30 Best Mobster Movies of All Time

30 Best Mobster Movies of All Time: Mob movies, a popular film genre, have been part of the movie world almost since movies began. These films often tell stories about crime and can mix with other types like action or comedy. Every type of gangster imaginable has been portrayed in cinema, from yakuza enforcers armed with pistols to fedora-wearing mobsters and everything in between. Our list of the top gangster movies of all time includes every type of gangster imaginable.

Best Mobster Movies

In this article, we will discuss the top 30 best mobster movies of all time and their year of release:

List of 30 Best Mobster Movies of All Time

The best mobster movies are films that tell exciting stories about the world of crime. These movies often focus on gangsters and their families. They show us the dangerous lives they lead and the big risks they take. Some of the top mobster movies include “The Godfather Part II”, which is about a powerful crime family, and “Goodfellas”, which tells the story of a man’s life in the mafia. Other great films in this genre are “Scarface”, showing a man’s rise and fall in the crime world, and “The Sopranos”, a TV show that gives a detailed look at a mobster’s family life.

Here is the list of mobster movies along with their release years in tabular form:

30. Suburra (2015)

We’re talking about movies that show stories about real mobsters and organized crime. We’re not looking at movies about hitmen, big thefts, or bank robberies.

• The movie is directed by Stefano Sollima and is a modern neo–noir film.
• It’s set in the year 2011.
• The story is complex and involves crime families, political corruption, and issues around Rome real estate.
• Netflix supports this movie.
• It’s pretty much a long introduction to the Suburra: Blood on Rome series, which tells more stories about these characters and settings before the movie’s events.

29. Brother (2000)

This movie is made by Takeshi “Beat” Kitano. He tells the story of a Japanese gangster who goes to Los Angeles. He becomes the boss of the drug business there, but this makes the Italian-American mafia unhappy. The film has a lot of violent scenes, so it’s pretty intense.

• The movie shows some really violent stuff, like brains getting splattered.
• There are scenes where people get chopsticks shoved up their nostrils.
• Some characters have their pinky fingers chopped off.

28. Casino (1995)

Martin Scorsese made a movie about a guy who takes care of a casino for the mob in Las Vegas. It’s really exciting and has a lot of music in it.

• Robert De Niro dresses in really cool clothes.
• Joe Pesci does some scary stuff, like crushing heads in a vice.
• Sharon Stone and James Woods are in the movie too, and they’re amazing.

27. Dead or Alive (1999)

Takashi Miike made a yakuza movie that’s really exciting and different. It’s not just a regular gangster film. Here’s what makes it special:

• The first part of the trilogy starts with an eight–minute scene that’s full of action.
• This scene has cocaine, noodles, and a lot of chaos.
• It’s so good, it’s even better than many Hollywood action movies.

26. A Bittersweet Life (2005)

Kim Jee-Woon made a movie called A Bittersweet Life after A Tale of Two Sisters. It’s a cool and dark kind of film called neo–noir. The main actor is Lee Byung-hun, who plays a tough guy working for the Korean mob.

• Lee Byung-hun’s character has to watch his boss’s girlfriend and things get really complicated.
• The movie ends with a lot of action and fighting, kind of like a big, dramatic showdown.
• It’s also known for showing the main character in a way that makes him look really cool and mysterious, similar to an actor named Alain Delon.

25. The Public Enemy (1931)

James Cagney became really famous for playing Tom Powers. This role showed us what life was like in Chicago’s illegal alcohol business.

• James Cagney played Tom Powers.
• The movie is set in Chicago, focusing on illegal alcohol sales.
• Famous scenes include Cagney smashing a grapefruit in his girlfriend’s face.
• His final scene is very intense and memorable.
• Cagney’s acting was modern and powerful, making the movie stand out.

24. Scarface (1983)

Brian De Palma made a movie about a Cuban guy who starts with nothing in America. The movie is full of big moments, like:

• Hawaiian shirts that stand out
• Scary scenes with a chainsaw
• Lots of cocaine
• Al Pacino talks in a special way that people remember

He says a famous line: “Say hello to my little friend!” This line is very well-known from the movie.

