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There are plenty of Hollywood gangster movies to watch. Some classic films from the 1930s and 1940s, such as Scarface and The Godfather, could serve as a good starting point. Gangster movies have spawned many sequels and remakes, allowing viewers to revisit the beloved classic in new and exciting ways.
Despite being on screens for decades, these films still “feel contemporary” with their language, wild looks, and fast-paced stories. Popular history usually remembers the Italian Mafia as the most notorious mafia organization. Over time, this narrative has left a false impression on these organizations.
We forget that many successful and influential gangs of the past came from Italy, including Al Capone and John Gotti. Gangster films, such as Scarface, GoodFellas, and Casino, have been popular. They entertain people with their gangster stories and show accurate details about the topics.
For example, in Scarface, there is a scene when Tony Montana first enters Elvin John’s office, and the room filled with Cuban cigars is realistic because Cuba was still a part of the U.S. Because these films are accurate, they can provide government officials with evidence on how a crime like an organized crime hits America.
The love for Gangster movies in Hollywood is not new. The history of cinema is full of thrilling Gangster movies and sensational criminals. Even viewers prefer to watch and appreciate the wrong for a couple of hours in the film. We all like to watch thriller Gangster movies with exciting action scenes and surprising tackles to the cops and the enemies.
Table of Contents
The Best Gangster Movies of All Time
Gangster films have been at the heart of film lovers giving them a strong dose of fascinating theatrical experience. Some of the best crime sagas have turned into successful ‘cult’ movies. So, if you want to watch some of these Gangster movies this weekend, we have something interesting. We have listed the top 50 must-watch Gangster movies that are:-
The Godfather (1972) – One of the best Gangster movies
The undisputed kind of Gangster movie is the Godfather. Francis Ford Coppola directed this film. It’s full of twists, mixed loyalties, and moral decay that does not become less powerful. You will get to see some great and exciting scenes in this flick.
It will be a treat for you to revisit this Decade-old movie once again. The film is inspired by the 1969 novel of the same name. Italian American author Mario Puzo wrote the novel.
The killing (1956)
It’s an American film noir directed by Stanley Kubrick. Kubrick and Jim Thompson wrote the movie, and it is based on a novel originally written by Lionel white. The star cast of this movie includes Sterling Hayden, Coleen Gray, and Vince Edwards, among others. The plot is about Johnny Clay, a veteran criminal who plans to do one last heist before marrying and settling down.
Goodfellas (1990)
It’s an American Biographical crime film directed by Martin Scorsese. The film is an adaptation of the 1985 nonfiction book Wiseguy written by Pileggi. The film stars Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, and Paul Sorvino among others. It follows the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill and his friends and family from 1955 to 1980.
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
This American crime film was written and directed by Quentin Tarantino in his debut. The film stars Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Chris Penn, Steve Buscemi, Lawrence Tierney, Michael Madsen, Tarantino, and Edward Bunker. The plot is about the thieves who planned a heist.
Mean Streets (1973)
It’s an American crime film directed by Martin Scorsese. It’s based on Charlie, a young Italian- American man in New York’s Little Italy.
Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Bonnie and Clyde is an American biographical crime film. It’s directed by Arthur Penn and stars Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway in the lead roles. It is termed one of the first films in the New Hollywood era, and it’s a landmark film. The film’s climax is one of the bloodiest death scenes in the history of cinema.
The Godfather part 2 (1974)
The Godfather Part 2 is an epic American crime film by Francis Ford Coppola. It is the next instalment of the Godfather series. The film is somewhat based on Puzo’s 1969 novel The Godfather.
Once upon a time in America (1984)
Once upon a time in America is an epic crime film directed by Italian filmmaker Sergio Leone. The film is based on Harry Grey’s novel The Hoods. It follows the life of best friends David “Noodles” Aaronson and Maximilian “Max” Bercovicz. They lead a group of Jewish ghetto youths who attain prominence as Jewish gangsters in New York City’s world of organized crime.
Miller’s crossing (1990)
Miller’s Crossing is an American neo-noir gangster film. The movie’s story is based on a power struggle between two rival gangs. It also follows how the main lead, Tom Reagan (Byrne), plays both sides against each other.
Sexy beast (2000)
Sexy beast is a British psychological black comedy film. The movie is the directorial debut of Jonathan Glazer and stars Ray Winstone, Ben Kingsley, and Ian McShane in crucial roles. The plot follows Gary ‘Gal’, a retired ex-Gangster who is visited by a violent Gangster who asks him to take part in a bank job.
