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Top 10 Gangster Movies You Can’t Pause Once They Start

  • May 7, 2025
  • 7 minute read
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Gangster movies hold a unique appeal over the audience owing to their deep exploration of many complex themes. These movies take the viewers into the world of power, ambition, and betrayal and keep them hooked with engaging narratives. Whether the on-screen gangsters are heroes or villains depends on the narrative. But there is something about the allure of gangster thrill mixed with entertainment that fans just cannot resist.

So if you, too, are looking for a break from your regular watches and want a deep dive into the world of guns blazing, then worry not. Take a beat with these ten gangster movies worthy of your time and attention.

1. The Godfather (1972)

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Al Pacino, this epic gangster film is one for the ages. Armed with heavy critical acclaim, cult favourite, and regarded as one of the most influential movies ever made, The Godfather

proudly displays shining honors that are hard to come by in Hollywood. 

A cornerstone of American cinema, this film set the standard for the gangster genre with its profound exploration of power and family dynamics. When newly released, it made the career of its cast and bagged three Oscar nominations for that year.

Read More: The 10 Most Iconic Netflix Original Films to Stream Now

To give the movie an organic feel, Francis Ford Coppola insisted on setting the film in post-WWII New York to preserve its authenticity, resisting studio pressures to modernize the setting,

as MentalFloss reports

.

2. The Godfather Part II (1974)

The record-breaking success of The Godfather

was followed soon after by its sequel, The Godfather II,

which again was directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Another epic crime movie in the saga, this proved to be a worthy sequel as well as a prequel, presenting parallel dramas.

A rare sequel that matches and some argue surpasses the original, offers a parallel narrative of Vito Corleone’s rise and Michael’s descent. Interestingly, it features the ship Moshulu, which transported Vito to America; it is now a restaurant in Philadelphia. This was another big yesteryear success for Al Pacino, who has another thriller, Heat

sequel

coming out soon.

3. Goodfellas (1990)

Next on the list is another classic gangster watch, Goodfellas

, directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese. Starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Paul Sorvino, and others, this movie is a dynamic portrayal of mob life through the eyes of Henry Hill, blending dark humor with brutal realism.

Another valuable addition to the gangster genre, it is the best work of Martin Scorsese at his career’s peak. The film’s iconic Copacabana tracking shot is celebrated as one of cinema’s greatest one-take sequences.

4. Scarface (1983)

After his two gangster hits, Al Pacino returned in 1983 for another hit in the field with Scarface

, directed by Brian De Palma. A remake of the 1932 original movie, it tells the story of a Cuban refugee who arrived in Miami during the Mariel Boatlift and became a powerful drug lord.

Al Pacino’s portrayal of Tony Montana became emblematic of ambition and excess. At the time, Scarface

’s graphic violence and language were so debatable that it sparked controversy, leading to multiple rating disputes upon release.

5. Casino (1995)

If there are gangsters, then there are going to be Casinos around them. Directed by Martin Scorsese, Casino

is a deep dive into the opulent yet dangerous world of Las Vegas casinos controlled by the mob. For the movie, Martin Scorsese again went with Robert De Niro and added Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, Don Rickles, and others. 

The next time you watch it, keep in mind that the characters are based on real-life figures like Frank Rosenthal and Anthony Spilotro, adding authenticity to the narrative.

6. The Irishman (2019)

After watching these vintage classics, come meet the future gangster version of Robert De Niro in The Irishman

, again directed by Martin Scorsese, whose upcoming $200 million epic is being pursued by Netflix. An epic saga of loyalty and betrayal spanning decades, featuring de-aged performances by Scorsese’s patented cast of De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci.

At 209 minutes, it is Scorsese’s longest film, utilizing advanced digital effects for character aging. It is also counted among the best movies of the year 2019.

7. Donnie Brasco (1997)

This 1997 crime drama was directed by Mike Newell, is a gripping tale of an undercover FBI agent who infiltrates the mob, blurring the lines between duty and loyalty.

Based on the true story of Joseph D. Pistone’s infiltration of the Bonanno crime family in the 1970s. It is based on the 1988 nonfiction book and also starred gems like Bruno Kirby, James Russo, and Johnny Depp, who was graced with the  Lifetime Achievement Award

at the Rome Film Festival last year.

8. A Bronx Tale (1993)

For this 1993 coming-of-age drama, Robert De Niro not only acted but also became a director. A Bronx Tale

is set against the backdrop of organized crime, exploring themes of identity and morality.

The movie is adapted from Chazz Palminteri’s one-man play, reflecting his own childhood experiences. It launched Palminteri’s acting career while also helping De Niro gain acceptance as a director.

9. American Gangster (2007)

Directed by Ridley Scott, American Gangster

chronicles the rise of Frank Lucas, a heroin kingpin in 1970s Harlem, and his eventual take down.
The movie is loosely based on the criminal career of Frank Lucas, a gangster from La Grange, North Carolina.

Lucas even smuggled heroin into the United States on American service planes returning from the Vietnam War but his gangster career was cut short when he was caught.

10. Pulp Fiction (1994)


Directed again by Quentin Tarantino 1994’s Pulp Fiction

is a nonlinear narrative weaving multiple crime stories, redefining the gangster genre with dark humor and stylized violence.

According to All The Right Movies

, its eclectic soundtrack and sharp dialogue have cemented its status as a cultural touchstone. It
is widely regarded as Tarantino’s magnum opus, with special praise for its screenwriting.

Read More: True Crime Lovers, Don’t Miss These 10 Underrated Villain Movies

So are you ready for a gangster binge watch with the above movie? Tell us your favorites in the comments below.

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