Published: July 16, 2021 | Last Updated: October 2, 2024
Cinema history has produced some fantastic gangster movies that everyone needs to see – not at least if you’re a filmmaker. They make a great field of study for any movie buff – from the neo-noirish use of light and contrast to the interesting character arcs and intricate storylines.
Who doesn’t enjoy cheering for a hardboiled anti-hero as he and his gangster friends make the streets of Chicago unsafe while offering “protection” for the small business owner? No wonder gangster flicks have become so popular.
Below, I’ve curated 10 of the best gangster movies of all time any budding filmmaker should study.
1. The Godfather (1972)
I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.
– Don Vito Corleone
- Genre: Crime
- Director: Francis Ford Coppola
- Screenwriters: Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola
- Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan
Why you should watch it:
The Godfather is the pinnacle of gangster movies. It’s a masterclass in storytelling, character development, and the use of symbolism. It is essential because it revolutionized the gangster genre with its masterful storytelling, character development, and visual style.
One key scene that highlights these aspects is the restaurant scene, where Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) assassinates two rival gangsters. The tension builds throughout the scene, and lighting and framing emphasize the power dynamics. Also, study how the opening scene establishes the power and control of the Corleone family through lighting, music, and dialogue.
This film serves as a blueprint for filmmakers to study the art of storytelling and character arcs in a crime saga. The Godfather is the best mafia or gangster movie of all time. Period!
2. Scarface (1983)
“Say hello to my little friend!’
– Tony Montana
- Genre: Crime Drama
- Director: Brian De Palma
- Screenwriter: Oliver Stone
- Starring: Al Pacino, Steven Bauer, Michelle Pfeiffer
Why you should watch it:
Scarface is known for its iconic acting performances, memorable quotes, and its exploration of the American Dream gone awry. You can learn from De Palma’s ability to create tension and build to a pivotal moment.
Study the use of slow motion in the climactic scene, where Tony Montana utters the famous line “Say hello to my little friend!” during a shootout. This scene shows the film’s gritty violence and the consequences of a life of crime in slow motion.
Scarface is a classic gangster movie and a remake of the 1932 film of the same name – but a remake that’s even better than the original! Scarface was also the nickname of the top gangster, Al Capone.
Read more on climaxes in film.
3. City of God (2002)
It was like a message from God. ‘Honesty doesn’t pay, sucker.’
– Buscapé
- Genre: Crime
- Directors: Fernando Meirelles and Kàtia Lund
- Screenwriter: Bràulio Mantovani
- Starring: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino da Hora, Jonathan Haagensen
Why you should watch it:
City of God is based on the 1997 novel by Paulo Lins. It’s a great movie to study for its portrayal of gang violence in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, its non-linear storytelling, and its visual style. For example, study how the opening sequence combines frenetic editing, dynamic camerawork, and a pulsating soundtrack to introduce the dangerous world of the favelas.
4. Goodfellas (1990)
As far back as I can remember I wanted to be a gangster.
– Henry Hill
- Genre: Biographical Crime
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Screenwriters: Nicholas Pileggi and Martin Scorsese
- Starring: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci
Why you should watch it:
Goodfellas is known for its kinetic editing, voice-over narration, and intense performances. It provides an immersive portrayal of the life of gangsters and the rise and fall of protagonist Henry Hill (Ray Liotta).
I recommend you study the famous “Copacabana tracking shot,” a standout example of Scorsese’s directorial style. It uses long takes and fluid camera movement to create a sense of excitement and immersion.
Goodfellas is a must-watch if you’re interested in exploring non-linear narratives.
5. Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
I like the stink of the streets. It makes me feel good.
– David “Noodles” Aaronson
- Genre: Crime Drama
- Director: Sergio Leone
- Screenwriters: Leonardo Benvenuti, Piero De Bernardi, Enrico Medioli, Franco Arcalli, Franco Ferrini, Sergio Leone
- Starring: Robert De Niro, James Woods, Joe Pesci, Jennifer Connelly
Why you should watch it:
Once Upon a Time in America is an epic tale that follows the life of a group of kids as they transition from poor street kids to hardboiled Jewish gangsters in New York City as adults.
