Top 5 Gangster Movies
Gangster movies are America’s favorite movie genre, because it represents the struggle between the government and families of organized crime which defined the American capitalist culture today. Packed with lot of action, crime, tears, blood, sweat – gangster movies are very realistic, that’s why they are one of the most popular genres nowadays. I am sure that there is no person in this world who has not heard of cult movies such as The Godfather and Scarface – movies which marked this genre. Here is our Top 5 list of the best and most captivating gangster movies of all time!
Of course, you don’t have to agree with our list, so post a comment and let us know if your favorite movie is not on the list!
The Godfather Trilogy (1972-1990)
The Godfather is probably one of the best gangster movies of all times and the greatest movie in world cinema! The Godfather Collection has three parts and started in 1972 when Francis Ford Coppola directed the first movie with actors like Marlon Brando and Al Pacino. The Godfather Trilogy is based on Corleone family and records their rise and fall from the world of organized crime. Brando plays Don Vito Corleone and Pacino plays his son Michael Corleone. This movie was very successful and was the most influential in gangster genre. The Godfather has two sequels: The Godfather Part II (1974) and The Godfather Part III (1990).
Scarface (1983)
Another gangster movie with the great Al Pacino. Scarface is a 1983 gangster movie directed by Brian De Palma. The movie follows the story of gangster Tony Montana (Pacino) and his friend Manny Ray (Steven Bauer). After they kill a powerful Cuban figure they go in the U.S. and start selling cocaine to dealers around the world. Toni will discover that money and drugs are what make a man big, but as he becomes more powerful his enemies begin to plague his empire.
Goodfellas (1990)
Directed by Martin Scorsese in 1990, Goodfellas is a real masterpiece. The movie shows us the life of ruthless gangster Henry Hill and his rise and fall. Goodfellas is based on the best seller Wise Guy by Nicholas Pileggi, which is based on true story. This true story explores the mafia’s criminal lifestyle, like no other and is probably as good as The Godfather.
The Untouchables (1987)
The Untouchables from 1987 is a definite classic in the genre. The plot of this movie is set in Chicago during the 30′s (Prohibition Era). Kevin Costner plays the idealistic federal agent Elliot Ness who teams up with old Irish cop James Malone(Sean Connery ), in order to bring down the legendary crime boss – the untouchable Al Capone ( Robert De Niro) and his empire.
The Departed (2006)
The Departed is a blockbuster from 2006, directed by Martin Scorsese. This gangster movie is set in Boston and tells the story of William “Billy” Costigan, undercover cop who want to catch the Irish Mob boss Francis “Frank” Costello. The movie is exiting and full with twists and turns – definitely worth watching, plus has some of the biggest Hollywood stars such as Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen and Alec Baldwin starring.