In this article, we count down the ten best mob movies ever made. Movies that show the audience a different and unexplored side of the mafia and gangs that entertains but also haunts us at every step up the ladder. Movies by classic directors featuring all star casts that launch the production into film antiquity.
10.The Untouchables (1987)
In this blockbuster, Kevin Costner stars as veteran prohibition agent, Eliot Ness, in the 1930’s trying to wage an all out war against crime boss, Al Capone. Starring alongside Sean Connery, a younger Andy Garcia, and Robert Deniro, this a must see for all interested in mob movies. What made this movie so great was the introductory theme as well as the way that Deniro effectively plays gangster Al capone.
9. Donnie Brasco (1997)
In this 90’s classic based on the incredible true story, Hollywood heartthrob Johnny Depp stars alongside Al Pacino as FBI informant Donnie Brasco who is assigned with going undercover to provide first hand information on the Bannano crime family in New York. Through this we see the trials and tribulations of a man torn between loyalty to his new found friends, and his own family.
8. Scarface (1983)
In this, screen legend Al Pacino stars as recent Cuban immigrant Tony Montana. After arriving in the land of opportunity on the shores of Miami, Florida, he and his entourage decide to chase after the American dream. With this comes a barrage of sex, lots and lots of drugs, violence and rock n roll. A must see mob movie. This movie is excellent in the way that the cinematography captures the beauty of Miami as well as the lifestyle of the rich and famous.
7. Pulp Fiction (1994)
One of Quentin Tarantino’s earlier works, this story is told in the form of a nonlinear narrative with a series of episodes. Beginning with a diner robbery by Ringo (Tim Roth) and Honey Bunny (Amanda Plummer) before moving onto a set of ironic humour and cultural references. With an all star cast of Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta, Bruce Willis, Ving Rhames, and the never disappointing Harvey Keitel. Pulp Fiction is a must see as Tarantino is phenomenal at capturing the nonlinear narrative as well as each characters expression through extreme close-up shots.
6. The Departed (2006)
Martin Scorsese never disappoints, especially when dealing with the Irish mob in Boston. This saga tells the story of Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), a child who was brought up in the rise of the mob in Boston and groomed by boss Costello, played by Jack Nicholson to eventually become a mole in the Boston Police Department. With an all star cast of Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, Vera Farmiga, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, and Mark Wahlberg, this film is hard to disappoint mob movie fans. Scorsese captures the audiences attention through the dynamic storyline, as well as the never-ending conflict between his protagonists.
5. Snatch (2000)
In this flat-out from start to finish romp, director Guy Ritchie uses two plots intertwined together to tell the story of the search for a missing diamond, and the story of Turkish (Statham), a boxing promoter who works for sadistic gangster Bricktop (Alan Ford). With all of this comes a young Brad Pitt as Irish boxer Mickey O’Neill who isn’t afraid to show his dark side. Something that makes this film stand out is also how funny it is most of the way through, despite some very sobering scenes.
4. Casino (1995)
As usual, Scorsese never disappoints. In this mob epic, he explores the mafia presence in sin city with Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Deniro) as he sets up a casino whilst barraging through violence, drugs, and tonnes of cash. Through this comes the introduction of Ginger (Sharon Stone) who falls into a life sucking abyss of cocaine and dependency. An all-star cast of Joe Pesci, Sharon Stone, Frank Vincent, Robert Deniro, and more. Anyone who has ever been to a casino will be sweating bullets after seeing this. It also features one of the best introductory sequences for any mob movie.
3. Goodfellas (1990)
This great movie explores the lives of blue-collar Italian American gangsters in Brooklyn, New York as they rise to work for the Italian mob. It is through the never-ending violence, drugs, money and constant Joe Pesci beat ups that we see each characters different back story and why they went into a world of crime. With an A-list cast of Robert Deniro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci. Again, Scorsese captures the essence of the American dream through the rags to riches exploration of each characters origin, through a brilliant soundtrack and all star cast.
2. Eastern Promises (2007)
Director David Cronenberg shows his masterpiece to us in the form of the Russian Mafia in Central London. It is shown when a girl gives birth and midwife Anna (Watts) begins to investigate all the way to the top. Featuring Viggo Mortensen as driver and cleaner Nikolai, Vincent Cassel, Naomi Watts, and Sinead Cusack. Anyone who loves London and mafia movies should see this immediately. What makes this a great mob story is the diversity shown by Viggo Mortensen’s character, as well as the narration that follows the scenes, adding extra emotion.
1.The Godfather (1972)
And the greatest mob movie ever made of course goes to the crown jewel, The Godfather. Based on the best selling novel by Mario Puzo, it tells the story of the Corleone family with its trials and tribulations as they continue their all out war against the Tattaglia family and other rivalries. Featuring an all star cast of Al Pacino, Marlon Brando, Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, and James Caan. It is a must see for all mob movie aficionados because of the excellent cinematography done by director Francis Ford Coppola, but also the opening theme that makes it iconic.
Famous Scenes
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdNSlyrbcDY
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVQ8byG2mY8
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLtwFugudZE
What are your favourite mob movies?
