“As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.”
Hollywood has given us some of the most entertaining, haunting and thrilling peeks into the world of gangsters. With ‘Keep your friends close but your enemies closer’, ‘Never rat on your friends and always keep your mouth shut’, ‘Every dog has his day’ and many other valuable life lessons paired up with kick-ass action scenes, mob hits, robberies, glamour and the most notorious stories, gangster films have never fail to charm a movie-lover. Here are some of the best gangster movies ever made.
- The Godfather Part 2
Released in 1974, Godfather Part 2 is directed by a crime classic by Francis Ford Coppola and is one of the best movies ever made. The movie is a sequel to ‘The Godfather’, wherein Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), slowly and gradually loses power being the mob boss and struggles with complicated family issues. On the contrary, young Vito Corleone (Robert DeNiro) rises as one of the most feared mob bosses in the Mafia families. Al Pacino gives what can easily be called his best performance as Michael Corleone. Coppola’s storytelling is deeply absorbing and enchanting. You’ll want to watch this one again and again for sure.
2. Goodfellas
Martin Scorsese with his favourite duo Robert DeNiro and Joe Pesci created this splendid Gangster flick which was released in 1990 but still remains everyone’s favourite portrayal of the mafia world. A film based on true events dives deep into the ways and lives of gangsters. The film gets hold of you and takes to show how lavish, greedy and dangerous, the life of a ‘Goodfella’ can be. Right from the sublime direction, the costumes, catchy dialogue and a groovy soundtrack coupled with voice narration, set Goodfellas at the peak of Mafia movies.
3. Scarface
The story of Tony Montana, speaks about a Cuban criminal who rises to the top of the mob bosses. The film’s most notable element is an impeccable performance of Tony Montana by Al Pacino. The film speaks about Tony’s journey from being a small criminal to one of the most influential dons. Scarface is typically known for its horrific scenes and classic dialogues. Al Pacino inhabits the role of Tony Montana with sheer excellence and gives this cinema a haunting experience.
4. Donnie Brasco
Donnie Brasco tells the story of FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone (Johnny Depp), who infiltrates one of the five crime families in New York. He befriends a low-level mafia member Benjamin Ruggiero ‘Lefty’ (Al Pacino), to investigate the Mafia operations but soon the line between Mafia world and law enforcement begins to blur. A duo of Johnny Depp and Al Pacino is refreshing. Based on actual events, Donnie Brasco contains all the gangster movie elements — Family, loyalty, trust and betrayal.
5. The Departed
How can a movie filled with top-notch actors like Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon and Mark Wahlberg miss to make us go absolutely bonkers? With each department (Underworld and Police) having a mole to infiltrate the other, the plot itself keeps us on our toes. The Departed is full of tension, thrill and twists. Directed by Martin Scorsese himself, this movie can’t be better than it already is.
6. Pulp Fiction
The most unforgettable cinema gifted to us by Quentin Tarantino is and will always remain one of its kind. Jumbled up sub-plots, a brilliant direction and the best screenplay, Pulp Fiction remains a cult classic to the date. A unique story full of religious hitmen, boxers, and evil mob bosses stuck in a whirlwind. Not to mention, the unique, funny and powerful dialogues used in the film make it an utter gangster movie.
7. Casino
“There are three ways to do things around here: the right way, the wrong way and the way I do it.”
Another movie by Martin Scorsese with his favourite collaboration, Robert DeNiro and Joe Pesci. Robert DeNiro plays an influential and powerful Mafia associate who is asked to run a Casino and everything goes well until his friend Nicky and his love interest Ginger create complications. The film absorbs us in the world of Casinos and the Mafia’s who used to control them. With a stellar direction and fantastic performances, Casino is remaining a masterpiece.
8. The Untouchables
Another massively entertaining crime drama is set in 1920’s Chicago wherein, a mobster El Capone continues to run his liquor business despite the prohibition in the USA. Eliot Ness, a prohibition agent is assigned to end Capone’s illegal business. Robert DeNiro really blends in the role of Capone and delivers a strong performance. Brain De Palm’s direction is exquisite, immerses you in the feels of 1920s Chicago.
9. Once Upon A Time In America
Directed by Sergio Leone, once upon a time in America is an epic crime drama which revolves around a gangster from New York who returns from a self-imposed exile to make amends for his mistakes. The movie is filled with bold, and violent scenes. This movie haunts you emotionally and makes one aware of the brutality the country has faced. This out-of-the-box gangster epic deserves applause.
10. Miller’s Crossing
Dealing with the war between Irish, Italian and Jewish mob, Miller’s Crossing goes down to be called another bone-chilling, violent and thrilling experiences of the Hollywood cinema. Directed by the talented Coen Brothers, this movie ticks all the elements of a neo-noir genre. Another notable element about this film happens to be the infamous and probably the longest Tommy gun scene in the history of cinema.
These were our picks for the Top Ten Gangster Movies. Do you agree with our list? Did we miss out on your favourite gangster blockbusters? Tell us in the comment section.
Written By: Aakash Shete
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