10 Best Gangster Movies Of All Time

Timeless classics of gangster films, spanning over a century, can be traced back to the inception of cinema itself. These cinematic gems were crafted during the silent era, the introduction of sound (talkies), and beyond, with legendary figures such as Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese carrying on their legacy. In the early days of filmmaking, there was nothing more captivating than Westerns and gangster films. They revolved around the same themes: heroes versus villains, law enforcement versus organized crime. It marked the birth of narrative storytelling in movies.

One of the first significant gangster movies emerged during the silent film era with “Intolerance” (1916) directed by D.W. Griffith, paving the way for the first major talkie-era gangster movie, “Little Caesar” (1931). Every subsequent gangster film traces its roots to “Little Caesar,” and every iconic gangster character can be traced back to its groundbreaking star, Edward G. Robinson. Over the decades, gangster films have built upon what “Little Caesar” initiated, solidifying it as one of the most impressive genres in cinematic history.

10. The Departed (2006)

An Inside Informant & A Police Mole Manipulate Boston

In 2006, I had the opportunity to reimagine a captivating Hong Kong thriller titled “Infernal Affairs.” This project presented an intriguing challenge for me, as I chose to replicate certain scenes scene-by-scene from the original film. Some might have seen this as a potential turn-off, but I approached it as a way to honor the source material while also crafting a powerful gangster movie in its own right. The film’s success was not only due to my direction, but also an exceptional ensemble cast.

In “The Departed,” Matt Damon assumes the role of a police officer disguised as a mobster in Boston, while Leonardo DiCaprio plays a mob undercover cop. Jack Nicholson portrays the charismatic leader of the criminal organization. The film received four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, with Mark Wahlberg receiving a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Despite being a remake, it outshines most gangster films of this century in terms of its impact.

9. The Public Enemy (1931)

James Cagney’s Breakout Gangster Role

Edward G. Robinson paved the way for the portrayal of gangsters with his role in the first major gangster film, setting a template that would influence future depictions. Yet, it was James Cagney who followed in The Public Enemy, and his portrayal of Tom Powers as a rising criminal figure significantly impacted the way mobsters and crime lords are represented on screen today. While Robinson’s contribution should not be overlooked, it is Cagney who has served as a model for every actor taking on such roles.

Although Tom Powers’ journey through the criminal underworld offers much appeal, this film, being a product of its era, may not possess the intricacy and depth found in later productions. Nevertheless, it remains iconic for a singular, unforgettable moment – the climax. Following a fierce shootout, Powers’ adversaries bring him back to his mother’s house, a scene that retains the same chilling impact now as it did upon its release. In 1998, The Library of Congress acknowledged this film’s significance by including it in the National Film Registry.

8. White Heat (1949)

James Cagney’s Best Gangster Film

In the 1930s, James Cagney became synonymous with the gangster genre, but his finest performance in this genre didn’t come until nearly two decades later. Specifically, he made a significant impact in the 1949 film “White Heat,” directed by Raoul Walsh. This film distinguished itself due to Walsh’s development of the character Cody Jarrett, played by Cagney, as an unbalanced mob boss with an Oedipus complex. This character depth was rare among gangsters’ histories at the time, and “White Heat” can be considered as much a film noir as it is a gangster movie.

This film is reminiscent of later Alfred Hitchcock productions, as Cody Jarrett bears many similarities to Norman Bates. This sets it apart from most gangster movies of its time. It pioneered the crime cinema releases of the 1950s, influencing films such as “The Asphalt Jungle” and “The Naked City.” In 2003, the Library of Congress included it in the National Film Registry.

This film resembles later Alfred Hitchcock productions due to Cody Jarrett’s similarities with Norman Bates, which distinguishes it from typical gangster films of its era. It kick-started 1950s crime cinema releases and inspired movies like “The Asphalt Jungle” and “The Naked City.” In 2003, the Library of Congress added it to their National Film Registry.)

7. Once Upon A Time In America (1984)

Sergio Leone’s Gangster Movie

Although Sergio Leone is most famously recognized for his work on spaghetti Westerns, he also created one of the greatest gangster films. This isn’t surprising because both Westerns and gangster movies often tackle similar themes, which made this a natural progression for Leone following his success with the Dollars trilogy in the Western genre. It was 16 years after directing the spaghetti Western, Once Upon a Time in the West, that he took on Once Upon a Time in America.

Leone’s ninth and concluding directorial effort, produced after 1971, is this extensive film that clocks in at around four-and-a-half hours. For distribution purposes, it was abridged to less than four hours, and further cut down to nearly two hours for the American market. The narrative revolves around two close friends who ascend to notoriety as Jewish mobsters amidst New York City’s organized crime surge. This film served as Robert De Niro’s return to the gangster genre and left a lasting impact on the genre’s historical significance.

6. Pulp Fiction (1994)

Quentin Tarantino’s Breakout Movie

Quentin Tarantino has a deep-rooted affection for cinematic history, often referred to as a cinephile. He’s absorbed countless films throughout his life, learning from the most skilled filmmakers. Tarantino recognizes that Western and gangster movies form the foundation of Hollywood. Notably, most of his films fall under one or both of these genres. His initial foray into movie-making was with Reservoir Dogs, a crime thriller about a heist, but subsequently, he produced Pulp Fiction, a story revolving around two hitmen working for an organized crime boss as they navigate their way through a series of twists and turns.

