Over the course of its cinematic history, Hollywood has been captivated by the realm of organized crime, which has resulted in the production of some of the most iconic and important films.
A unique combination of action, drama, and psychological complexities, gangster movies frequently depict the rise and fall of infamous criminals. Here’s a look at the best ones that have left an everlasting effect on the genre.
10. Heat (1995)
A crime epic directed by Michael Mann, ‘Heat‘ pairs devoted detective Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino) against expert thief Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro). There’s painstaking attention to detail, and the movie explores the personal lives of both officers and criminals. One of the most iconic gunfight scenes in Hollywood history occurs at the end.
Related: Top 25 Action Movies Of All Time
9. Scarface (1983)
‘Scarface‘, which was written and directed by Oliver Stone, is a contemporary version of the well-known gangster tale. As Tony Montana, an immigrant from Cuba who becomes powerful in the Miami drug trade, Al Pacino loses himself in the role. Considered a cult classic due to its excessive violence and Pacino’s outrageous performance, ‘Scarface‘ has influenced many other movies as well as popular culture.
8. American Gangster (2007)
Ridley Scott’s ‘American Gangster’ narrates the actual tale of Frank Lucas, a drug lord from Harlem who becomes powerful in the 1970s world of crime, played by Denzel Washington. Richie Roberts, the investigator out to destroy Lucas, is portrayed by Russell Crowe. The film distinguishes itself from others in the genre with its examination of the drug trade and its effects on society, all complemented by powerhouse performances.
7. The Godfather Part II (1974)
A follow-up to the monumental ‘The Godfather,’ this sequel continues the Corleone family saga by juxtaposing the growth of Michael Corleone’s empire in the present time with the ascent of young Vito Corleone (played by Robert De Niro) in the past. The film’s intricate storyline and well-rounded character development helped it win many Academy Awards and critical praise, cementing its legacy forever.
In case you missed it: Why Al Pacino’s Oscar-Winning Role Is Also His Most Ridiculed Performance
6. Casino (1995)
Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece, ‘Casino‘ explores the world of casinos in Las Vegas and the mob’s power over them. Joe Pesci portrays Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a vicious casino owner with connections to organized crime, whose face is Robert De Niro. Sharon Stone was nominated for an Oscar for her performance as Ace’s unhappy wife. The film is captivating from the beginning till the very last scene.
5. The Untouchables (1987)
Brian De Palma’s ‘The Untouchables‘ chronicles the true story of Kevin Costner’s character Eliot Ness and his group of operatives as they track down Al Capone, the infamous mobster (Robert De Niro). Intense action scenes are intercut with historical drama in this movie, which earned Sean Connery an Academy Award for his portrayal of Jimmy Malone. No wonder the movie has become a genre mainstay.
4. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Although ‘Pulp Fiction‘ by Quentin Tarantino is not a conventional gangster film, its intricate tales of crime and atonement have given it a coveted spot in the genre. The film’s snappy wit and nonlinear plot have certainly made it a cultural phenomenon. The talented ensemble cast, led by John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, and Uma Thurman, is a rarity itself.
3. The Departed (2006)
An exceptional film by Scorsese, ‘The Departed‘ is a reimagining of the Hong Kong classic ‘Infernal Affairs.’ It centers on Leonardo DiCaprio as an undercover police officer and Matt Damon as a police mole as they attempt to find out each other’s true identities. Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of Frank Costello, the mafia leader, gives the movie an air of danger. The film’s complex storyline and epic performances brought it many Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
2. Goodfellas (1990)
‘Goodfellas’ by Martin Scorsese is a realistic, gritty look at life in the mob. The movie, which is based on Henry Hill’s (Ray Liotta) actual biography, follows his ascent through the ranks of a New York criminal family. Both Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro deliver excellent performances; Pesci’s depiction of Tommy DeVito, the lunatic, won him an Academy Award. The movie has become a milestone for the genre because of its quick pacing and unforgettable story.
Related: Top 25 Best Movies Based On True Stories
1. The Godfather (1972)
Most people agree that the greatest gangster movie ever made is ‘The Godfather‘, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Based on Mario Puzo’s book, it tells the story of the Corleone family’s criminal empire. The film centers on Don Vito Corleone’s reign and his son Michael’s transformation from a cautious outsider in his family to a ruthless mafia boss. With Coppola’s gripping filmmaking and Marlon Brando’s magnetic portrayal of Vito Corleone, this movie is rightly considered a timeless classic.
