While some gangster movies have become ever-present within mainstream pop culture, other great releases always seem to get left out of the conversation. In some instances, this is because the filmmakers already have movies that are considered masterpieces of the genre, meaning that their less-acclaimed or well-known work always seems to become an afterthought or footnote in lists and reviews. However, this is a real shame because it means that almost-perfect gangster movies get left behind in the public consciousness.
Although the best gangster movies ever made are consistently written about with great reverence, other gangster movies just haven’t been recognized in the same way. While the work of filmmaking greats like Martin Scorsese, David Cronenberg, or the Coen brothers will always have a big audience, even these directors have movies that viewers seem to forget about. Considering this, it’s important to highlight all of these films that have been criminally underrated, pun intended.
You are watching: 10 Great Gangster Movies Everyone Always Forgets About
10
A History Of Violence (2005)
Directed by David Cronenberg
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A History of Violence
R
CrimeDocumentaryDramaThriller
A History of Violence, directed by David Cronenberg, follows a quiet family man whose life changes dramatically after he becomes a local hero following an act of self-defense. As media attention grows, his past comes back to haunt him, revealing hidden truths and impacting his family’s perception of him.
Release Date
September 23, 2005
Runtime
98 minutes
Cast
Viggo Mortensen
, Maria Bello
, Ed Harris
, William Hurt
, Ashton Holmes
, Peter MacNeill
Director
David Cronenberg
Writers
John Wagner
, Vince Locke
, Josh Olson
While Canadian director David Cronenberg first made a name for himself with grotesque body horror releases, he’s also had several underrated gangster movies. A History of Violence was one of Cronenberg’s best movies and starred Viggo Mortensen as a man with a mysterious past that comes back to haunt him. After bravely stepping in to kill two spree killers who attempted to rob his diner, Tom Stall was lauded on the news as a hero, although this only served to cause gangsters from his past to learn his whereabouts and seek him out.
As mobsters start to visit Tom’s diner, viewers learn that he is actually a former mob hitman named Joey Cusack attempting to live under a new identity. As the peace and quiet of Tom’s new life begins to fall apart, he’s forced to reveal his gangster origins and return to the crime-ridden underworld he left behind. A History of Violence tells an insightful gangster story about the impossibility of running away from the past and the dark consequences of murder and violence.
9
Black Mass (2015)
Directed by Scott Cooper
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8/10
Black Mass
R
DramaDocumentaryThriller
Black Mass is a crime drama biography based on the true story of one of the most notorious criminals in U.S. History, Whitey Bulger. When Bulger’s turf is encroached on by a rival mafia family, the Angiulo brothers, the death of one of his own mafia family members leads him to join his long-time friend and become an informant for the FBI to exact his revenge – and push the Angiulo’s out of his turf.
Release Date
September 4, 2015
Runtime
123minutes
Cast
Sienna Miller
, Dakota Johnson
, Jesse Plemons
, Kevin Bacon
, Johhny Depp
, Joel Edgerton
, Benedict Cumberbatch
Director
Scott Cooper
Writers
Mark Mallouk
, Jez Butterworth
, Dick Lehr
, Gerard O’Neill
Budget
$53 million
Studio(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Distributor(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Expand
Some of the greatest gangster movies ever made, like Goodfellas, were biographical crime films based on real figures. While these stories have the potential to leave a lasting impact on popular culture, one release that feels like it’s gotten left behind is Black Mass, starring Johnny Depp as the American mobster and leader of the Winter Hill Gang, Whitey Bulger. Depp gave one of his very best late-career performances as Bulger in this violent story of a criminal who became an informant for the FBI.
Black Mass felt like an exciting return to form for Depp, who previously excelled in gangster movies like Donnie Brasco and biographical crime stories such as Blow. As a fascinating true story that brings out themes of crime, loyalty, politics, and the nature of betrayal, Bulger’s contradictory identity as a notorious criminal and brother of a state senator made for engrossing viewing. While Black Mass falls slightly short of capturing the masterful power of releases like Goodfellas, it certainly deserves more attention.
8
Snatch (2000)
Directed by Guy Ritchie
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10/10
Snatch
R
ComedyCrime
Snatch is a comedic crime film by director Guy Ritchie that centers on several different groups of characters’ paths that begin to cross after a missing diamond becomes central to their stories. From a fight promoter trying to make pay his bookie to a group of inept bank robbers that fumble a bookkeeping heist, a stolen diamond ends up in the stomach of a dog, setting off a hectic chain of violent but darkly comedic events.