Pulp Fiction is a groundbreaking film that delves into the world of gangsters through an unconventional narrative style. It follows two contract killers and a boxer who betrays his boss, weaving together a graphic and startling storyline in a non-linear fashion. This innovative movie garnered seven Oscar nominations and was inducted into the National Film Registry in 2013, underscoring its enduring quality.

5. Scarface (1932)

Howard Hawks’s Gangster Masterpiece

The Brian De Palma remake of “Scarface” is a well-liked mafia movie, and Al Pacino delivers an outstanding performance as the immigrant who climbs the ladder of organized crime. Despite the remake’s greatness, the original stands even taller. Howard Hawks, a renowned filmmaker in cinema history, was the mastermind behind one of the greatest gangster films ever made. Paul Muni showcased his prowess by holding his own against both Edward G. Robinson and James Cagney as the top mobster in the genre.

In this adaptation of Scarface, instead of being a Cuban refugee, Tony Camonte is an Italian immigrant who initially works as a bodyguard for a crime boss before assassinating him to aid disgruntled lieutenant Johnny Lovo in seizing the territory. Despite the differences, both versions follow the tale of Tony’s ascension and downfall. The original Scarface stands out among gangster films for its lasting impact, earning a place in the National Film Registry in 1994.

4. On The Waterfront (1954)

Marlon Brando’s Pre-Godfather Masterpiece

Marlon Brando, famously known for his role in the legendary Godfather trilogy, didn’t make his debut in gangster movies with that iconic film. Instead, in 1954, he took the leading role as Terry Malloy in “On the Waterfront,” a film by Elia Kazan that continues to be hailed as one of cinema’s greatest masterpieces. This movie depicts Terry, a former boxer with a tainted past due to his association with a mob boss, who is now a union worker. The narrative revolves around union strife and corruption, and it was an unprecedented success.

This film stands out among other timeless gangster movies because it retains its powerful impact, even after more than seven decades since its release. Its script, performances, and direction remain compelling, as evidenced by its 12 Oscar nominations, winning eight of them, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Marlon Brando, and Best Supporting Actress for Eva Marie Saint. Additionally, it was inducted into the National Film Registry in 1989, making it one of the earliest films to receive this distinction.

3. Goodfellas (1990)

Martin Scorsese’s Gangster Masterpiece

Martin Scorsese has become renowned for creating compelling crime dramas. Movies like “Mean Streets,” “Casino,” “Gangs of New York,” “The Departed,” and “The Irishman” have solidified his reputation as a master in this genre, producing timeless classics. However, among all his gangster films, his 1990 production, “Goodfellas,” stands out as the best. It’s based on real events, with Ray Liotta portraying Henry Hill, a mafia associate who ultimately betrays his colleagues and becomes an informant. With Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci also in the cast, this film strikes all the right chords.

It’s advantageous that the writer of the true-crime novel “Wiseguy” collaborated on the script, but Martin Scorsese, a renowned filmmaker, crafted an exceptional movie in terms of its visual aesthetics, character development, and intricate plotline. The film garnered six Oscar nominations, with Pesci taking home Best Supporting Actor. “Goodfellas” was inducted into the National Film Registry in 2000, a mere decade after its debut.

2. The Godfather Part II (1974)

A Tale Of Two Gangster Generations

Many individuals might deem “The Godfather Part II” as the greatest gangster movie ever made and even surpassing its precursor. There are compelling reasons behind this viewpoint, with the second installment boasting a more compact narrative, the introduction of Robert De Niro as a young Vito Corleone, and an engaging parallel story arc that illustrates Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone’s slide into corruption despite his better judgment. Yet, it’s important to note that this masterpiece wouldn’t have been created without the initial “Godfather” film.

No matter which gangster movie a fan may enjoy more, both films are worthy of holding top spots in any ranking. This particular film gained 11 Oscar nominations, making it the first sequel to ever win Best Picture. It also brought home awards for Francis Ford Coppola as Best Director and Robert De Niro as Best Actor. Known as The Godfather Part II, this movie was added to the National Film Registry in 1993, and together with its portrayal of the repercussions from the first film, it might just tell the greatest story ever told on screen when combined with its predecessor, The Godfather.

1. The Godfather (1972)

The Film That Mastered The Modern-Day Gangster Movie

Instead of some people perhaps favoring “The Godfather Part II,” there’s no question that “The Godfather” truly earned all the acclaim it received. The initial installment in the series features Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone, leader of the Corleone crime family. Al Pacino portrays his son, Michael, a war veteran who returns home and unwittingly gets pulled into the family business. This marks the start of his ascension and, ultimately, his descent.

In this production, we had an exceptional cast featuring James Caan, Robert Duvall, Sterling Hayden, Diane Keaton, and John Cazale among others. The film was ultimately nominated for a whopping 10 Oscars, clinching the Best Picture award, Best Actor for Marlon Brando, and Best Screenplay. Additionally, it made its way onto the National Film Registry in 1990 and continues to be the most impactful gangster movie to date.

2025-05-29 14:10