The Godfather is regarded as one of the best films of all time (Image: Getty)
Mob movies are often ranked in people’s list of all-time favourite films, thanks to their gritty storylines, stellar casts, and high-octane scenes.
When it comes to the best gangster movies of all time, fans tend to be divided: some may give the title to The Godfather, while others will insist that Goodfellas comes out on top.
We’ve looked at the top ranked mobster movies on IMDb according to audience reviews – let’s see which ones came out on top.
The Godfather
Perhaps unsurprisingly, The Godfather ranks in first place, having garnered an impressive 9.2 out of 10 stars on IMDb. The 1972 film, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is based on Mario Puzo’s best-selling 1969 novel and stars a stellar cast including Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard Castellano, Sterling Hayden, Robert Duvall, Richard Conte, and Diane Keaton.
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The film tells the story of the Corleone family, led by Vito Corleone, played by Brando. It won several Oscars, including for Best Picture, five Golden Globes, and a Grammy.
One reviewer wrote: “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 said that it was the “ultimate gangster movie”, adding: “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 called the film an “absolute masterpiece” and said it was “arguably the best gangster drama as well as setting the standard for cinema”.
Joe Pesci picked up the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in Goodfellas (Image: Getty)
The Godfather Part II
The sequel to the 1972 film is ranked in second place, with a rating of 9 stars. It follows the journey of Michael Corleane (played by Al Pacino) as he attempts to protect the family business, and looks back at the life of Vito from his childhood in Sicily to his building of the family empire.
The film became the first sequel to win the Oscar for Best Picture, and Al Pacino became the third actor to be nominated twice for playing the same character.
One reviewer 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 wrote: “The Godfather Part 2 is the finest sequel ever made and is arguably a finer film than the original Godfather.”
Pulp Fiction
Third on the list is Pulp Fiction with 8.8 stars out of 10. The 1994 movie, written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, tells four intertwining stories of crime in Los Angeles, California. The star-studded cast includes John Travolta, Samuel L Jackson, Bruce Willis, Uma Thurman, Tim Roth, and Ving Rhames.
Calling the movie a “masterpiece”, one reviewer wrote: “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 said they had never seen anything “as stylish, cleverly constructed, well written and electrifying as this”. A third wrote: “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.”
Scarface stars Al Pacino as the mobster Tony Montana (Image: Getty)
Goodfellas
Next up is Goodfellas, with a rating of 8.7 on IMBd. The 1990 film, directed by Martin Scorsese, is an adaptation of Nicholas Pileggi’s 1985 book Wiseguy and tells the story of Mafia associate Henry Hill. The cast includes Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, and Paul Sorvino. Goodfellas was nominated for several Oscars, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes and is one of just eight films to have won Best Picture from three out of the four major US film critics’ groups.
One reviewer 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 said it was “hard to describe the brilliance that is Goodfellas”, adding: “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 appears yet again on the list, with The Departed, a 2006 film that has a rating of 8.5 stars. A remake of the Hong Kong film Internal Affairs, it is also loosely based on the real-life Boston Winter Gang. The Departed stars Leonardo Di Caprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Ray Winstone, Vera Farmiga and Alec Baldwin.
The film has scored an impressive 8.5 stars on IMBd, and one reviewer said: “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 praised the acting, saying that DiCaprio “gives what is quite possibly the best performance of his career”. Meanwhile, a third said: “A master craft in storytelling and acting. Intrigue, suspense, action, and breathtaking performances by all involved. 10 stars from me.”
Scarface
In fifth place is Scarface, which still has an impressive 8.3 stars. The 1983 film, directed by Brian De Palma, is a remake of the 1932 version. It tells the story of Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee who becomes a powerful drug lord in Miami, and stars Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Stephen Bauer, Robert Loggia and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.
One reviewer 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.”