Release Date
January 19, 2001
Runtime
102 minutes
Cast
Benicio Del Toro
, Jason Statham
, Lennie James
, Alan Ford
, Stephen Graham
, Dennis Farina
, Brad Pitt
, Vinnie Jones
Director
Guy Ritchie
Writers
Guy Ritchie
Budget
$10 million
Studio(s)
Sony
Distributor(s)
Columbia Pictures
, Sony
Expand
There are few directors more intrinsically linked with British gangster movies than Guy Ritchie. While Ritchie’s debut, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, and recent releases like The Gentleman have all received acclaim, one release that occasionally flies under the radar was Snatch. As a star-studded release featuring Jason Statham, Benicio del Toro, and Brad Pitt trying, and failing, to do his best impression of an Irish Traveller, this glimpse into London’s criminal underworld carried forward many of the themes and stylistic aesthetics of his debut film.
Snatch featured two intertwined plots about a stolen diamond and a small-time boxer under the thumb of a ruthless gangster. As an incredibly violent film, Snatch has garnered a cult following over the years as its twisted sense of humor, witty dialogue, and well-developed characters made it stand out as one of the most underappreciated British crime films around. With plenty of action and a unique sense of identity, fans of gangster movies should be sure to add Snatch to their watchlist.
7
Mean Streets (1973)
Directed by Martin Scorsese
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7.7/10
Mean Streets
R
CrimeDramaThriller
Mean Streets is a crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese, following the lives of small-time criminals in New York City’s Little Italy. Starring Harvey Keitel as Charlie and Robert De Niro as the reckless Johnny Boy, the film explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the harsh realities of street life. Mean Streets is noted for its gritty portrayal of urban corruption and the dilemmas faced by those entangled in it.
Release Date
October 14, 1973
Runtime
112 Minutes
Main Genre
Crime
Cast
Robert De Niro
, Harvey Keitel
, David Proval
, Amy Robinson
, Richard Romanus
, Cesare Danova
, Victor Argo
, George Memmoli
Director
Martin Scorsese
Writers
Martin Scorsese
, Mardik Martin
Expand
As a director who will forever be associated with gangster movies, it’s only natural that some Martin Scorsese films are better known than others. For this reason, Mean Streets can often get left out of the conversation of the director’s best films, as movies like Goodfellas, Gangs of New York, and The Departed have stolen much of the thunder of this earlier film. This was a real shame, as Mean Streets represented the director’s first film with Robert De Niro and the beginning of perhaps cinema’s greatest actor and filmmaker partnership.
Mean Streets dealt with classic Scorsese themes of crime, faith, and guilt, and although it was not his first movie, it was the release where the director truly discovered his style and unique voice. As a young Catholic mobster (Harvey Keitel) must reckon with his desire for power, a complex relationship with his girlfriend, and a reckless close friend, Mean Streets touched on issues that Scorsese returned to time and again. With a soundtrack featuring vintage pop and rock music, Mean Streets was a defining release in the New Hollywood filmmaking movement.
6
Eastern Promises (2007)
Directed by David Cronenberg
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7.7/10
Eastern Promises
R
DramaCrimeAction
Eastern Promises (2007) is a crime thriller directed by David Cronenberg and starring Viggo Mortensen. The film follows a London midwife, played by Naomi Watts, who stumbles upon the underbelly of the Russian mafia while investigating a young girl’s death. Mortensen portrays a mysterious driver with ties to a powerful crime family, unraveling a web of secrecy and corruption. The film explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the immigrant experience.
Release Date
September 21, 2007
Runtime
100 minutes
Main Genre
Crime
Cast
Viggo Mortensen
, Vincent Cassel
, Sinéad Cusack
, Armin Mueller-Stahl
, Naomi Watts
Director
David Cronenberg
Writers
Steven Knight
Website
https://www.focusfeatures.com/eastern_promises
Cinematographer
Peter Suschitzky
Producer
Paul Webster, Robert Lantos
Production Company
Kudos Film and Television, Corus Entertainment, Astral Media, BBC Films, Serendipity Point Films, Shine Pictures, Focus Features, Telefilm Canada, Scion Films
Sfx Supervisor
Aaron Weintraub
Budget
$50 million
Expand
Director David Cronenberg followed up A History of Violence with yet another underrated gangster film, Eastern Promises. This intense and stylish glimpse into the inner workings of the Russian mafia in London dealt with themes of sex trafficking, career criminals, and the seedy underbelly of the British criminal underworld. What starts with a midwife trying to uncover the truth behind a Ukrainian teenager who died in childbirth soon unravels into a terrifying tale of gangsters and violence.
Viggo Mortensen gave his most menacing performance as the ruthless criminal Nikolai Luzhin, while Naomi Watts was utterly believable as the Russian-British midwife Anya Khitrova, who quickly found herself in over her head in the criminal world. As a blend of psychological drama and gritty violence, Cronenberg delivered a twist-filled story that kept viewers on the edge of their seats throughout. While Cronenberg is often lauded for his work in the horror genre, Eastern Promises showcased him as one of the most accomplished and original directors working today.
