Mob Movies Based On True Stories

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather is a classic American crime drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on the novel by Mario Puzo. It tells the story of the Corleone family, a powerful and influential mafia family in New York City in the late 1940s. Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) is the head of the family, a strong and wise figure who is respected and feared. His eldest son, Sonny (James Caan), takes over the family business when Vito is seriously injured. Meanwhile, Michael (Al Pacino), the youngest son, attempts to stay away from the family business until his father's death. As the family's power and influence increase, the Corleones must face up to the enemies and rivals in the criminal underworld. In the end, Michael takes control of the family and brings them back to power.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather Part II is the 1974 sequel to the classic 1972 crime drama The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Taking place both in the late 1940s and the late 1950s, the film follows the Corleone crime family as they expand their power and influence in the world of organized crime. The story follows Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), the new Don of the Corleone family, as he attempts to keep the family together and expands its business empire. The film also follows Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) in the late 1940s, as he rises from a poor Sicilian immigrant to the most powerful crime figure in New York. The Godfather Part II is widely considered one of the best sequels of all time, and won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco
Rated R

Goodfellas is a 1990 American crime film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, and Paul Sorvino. The film is based on the true-life story of mob associate Henry Hill and his rise and fall in the world of organized crime. The film follows Henry Hill as he begins his life of crime as a teenager and quickly rises through the ranks of the Lucchese crime family in the 1950s and 60s. Along the way, he meets and befriends Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito, two other mobsters. Despite their criminal activities, the trio's friendship is strong and enduring. However, as the years go by, their fortunes begin to change and their lives take a darker turn. In the end, Hill and his friends must confront the consequences of their actions and the high cost of loyalty.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, James Woods
Rated R

Casino is a 1995 crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci. It is based on the book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas by Nicholas Pileggi. The film follows the story of Sam "Ace" Rothstein (De Niro), a Jewish American who is chosen by the Chicago Outfit to oversee their casino operations in Las Vegas. Ace must deal with the mob-controlled gambling industry, the corruption and double-dealing of the casino bosses, and the violent actions of his childhood friend, Nicky Santoro (Pesci). In the end, Ace and Nicky's friendship is destroyed and their lives are forever changed. Casino is a fascinating look into the world of organized crime and its effects on the people involved.

From Mike Newell, starring Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby
Rated R

Donnie Brasco is a 1997 crime drama directed by Mike Newell. The film stars Al Pacino as an undercover FBI agent, Donnie Brasco, who infiltrates the Mafia. His mission is to make contact with Lefty Ruggiero (played by Johnny Depp), a low-level mobster, and gain information about the mob's activities. In order to gain credibility with the mob, Donnie must take on the alias of Donnie Brasco. As Donnie spends more time with Lefty and the mob, he finds himself conflicted between his duty as an agent and his growing loyalty to Lefty. As his mission continues, Donnie must decide where his true loyalties lie, leading to a tragic conclusion.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel, David Proval, Amy Robinson
Rated R

From Barry Levinson, starring Warren Beatty, Annette Bening, Harvey Keitel, Ben Kingsley
Rated R