Have you ever had your heart stolen by a morally grey character? Immersing yourself in the life of a criminal through the screen is simply the most thrilling cinematic experience. Read this list of the 11 best gangster movies of all time to find the perfect picks! Let’s dive into the world of, the best gangster films.
The 11 Best Gangster Movies Of All Time
1. Goodfellas (1990)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | IMDb Rating – 8.7/10
For those living under a rock, Goodfellas is one of the greatest gangster films of all time. It’s a somewhat factual story about a real mob family and its members. Scorsese’s directorial masterwork stands out in all categories, including visual, audio, and narrative quality. Get ready to experience what happens when a group of friends make their way up the mob hierarchy!
2. Scarface (1983)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | IMDb Rating – 8.3/10
Scarface was initially criticised by many critics for its excessive use of violence and graphic imagery, but after a recent reevaluation, it is now regarded as one of the best gangster films ever made. With a story centred around a drug empire, perhaps no other gangster movie has had such a profound impact on pop culture and the collective cinematic imagination as this one. So, experience 170 minutes full of pure drama, action, and suspense.
3. Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | IMDb Rating – 8.3/10
Directed by “The Maestro” Sergio Leone, this was his final feature picture and the conclusion of his “once upon a time” trilogy. An incredible cinematic tour through the world of Jewish mobsters, which some dislike due to its length and unsatisfactory finale. However, it is so engrossing and authentic that you can almost smell the Jewish community in New York after the turn of the century.
4. The Untouchables (1987)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | IMDb Rating – 7.8/10
David Mamet’s incisive screenplay, along with director Brian De Palma’s direction, creates a suspenseful and captivating story. The plot, which is fictitious and takes place during Prohibition, tells the story of how the police pursue Al Capone by waging a violent counterattack against his vicious criminal organisation. Even though they play a supporting role in the film, the gangsters nevertheless drive the conflict, making it one of the best mafia movies.
5. The Departed (2006)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | IMDb Rating – 8.5/10
This is one of the best Martin Scorsese films out there. In this gripping criminal film, the workings of the Mafia gang against the police are portrayed in all their detail. It is one of the most captivating movies, and there is a lot of suspenseful building throughout the plot. A story of trust and betrayal involving every type of person there is. Just remember, no one can be trusted!
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6. The Irishman (2019)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | IMDb Rating – 7.8/10
Sorry about another Scorsese film on the list, but The Irishman is an outstanding achievement. The plot centres on truck driver Frank Sheeran, who becomes associated with Russell Bufalino and his Pennsylvania crime family. The Irishman addresses the concepts of death and time in retrospect. It is a magnificent movie that should not be missed and is sure to become another Scorsese masterpiece.
7. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | IMDb Rating – 7.7/10
Arguably, Bonnie and Clyde is the movie that most influenced the gangster subgenre. The Godfather, The Departed, and True Romance are just a few of the movies that have been attributed to the 1967 blockbuster as inspiration. Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway play the title characters, a real-life criminal couple who commit a series of robberies during the Great Depression.
8. The Public Enemy (1931)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | IMDb Rating – 7.6/10
Directed by William A. Wellman, this movie is a gripping account of a prohibition gangster’s ascent and decline. In the 1930s, Warner Brothers produced social message thrillers that combined a public service announcement as a kind of cherry on top with the customary amount of excitement and gunplay. In addition to providing one with the anticipated thrills, the film offers sombre comments on Prohibition. It truly is a classic!
PS: The another inspired masterpiece — Public Enemy (2013) — is worth a watch.
9. American Gangster (2007)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | IMDb Rating – 7.8/10
Most of us are probably aware of Frank Lucas, who founded a drug empire and received a 70-year prison term. The movie, which is based on Lucas, shows him smuggling drugs inside soldiers’ coffins. This is the movie to watch if you’re looking for a fantastic crime film; it’s a work of art!
10. The Godfather
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | IMDb Rating – 8.7/10
We had to save this one for the last! The “Godfather” is a Mafia figure who gives his son (Al Pacino) control of his criminal enterprise, but things go wrong! It is simply so wonderful and amazing! Francis Ford Coppola, we sincerely appreciate you directing this masterpiece in the 1970s and casting the greatest performers in it. It’s long but excellent and truly deserving of the awards and love it has received. It is one of the best gangster films of the film history.
11. The Godfather 2
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | IMDb Rating – 8.7/10
The Godfather 2 is a marvellous gangster film. You wouldn’t be able to resist this movie because it has so much to offer, from Vito’s past to Michael’s current issues. It’s fair to say that referring to Godfather Part II as a sequel is a bit offensive. Considering how fantastic the first Godfather was, this is one of those unusual sequels that almost surpasses the original. And we think that in itself speaks volumes! It has paved a way foe the upcoming gangster films genre.
Conclusion – Best Gangster Films
As you watch these masterworks, you can’t help but wonder how these gangsters—people just like us—can do such heinous crimes. But by the time the movie closes, you’ll find yourself rooting for them.
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