Top 10 Mobster Movies

10. Reservoir Dogs

The only Tarantino feature is the most minimalist film in the rankings. Almost everything that happens, transpires in the warehouse where our gangsters, each named by colour, were to meet after a robbery that just didn't work out. Even after years, Tarantino's specific directing style and atmosphere resonate with me - the unforgettable scenes and dialogues, and last but not least, great characters and acting performances. And the opening scene? It just confirms, that Tarantino is the king of dialogue.

9. Donnie Brasco

Johny Depp excelled as an undercover agent who was insufficiently rewarded for several years of hard work, family loss and the takedown of dozens of small and large mobsters. It was complemented by the great Al Pacino, whose character reminded me of the blind Frank Slade of Scent of a Woman (probably because of his laughter). Mike Newell made a film based on real events, according to which a decent law enforcement officer had to become a mobster. Perfect rebirth of the main character, great acting performances, perfect atmosphere, scenery and script.

8. Untouchables

A magnificent piece by Brian De Palma, where Kevin Costner really took the spotlight for the first time, supported by the brilliant Sean Connery. Based on a sophisticated screenplay, which is crucial in such films, a wonderful story of an incorruptible group of investigators was created. No naivety, no happy ends, no unrealistic scenes. Al Capone was played by the perfect De Niro. Even 30 years after the premiere, many people can't help but notice that De Niro didn't have a chance to star in a solo film, portraying America's most famous gangster and the King of Prohibition.

7. Scarface

The film can't be denied great acting performances (this happens when you cast Al Pacino in a gangster film in the 80's), amazing camerawork, detailed world of Tony Montana, live dialogues and much more. The final half hour is brilliant. Can't say more than that. Are you thinking, that Scarface didn't seem so brutal to you? De Palma had to make three versions of the film to qualify for at least an R rating. The first version received an X rating (the strictest possible rating). However, he allegedly smuggled this version into cinemas anyway.

6. A Bronx Tale

Its director's debut is, in essence, a wonderful coming-of-age drama, depicting a child created by the Bronx. The film has a deeper meaning and in the final scenes, we find out that the main character actually had two fathers who always took care of him with love, the child, oscillating in between the allure of crime world represented by Sonny, and the honest and hardworking ways of his father. Beautiful music and unbeatable atmosphere.

5. Carlito’s Way

The story talks about Carlito, who is returning from prison with a desire to end his affiliations with the criminal world. He quickly realises, that the pressure of the "family" will be very difficult to overcome. At a time when few people perceive mafia honour as they once did, Carlito is the personification of this ideal, which he pays for, even though he is aware that it will probably lead him to damnation.

4. Casino

Casino is one of those films, where you feel emptiness and wonder at the same time. Unbeatable De Niro, the phenomenal Joe Pesci, reaffirming his position as king of the supporting roles, wonderful camera work, a strong story, emotional moments, a massive sense of satisfaction in so many scenes, an engaging and thrilling story and much more. Scorsese is simply the master of gangster storytelling.

Bonus: When James Woods found out that Scorsese was about to make a film, he allegedly left him a simple message: Anytime, anywhere, any role for any fee. In the end, Woods' great acting performance undoubtedly enriched the Casino.

3. Once Upon a Time in America

The screenplay for this masterpiece (the director's cut is almost 4 hours) was prepared by Leone for 12 years, while the story as such, he allegedly carried in his head for the rest of his life. There is rumours, that the producer had to set aside 4 hours, during which Leone retold the film. There is no doubt that it meant so much to him. At the same time, it was his last piece, as he died 5 years after the premiere. Heartbreaking music, unbeatable work with the actors, a perfect camera, a precise script, masterfully transformed into a film strip, the details and compactness of this magnificent story makes the film a brilliant mobster feature.

2. Goodfellas

As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster ... The very first lines of the masterpiece will tell you, that this film is something you will never forget. And it will eventually exceed your expectations. And who was behind it ... again? Martin Scorsese and his court actor numero uno, Robert De Niro, supported by Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci. Scorsese perfectly captured primitivism and genius at the same time, determination, naivety and a desire for the power of mobsters who had never had enough. Goodfellas had everything a mobster feature has to offer and much more, including brutal scenes, humour and the beauty of mobster life.

1. Godfather

Sicilians believe that the world is so cruel and demanding that their children need two fathers. Therefore, every child must have a Godfather.

Godfather is an absolute classic, in which you can literally feel, that so much more is going on in the background. That's why I recommend reaching for the book. Mario Puzo was a genius, a unique narrator whose thoughts and ideas, as well as knowledge and relationship towards the Sicilian mafia, are unparalleled, within the literature world and probably within world of film. Together with Coppola, they brought a film that many consider to be the best ever made. 

The wonderful soundtrack, the acting performances - Al Pacino and Marlon Brando everyone!! - unforgettable scenes, epic finale, camera work makes a beautiful, coherent and complex story about the rise, fall and rebirth of the Corleone family.

Women and children can afford to be careless, but not men...