23. New World (2013)

Park Hoon-jung made a cool movie from South Korea that’s a bit like “Infernal Affairs.” Here’s what it’s about:

• A cop goes undercover and joins a big crime group.
• He wants to stop being undercover and come back, but his boss wants him to stay there to help with police work.
• This leads to some unexpected and tricky situations.

22. The Funeral (1996)

Christopher Walken and Sean Penn act as brothers in a movie about a mob family from the 1930s in New York. The family is very sad and planning to get back at someone. Their wives are very worried about what will happen. The movie ends in a surprising way.

• Christopher Walken and Sean Penn are the main actors.
• The story is about a mob family in 1930s New York.
• The family is dealing with a big loss and wants revenge.
• Tension builds up in the movie as the plan unfolds.
• The wives of the brothers watch everything nervously.
• The movie has a shocking ending.

21. Battles Without Honour and Humanity (1973)

Kinji Fukasaku made a bunch of exciting movies called The Yakuza Papers before he made the famous Battle Royale. These movies are all about gangsters in Japan after World War II.

• The Yakuza Papers is a series of five movies.
• The first movie shows how gangsters started to take over with gambling, acting tough, and murder.
• It even talks about yubitsume, which means cutting off a part of someone’s pinky finger as a way of saying sorry or taking responsibility for something wrong.

20. The Irishman (2019)

Martin Scorsese’s movie is about an old man who was in a war and then spent a lot of time doing crimes. He thinks back on his life and talks about some big ideas:

• The movie is made by Martin Scorsese, a famous director.
• It’s about an elderly war veteran who looks back on his life in crime.
• The story gives us a deep look into how power works in America and how crooks can have a big influence.

19. The Long Good Friday (1980)

Bob Hoskins plays a big role as Harold Shand, a boss in the mob world. He’s like the famous actor Cagney but in his own style.

• Bob Hoskins acts as Harold Shand, a tough guy who leads a gang.
• He has big plans to change the Docklands area.
• Some unknown bad guys mess up his plans.
• Hoskins does an amazing job in this role.

18. A Better Tomorrow (1986)

Ti Lung and Leslie Cheung play brothers on opposite sides of the law in John Woo’s blockbuster bromance. Chow Yun-fat steals the show as Lung’s triad comrade-in-crime, defining cool in the heroic bloodshed subgenre.

17. Black Caesar (1973)

Fred Williamson stars in a classic movie where he’s the boss of an African American crime group. They stand up to Italian mobsters and unfair cops.

• Directed by Larry Cohen, making it a must-watch.
• Music by James Brown and Fred Wesley, adding cool tunes.
• It’s full of action and also talks about important issues in society.

16. The Traitor (2019)

Marco Bellocchio made a movie about Tommaso Buscetta, a man from Sicily who was once part of the mafia but then told the police about their secrets. This movie shows what really happens in the mafia, including some big events:

• Tommaso Buscetta was a big deal in the mafia before he decided to help the police.
• The movie includes the 1986 Palermo maxi–trial, a huge court case where many mafia members were on trial.
• It also shows how the mafia celebrated after they killed Judge Giovanni Falcone, who was trying to fight against them.

15. Le Deuxième Souffle (1966)

Jean-Pierre Melville’s adaptation of a José Giovanni novel offers a glimpse into the French underworld. Lino Ventura stars as Gu, escaping from prison and taking on one last job in Marseille.

14. Eastern Promises (2007)

Naomi Watts stars in a movie by David Cronenberg that mixes danger and drama. It’s about bad guys who like borscht and get involved in some really serious crimes.

• Naomi Watts takes on a big role.
• The story dives into human trafficking and dangerous situations.
• It’s a mix of intense action and the world of the Russian mafia.
• One of the top moments is Viggo Mortensen fighting for his life in a Turkish bath.

13. Election (2005)

Johnnie To’s movie is all about the secret life of Hong Kong triads. It’s a deep story that shows how these groups work and even sneaks in some political hints.

