8 best gangster movies of all time
Like the mob mentality of gangster films, few genres represent the concept of a "cult classic". After all, nothing creates a bond between the audience and the protagonist much like watching their life of crime for a full two hours (and borderline aiding and abetting). Posted On March 12th, 2021
"The Godfather" (1972) / The Godfather Part II" (1974)
Like the mafia mentality of gangster movies, few genres represent the concept of a "cult classic" At all, nothing but watching their criminal life for a full two hours provides a bond between the audience and the protagonist (and borderline aiding and abetting).
"Scarface" (1983)
The remake of the 1932 film of the same name, by Brian De Palma, is bigger, bolder, and stronger. In all the right ways, Pacino puts in an over the top show. Also significant for its theme was the 1983 Scarface. Television programs like Miami Vice and games like Grand Theft Auto: In creating their own vision of Miami violence, Vice City will go on to take heavy influence from Scarface.
"Goodfellas" (1990)
Goodfellas is considered to be the best film by Martin Scorsese by many and that's saying something. Goodfellas tells the tale of Henry Hill, based on Nicolas Pileggi's novel Wiseguys: a half-Irish, half-Sicilian New Yorker who grows up in the ranks of the mob of his Brooklyn neighborhood. Henry quickly finds himself at odds with both law enforcement and the mobsters, despite his loyalty to them in the face of legal pressure. The film, including Ray Liotta, Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci, and Paul Sorvino, boasts a classic cast.
"City of God" (2002)
Adapted from the novel of the same name by Paulo Lins, City of God centers on the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's suburb of Cidade de Deus. The story presents two young men with a dual perspective: one a photographer who chooses to capture the increasing gang/drug violence of the city, and one who executes by being a dominant drug dealer in this setting.
"The Untouchables" (1987)
The Untouchables, anchored by an outstanding cast and helmed by Brian De Palma, is one of the most influential gangster movies ever made. Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, and Robert De Niro all act in impressive ways. The Untouchables is a crime film from the Prohibition period that blends police practices and thrillers to a satisfactory degree.
"Once Upon a Time in America" (1984)
It's a decades-long tale of friendship and obedience to the New York City mob. As a conflicted, opium-sick, mobster dreamer, De Niro gives one of his career's finest performances. Some of the material particularly for a gangster film is incredibly heavy and tests the boundaries. Yet after it is said and done, one of the top five best gangster movies of all-time is the full cut of Once Upon a Time in America.
"White Heat" (1949)
For his girlfriend, gang boss Cody Jarrett (James Cagney) lives preparing heists between horrific headaches. Cody kills an officer during a train robbery that goes bad. If he realizes he's being hunted, officials plant undercover agent Hank (Edmond O'Brien) in Cody's cell, realizing Cody can never be thwarted. A devastated Cody breaks out of prison after his mother dies, taking Hank along to join his gang. Cody prepares a payroll heist for Hank in connection with the authorities.
"Carlito's Way" (1993)
Carlito Brigante (Al Pacino), a free man after years of jail, plans to give up his criminal ways, but it is not long before the ex-con gets drawn back into the underworld of New York City. Carlito becomes embroiled in the shady affairs of his friend Dave Kleinfeld (Sean Penn), who also acts as his solicitor, when he reconnects with his dancer ex, Gail (Penelope Ann Miller). It takes them on a risky course as Carlito and Kleinfeld run afoul of shifty gangster Benny Blanco (John Alberto Leguizamo).