Ranking The Best Mobster Films Of All Time
Ranking the best mobster films of all time is a difficult task, as there have been countless movies that have explored the world of organized crime, offering viewers an insight into the dangerous and captivating lives of gangsters. From classic films like “The Godfather” and “Goodfellas” to more recent hits like “The Departed” and “The Irishman,” there is no shortage of cinematic masterpieces that showcase the complexities of the mobster lifestyle.
With iconic characters, intense plotlines, and unforgettable performances, these films have left a lasting impact on pop culture and continue to captivate audiences to this day. In this article, we will delve into the world of mobster movies and explore some of the best examples of the genre.
10. Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Directed by Sergio Leone, this film is a sprawling epic that spans several decades in the lives of a group of Jewish-American gangsters in New York City. The film stars Robert De Niro, James Woods, and Elizabeth McGovern, and features an intricate non-linear narrative. Once Upon a Time in America is known for its ambitious scope and its exploration of themes such as friendship and betrayal.
9. Public Enemy (1931)
Directed by William A. Wellman, this classic gangster film stars James Cagney as Tom Powers, a ruthless criminal who rises to power during the Prohibition era in Chicago. The film is loosely based on the life of real-life gangster Al Capone, and features Cagney in a breakout performance that made him a star. Public Enemy is known for its depiction of violence and its iconic scene where Cagney shoves a grapefruit into the face of his girlfriend. The film has become a classic of the gangster genre and is regarded as one of the best films of the early sound era.
8. Miller’s Crossing (1990)
Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, this film is set in an unnamed city during the Prohibition era and follows the power struggles between rival gangs. The film stars Gabriel Byrne as Tom Reagan, a trusted advisor to the boss of one of the gangs, and features strong performances by John Turturro and Albert Finney. Miller’s Crossing is known for its clever dialogue and stylish visuals.
7. A Bronx Tale (1993)
Directed by Robert De Niro, this film is about a young boy growing up in the Bronx (played by Lillo Brancato and Francis Capra) who is torn between his loyalty to his father (De Niro) and his admiration for a local mob boss (Chazz Palminteri). The film is based on a one-man play by Palminteri, who also wrote the screenplay, and features strong performances from the entire cast. A Bronx Tale is known for its authentic portrayal of Italian-American culture and its themes of loyalty, family, and redemption.
6. The Untouchables (1987)
Directed by Brian De Palma, this film is about the efforts of law enforcement to bring down Al Capone (Robert De Niro) and his Chicago crime syndicate in the 1930s. The film stars Kevin Costner as Eliot Ness, a federal agent who recruits a team of “untouchable” agents to take down Capone. The film also features Sean Connery in an Oscar-winning performance as a veteran beat cop who helps Ness. The Untouchables is known for its thrilling action sequences and intense performances.
5. Casino (1995)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film is based on the true story of the Mafia’s involvement in the Las Vegas casino industry. The film stars Robert De Niro as Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a Jewish-American gambling expert who is sent to run the Tangiers casino in Las Vegas. The film also features Joe Pesci and Sharon Stone, who was nominated for an Oscar for her role as Rothstein’s wife. Casino is known for its stylish visuals and intense violence.
4. Scarface (1983)
Directed by Brian De Palma, this film stars Al Pacino as Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who becomes a powerful drug lord in Miami. The film is a remake of a 1932 film of the same name, and features an iconic performance by Pacino, as well as Michelle Pfeiffer and Steven Bauer. Scarface has become a cult classic and is famous for its violent scenes and quotable lines.
3. The Departed (2006)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film follows an undercover cop (Leonardo DiCaprio) and a mole in the Irish-American criminal organization in Boston (Matt Damon), as they try to uncover each other’s identities. The film is a remake of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, and features an all-star cast including Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, and Martin Sheen. The Departed won four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Scorsese.
2. Goodfellas (1990)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film is based on the true story of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) and his involvement in the Lucchese crime family in New York City. The film follows Hill’s rise through the ranks of the Mafia, as well as his descent into drugs and violence. The film features an iconic performance by Joe Pesci, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, as well as Robert De Niro and Lorraine Bracco.
1. The Godfather (1972)
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this classic film follows the Corleone family, headed by patriarch Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), as they rise to power in the New York Mafia. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Mario Puzo, and features an all-star cast including Al Pacino, James Caan, and Robert Duvall. The Godfather is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, and won three Oscars, including Best Picture.
As we conclude our list, we hope that you have enjoyed our selection and perhaps discovered a new favorite film or two. These movies are a testament to the enduring popularity of the mobster genre, and a reminder that sometimes the most compelling stories are the ones that take us outside of our comfort zones. Thank you for joining us, and we’ll see you at the movies.