Branded to kill (1967)
It’s a Japanese Yakuza art film Seijun Suzuki directed. The plot followed the life of Goro Hanada. He is a gangster who falls in love with a woman named Misako.
She hires him for a mission that seems to be impossible. The mission fails, and he becomes hunted by the phantom number one killer.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Pulp Fiction (1994) is an American black comedy crime film. It’s written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The title is based on Pulp magazines and hardboiled crime novels renowned during the mid-20th century. Those novels were known for their graphic violence and punchy dialogue.
Gomorrah (2008)
Gomorrah is an Italian crime film based on a nonfiction book by the same name. The plot is about a crime syndicate within a traditional criminal organization based in Naples and Caserta.
Eastern Promises (2007)
Eastern Promises is a gangster film directed by David Cronenberg. The movie follows the plot of Anna, who is a Russian-British midwife. She delivers the baby of a drug-addict 14-year-old Russian prostitute who dies during childbirth.
Soon, Anna learns that the teen was forced into prostitution by the Russian Mafia in London. Soon, the leader of those Russian gangsters threatens the baby.
Night and the City (1950)
Night and the City is a stylish Hollywood crime drama. It is directed by Jules Dassin and is based on the same name by Gerald Kersh. The story revolves around an ambitious hustler who gets consistent failure. A challenging and long fight sequence involves Stanislaus Zbyszko, a professional wrestler.
Rififi (1955)
It’s a French crime film that is a cinematic adaptation of a novel by the same name. Auguste Le Breton wrote the original book. The movie is directed by American blacklisted filmmaker Jules Dassin that falls into a foursome band.
They execute an impossible theft of a burglary in an exclusive jewellery shop. The majority of scenes in the movie depict crime in detail.
Le Doulos (1962) – One of the finest gangster movies
It’s a French crime film directed by Jean-Pierre Melville. Pierre Lesou wrote the book. The plot is based on Burglar Maurice Faugel, who finished his term in prison.
When he is freed, he kills Gilbert Vanovre as revenge for the murder of his wife. He also plans to commit a robbery.
A History of Violence (2005)
A History of Violence is an American Action-thriller directed by David Cronenberg. The film stars Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, William Hurt, and Ed Harris. The plot is about a small scale inexpensive restaurant owner who comes under the spotlight when he confronts two robbers for self-defence. This incident changes the course of life for him and his family.
The long good Friday (1980)
The Long Good Friday is a British gangster movie that stars Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren in vital roles. The film is popularly credited to be an 80s film. The plot tailors the events and concerns from the late 1970s. Also, it includes mid-level politics, police corruption, and IRA fundraising.
Widows (2018)
Widows is a famous heist thriller movie of 2018. The story of this gangster movie revolves around the Widows of criminals who lose their husbands in a police shootout. They unite in executing a robbery that their partners were planning.
The untouchables (1987)
It’s an American crime film directed by Brian De Palma. It’s based on a book with the same name: it starred Kevin Costner, Charles Martin Smith, Andy Garcia, and Robert De Niro in crucial roles. The plot revolves around a mobster, Al Capone, who continues his illegal liquor business despite the prohibition in the USA. At the same time, Eliot Ness, a federal agent, is given the task to expose Capone’s illicit business and bring Him justice.
Infernal Affairs
It’s a Hong Kong action thriller film that stars Andy Lau, Tony Leung, Anthony Wong, Eric Tsang, among others. The plot is about a Police officer who infiltrates the triads and a police officer secretly working for the same gang.
The Sting (1973)
It’s an American Caper film set in September 1936. The film involves a complex plot by two professional gifters who try to con a mob boss. The plot is inspired by real-life cons committed by brothers Fred and Charley Gondorff.
Boyz n the Hood (1991)
Boyz n the Hood is an American hood Crime Drama. It starred Ice cube, Cuba Gooding, Nia Long, and Regina King, among others. The plot is about three friends, Darrin, Tre, and Ricky, who struggle to deal with the distractions and dangers growing up in the Los Angeles ghetto.
On the waterfront (1954)
On the Waterfront is an American crime drama directed by Elia Kazan. It’s written by Budd Schulberg and features Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Lee Cobb, and Rod Steiger, among others. The storyline is about Terry Mallory, who runs errands for Johnny Friendly.
