Movies About Outlaws

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

The Godfather is a 1972 crime epic directed by Francis Ford Coppola, based on the novel of the same name by Mario Puzo. The film chronicles the life of crime boss Vito Corleone and his family from 1945 to 1955. As Don Corleone’s power and influence grow, his family must contend with threats from rival gangs, the police, and the government. Themes explored include the power of family, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between loyalty and morality. The Godfather won three Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actor (Marlon Brando), and Best Adapted Screenplay. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

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

The Godfather Part II is a 1974 American crime epic directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, John Cazale, Lee Strasberg, Michael V. Gazzo, and Morgana King. It is the sequel to the 1972 film The Godfather and the second installment in The Godfather trilogy. The film continues the saga of the Corleone family, focusing on Michael Corleone as he attempts to expand the family's crime empire while dealing with personal betrayal, power struggles, and rivalry. The movie is set in the 1950s and moves between The Godfather's present-day activity and flashbacks to the immigration of the Corleone family from Sicily to America. In addition, it features the Corleone family's past in Sicily and reveals the rise of a young Vito Corleone. The Godfather Part II was critically acclaimed and earned prestigious awards, including six Oscars at the 47th Academy Awards. It was the first sequel to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis
Rated R

Pulp Fiction is an iconic American crime film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The story is told in non-linear vignettes that are interwoven and revolve around the lives of two hit men, Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson). As they go about their business, they encounter a variety of characters, including a boxer, a gangster's wife, a pair of thieves, and a mysterious briefcase. The film follows the lives of these characters as they become intertwined in a violent and humorous manner, ultimately culminating in a thrilling finale. The film is known for its black comedy, its sharply written dialogue, and its ensemble cast. Pulp Fiction is widely considered one of the most influential films of the 1990s and is often cited as one of Tarantino's greatest works.

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

Goodfellas is a classic crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese that tells the story of Henry Hill and his rise in the mafia crime world. The film follows Henry from his childhood days of running errands for the local mobsters to his adulthood as a full-fledged mob associate. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters including the volatile Tommy DeVito, the calculating Paul Vario, and the seemingly untouchable Jimmy Conway. Competition for power, loyalty, and money all play a role in the unfolding drama. The film culminates in a spectacular shootout with the FBI as Henry and his associates attempt to flee the country.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg
Rated R

The Departed is an American crime-thriller directed by Martin Scorsese in 2006. It follows the story of two moles, one planted by the Irish Mob in the Massachusetts State Police (Billy Costigan, played by Leonardo DiCaprio) and the other planted by the State Police in the Irish Mob (Colin Sullivan, played by Matt Damon). Both moles must keep their true identity a secret while attempting to uncover the identity of the other. As the two moles become increasingly suspicious of each other, they are drawn into a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse that culminates in a thrilling confrontation. Along the way, they are forced to confront their own inner demons and morality. The Departed is a gripping, intense movie that offers an exploration of the fragility of morality and justice.

From George Roy Hill, starring Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw, Charles Durning
Rated PG

The Sting is a 1973 American caper film set in 1936, directed by George Roy Hill and written by David S. Ward. The story follows two professional grifters, Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) and Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman), who seek revenge on a powerful crime boss, Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw), by conning him out of a large sum of money. With the help of a shady club owner, J.J. Singleton (Robert Earl Jones), they devise a complex plan involving multiple disguises, false identities and a carefully constructed scenario. After a series of intricate cons and situations, Hooker and Gondorff are able to pull off the huge sting and win back the money. In the process, they also gain vengeance for the death of Hooker's mentor, Luther Coleman (Robert Earl Jones).

From Michael Mann, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight
Rated R

Heat is a 1995 crime drama film written, produced, and directed by Michael Mann. The film follows Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro), an experienced thief and master planner who works with a team of criminals to execute daring heists. He is pursued by Lt. Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino), a veteran LAPD detective who is determined to take down McCauley. The film follows their cat-and-mouse game as McCauley and his crew carry out a series of robberies and Hanna attempts to put an end to their crime spree. The film also features Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, and Ashley Judd in supporting roles. The film focuses on the themes of loyalty, morality, and obsession, and explores the dynamic between the two characters as they clash over opposite ideologies.

