Movies about gangsters - a favorite cult genre of cinema. But what are the best gangster movies ever made, according to the American Film Institute?
The American Film Institute is located in Los Angeles. In 2008, they released a series called AFI's Top 10 Movies in which they ranked the best films from various genres. One of these was the gangster film genre, with films from the early 1930s to 1994.
Thus, this list represents a wide variety of styles and eras.gangster dramas The 1930s may seem dated today, but it has had a lasting and obvious impact on the more modern gangster movies that make the list. According to the American Film Institute, these are the best of best gangster movies.
10 Scarface (1983)
Scarface, Al Pacino's passion project, is a remake of the iconic 1932 original. Pacino became interested in remaking the film, and he and producer Martin Bregman worked hard to make it. Upon its release in 1983, Scarface caused quite a bit of controversy due to its relentless drug use and graphic violence.
In fact, it received three consecutive "X" ratings from the MPAA before it was given an R rating. However, De Palma eventually released the first X-rated version despite this. This version has become a classic, commended for its grand scale, soundtrack, and Pacino's iconic performance as Tony Montana.
9. Little Caesar (1931)
"Little Caesar", often cited as the first mainstream gangster film, was released by Warner Bros. in the winter of 1931. It tells the story of a petty criminal who rises through the ranks to become a powerful and eventually targeted gangster. Little Caesar was played by Edward G. Robinson, who quickly became known for playing these tough guys.
Little Caesar became the model for future gangster films, and the film contains one of the most iconic closing lines in film history: "Mother of Mercy, is this the end of Rico?"
8. Public Enemy (1931)
In the same year (three months later, in April) the album The Public Enemy was released. Like Little Caesar, The Public Enemy was distributed by Warner Brothers, making them a prominent name in the gangster genre. And, like Little Caesar, it tells the story of a little gangster who rises through the ranks of Prohibition-era Chicago.
The story is based on the events of Al Capone's life and violent "business deals" based on an unpublished novel by journalists John Bright and Kubek Glasmon.
7 Pulp Fiction (1994)
The early 90s was a fantastic time for the gangster genre, and Quentin Tarantino stomped on the legacy with Pulp Fiction. TriStar Pictures notoriously dismissed the film as being too bizarre, as the film is a strange and unique mixture of black comedy, graphic violence, and extended sequences of seemingly nonsensical dialogue all happening out of sequence.
His unique style was fresh and inventive and influenced many future films. It also made Tarantino an established name in the upper echelons of Hollywood.
6. Scarface (1932)
Released at the height of the gangster boom of the early 30s, Scarface was also based on the life of Al Capone, and it even features a version of the Valentine's Day Massacre. While the remake adds many unique elements, it retains the original's general idea of a criminal who becomes powerful and selfish.
And like the remake, the original Scarface was hugely controversial. Director Howard Hawks was forced to make numerous edits before its April 1932 release, including an altered ending and a prologue that denounced the gangster lifestyle.
5 Bonnie And Clyde (1967)
Possibly one of the most controversial films ever made, Bonnie and Clyde opened in 1967 and became immediately known for its depiction of sex and violence. The film became a counterculture icon due to its controversial nature and helped redefine what could be shown in a mainstream film.
Of particular significance was the iconic ending, in which both Bonnie and Clyde are riddled with hundreds of bullets. Images like this were not common in 1967, and it shocked and delighted in equal measure. It changed what was possible in cinema.
4. Delirium (1949)
Another James Cagney masterpiece, White Heat sees a respected actor play the terrifying Cody Jarrett's gang leader. Jarrett has a close relationship with his mother and is said to be based on an American assassin named Francis Crowley. Reportedly, his last words were, "Give my love to my mother."
Like Crowley, Jarrett dies while talking about his mother, resulting in one of the most iconic final lines in film history: “Done, Mom! Top of the world!”
3. The Godfather, Part 2 (1974)
Arguably the greatest sequel ever made, The Godfather 2 continues the story of the Corleone family. In many ways, this sequel is a more personal story. Instead of being drenched in violence and vengeance, this film tells the gripping tale of immigration and Vito Corleone's moral downfall.
Its structure is also flawless, contrasting the rise of the Corleone crime family (told in flashback) with its descent into modern chronology. It's the perfect structure for the perfect film.
2. Goodfellas (1990)
Another modern masterpiece (as modern as 1990 is), Goodfellas is arguably Martin Scorsese's greatest work. Based on Nicholas Pileggi's Wiseguy, Goodfellas is about Henry Hill Ray Liotta, a criminal who rises through the ranks before betraying his fellow gangsters and becoming a witness to the state.
The Goodfellas is often celebrated for its masterful acting and crazy editing, with Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco and editor Thelma Schoonmaker receiving Academy Award nominations (with Pesci winning).
1. The Godfather (1972)
The Godfather is often cited as not only the greatest gangster movie, but arguably the greatest movie of all time. Virtually every aspect of The Godfather is masterfully done, and despite being three hours long, the movie never really feels like its length.
It's a true gangster film in every sense of the word - epic in scope, rich in thematic material, and brimming with moral complexity. Like most great tragedies, it tells the story of a fall. And The Godfather is perhaps the greatest tragedy of our time.