He is a gang lord involved in legal activities. Soon, he meets the sister of a man killed by Johnny’s man and decides to revolt against him.
Performance (1970)
Performance is a British crime drama film directed by Donald Cammell and Nicholas Roeg. The film starred James Fox in the lead role. He plays a violent and ambitious gangster in London. After killing an old friend, he goes into hiding at a home of a secluded rock star.
The warriors (1979)
The warriors is an American action thriller film. It’s directed by Walter Hill and based on a 1965 novel of the same name by Sol Yurick. While other gangs are Gunning for them, they have to get back alive to the home turf of Coney Island.
Scarface (1983)
Scarface is an American crime drama film that Brian De Palma directs. The film is written by Olive stone. The plot revolves around Tony Montana and his close friend Manny.
They built a strong drug empire in Miami. However, when his power increases, his ego and enemies also increase.
Scarface (1932)
It’s an American Pre-code gangster film directed by Hawks and Howard Hughes. It’s loosely based on the 1929 novel by Armitage Trail. AL Capone inspires the book.
The plot revolves around a gangster who shoots his way to the top of the mobs. Also, he tries to protect his sister from the criminal life.
No Sudden Move (2021)
It’s an American-period crime thriller movie. No Sudden Move, one of the finest gangster movies, is directed, photographed, and edited by Steven Soderbergh. It’s produced by Casey Silver.
The plot of this gangster movie is based in Detroit during 1954, where small-time criminals were hired to steal a document. When the attempt goes wrong, they search for who hired them and its purpose.
Tokyo Drifter (1966)
Tokyo Drifter is a Yakuza film directed by Seijun Suzuki. The plot follows a reformed yakuza hitman ‘Phoenix’ Tetsu, who is compelled to roam Japan for avoiding execution by hostile gangs.
The French connection (1971)
It’s an American crime thriller film directed by William Friedkin. The screenplay is based on Robin Moore’s 1969 book with the same title. The plot is about New York City’s cop Doyle who, along with his partner, try to bust a drug cartel.
The drug cartel is based in France, and short-tempered Doyle is a dedicated cop. Also, his nemesis Alian Charnier is too sophisticated to be a criminal.
City of God (2002)
City of God is a Brazilian Crime film that Braulio Mantovani adapts from the 1997 novel with the same title by Paulo Lins. The plot is loosely based on actual events. It involves two boys brought up in a cruel neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro.
They adopt different professional paths, and one of them becomes a photographer. In contrast, the other boy becomes a drug dealer.
King of New York (1990)
King of New York is an American Neo-noir crime thriller movie. It stars Christopher Walken, David Caruso, Victor Argo, among others. Independent filmmaker Abel Ferrara directed the film. The plot is about a psychotic drug lord who leaves prison inclinated on sharing his profits with the poor.
However, he finds that the streets are more challenging than the ones he left, and there is no way to wash the blood from his dirty money.
Touch of Evil (1958)
This is one of the best gangster movies which is also an American Film Noir that is written and directed by Orson Welles. He also stars in the movie. The screenplay is loosely based on the modern Whit Masterson novel Badge of the evil. The film starred Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh, Joseph Calleia in significant roles.
Casino (1995)
Casino is an American epic crime film Martin Scorsese directed. Universal Pictures produce it. The movie is based on a 1995 nonfiction book. The book has a similar title, Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas, written by Nicholas Pileggi.
The plot revolves around Ace, a resourceful mafia subordinate. He is asked to run Casino in Las Vegas, increasing his power. But, his confrontations with Nicky and his friend and love interest Ginger create complexities.
Gun Crazy (1950)
Gun Crazy is an American crime film noir. It stars Peggy Cummins and John Dall in a crime spree of a husband and wife. Joseph directed the film. H Lewis.
The plot revolves around Bart Tare, a soldier, and his new bride Anne. Anne is a sharp-shooter sideshow partner. They rob their way through the country.
Le Cercle Rouge (1970)
Le Cercle Rouge is a crime film that is set majorly in Paris. The movie is famous for its Climatic theft sequence. It is about half an hour in length with nearly no dialogue.
Jean-Pierre Melville directed the film. The film starred Alian Delon, Andrew Bourvil, Maria Volonte, Yves Montand.