• The story is about choosing a new “godfather” for the triad.
• It shows how people in the group change sides and trick each other.
• The movie ends with a big surprise that you won’t see coming.

12. Scarface (1932)

Howard Hawks made a gangster movie that’s really special because of a few reasons:

• Howard Hawks is the director.
• It was made before movie rules were strict (pre-code).
• The movie looks cool and dark, like early noir films.
• Paul Muni acts in a very strong and raw way.
• The story feels like it’s happening right now, with illegal alcohol (prohibition and bootlegging) still going on.
• It’s bold in showing what the character Tony does.

11. Donnie Brasco (1997)

Mike Newell’s grungy mob pic showcases Al Pacino as a has-been hitman mentoring Johnny Depp’s undercover FBI agent. The film unfolds with tragic irony as Pacino remains unaware of Depp’s true identity.

10. The Mission (1999)

“The Mission” is a great movie to start with if you want to get into Hong Kong action cinema. If you like movies by Melville and Woo, you’ll probably love “The Mission”. It’s a classic action movie with a lot of heart.

• A triad boss needs protection, so he hires five bodyguards.
• These bodyguards have to figure out who they really want to support.
• The movie has a really good music score that sticks with you.
• Expect lots of cool shootouts that look awesome.

9. King of New York (1990)

Christopher Walken stars in a big crime movie directed by Ferrara. He plays a gang boss who does something good by helping pay for a children’s hospital.

• Christopher Walken is the main actor.
• The story is about organized crime.
• Walken’s character is a gang boss who helps the community.
• He helps by financing a children’s hospital.
• The movie shows Walken living a luxurious life.
• He has female bodyguards who look like models from Helmut Newton’s photography.

8. Tokyo Drifter (1966)

This movie is a wild story about a yakuza (Japanese gangster) guy who is very loyal to his group. But, he ends up being chased by other gangs.

• Crazy camera work: The way they filmed it is really unique and cool.
• Weird colors: It looks like a dream because of all the strange colors they use.
• Talking about houses and land: Oddly enough, they chat about real estate in the middle of all the action.
• The movie is a fun and different way to show what yakuza movies are all about.

7. Touchez Pas au Grisbi (1954)

French gangster movies show some cool lifestyles. In the movie by Jacques Becker, Jean Gabin plays a gangster from Paris who steals gold. It’s Lino Ventura’s first movie, where he plays the bad guy. This movie has inspired others, including “The Irishman.”

• Jean Gabin is the main actor.
• The movie is about a Paris gangster stealing gold.
• Lino Ventura plays his first role as the villain.
• Influenced later movies like The Irishman.

6. Gomorrah (2008)

Matteo Garrone made a movie based on a book by Robert Saviano that shows the truth about gangster life, without making it look cool or exciting. The movie focuses on:

• The Camorra: This is a real-life crime group the movie talks about.
• No glamour: Unlike other gangster movies, this one doesn’t make the crime world look glamorous.
• Real–life crime: It shows how crime is part of everyday life for some people.
• Gripping story: Even though it’s dark, the movie keeps you interested because it’s very well made.

5. Infernal Affairs (2002)

The movie with Tony Leung and Andy Lau is a must-see. It’s a thrilling story about cops and criminals that’s even better than its American version.

• Tony Leung and Andy Lau are the stars.
• It’s all about a tense game between the police and gangs.
• Both sides have a spy trying to discover the other’s secrets.
• The action and drama are top-notch, better than The Departed.

4. Once Upon a Time In America (1984)

Sergio Leone’s last big movie is about a Jewish gangster’s life over 50 years. It’s a mix of deep memories and the story of De Niro’s character, who feels guilty and wants to find out what went wrong during a robbery.

• Sergio Leone made this as his final film.
• It’s an epic story about a Jewish gangster.
• The movie covers 50 years, showing how things change over time.
• De Niro plays a gangster who feels bad about a robbery that didn’t go as planned.
• The story starts with his childhood in the Lower East Side.

