Universal Pictures
The greatest mobster film are also often the well in the wider crime genre , with each being a masterpiece that portrays its own unique spirited underworld full of blemished characters . Whether it ’s classic tales of organized crime that offer a peek behind the drapery or modern - twenty-four hours dramas that can move or jar interview , these mobster plastic film are important whole works that comprise the best the musical genre can provide .
From the acute realism ofCity of Godto the iconic brilliance ofThe Godfather , they may all render criminals , but their taradiddle are various and complex , offering wide-ranging amusement value for every case of spectator . These cinematic thrills dive deep into the deplorable underworld where fierceness , drama , and in high spirits - bet position are the average .
Universal Pictures
7. City of God (2002)
position in the impoverished favelas of Rio de Janeiro , City of Godchronicles the rise of unionized crime through the position of two boy who pick out two immensely unlike path . Rocket ( Alexandre Rodrigues ) and Lil ’ Ze ( Leandro Firmino ) may have similar backgrounds , but one of them works toward becoming a talented photographer while the other turns into a remorseless drug loss leader .
engineer by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund , City of Godput Brazilian film on the map thanks to its unsanded and viciously good depiction of life in the favelas . The picture show was also shot on placement in these neighborhoods and asterisk actual residents from the favelas , which append authenticity and believability to its worrisome tale . The 2002 movie is a crucial depiction of how poverty and systemic inequality help perpetuate a never - cease cycle of violence in places like the Cidade de Deus .
6. Casino (1995)
Many ofdirector Martin Scorsese ’s unspoiled moviesrevolve around organized criminal offence , and 1995’sCasinois no exception . exhort by real - life gangsters , the epic crime picture show is centered on the rise and declivity of Sam “ Ace ” Rothstein ( Robert De Niro ) , a skilled gambler entrusted by the mob to manage the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas . Complicating matters are his volatile friend , Nicky Santoro ( Joe Pesci ) , dangerous mellow - ups in the family , and his complicated love interest , Ginger McKenna ( Sharon Stone ) .
Casinogives audiences a thrilling history that imagines what criminal action could depend like behind the conniption in some of Sin City ’s most glamourous locations . Sam has to deal with all kinds of bother , including cheat , skimming , snatch , and even execution , and not even his strategical approach can protect his new empire . The protagonist ’s messy life is perfectly captured by an incredible performance from De Niro , who check off his 8th collaboration with Scorsese with this flick .
5. Scarface (1983)
“ Say hello to my little friend!”Scarfaceis a massively pop and darling gangster movie that ’s a remake of the 1932 flick ofn the same name . Directed by Brian De Palma , the 1983 movie is set in the gritty underworld of 1980s Miami , where Cuban immigrant Tony Montana ( Al Pacino ) becomes a powerful drug lord . The film portrays Tony ’s harsh mounting to the top of the criminal hierarchy , as well as his progressively unstable empire , which soon crumbles and leads to his tragical fall .
Scarfacehas an enduring billet in pop acculturation thanks to its repeatable parentage and scenes of uttermost wildness . The film benefits from De Palma ’s stylistic direction , with the furore classic being remembered for its over - the - top moments that make it wildly entertaining . Of of course , Scarfacealso features Al Pacino in one of his most iconic roles , with the movie ’s ridiculous history propelled by his bombastic and charismatic carrying into action as the flawed lead .
4. Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Director Sergio Leone ’s final pic before his death in 1989 is an epical crime film that would leave a mark on the gangster musical genre . Once Upon a meter in Americais a sweeping epic poem that spans decennium and follows the lives of a group of Jewish gangsters in New York City from their youth in the 1920s through the sixties . The pic primarily centers on David “ Noodles ” Aaronson ( Robert De Niro ) and his childhood friend , Maximilian “ Max ” Bercovicz ( James Woods ) , as they lead a radical of ghetto younker who finally become powerful gangsters .
A one - of - a - kind looking at the world of organized crime in New York City , the 1984 movie showcases how effective storytelling that spans decades can be in conveying both a grand and incredibly internal tale of friendly relationship and the American ambition . Once Upon a Time in Americais one of thelongest Hollywood movies ever made , and it earn every arcminute of its four - hour runtime .
3. Goodfellas (1990)
Goodfellasis a biographical offense motion picture that severalise the story of mob associate Henry Hill ( Ray Liotta ) , who is initially drawn to the mafia because of their secure mien in his neighborhood in Brooklyn . He eventually altogether encompass the mobster lifestyle and all of his new friends . The glamorous side of his criminal enterprise ca n’t hide the danger and barbarism , though , and Henry ’s steady climb to success will finally terminate with a painful fall .
The 1990 flick is director Martin Scorsese ’s dandy gangster moving picture , and it showcases his earmark at their very best , including voice - over narration and groundbreaking halt frames . It has stylish visuals , an impeccably cast ensemble , a flawless soundtrack , and a gangster floor that makes excellent use of the rise - and - fall formula . With its portrayal of both the munificent aspects and terrifying realities of life as a mobster , Goodfellasis an essential accounting entry that absolutely capsulize the literary genre .
2. The Godfather (1972)
Director Francis Ford Coppola’sThe Godfatheris a motion picture that needs no introduction . Based on Mario Puzo ’s 1969 novel , the picture portray the complicated lives of the Corleone crime kinsfolk , led by paterfamilias Vito Corleone ( Marlon Brando ) . It particularly focuses on his son Michael ( Al Pacino ) , who ’s initially reluctant to link the family business , but eventually transforms into an unforgiving Cosa Nostra honcho .
A groundbreaking and award - winning work , The Godfatheris themost influential gangster pic ever , and is often credit with reshaping the literary genre through its depiction of the privileged works of the Maffia . alternatively of straight villain , the 1972 celluloid introduces complex characters with hopes , awe , and desires , all captured in a riveting drama limit against an incertain post - worldwide War II America . The Godfatherwould spawn a fabled trilogy that ’s widely deliberate a cinematic treasure that ’s still consider and referenced today .
1. The Godfather Part II (1974)
The Godfather Part IIexpands the Corleones ’ epic narrative in darker and even more tragic ways . dish as both a continuation and prequel moving-picture show , it uses flashback to distinguish the tale of the rise of Vito Corleone ( Robert De Niro ) as a youthful immigrant from Sicily to a dread gangster in New York City . In the nowadays , the reign of his Word Michael ( Al Pacino ) as the new Don is met with challenges as peril mess about in every niche .
Coppola ’s meticulous focal point and storytelling are on display in this law of continuation of the Corleones ’ arcs . The 1974 motion-picture show is more telling in almost every way , with lavish sets , an incredible score , and a more gripping story that fix its three - hour runtime pilot by . Robert De Niroand Al Pacino also deliver life history - near performances that aid anchor the film ’s ambitious narrative structure . The intertwine storylines are seamlessly portrayed in this sequel that whole swallow viewers in a family saga that stay one of cinema ’s greatest achievements .
