Mobster movies definitively ranked from The Godfather to The Departed
Gangster movies have been a popular genre for decades, but which one is the best of the best? We've taken a look at the top-ranked mobster movies on IMDb according to audience reviews
Gangster films frequently feature in people's ultimate film rankings, owing to their raw narratives, exceptional ensembles, and adrenaline-pumping sequences.
Regarding the greatest crime capers ever made, enthusiasts remain split: whilst some crown The Godfather as champion, others argue passionately that Goodfellas reigns supreme.
We've examined the highest-rated mafia movies on IMDb based on viewer scores - let's discover which titles emerged victorious.
The Godfather
Predictably perhaps, The Godfather claims the top spot, securing a remarkable 9.2 out of 10 stars on IMDb. Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 masterpiece, adapted from Mario Puzo's bestselling 1969 novel, boasts an extraordinary ensemble featuring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard Castellano, Sterling Hayden, Robert Duvall, Richard Conte, and Diane Keaton, reports the Express.
The picture chronicles the saga of the Corleone dynasty, headed by Vito Corleone, portrayed by Brando. It scooped multiple Oscars, including Best Picture, five Golden Globes, and a Grammy.
One reviewer said: "This isn't just a beautifully crafted gangster film. Or an outstanding family portrait, for that matter. An amazing period piece. A character study. A lesson in filmmaking and an inspiration to generations of actors, directors, screenwriters and producers. For me, this is more: this is the definitive film. 10 stars out of 10."
Another viewer described it as the "ultimate gangster movie", explaining: "Before you panic at the thought of a film being almost three hours long, you needn't, you won't even notice the time, it flies by. Production values are incredible, it looks sublime the whole way through, it's so well produced, at roughly fifty years old it puts many new films to shame."
A third hailed the film as an "absolute masterpiece" and declared it was "arguably the best gangster drama as well as setting the standard for cinema".
The Godfather Part II
The follow-up to the 1972 classic claims second spot, boasting a 9-star rating. The story chronicles Michael Corleone's (Al Pacino) efforts to safeguard the family enterprise, whilst exploring Vito's origins from his Sicilian childhood through to establishing the dynasty.
This became the inaugural sequel to claim the Academy Award for Best Picture, with Al Pacino making history as the third performer to receive dual nominations for the same role.
One critic said: "One of the all time greats. Or probably the alone greatest thing ever made in the history of cinematography. This movie is both 'prequel' and 'sequel' of the first godfather movie. I have never watched anything like this in my entire life."
Another added: "The Godfather Part 2 is the finest sequel ever made and is arguably a finer film than the original Godfather."
Pulp Fiction
Pulp Fiction, with its impressive 8.8-star rating out of 10, takes the third spot on the list. The 1994 flick, penned and helmed by Quentin Tarantino, weaves together four tales of crime set in Los Angeles, California.
The film's ensemble cast is a roll call of Hollywood heavyweights including John Travolta, Samuel L Jackson, Bruce Willis, Uma Thurman, Tim Roth, and Ving Rhames.
One reviewer hailed the film as a "masterpiece", saying: "It has arguably one of the smartest scripts I've ever seen. The story, which is non-linear, is so well constructed it takes several viewings to grasp it all. The movie doesn't seem to be about any specific thing, but there is a subtle hint of redemption as a central theme. The characters and performances in this movie are practically perfect."
Another viewer was left in awe, having never encountered anything "as stylish, cleverly constructed, well written and electrifying as this". A third added: "Pulp Fiction may be the single best film ever made, and quite appropriately it is by one of the most creative directors of all time, Quentin Tarantino. This movie is amazing from the beginning definition of pulp to the end credits and boasts one of the best casts ever assembled."
Goodfellas
Next on the list is Goodfellas, boasting an 8.7 rating on IMDb. The 1990 classic, helmed by Martin Scorsese, is based on Nicholas Pileggi's 1985 book Wiseguy and chronicles the life of Mafia associate Henry Hill.
The stellar cast features Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, and Paul Sorvino. Goodfellas received multiple Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globe nominations and is one of only eight films to clinch Best Picture from three of the four major US film critics' groups.
One critic said: "Needs to be seen to be believed; in one word: perfection. Every frame, every voice-over, every song - it all comes together at the exact right moment to create the perfect film experience."
Another reviewer praised the film's unparalleled excellence, saying: "The film crackles with raw energy and enthusiasm, the film is superbly directed and the final sequence is nothing short of stunning. The script is also excellent with memorable quotes, the story is never less than compelling and the pop and rock soundtrack is winning."
The Departed
Martin Scorsese makes another appearance on the roster with The Departed, a 2006 flick that scored 8.5 stars. A reimagining of the Hong Kong movie Internal Affairs, it also draws inspiration from the real-life Boston Winter Hill Gang.
The Departed boasts a cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Ray Winstone, Vera Farmiga, and Alec Baldwin.
The film has bagged an outstanding 8.5 stars on IMDb, with one critic saying: "This movie is also full of twists and surprises that don't feel forced or random and actually make the story better. The acting is amazing but it was to expect because of the casting. And the direction, the soundtrack, everything is perfect in this movie. Truly one of the best movies of all time."
Another lauded the performances, noting that DiCaprio "gives what is quite possibly the best performance of his career". A third viewer added: "A master craft in storytelling and acting. Intrigue, suspense, action, and breathtaking performances by all involved. 10 stars from me."
Scarface
Claiming fifth spot is Scarface, which maintains a stellar 8.3-star rating. Brian De Palma's 1983 epic serves as a reimagining of the 1932 original, chronicling Tony Montana's transformation from Cuban exile to Miami's most feared drug kingpin, featuring powerhouse performances from Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Stephen Bauer, Robert Loggia and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.
One fan said: "Scarface has a great storyline, brutal violence as well as having Al Pacino in one of his finest roles. Scarface is one of the best gangster dramas!"
Another wrote: "For fans of Al Pacino and crime movies it's a must-see. For the rest of you it's highly recommended. 10/10."
A third said: "I don't think anyone involved in the making of this film knew how ICONIC this project was going to be. A classic is an understatement to describe this movie. Al Pacino did an amazing job playing Tony Montana, he really brought so much life into this character, almost a life of his own."