Gangster films or Mafia dramas made in language will undoubtedly have a good craze among the public. If made with a racy screenplay and hooked narration, any day gangster dramas will rule the roost across the globe.
Celebrated Movie Analyst cum Business Transformation Expert Hirav Shah says, “No genre has impacted the public’s perception of criminals more than Gangster films. For more than 80 years, the best gangster movies have fascinated and allured the minds of millions. Let’s look at some of the best gangster movies of all time, including films that span the globe and were produced in different periods, with very different budgets.”
Hirav Shah picks his favorite gangster films from the world cinema that can’t be missed.
Table of Contents
1)The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather II (1974)
If you are a fan of crime dramas, do not miss ‘The Godfather’ saga, especially the first two films. At the same time, legendary actors like Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro have made this mega-quotable film series one of the best created in Hollywood. It’s a hauntingly beautiful and tragic tale of familial love, betrayal, revenge, and deception brought to life by Francis Ford Coppola’s spectacular direction. Do watch it!
2) GoodFellas (1990)
In cinematic language, a gangster is called a ‘wiseguys’ or ‘Goodfellas’. Hollywood filmmaker Martin Scorsese’s ‘GoodFellas’ is an epic crime drama film based on ‘Wiseguy,’ a non-fiction book that chronicles the life of Henry Hill, a mafia associate turned police informant. The film is one of the best gangster dramas.
3. Donnie Brasco (1997)
Donnie Brasco is a crime drama that follows an undercover FBI agent as he infiltrates a New York crime family and rises through the ranks quickly to bring it down for good. The film has a solid repeat value, and you will learn about one new thing after every watch.
4. Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
‘Once Upon a Time In America’ is the crowning achievement of director Sergio Leon. The film is 4 hours long saga that needs your attention from start to finish. This epic speaks to the grand illusion of the American Dream, transcending genre trappings and addressing issues that form the fabric of life, such as friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and vengeance.
5. American Gangster (2007)
Starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe in the lead roles, American Gangster is a complete stunner – a fictional account based on the life of Frank Lucas, a gangster from La Grange, North Carolina, who was caught smuggling heroin into the United States on American service planes returning from the Vietnam War. If you are a fan of pure crime thrillers, the film will be a solid watch.
6. Training Day (2001)
Denzel Washington’s starrer Training Day with Ethan Hawke raises many ethical questions for the audience and Hawke’s character Hoyt. He is a rookie cop spending his first day as a Los Angeles narcotics officer working alongside a dirty cop. This film is one pure first-class entertainer.
7. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Reservoir Dogs is a Tarantino classic and is an absolute delight to watch. When what was supposed to be a simple jewelry heist goes wrong, the surviving criminals suspect that one of them is a police informant. The film has an engaging presentation till the end.
8. No Country for Old Men (2007)
A neo-Western crime thriller Written and directed by the legendary Coen brothers, ‘No Country for Old Men’ is a neo-western crime thriller that won an award. The movie follows the story of a war veteran who stumbles upon a huge sum of money, causing a scary hitman to get on his tail.
9. The Untouchables (1987)
In The Untouchables, De Niro plays Al Capone, a kingpin running an illicit liquor business in the Prohibition Era. Kevin Costner and Sean Connery play cops out to catch the bad guys. The film is truly an amazing watch. ‘The Untouchables’ is known for its great costumes and grand sets. An absolute must-watch for all gangster movie lovers.
10. Casino (1995)
Robert De Niro’s starrer Casino is a cinematic masterpiece written and directed by Martin Scorsese. The film’s story follows the rise and fall of two best friends moved by greed, money, power, deception, and love – all against the glittery backdrop of Las Vegas. Sure, the movie will make you want to gamble in a high-end Vegas casino, but you can get that experience by playing online casino games without ever leaving the comfort of your home.
11. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Pulp Fiction has to be the best Quentin Tarantino film of all time. In the seedy realm of the Underworld, the lives of an assortment of criminals intertwine in four tales of violence and redemption. ‘Pulp Fiction’ is one of the best black comedies and crime films you will find in the world cinema library.
12. Scarface (1983)
In a ruthless bid to become a Miami drug lord, Al Pacino’s brooding gangster descends into addiction, obsession, paranoia, and brutality, with horrible consequences for his empire. The film is loosely based on a 1929 novel, ‘Scarface’ which delivers a gritty and grim story with unrealistic heart and panache towards the end.
Hirav Shah concludes by saying, “What unites these films is simply focusing on the criminal collective. These aren’t just films that involve gang elements and characters, but films explicitly about the criminal group, the leader, or a particular member. Any type of “gang” makes them such an exciting watch.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Gangster Movies:
What is the number 1 gangster movie of all time?
In my opinion, it is the Godfather series in Hollywood and Satya in Bollywood.
What are the latest gangster movies?
The Best New Gangster Movies Of The Last Few Years
The Gentlemen
The Irishman
John Wick: Chapter 3
What are the best gangster movies on Netflix?
Best gangster movies on Netflix
- Uncut Gems.
- The Irishman.
- Shot Caller.
- Gun City.
- Killing Them Softly.
Note: Images are just representation and not from actual movie scenes.
