Gangster Films
If you’re into gangster movies like The Godfather and Scarface, here are some similar films that you might enjoy, filled with crime, power struggles, and moral complexities:
Classic Gangster Films
- Goodfellas (1990) - Directed by Martin Scorsese, this is a gritty and realistic portrayal of life in the mob, focusing on the rise and fall of a small-time gangster, Henry Hill.
- The Untouchables (1987) - A stylish, action-packed film about Eliot Ness’s efforts to take down Al Capone during Prohibition.
- Casino (1995) - Another Scorsese masterpiece about the corruption and violence behind the glitz of Las Vegas.
- Once Upon a Time in America (1984) - Directed by Sergio Leone, this epic tells the story of childhood friends who grow up to become gangsters, with themes of loyalty and betrayal.
Modern Gangster Movies
- The Departed (2006) - A modern crime thriller about undercover cops and moles in Boston's Irish mob, directed by Martin Scorsese.
- American Gangster (2007) - Starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, it’s based on the true story of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas.
- Eastern Promises (2007) - A dark, intense film about the Russian mafia in London, starring Viggo Mortensen.
- The Irishman (2019) - A reflective and somber exploration of mob life over decades, directed by Scorsese.
International Gangster Films
- City of God (2002) - A Brazilian crime drama about the rise of organized crime in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.
- Gomorrah (2008) - An Italian film offering a raw and realistic look at the Neapolitan mafia, based on Roberto Saviano’s book.
- A Prophet (2009) - A French crime drama about a young Arab man navigating life in prison and climbing the ranks of the Corsican mob.
Classic Throwbacks
- Carlito's Way (1993) - Starring Al Pacino, this is a tale of a gangster trying to escape his criminal past.
- Mean Streets (1973) - One of Scorsese's early films, a gritty and personal look at small-time crime in New York.
Honorable Mentions
- Heat (1995) - Though more of a heist film, it has strong gangster elements with themes of loyalty and betrayal.
- Donnie Brasco (1997) - Based on a true story, this movie explores the bond between an undercover agent and a mobster.
- Peaky Blinders (TV Series) - If you’re open to TV series, this is a stylish and gripping show about a 1920s Birmingham gang.
Each of these movies captures the allure and danger of the gangster lifestyle in its own way. Which one are you tempted to check out next?