1920 to 1933. As historian Tony DeStefano puts it, “They were essentially rivals.”
#1 Best Overall
- Bonus Content
- Blu-ray HD
- 2025 Release
The Apalachin Meeting and the disputed tip-off
The film’s historical frame includes the Apalachin Meeting, a gathering of mob figures that took place on November 14, 1957. The movie presents the possibility that Costello tipped authorities off. TIME’s account makes clear that this remains uncertain: DeStefano cautions, “We don’t know if Costello ever did that,” and the account also notes uncertainty over whether Costello made the trip depicted in the film. Those details should be understood as dramatic interpretation, not settled historical fact.
Further reading on the two men
TIME names two biographies by DeStefano for readers who want to explore the real figures separately: The Deadly Don: Vito Genovese, Mafia Boss focuses on Genovese, while Top Hoodlum: Frank Costello, Prime Minister of the Mafia focuses on Costello.
Rank #2
When was it released, and where can you watch it?
The film’s official site gives March 21, 2025, as its U.S. theatrical release date and says international release began March 19, 2025. Warner Bros. Discovery announced an exclusive streaming launch on Max on June 6, 2025. That announcement records the launch date; it does not establish current availability in every country. Check Max in your region for the present listing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How long is it, and what is its rating?
Apple TV lists The Alto Knights at 2 hours 3 minutes and rates it R for violence and pervasive language. These are the details on Apple TV’s listing; the Apple TV page provides its platform information.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Robert De Niro, Debra Messing, Barry Levinson
Rank #3
- Alto Knights
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