5
Casino (1995)
Directed by Martin Scorsese
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7/10
Casino
R
BiographyCrimeDrama
Casino is a 1995 crime drama starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, and James Woods. The film is based on the book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas by Nicholas Pileggi and centers on Sam ‘Ace’ Rothstein (De Niro), who is asked to run the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas.
Release Date
November 22, 1995
Runtime
178 minutes
Main Genre
Crime
Cast
Robert De Niro
, Sharon Stone
, Joe Pesci
, James Woods
, Frank Vincent
, Pasquale Cajano
Director
Martin Scorsese
Writers
Nicholas Pileggi
, Martin Scorsese
Budget
$52 million
Studio(s)
Universal Pictures
Distributor(s)
Universal Pictures
Expand
When discussing Martin Scorsese’s output during the 1990s, Goodfellas totally dominates the conversation, which is a real shame because, in many ways, Casino was actually a much better film. As an epic crime story that highlighted the Mafia’s involvement in the gambling industry, Scorsese managed to tell a gangster story unlike anything else in his career. Featuring frequent collaborators like Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci and standout turns from actors like James Woods, Casino deserves just as much attention and reverence as Goodfellas received.
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With a tightly plotted story and frantic camera movements, there’s an energy and excitement to Casino that makes it stand out among Scorsese’s filmography. Sharon Stone also gave one of her greatest performances as Ginger McKenna, which added a much-needed female energy that’s so often missing from the director’s work. While Casino is appropriately recognized by gangster movie lovers, the complex performances and thematic depth of the film should be further recognized by general viewers.
4
Once Upon A Time in America (1984)
Directed by Sergio Leone
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9.5/10
Once Upon a Time in America
r
CrimeDrama
Once Upon a Time in America tells the story of a group of Jewish gangsters in New York City over several decades, from their youth in the 1920s to their final days in the 1960s. Robert De Niro and James Woods star in the 1984 crime drama directed by Sergio Leone.
Release Date
June 1, 1984
Runtime
229 Minutes
Main Genre
Crime
Cast
Robert De Niro
, James Woods
, Elizabeth McGovern
, Treat Williams
, Tuesday Weld
, Burt Young
, Joe Pesci
, Danny Aiello
Director
Sergio Leone
Writers
Harry Grey
, Leonardo Benvenuti
, Piero De Bernardi
, Enrico Medioli
, Franco Arcalli
, Franco Ferrini
, Stuart Kaminsky
, Sergio Leone
Budget
$30 million
Studio(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Distributor(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Expand
While the Spaghetti Western genre may be the first thing that comes to viewers’ minds when they hear the name Sergio Leone, it’s important not to forget the masterpiece that is Once Upon a Time in America. This sprawling crime epic runs at 251 minutes in its extended director’s cut, and despite being recognized by modern film critics as a defining piece of cinema, its daunting runtime means it is often left out of the discussion around the greatest gangster movies ever made.
Featuring icons of gangster cinema like Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, Once Upon a Time in America chronicled a group of Jewish gangsters’ rise in the world of organized crime in New York City. With themes of childhood friendships, betrayal, loss, and broken relationships, the film reflected the changing nature of American society and the ruthless ways once-optimistic friends turn into ruthless monsters. While Once Upon a Time in America was a flop upon release, it’s an essential part of Leone’s legacy that has been rightfully reappraised by critics and viewers alike.
3
City Of God (2002)
Directed by Fernando Meirelles & Kátia Lund
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8.5/10
City of God
R
CrimeDrama
City of God is a Brazilian crime drama directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund. Set in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, the film chronicles the rise of organized crime through the eyes of a young boy named Rocket. As Rocket grapples with the harsh realities of his surroundings, the film explores themes of poverty, violence, and survival, offering a poignant and unflinching look at the impact of crime on a community.
Release Date
February 13, 2004
Runtime
130 Minutes
Main Genre
Crime
Cast
Alexandre Rodrigues
, Leandro Firmino
, Matheus Nachtergaele
, Phellipe Haagensen
, Douglas Silva
, Jonathan Haagensen
, Seu Jorge
, Jefechander Suplino
Director
Fernando Meirelles
, Kátia Lund
Writers
Paulo Lins
, Bráulio Mantovani
Expand
Although English-language releases seem to gain most of the attention when it comes to gangster movies, it’s important not to forget Brazilian classics like City of God. This story about a young group of impoverished thieves growing up in the Cidade de Deus suburb of Rio de Janeiro during the 1960s captured the truth of how disenfranchised youths fall into lives of crime as they’re forced to make tough decisions to ensure their livelihoods.