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, Joe Pesci and Sharon Stone. Set in 1970s Las Vegas, the movie follows the rise and fall of Sam "Ace" Rothstein (De Niro), a Jewish American gambling expert tasked by the mob to run the city's most popular casino, the Tangiers. Despite the casino's success, Ace's life is complicated when his friend, Nicky (Pesci), an enforcer for the mob, begins to overstep his bounds. As Ace and Nicky's feud escalates, the FBI begins to investigate their activities, leading to a dramatic showdown. Casino is a riveting tale of greed, corruption and power.

From Guy Ritchie, starring Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran, Jason Statham
Rated R

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is a 1998 British crime comedy film written and directed by Guy Ritchie. The film follows four Londoners who get caught up in a game of high-stakes poker with a group of dangerous criminals. When the game goes wrong, the four must use their wits and criminal connections to pay off the debt, or else face dire consequences. The film stars Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran, Jason Statham, Stephen Marcus, and Vinnie Jones. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning more than $30 million at the box office and nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best British Film. The film also established Ritchie as a major talent in the film industry.

From Guy Ritchie, starring Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, Stephen Graham, Vinnie Jones
Rated R

Snatch is a 2000 British crime comedy film written and directed by Guy Ritchie, featuring an ensemble cast. The film revolves around the actions of small-time boxing promoter Turkish (Jason Statham), his business partner Tommy (Stephen Graham), and an assortment of criminals, including the notorious criminal Brick Top (Alan Ford). The plot follows the search for a stolen diamond, and the consequences of the characters' actions as they clash with each other. The film features a mix of humor, violence, and fast-paced dialogue, and was well-received by critics upon its release.

From Orson Welles, starring Charlton Heston, Orson Welles, Janet Leigh, Joseph Calleia
Rated PG-13

Touch of Evil is a classic crime thriller directed by Orson Welles. The story follows Police Captain Hank Quinlan (Welles) as he investigates a car bomb meant to kill a Mexican drug enforcement agent and his newlywed American wife. In the process of his investigation, Quinlan discovers a web of corruption and murder that involves a crooked cop, a seedy motel, and a powerful drug lord. With the help of the local district attorney, Mike Vargas (Charlton Heston), Quinlan must unravel the mystery and bring justice to the criminals. Along the way, the two men confront their own personal demons and the blurry line between justice and morality. With its unique artistry, iconic performances, and groundbreaking cinematography, Touch of Evil is considered one of the greatest films in the history of cinema.

From Tony Scott, starring Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer
Rated R

True Romance follows the story of Clarence Worley (Christian Slater), a lonely comic book store clerk who is residing in Detroit. On the night of his birthday, he meets Alabama Whitman (Patricia Arquette), an alluring call girl, and the two quickly fall madly in love. When Clarence learns that Alabama is in danger from her pimp, he decides to take matters into his own hands and the couple sets off on a wild road trip to Los Angeles, accompanied by a suitcase full of cocaine. Along the way, they are pursued by the mobsters, police and hitmen who are looking to reclaim the drugs. As they make their way across the country, they must rely on their wits and their love for each other to make it out in one piece.

From Ridley Scott, starring Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin
Rated R

American Gangster tells the true story of Frank Lucas, a notorious drug kingpin who transported heroin into the United States during the 1970s. After years of working as a driver for a Harlem crime boss, he embarks on a plan to corner the heroin market by smuggling it directly from Southeast Asia. With the help of his lieutenants, Frank quickly becomes one of the most powerful drug lords in the world. Despite his success, his criminal empire comes under investigation by Detective Richie Roberts. As Richie dives deeper into Frank's empire, the two become unlikely allies, and Frank must make a choice between his life of crime and the potential of a better future.

From Nicolas Winding Refn, starring Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks
Rated R

Drive is an intense and stylized neo-noir action film directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. The film stars Ryan Gosling as a Hollywood stuntman and mechanic who moonlights as a getaway driver for criminals. When a heist goes wrong, he must put his skills to the test in order to protect himself and the woman he loves from a group of dangerous mobsters. Filled with intense car chases and action sequences, Drive is an adrenaline-filled journey into a world of violence and redemption.