Once Upon a Time in America explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the passage of time. It follows a group of Jewish gangsters in New York City from their childhood in the 1920s to their later years in the 1960s.
Study Leone’s use of non-linear storytelling, juxtaposition, and attention to detail. One example is the scene where Noodles (De Niro) remembers watching Deborah (Conelly) dancing among the flour for the first time, contrasting the youth’s innocence with the harsh realities of their lives.
Studying this film can also help you understand the power of visual motifs and the impact of editing choices.
6. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Say ‘what’ again. Say ‘what’ again, I dare you, I double dare you motherf*cker, say what one more Goddamn time!
– Jules Winnfield
- Genre: Black Comedy
- Director: Quentin Tarantino
- Screenwriter: Quentin Tarantino
- Starring: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman
Why you should watch it:
Tarantino’s nonlinear storytelling, witty dialogue, and eclectic soundtrack make Pulp Fiction a standout gangster film. Study the “diner scene,” a prime example of Tarantino’s ability to create tension through dialogue and build memorable characters.
Also, as a postmodern masterpiece, Pulp Fiction portrays the edges of gangster life. We do not see the inner circles of a mob family but the brotherhood of two hitmen as they deal with difficult situations—a must-watch for any gangster flick or Tarantino fan.
7. The Untouchables (1987)
Never stop fighting till the fight is done.
– Eliot Ness
- Genre: Crime
- Director: Brian De Palma
- Screenwriter: David Mamet
- Starring: Kevin Costner, Charles Martin Smith, Robert De Niro, Sean Connery
Why you should watch it:
The Untouchables shows De Palma’s mastery of suspense and tension-building. You should study the famous “staircase shootout” scene, inspired by the movie Battleship Potemkin (1925) from the Soviet Montage Theory film movement, which shows his use of slow motion, dramatic framing, and sound design to create a memorable and thrilling sequence.
8. Miller’s Crossing (1990)
I am gonna send you to a deep dark place, and I am gonna have fun doin’ it!
– Eddie Dane
- Genre: Gangster
- Directors: Joel and Ethan Coen
- Screenwriters: Joel and Ethan Coen
- Starring: Gabriel Byrne, Marcia Gay Harden, John Turturro
Why you should watch it:
Miller’s Crossing is a beautifully shot neo-noir gangster film that pays homage to the Coen brothers’ earlier gangster films.
It is known for its stylish visuals, complex characters, and nonlinear narrative. The “Danny Boy” scene is a great example of the Coens’ ability to create tension through dialogue, staging, and cinematography.
9. The Departed (2006)
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller.
- Director: Martin Scorsese.
- Screenwriter: William Monahan.
- Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, and Vera Farmiga.
Why you should watch it:
The Departed is a great example of Scorsese’s ability to create complex characters and maintain tension throughout the narrative.
The rooftop scene, where the two main characters finally confront each other, showcases the film’s suspenseful atmosphere and the characters’ moral ambiguity.
You should also study Scorsese’s pacing and ability to create compelling and morally complex characters.
10. A Prophet (2009)
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Director: Jacques Audiard
- Screenwriters: Jacques Audiard, Thomas Bidegain, Abdel Raouf Dafri, Nicolas Peufaillit
- Starring: Tahar Rahim, Niels Arestrup, Adel Bencherif, Hichem Yacoubi, Reda Kateb
Why you should watch it:
A Prophet offers a unique perspective on the gangster genre. It explores themes of power, survival, and identity.
Study how the use of a prison setting affects the narrative and the protagonist‘s transformation. It’s a great example of Audiard’s ability to create a compelling character arc.
Closing Thoughts
Mob movies entice us with their raw action, intricate characters, and complex moral issues. From the sinister paths of organized crime to the detailed structures of mafia power, gangster films offer unique perspectives on the secretive criminal underworld that has intrigued movie lovers for years.
But they’re equally awesome movies to learn from as a budding filmmaker because of their high-quality cinematic craftsmanship, compelling characters, and interesting (and intriguing) narratives. No wonder gangster flicks have left lasting impressions on the history of filmmaking as cultural landmarks.
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