The Hot Rock (1972)
The Hot Rock is an American Crime Comedy-drama and is considered as one of the best Hollywood gangster movies. Peter Yates directs it from a screenplay by William Goldman. The movie is based on Donald Westlake’s novel with the same title. It starred Robert Redford, George Segal, Paul Sand, Ron Leibman, etc.
Triad Election (2006)
Triad Election, also known as Election 2, is a category 3 Hong Kong crime film. Johnnie To directed this film with a large ensemble cast. It’s a sequel to the 2005 film Election; it culminates the events of the first film weaving on Triad boss Lok, who struggles to get reelected as his 2-year term comes to an end.
Kids Return (1996)
Kids return is a Japanese film. It’s written, edited, and directed by Takeshi Kitano. It was made after he recovered from a motorcycle crash that paralysed his body’s left side. He underwent extensive surgeries and physical treatments.
There was a presumption that he might never work again, but he made Kids Return. The plot is about two high school friends who find difficulty and failure when pursuing their careers in a boxing ring and the mob.
Léon: The Professional (1994)
It’s an English language French action thriller film and one of the best Hollywood gangster movies. The plot revolves around a 12-year-old Mathilda’s family getting killed. Her neighbour, a professional murderer, has to take her under his wing with hesitation. Also, he teaches her the secrets of his work.
A Better Tomorrow (1986)
A better tomorrow is a Hong Kong action film. This gangster movie is directed by John Woo and profoundly influences Hong Kong Action cinema. A Better Tomorrow is a landmark film credited for establishing a template for heroic bloodshed films.
In the storyline, an ex-gangster in Hong Kong tries to reconnect with his estranged brother in the police force. He finds it difficult to break his ties with the gangs that he thought.
Why Don’t You Play in Hell (2013)
Why don’t you play in hell is a Japanese film directed, written, and scored by Sion Sono. The plot is about Ikegami, the Yakuza head who decides to star in a movie with his daughter. He plans to do this before his wife is released from prison. So, a film crew decides to take up the opportunity and shoot the film.
Get Carter (1971)
Get Carter is a British crime film that is the directorial debut of Mike Hodges. The movie is based on Ted Lewis’s 1970 novel titled Jack’s return home. The plot follows a gangster in London who returns to his hometown in Northeast England to find out about his brother, who possibly had an accidental death. He suspects foul play, and with the idea of revenge, he wants to investigate the matter.
The League of Gentlemen (1960)
The League of Gentlemen is a British crime comedy movie. Basil Dearden directs it. It’s based on a 1958 Novel titled The League of Gentlemen written by John Boland. The League of Gentlemen, one of the greatest gangster movies, stars Jack Hawkins, Nigel Patrick, Roger Livesey, etc.
The Irishman (2019)
The Irishman is an American Epic crime Film. It’s directed and produced by Martin Scorsese. The film is based on a 2004 Nonfiction Book titled I Heard You Paint Houses written by Charles Brandt. The plot is about a truck driver who becomes a hitman involved with a mobster and his crime family.
The Testament of Dr Mabuse (1933)
It’s a German Crime thriller sequel to land’s silent film Dr Mabuse the Gambler and features many cast and crew from the film. The storyline starts when a series of crime events terrorize the city. The police suspect the involvement of a famed criminal, Dr Mabuse. There comes another shock when it’s revealed that he has been held confined in an asylum for a decade.
Point Break (1991)
Point Break is an American action crime film and stands as the best gangster movies. Kathryn Bigelow directs it. The film’s plot is about FBI agent Johnny Utah who penetrates a group of surfers who are a part of multiple bank robberies. But, things become complicated when he befriends that gang leader.
In Bruges (2008)
It’s a black comedy crime film. The movie is about Ray and Ken, two killers. They get stuck in Bruges, Belgium, after an unsuccessful mission. Things become more complex when their boss asks Ken to kill Ray.
Summing Up
These are some of the best gangster film recommendations to binge-watch this weekend—comment about your favourite one down. Hollywood gangster movies are a staple of American culture. Their history goes back to movies like Scarface in 1932. They have been made continuously since, and their themes, characters, and stories influence our society today. There’s one group that Hollywood has always had in particular: the Mafia.
Early gangster movies focused on organized crime in New York City, as Al Capone popularised. The quintessential yearning for justice and strength that Italians were known for became so apparent during these times that it led to “mafia” becoming an unofficial term for organized crime or any criminal activity perpetrated by a group or gang with tight-knit bonds.
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