3. The Godfather (1972)

Francis Ford Coppola’s magisterial mobster epic is filled with iconic dialogue and scenes. Whether it’s Michael’s noticing his steady hand or a bodyguard’s sidelong glance, the film’s richness extends beyond its famous moments.

2. Goodfellas (1990)

Ray Liotta talks us through the movie about Italian–American crime made by Scorsese. Here are some key points:

• Ray Liotta helps us understand the story by talking over the scenes.
• Pesci plays a wild and unpredictable character.
• But, it’s De Niro standing quietly at the bar and making plans that really scares us.

1. The Godfather Part II (1974)

Ray Liotta talks us through the movie about Italian–American crime made by Scorsese. Here are some key points:

• Ray Liotta does the voiceover, telling the story.
• Pesci plays a wild and unpredictable character.
• De Niro is in the movie too, planning quietly at the bar, which is really scary.

What is the number 1 gangster movie of all time?

“The Godfather” is often called the best gangster movie of all time ever made. It came out in 1972 and was directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The movie is about the Corleone family, who are part of the mafia. It shows how Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino, changes from not wanting to be part of the family business to becoming the boss. This movie is famous for its great story and strong characters. People love it because it feels real and shows what life might be like in the mafia.

Conclusion

Best Mobster Movies take us into the thrilling and dangerous world of the mafia and organized crime. These films, like “The Godfather Part II“, “Goodfellas“, and “Scarface“, show us the lives of gangsters, the challenges they face, and often, their downfall. They mix action, drama, and sometimes comedy to tell stories that keep us on the edge of our seats.

All these movies show us the intense and sometimes dangerous world of mobsters and organized crime. From the stylish casinos in “Casino” to the gritty streets of New York in “The Funeral,” each film brings its flavor to the genre. Whether it’s the thrilling action of “Dead or Alive” or the complex relationships in “The Godfather Part II,” these movies give us a peek into the hidden and often brutal side of society.

30 Best Mobster Movies of All Time – FAQs

Which movie is a true story gangster?

One famous gangster movie based on a true story is “Goodfellas”. Directed by Martin Scorsese, it tells the real-life story of Henry Hill, a mobster who worked for the Lucchese crime family in New York.

What criteria were considered in ranking these mobster movies?

The ranking is based on films featuring actual mobsters and organized crime settings, excluding heists or bank robberies. The selection considered elements like storytelling, character development, and the portrayal of the criminal underworld.

Is there a specific order or theme in the ranking?

The ranking is based on the perceived impact, quality, and uniqueness of each movie in portraying the mobster genre. There is no specific theme, but the list includes a diverse range of films spanning different eras and cultural contexts.

Who is the best gangster of all time?

Al Capone is often cited as one of the most dangerous gangsters in American history. Capone was a key figure in Chicago during the Prohibition era, leading a criminal empire that was involved in illegal activities such as bootlegging, gambling, and violent crime.

Why are classic movies like “The Godfather” and “Goodfellas” ranked highly?

Classics like “The Godfather” and “Goodfellas” are often considered benchmarks in the mobster genre due to their exceptional storytelling, iconic performances, and cultural influence. Their enduring popularity and critical acclaim contribute to their high rankings.

Are there any foreign films on the list, and why are they included?

Yes, there are foreign films like “A Bittersweet Life” and “Gomorrah.” These movies showcase the global reach of the mobster theme, providing unique perspectives on organized crime in South Korea and Italy, respectively.

How were older films, like “Scarface” from 1932, evaluated against more recent releases?

Older films were evaluated based on their historical significance, impact on the genre, and enduring appeal. “Scarface” (1932) is recognized for its dynamic directing and pioneering portrayal of gangster life during the prohibition era.

Is there a balance between action and drama in the selection?

Yes, the list includes a balance of action-packed films like “Dead or Alive” and more dramatic works like “The Irishman.” This variety caters to diverse preferences within the mobster movie genre.

Why is “The Godfather Part II” ranked at the top?

“The Godfather Part II” is often considered a masterpiece for its compelling storytelling, intricate character development, and unique structure that explores the past and present of the Corleone family. Its depth and impact on cinematic storytelling contribute to its top ranking.