Worst2First: My Top Ten Mobster/Gangster Films

Worst2First:
My Top Ten Mobster/Gangster Films

The subgenre of the crime genre, mobster and gangster films are films that center around organized crime (most notably within the world of the mafia, as well as notorious gangsters). It often is associated with the film noir style, and includes a balance of drama, action, and suspense.

Here are my personal top ten mobster/gangster films...

**THERE WILL BE NO SPOILERS**

#10

Eastern Promises

Focusing on the Russian mafia, "Eastern Promises" stars Viggo Mortensen fresh off his stint in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy to play someone completely different from Aragon - a ruthless mafia strong-arm who tries to silence midwife Anna (played by Naomi Watts) from investigating the death of a fourteen year old girl with connections to the mafia. Mortensen earned an Academy Award nomination for his performance as the ruthless killer, and performs with a suave sophistication and charisma that's undeniable.

#9

Casino

Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci are synonymous with the mobster/gangster subgenre, and this won't be the first film on this list featuring these acclaimed actors and director. Based off real characters written by "Goodfellas" writer NIcholas Pileggi, "Casino" stars De Niro as Sam Rothstein (based off Frank Rosenthal), a gambling expert who's brought into the Chicago Outfit mafia to oversee a casino in Las Vegas. When you got money, power, and passion on the line, expect the unexpected, and "Casino" offers tremendous performances and intense action that goes hand-in-hand with the mobster/gangster subgenre.

#8

Reservoir Dogs

More on the gangster side than the mobster side, "Reservoir Dogs" is Quentin Tarantino's first major motion picture, and laid the groundwork for the iconic director's trademarks - violence, nonlinear storytelling, profanity and pop culture references. The film stars Tarantino, Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Chris Penn, Steve Buscemi, Lawrence Tierney, Michael Madsen, and Edward Bunker as wannabe jewel thieves who's plan goes terribly array, leading to mistrust and murder. You'll never hear "Stuck in the Middle With You" again after watching this epic gangster film.

#7

The Departed

The film that FINALLY won Martin Scorsese his Best Director Oscar, "The Departed" is an intense, suspenseful look into the seedy world of organized crime, as well as the concept that you can never trust anyone completely. In Boston, the Irish mob is run by the notorious Frank Costello (based off the villainous Whitey Bulger), and the only way for the Boston police to bring him down is have one of their own on the inside - but they're not the only ones with a double agent on their roster. Containing an impeccable cast including Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg, Alec Baldwin, Vera Farmiga and Martin Sheen, "The Departed" is a white-knuckle thrill ride that'll leave a lasting imprint on your memory.

#6

The Untouchables

You can't have a great mobster movie without mentioning one of the most legendary mobsters ever - Al Capone. Robert De Niro stars as the mob boss who is being hunted down by the Untouchables - a group of special agents whose only agenda was to bring Capone to justice. Led by Eliot Ness (and played by Kevin Costner), the group never strayed away from their objective and never took a bribe from the Chicago Outfit (thus earning their nickname) to arrest Capone for his many crimes. Filled with top-notch performances (including Sean Connery, who earned a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role), "The Untouchables" is a crowning achievement in the mobster subgenre.

#5

Once Upon a Time in America

Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci once again return to the list in Sergio Leone's final directed film, "Once Upon a Time in America." De Niro and James Woods play lifelong friends David Aaronson and Max Bercovicz, who together formed a Jewish gangster empire in New York City, and all the highs and lows that comes with being mob bosses - including deceit and murder. There's several versions of the film that've been released, but it's the original 269 minute-long epic that's the best.

#4

Scarface

Brian De Palma (who also directed "The Untouchables") gives a remake of the classic 1932 mobster classic with "Scarface," written by the great Oliver Stone. Al Pacino plays Tony Montana, who rose among the ranks and went from a penniless immigrant to one of the most powerful drug lords in all of Miami. The film is historic for its use of intense violence and the now-classic line, "Say hello to my little friend!" and serves as one of Al Pacino's most memorable roles.

#3

Goodfellas

In the annals of great mobster films, "Goodfellas" ranks among the top. Martin Scorsese once again delivers a powerful mobster epic featuring his mainstays Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, along with Ray Liotta as real-life mob boss Henry Hill. The film chronicles his life from his youth as he desired to be a mafia boss to his historic rise to prominence and fall from grace, all told brilliantly both in front of and behind the camera. Filled with memorable moments and unforgettable imagery, "Goodfellas" will forever be synonymous with the mobster subgenre.

#2

The Godfather

The literal godfather of all mobster films, "The Godfather" is one of cinema's most memorable and influential films. Based off the novel by Mario Puzo, the film centers on the Corleone family and their influence in the mobster world from 1945-1955. The film features Marlon Brando as the titular Godfather Vito Corleone, as he attempts to keep his family protected while taking out anyone who stands in his way, as he passes down the mantle to his son Michael, played by Al Pacino. This grandiose epic is unforgettable and has withstood the test of time to continually serve as one of cinema's most memorable mobster films ever made.

#1

The Godfather: Part II

In one of the rare instances where the sequel is better than the original, "The Godfather: Part II" continues the saga of the Corleone family as they maintain their power status despite numerous assassination attempts as they keep an icy grip on the mafia world in New York City. This epic is split into a prequel centering on Vito Corleone's youth (this time played by Robert De Niro) as well as sequel centering on the new Don - Michael (once again played by Al Pacino) - as he follows in his father's footsteps. Grandiose, magnificent, imposing, and unforgettable, "The Godfather: Part II" is the superior film of the franchise, earning a near-unprecedented six Academy Awards, including Best Picture - the first for a sequel.