Top 10 Best Gangster Movies

Gangster films explore the inner workings of criminal organizations, the allure of power, and the complex relationships that form in a world where loyalty is currency and betrayal can be deadly.

These movies give you a glimpse into a life filled with excitement and danger, a life on the wrong side of the law. The characters often find themselves trapped in a never-ending cycle of violence and retribution, where one wrong move can lead to disaster. The directors, screenwriters, and actors work together to create a world that is both fascinating and terrifying, and they draw you into these underworlds through compelling storytelling, strong character development, and often breathtaking cinematography.

As you ponder these picks, think about what draws you to these stories. Is it the charismatic anti-heroes, driven by ambition but often possessing a code of honor? Is it the thrilling action sequences, where every chase and shootout keeps you on the edge of your seat? Maybe it's the psychological depth and exploration of human nature, where characters are forced to confront their deepest fears and desires.

Whatever it is that captivates you, these films have something for everyone. They can be thrilling, dramatic, humorous, and sometimes even poetic. They often reflect the societal issues of their times, providing insights into the world's view on crime and justice, family and loyalty, ambition and corruption.
The Top Ten
1 The Godfather

The Godfather is a much better film than Scarface by far. I don't know why Scarface is ahead of The Godfather. The Godfather features a better overall cast and screenplay and amazing direction.

Francis Ford Coppola, his masterpiece. Not only a movie but a trademark of Cinema Culture. Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Marlon Brando, and Robert Duvall would be proud to be a part of the greatest film in history.

It's the story that is so great about it! Story written by Mario Puzo. That's why it's called Mario Puzo's The Godfather. And even though Goodfellas is a movie way better made, Godfather's story is unbeatable. That's why it's the best!

2 Scarface

Scarface is the greatest gangster movie and my favorite movie of all time. I love the movie to death. Top-notch acting from Al Pacino. Highly quotable lines. Over-the-top violence. Funny moments. Great plot about a Cuban refugee who comes to the US with nothing and rises to power and becomes a powerful drug lord. Crazy ending. The game is amazing too.

Scarface is the best film ever. It shows how a man can go from nothing to being on top of the world. So sad what happens to him.

3 Goodfellas

GoodFellas is based on a true story if you didn't know! It's based on the Irish/American mob. Tells the story of Henry Hill in a very descriptive manner. This is the film how gangsters/mobsters can be best friends! The film can be emotional to viewers, not like many mobster films! This is a gangster MASTERPIECE! MUST-WATCH FILM!

In my opinion, there are 3 candidates for the best gangster movie ever: Goodfellas, The Godfather, and The Godfather Part II. My favorite is Goodfellas. Scorsese's use of music is unsurpassed.

4 L.A. Confidential
5 The Godfather, Part II
6 Pulp Fiction

This Tarantino film is so well made. The character development is of such a high level, nobody in the movie is "just there."

A complete classic!
One of the best movies ever made!
This movie has so many good things about it I can't even start to describe it!

7 Reservoir Dogs
8 Dick Tracy
9 American Gangster
10 Snatch
The Contenders
11 Boyz 'N the Hood

Great movie, certainly not as good as Goodfellas or The Godfather, but should be a bit higher.

12 The Usual Suspects

Great story of gangsters. Made everyone believe in someone that didn't exist. Even the gangsters were very real in the mind. They, yeah, that's right.

13 Casino

I can honestly say that I liked it more than Goodfellas too. I would say the only con to this movie is that it's really long, and that the first 45 minutes were kind of boring.

Best gangster film ever made. I liked it more than Goodfellas!

14 The Departed

Such a well-written and complicated plot, but that is part of what makes it great! Definitely some big surprises. It's a great movie with a great cast!

Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon both are the best... This should be on at least the top 5.

15 Once Upon a Time in America

NOTE: The full 229-min. version is the only way to see this movie. The edited cut shown in American theaters is a travesty and almost completely responsible for how underappreciated the movie has been.
Sergio Leone, master of the Spaghetti Western, made his contribution to the gangster genre with his final film, Once Upon A Time In America. Refreshingly modernist in its non-linear narrative and containing the talents of Robert De Niro, Elizabeth McGovern, and James Woods, who steals the show, this tale of Jewish gangsters who rise to the top during Prohibition is a masterpiece, full stop.
One thing must be made clear, though. You need to abandon the childish notion that characters need to be likable. Remember the subject.

16 8 Mile

Eminem's first and best movie.
I loved his acting in it,
And his battle with Papa Doc.

17 The Untouchables
18 Heat
19 The Warriors
20 Gloria
21 The Gentlemen
22 Gridiron Gang
23 Legend (2015)
24 Rififi
25 The Godfather, Part III
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