My Favourite Gangster Films of All-Time

Few figures attract audiences to theatres like gangsters. Since the 1970’s, gangsters have elevated movies. Whether it’s intimidating dons, scarface drug dealers or departed police officers, the gangster genre has created several characters. Given the number of movies made in the gangster genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best gangster films ever made that deserve to be celebrated.

1. The Godfather

Gangsters are grand figures that have always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a grandfather that loved gangsters causing damage. He was fascinated with stories of gangsters seeking to become somebodies in neighbourhoods full of nobodies that shaped his identity. Through his lifelong love of gangsters, my grandfather gave me an appreciation for figures I have grown to value. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandfather that loved gangsters, I adored “The Godfather”. Ever since its release in 1972, Francis Ford Coppola’s groundbreaking movie has stood the test of time as the greatest gangster movie ever made. In arguably the greatest gangster movie ever made in cinematic history, Coppola did an extraordinary job of adapting a book about gangsters on the big-screen. Coppola is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at creating stunning films about criminals, and “The Godfather” showcased his strengths as a director. It isn’t easy to adapt a classic book about gangsters, but Coppola succeeded tremendously. For instance, the scene in which Michael Corleone commits his first murder of Sollozzo in a local restaurant is one of the greatest moments of any gangster movie in history. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Marlon Brando, who transformed into a powerful don giving his family dreams to follow. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather” the greatest gangster movie ever made its its message. The film delivers a profound message about the unbreakable bonds between families that will resonate with everyone. Unlike most gangster movies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Nearly 50 years following the release of an iconic film about gangsters seeking to make matters strictly business, it’s a riveting reminder about a genre that has always given audiences happiness.

2. Goodfellas

Martin Scorsese is a legendary filmmaker my cousin has always loved dearly. Several years ago, I formed a strong bond with a cousin that loved a filmmaker he considered a hero. A huge fan of Martin Scorsese, he often spoke fondly about a filmmaker shaping his identity. My cousin adored all of Scorsese’s movies but his favourite film was always “Goodfellas”. Ever since its release in 1990, Martin Scorsese’s movie has stood the test of time as a mobster masterpiece. With the most personal film of his career, Scorsese traced the struggles of a real-life gangster that faced a burden to bear. Growing up in Little Italy during the 1940’s, Scorsese witnessed gangs in childhood that shaped his identity. With “Goodfellas”, Scorsese drew from his personal experiences to create a portrait of gangsters audiences could relate to. For instance, the scene in which Tommy throws a temper tantrum at Henry for calling him funny in a bar is one of the greatest moments of the gangster genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Ray Liotta, who embodies a larger-than-life gangster committing crimes with charisma. Ultimately, what makes “Goodfellas” a mobster masterpiece is its humanity. It turns cruel gangsters committing crimes into relatable people audiences can easily relate to. As strong as Henry Hill’s desire to become a gangster, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost abilities to captivate making movies that audiences treasure.

3. The Godfather: Part 2

Fathers are inspirational figures that shaped my identity. As far as I remember, I’ve always shared long-lasting bonds with my father. An inspiring role model, he motivated me to achieve dreams that I am pursuing. Without his wisdom, I may not have achieved dreams I am passionate about. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured hardships gangsters raising children go through as powerfully as “The Godfather: Part 2”. Released in 1974, Francis Ford Coppola’s Oscar-winning sequel achieved the tricky feat of living up to its predecessor. Sequels rarely meet high standards of predecessors. However, “The Godfather: Part Two” is an exception. Coppola created a powerful sequel that managed to improve upon the original through themes of fatherhood. Coppola has always excelled at using non-linear storytelling in his moviess, and his strengths are evident in “The Godfather: Part 2”. For instance, the scene in which Michael Corleone experiences an argument with Kay about his children is one of the greatest moments of any gangster movie. At the centre of it all is an strong performance by Al Pacino, who embodies a gangster experiencing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather: Part 2” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a powerful message about fatherhood that would resonate with everyone. An extraordinary portrait of fatherhood, it’s a profound reminder about a genre that has stood the test of time as a piece of Hollywood.

4. Pulp Fiction

Few filmmakers that achieved fame several years ago are as beloved as Quentin Tarantino. Several years ago, I developed bonds with a school teacher that loved Tarantino. Through his lifelong love of Tarantino, my teacher gave me greater appreciation for a filmmaker I commonly value. Tarantino has made several unforgettable movies throughout his illustrious career, but my favourite has always been “Pulp Fiction”. Following its release in 1994, Tarantino’s Oscar-winning movie has stood the test of time as a crime classic audiences adore. Tarantino’s greatest strength as a writer has always been his ability to create compelling characters through engaging dialogue, and it is clearly evident in “Pulp Fiction”. For instance, the scene in which Jules and Vincent team up as gangsters to kill Brett in his apartment is one of the greatest moments of the gangster genre. Ultimately, what makes “Pulp Fiction” a great gangster movie is its message. It delivers a thought-provoking message about redemption which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a commemorated film about pulp gangsters demonstrating religious ideologies seeking redemption, it’s a spectacular reminder of a commemorated genre that’s worthy of celebration.