City of God told a shocking and disturbing story that was as much influenced by classic American gangster movies as it was by the social and political circumstances of crime in Rio de Janeiro. With Alexandre Rodrigues as Rocket, audiences see his difficult journey to achieve his dream of being a photographer as he watches those around him succumb to the gangster lifestyle. There is truth and pain in City of God, which ensured its place as a modern classic that those who normally avoid foreign-language movies should be sure to take a chance on.
2
Scarface (1932)
Directed by Howard Hawks
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9/10
Scarface
CrimeDrama
Scarface is a 1932 film directed by Howard Hawks, depicting the rise of Italian immigrant Tony Camonte in 1920s Chicago. As he ascends the criminal hierarchy, Tony faces challenges within the mob and struggles to shield his sister from the violent world he inhabits.
Release Date
April 9, 1932
Runtime
93 Minutes
Main Genre
Crime
Cast
Paul Muni
, Ann Dvorak
, Karen Morley
, Osgood Perkins
, C. Henry Gordon
, George Raft
, Vince Barnett
, Boris Karloff
, Purnell Pratt
, Tully Marshall
, Inez Palange
, Edwin Maxwell
, Jean Harlow
, Henry Armetta
, Gus Arnheim
, Eugenie Besserer
, Maurice Black
, James Conaty
, Gino Corrado
, Virginia Dabney
, William B. Davidson
, James Durkin
, Bill Elliott
Character(s)
Antonio Tony Camonte
, Francesca Cesca Camonte
, Poppy
, John Johnny Lovo
, Insp. Ben Guarino
, Guino Rinaldo
, Angelo
, Gaffney
, Mr. Garston
, Managing Editor
, Mrs. Camonte
, Chief of Detectives
, Blonde at Paradise Club
, Pietro / the Barber
, Orchestra Leader
, Citizens Committee Member
, Jim / the Headwaiter
, Nightclub Patron
, Waiter at Columbia Cafe
, Mabel
, Newspaper Man
, Man Outside Theatre
Director
Howard Hawks
Writers
Armitage Trail
, Ben Hecht
Expand
The legacy of Brian de Palma’s 1983 remake Scarface has become so ever-present in popular culture that many won’t even know that it was adapted from a 1932 release by Howard Hawks. While this pre-Code gangster movie may not be as iconic as the later release, its historical importance and thematic depth meant it was one of the best gangster movies of its time. As an unflinching depiction of crime and violence, Scarface took influence from the real-life gangster Al Capone as it depicted the dark underbelly of Prohibition-era Chicago.
Scarface may be missing Al Pacino’s iconic performance, but it made up for that through its boundary-breaking depiction of a cunning criminal’s rise to prominence. Unlike many crime films of earlier eras, Scarface did not hide its violence behind closed doors and put audiences right into the midst of gunfire and thrilling shootouts. As a notable influence on future gangster movies, the rawness of Scarface contributed to film noir aesthetics and later works by filmmakers like Martin Scorsese.
1
Miller’s Crossing (1990)
Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen
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9.1/10
Miller’s Crossing
R
CrimeDramaThriller
Miller’s Crossing is a crime drama directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. The film follows Tom Reagan (Gabriel Byrne), an advisor to a Prohibition-era crime boss, as he navigates a volatile dispute between two rival gangs. Set against a backdrop of betrayal and shifting loyalties, the story delves into the complexities of Reagan’s moral and ethical choices. Albert Finney and John Turturro also star in this intricate narrative of power and deception.
Release Date
September 21, 1990
Runtime
115 Minutes
Main Genre
Crime
Cast
Gabriel Byrne
, Albert Finney
, John Turturro
, Marcia Gay Harden
, Jon Polito
, Steve Buscemi
Director
Joel Coen
, Ethan Coen
The directing duo Joel and Ethan Coen have been responsible for some of the greatest films ever made, as their unique style, sense of humor, and lighthearted nihilism reflect America back onto itself. While the pair have plenty of underrated movies, perhaps their most slept-on release was Miller’s Crossing, a gangster story set during the era of Prohibition. As a power struggle between two rival gangs, Gabriel Byrne starred as Tom Reagan, the man secretly pitting the two sides against each other.
By paying homage to gangster movies of the past while remaining incredibly modern, Miller’s Crossing felt like the perfect merging of crime cinema’s past and present. While later Coen brothers crime films like Fargo and No Country for Old Men are consistently recognized as must-watch movies, Miller’s Crossing feels like it gets left behind. The Coen brothers have such a vast filmography, which makes it hard to know where to even start, but those looking for an incredible gangster movie can’t go wrong with Miller’s Crossing.
Source: https://truongnguyenbinhkhiem.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment