Top 10 Movies Like The Godfather

In today's society, movies like The Godfather have a certain freshness. The classic crime film was so popular during its time that critics encouraged the draining of freshness from subsequent movies. Its legacy casts a long shadow on Hollywood, but critics are slow to question why it's so hard for new films to match its predecessors. Why is what is considered Oscar-worthy now so different from the past?

Goodfellas

If you've seen The Godfather or Goodfellas, then you're probably well aware of its gangster themes. These films are both gripping and realistic, and you'll want to find one that matches those traits. The film series is also a staple of the gangster genre, and there are several films like Goodfellas that you should check out. The themes in Goodfellas are also common in other gangster movies.

Martin Scorsese's 1990 film is one of the greatest mafia classics. The movie is a classic example of how to do a good job of portraying a mafia-run society. It is filled with tough-talking wise guys, Rolling Stones bangers, and a heartbreakingly violent scene. It's not only a great story, but it's also a fascinating glimpse into the world of dodgy deals and stone-faced killers.

There are many movies that are reminiscent of The Godfather, and a number of them have a similar premise. Both movies are set in New York City and depict the traumatic consequences of a crime. Goodfellas and The Godfather were acclaimed for their cinematic visions of gangster culture. These films influenced many other films as well. But the two films share many aspects.

"Goodfellas" has been adapted for the stage as well as for television. Among its many influences, Goodfellas was adapted for the screen by David Cronenberg. In fact, it spawned a series of sequels, which are based on the gangster legends of the early '70s. For the film's 50th anniversary, the trilogy returns to cinemas, alongside "A Bronx Tale" and "The Godfather II."

Casino

If you've ever wanted to see a film about organized crime, Casino might be just the ticket. This 1988 film, starring Joe Pesci, James Woods, Sharon Stone, and Kevin Pollard, is a dazzling, delicately balanced masterpiece. This crime film is packed with action, humor, violence, and style. It's also explosively dramatic. Though many movies fit into this category, the following ten are especially rewarding for Casino fans.

The film Casino is based loosely on the real-life story of mafia associate Frank Rosenthal. Robert De Niro plays Sam "Ace" Rothstein, and Joe Pesci plays his partner, Nicky Santoro. It is a classic gangster movie, capturing the ethos and lifestyle of New York's infamous hoodlums in the early 1990s. But while the gangster movie may be similar to 'Goodfellas,' it rises to a higher level. Its star-studded cast makes it an absolute classic, and the movie focuses on the rise and fall of a notorious mob boss.

Hard Eight, released the year after Casino, is another impressive film from director Paul Thomas Anderson. It's a bit more subdued than Magnolia and Boogie Nights, but is no less impressive. It follows the career of a legendary gambler, Sydney, who mentors a young man named John C. Reilly, and their journey to achieving financial success. The story arc is an interesting one, but it's a little too familiar for its audience.

The godfather of crime, Tony Montana would have been pleased with the films that are now being made. These films are as hypnotic and entrancing as the godfather. Their hypnotic quality makes them difficult to watch, and they highlight the impending doom that comes with their maniacal lives. But while the movie is far from perfect, the overall plot is a compelling and entertaining experience.

Miller's Crossing

While a lot of gangster films have struggled to find their niche, Miller's Crossing was one of the most underrated when it came out. It received good reviews when it first came out, but fell by the wayside once it hit theaters. It was released in the midst of several highly anticipated gangster films, and unfortunately got lost in the shuffle. Fortunately, the film was much chillier than its counterparts, and it's worth watching even if you've seen Raising Arizona.

The Coen Brothers used the gangster genre's rhetoric to make this movie work, and their decision not to focus on a specific location and history is noteworthy. Von Sternberg, a famous gangster, said that Morocco was a "country of the mind." And, the Coens avoided a specific city in favor of an unnamed country. It's clear that the film's plot is rooted in the real world, but its characters are still shaped by their fictional identities.

In addition to the Coens' adherence to the noir genre, this film is a true classic. Though its story is incredibly complex, the Coens' brilliant dialogue will keep you spellbound. The film is an hour and 55 minutes long, and while there is no denying the intense violence, the film is worth seeing if you want to experience a Coen brothers classic without feeling like you're watching an inferior rip-off of the original.

Although the Coens' films aren't perfect, Miller's Crossing is a minor gem, and stands up better than ninety percent of 1990 releases. It is as entertaining and engrossing as its predecessors, and it gives us a sneak peek of what we can expect from the Coen brothers' best non-comedies. And if you're not sure whether or not the Coens are ready to make a non-comedy, I recommend giving Miller's Crossing a try.

Donnie Brasco

In this gangster classic, Johnny Depp plays FBI agent Donnie Brasco, who infiltrates the Bonanno family in 1970s New York. The film is based on the real-life story of Pistone, who was sent to the Bonanno family to help them escape. Lefty Ruggiero, a feared mob lifer, is played by Al Pacino. This story is full of violence and suspense, but it is also surprisingly touching. In particular, the understated ending of the film will break your heart.

While The Godfather is widely regarded as the best mob movie ever made, The Departed is the superior film in terms of sheer entertainment value. Both films are based on real-life events. The Godfather is more well-known in the Western world, but Infernal Affairs has a much deeper emotional punch. Unlike the Godfather, Infernal Affairs is heavier on action, but it matches the emotional depth of Coppola's 1972 masterpiece.

'Donnie Brasco' is loosely based on real-life events. The real-life Donnie Brasco is on the run for 25 years, but the story of the gangster is even more compelling. Johnny Depp plays an undercover FBI agent named "Donnie Brasco" who almost becomes a made man in the Bonanno family. However, the FBI pulls him from the case, and the Bonanno crime family is forced to leave the ruling hierarchy of the Five Families.

Whether it's The Godfather or The Departed, the classic gangster story is timeless. It's a crime-fighting tale of cops versus criminals, with double crosses and a police-mobster bond. It has won several awards, including the Best Actor Oscar. However, there is a dark side to The Godfather. But that is what makes it so powerful.

New Jack City

While the story of New Jack City is fictional, the Chambers Brothers gang ruled Detroit in the 1980s. Jay-Z makes frequent reference to New Jack City, the Detroit gang that inspired him. He also cites the influences of New Jack City on Cash Money Records and Lil Wayne. The rapper has several albums titled Tha Carter, and he has referred to himself as "Young Nino" in his songs.

When Ambrosia For Heads interviewed the writers of New Jack City, they revealed that the gangsters were inspired by The Godfather films. In fact, the gangster Nicky Barnes was based on a real person, the late Harlem gangster, Thomas Lee Wright, who later wrote the treatment for Godfather III. Barnes was a character that appeared repeatedly in the interviews.

Those familiar with the gangster genre will recognize the recurring theme of cops versus pushers in New Jack City, but Van Peebles manages to get underneath the cliches to reveal the reality behind the mythology. Francis Ford Coppola's films explored gangster culture and drug-trafficking, but Van Peebles approaches drug genre conventions as if they were real.

The movie New Jack City is set in the 1980s and features Wesley Snipes as a rising drug lord. Ice-T plays a detective who goes undercover to help Nino and his gang. After crack cocaine is introduced, the Cash Money Brothers Gang becomes the dominant drug ring in New York. Nino is accompanied by his girlfriend Selina and his cousin Kareem.