5. Scarface

When it comes to the greatest gangster movies ever made that audiences embrace, it’s worth discussing Scarface. Several years ago, I formed a bond with a friend that considered Tony Montana his hero. During my childhood, I formed a friendship with a kid addicted to drugs. As someone treasuring memories of a friend that loved a drug-addicted gangster he came to embrace, I adored “Scarface”. Released in 1983, Al Pacino’s movie offered a powerful portrait of drug addiction causing lives of gangsters to deteriorate. Pacino took a huge risk by creating a despicable cocaine-dealing gangster without humanity, but it paid off. For instance, the “Say Hello to My Little Friend!” scene in which Tony Montana guns down intruders in his mansion is a highlight of the gangster genre. Ultimately, what sets “Scarface” apart from other films in the genre is its violence. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting realities endured by gangsters that commit atrocities. 40 years following the release of a classic film about a gangster with a scarred face, it’s a powerful reminder of a genre holding a precious place in the hearts of movie-goers that audiences embrace.

6. The Departed

One of the greatest strengths of the gangster genre has always been moral ambiguity. The main reason why gangster movies are successful is they blur the lines between good and evil. In 2006, Martin Scorsese captured the appeal of gangster movies about cops that are conflicted in his film “The Departed”. With the most violent film of his career, Scorsese captured undercover cops that blur the lines between good and evil facing despair. It’s a film that gave the director opportunities to showcase his aptitude for creating compelling gangster characters with strong personalities. Assisted by a star-studded cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Scorsese captured gangsters facing sorrow. A powerful portrait of conflicted cops whose souls are departed, it’s a profound reminder of a commemorated genre that movie-goers have always appreciated.

7. The Irishman

Aging is a painful process causing stress. As far as I remember, I’ve always developed a strong relationship with my grandfather. However, aging ended our relationship forever. After reaching the age of retirement, he lost his interest in entertainment. As someone treasuring memories of a grandfather that experienced aging causing deterioration, I loved “The Irishman”. Released in 2019, Martin Scorsese’s movie depicted hardships faced by aging gangsters. With the most mature film of his career, Scorsese captured aging gangsters facing despair. Unlike other films in the genre, “The Irishman” captured the trauma experienced by gangsters in America. A powerful portrait of heartbreaking hardships that aging gangsters face, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a commemorated genre that audiences have grown to embrace.

8. The Untouchables

When it comes to the most inspirational police-officers in American history, it’s worth discussing the Untouchables. Formed several years ago in the 1930’s, the Untouchables were a group of agents that fought crime in Chicago. A team that became well-known, the Untouchables were devoted to ending the crimes committed by Al Capone. In 1987, Kevin Costner did an extraordinary job of depicting the team of untouchables in his movie “The Untouchables”. Costner created a captivating crime classic honouring the legacy of a gangster team that’s iconic. Costner showcased his strengths for creating compelling gangsters with a sympathetic nature. An unforgettable tribute towards a team of untouchable police-officers forming bonds that were unbreakable, it’s an undeniable reminder of a genre that audiences consider as special.

9. Gangs of New York

Gangs have shaped New York’s history. During the 1800’s in New York City, the five-point gangs committed crimes attracting scrutiny. A gang that faced consequences which were tragic, the five-points gang built a legacy which was iconic. In 2002, Martin Scorsese did an exceptional job capturing hardships that the gang of New York city faced in his movie “Gangs of New York”. Scorsese’s most ambitious movie found the filmmaker capturing gangsters in American history. Scorsese showcased his strength for capturing gangs through cinematography. Although it may not rank among the greatest gangster movies ever made, “Gangs of New York” put a fresh spin on the genre. A grand portrait of gangs ruling New York City in the 18th Century, it’s a riveting reminder about a genre of movies that audiences have always loved dearly.

10. The Godfather: Part III

The gangster genre hasn’t always attracted audiences towards the Cinema. While most movies in the genre have proven an offer hard to refuse, a few have gained negative reviews. Unfortunately, “The GodfatherL Part III” falls into the latter group of movies. Released in 1990, Al Pacino’s movie failed to celebrate a franchise about gangsters. Despite a great performance from Pacino, the film found the genre hitting a low. Coppola’s decision to focus on style over substance proved to be the flaw of a movie could not inspire awe. Nevertheless, it remains a reminder of a genre that deserves celebration. A grand ending to a franchise about gangsters with strong views given offers they can’t refuse, it’s a great reminder of a commemorated genre that I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong passion of writing movie reviews.