If you’re a fan of crime movies, then you’re in luck. There are so many great films in this genre that it can be tough to narrow down your watchlist. However, if you’re looking to get a taste of the best that crime cinema has to offer, the best ganster movies, then we’ve got you covered. Here are our picks for the top 10 crime movies that you must have seen:
1. The Godfather (1972)
Francis Ford Coppola’s epic crime drama is a must-see for any film fan. Starring Marlon Brando as the head of a powerful mafia family, the film follows the rise and fall of the Corleone clan as they navigate the cutthroat world of organized crime in New York City. With its incredible performances, iconic lines, and sweeping cinematography, The Godfather is a classic that you can’t afford to miss.
2. Goodfellas (1990)
Martin Scorsese’s tale of three gangsters climbing the ranks of the New York underworld is another classic that you need to see. Starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci, Goodfellas is a film that’s brimming with energy and style, and it features some of the most memorable scenes in crime movie history. Based on a true story, “Goodfellas” follows the rise and fall of Henry Hill, a small-time gangster who works his way up the ranks of the criminal underworld. Whether you’re a fan of Scorsese’s other work or just love a good crime story, this is a film that you won’t want to miss!
3. Heat (1996)
This classic crime film is known for its epic shootout scene and the strong performances from its all-star cast, which includes Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Val Kilmer. With a sharp script and intense action, “Heat” is a masterpiece for fans of crime films. Set in Los Angeles, the film centers around McCauley’s team of criminals as they plan and execute high-stakes heists, including a daring armored car robbery. Meanwhile, Hanna is obsessed with bringing McCauley to justice and will stop at nothing to make it happen.
4. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction is a crime movie that’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. With its non-linear narrative, sharp dialogue, and memorable characters, the film is a tour de force that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a fan of the film’s genre-blending style or just love a good crime story, Pulp Fiction is a must-see for anyone looking to broaden their cinematic horizons.
5. A Bronx Tale (1994)
A coming-of-age crime drama set in the Bronx, New York during the 1960s. The film follows the story of Calogero, a young boy who is torn between the father he loves and the criminal mentor Sonny who fascinates him. Despite the danger, Calogero is drawn to Sonny and begins to spend more and more time with him, learning about the criminal life and rising through the ranks of the mafia. As Calogero becomes more entrenched in the world of organized crime, he must confront the difficult choice of loyalty to his family or loyalty to his mentor. “A Bronx Tale” is a powerful and emotional film that explores the complicated relationships between fathers and sons, and the lure of the criminal underworld.
6. Scarface (1983)
Another classic crime film that follows the rise and fall of Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee who becomes a powerful drug lord in 1980s Miami. After making a name for himself in the city’s underground drug trade, Montana becomes embroiled in a violent power struggle with rival gangsters and corrupt politicians. As Montana’s empire grows, so does his ego and his appetite for power. He surrounds himself with luxury and excess, but his ruthless tactics and volatile temper begin to alienate those closest to him. As Montana’s enemies close in, he must confront the consequences of his actions and the price of his pursuit of the American Dream. “Scarface” is a powerful and iconic film that is known for its memorable characters, intense action, and stylized visuals.
7. The Departed (2006)
Another classic from Martin Scorsese, The Departed is a crime movie that’s full of twists and turns. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson, the film follows the lives of two men on opposite sides of the law who are unknowingly working to take each other down. With its sharp writing and standout performances, The Departed is a film that you won’t want to miss.
8. Desperado (1995)
This action-packed crime film follows the story of El Mariachi, a guitar-playing drifter who is seeking revenge against the gangsters who murdered his lover. As he travels through Mexico, El Mariachi becomes embroiled in a violent showdown with a notorious drug lord and his army of assassins. Armed with his guitar case full of weapons, El Mariachi sets out to take down the criminals one by one, using his incredible fighting skills and precision aim. Along the way, he encounters a beautiful woman named Carolina, who is being hunted by the same gangsters. Together, El Mariachi and Carolina team up to fight their way through the dangerous world of drug trafficking and corruption.
9. Mean Streets (1973)
This classic crime film follows the story of Charlie, a young man who is trying to make a name for himself in the tough world of Little Italy in New York City. Charlie works for his uncle, a small-time gangster, and dreams of one day becoming a made man. As Charlie navigates the dangerous and unpredictable world of organized crime, he is torn between his loyalty to his family and his personal code of ethics. He is drawn to his uncle’s reckless and violent lifestyle, but is also deeply troubled by the moral compromises he must make to survive. Along the way, Charlie must confront the harsh realities of the criminal underworld and the consequences of his actions. “Mean Streets” is a powerful and intense film that explores the complex relationships between family, loyalty, and morality.
10. Casino (1996)
Casino is a Crime drama set in 1970s Las Vegas that follows the rise and fall of Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a powerful casino executive played by Robert De Niro. Ace is tasked with running the Tangiers Casino, but becomes embroiled in a web of corruption and deception that threatens to destroy him. Ace is aided by his childhood friend and mob enforcer, Nicky Santoro, played by Joe Pesci, who helps him maintain his grip on the city’s criminal underworld. But as Ace’s success grows, so does his ego and his appetite for power. He begins to make risky and dangerous decisions that ultimately lead to his downfall. Sharon Stone plays Ace’s glamorous and manipulative wife, Ginger, who becomes embroiled in the chaos. “Casino” is a powerful and intense film that explores the dark side of the Las Vegas gambling scene and the dangerous world of organized crime.