From Jacques Becker, starring Jean Gabin, René Dary, Dora Doll, Vittorio Sanipoli
Rated Not Rated

"Touchez Pas au Grisbi" (1954) is a classic French crime drama directed by Jacques Becker. The film follows the story of Max (Jean Gabin), an aging gangster who is forced to come out of retirement when his friend and partner, Riton (Lino Ventura), is threatened by an upstart gang of criminals. Max enlists the help of his old friend Angelo (René Dary) to help him protect Riton and the loot they stole. As Max begins to plan his retaliation, he discovers that his old enemies are more dangerous than he thought and that he may be in over his head. The film follows Max's battle to protect his friends, stay true to his code of honor, and survive in a world of violence and betrayal.

From Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, starring Gabriel Byrne, Albert Finney, John Turturro, Marcia Gay Harden
Rated R

Miller's Crossing is a 1990 American neo-noir crime film written, directed, and produced by the Coen brothers and starring Gabriel Byrne, Albert Finney, John Turturro, Jon Polito, and Marcia Gay Harden. Set in an unnamed American city during the early part of Prohibition, it follows a gangster, his right-hand man, and a political boss who become entangled in a power struggle that leads to betrayal and tragedy. The film's plot and visual style are heavily influenced by the work of genre directors such as Howard Hawks and John Huston. The story follows Tom Reagan (Byrne), an advisor and right-hand man to Irish mob boss Leo O'Bannon (Finney). When Leo's rival, the Italian gangster Johnny Caspar (Polito), threatens to take control of the city, Tom is drawn into the conflict. As the situation intensifies, Tom is forced to make difficult decisions and attempt to maintain his neutrality between the two gangs. Meanwhile, he becomes increasingly attracted to Verna Bernbaum (Harden), the sister of Caspar's ally Bernie Bernbaum (Turturro). Miller's Crossing is a stylish and darkly humorous homage to the classic gangster films

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 and starring Al Pacino and Johnny Depp. The film follows undercover FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone (Depp), a.k.a. Donnie Brasco, as he infiltrates a powerful crime family in New York's Little Italy in the 1970s. The family is headed by aging mob boss Lefty Ruggiero (Pacino), who takes Donnie under his wing, unaware of his true identity. Donnie's loyalty to Lefty and his own personal moral code are put to the test as he works to complete his mission while forming an unexpected and deep bond with Lefty. In the end, Donnie must make the difficult decision between completing his assignment and betraying the man he's come to care for.

From Sam Mendes, starring Tom Hanks, Tyler Hoechlin, Rob Maxey, Liam Aiken
Rated R

Road to Perdition is a 2002 American crime drama film directed by Sam Mendes and starring Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law, and Daniel Craig. Based on the graphic novel of the same name by Max Allan Collins, the film follows a mob enforcer and his son as they seek vengeance against a mobster who murdered the rest of their family. The film is an exploration of the bonds of family, the price of revenge, and the cost of loyalty. As they travel across the Midwest, the two men face obstacles of morality and mortality, as they grapple with their own inner demons. Ultimately, the father and son must confront the dark secrets of their past and the violence of their present to find peace.

From Steven Soderbergh, starring Michael Douglas, Benicio Del Toro, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jacob Vargas
Rated R

Traffic is a 2000 American crime drama film directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Stephen Gaghan. The film follows the interconnected lives of several characters involved in the international drug trade. It stars an ensemble cast including Michael Douglas, Benicio del Toro, Don Cheadle, Luis Guzmán, Dennis Quaid, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Albert Finney. The film examines the illegal drug trade from a number of perspectives: a user, an enforcer, a politician, a trafficker, a smuggler and a dealer. It contrasts the illegal activities of the drug world with the governmental laws and institutions that are failing to control it. Ultimately, it reveals the human cost of the drug war and the corruption that exists between politicians, police and drug traffickers.

From Directors: Charles Crichton, John Cleese, starring John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline, Michael Palin
Rated R

A Fish Called Wanda is a 1988 British-American comedy film, starring John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline, and Michael Palin. The film tells the story of a gang of four criminals who plan to steal a valuable gem from an elderly woman. However, things go awry when the group's leader, Wanda (Curtis), falls in love with one of the gang members, Otto (Kline). Meanwhile, an inept lawyer, Archie Leach (Cleese), is hired to defend them. As the movie progresses, secrets are revealed and the characters' true intentions come to light. The film is a hilarious and hilarious dark comedy which earned 4 Academy Award nominations.

From Brian Helgeland, starring Mel Gibson, Gregg Henry, Maria Bello, David Paymer
Rated R

From Steven Soderbergh, starring Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Daniel Craig, Farrah Mackenzie
Rated PG-13

From Sydney Pollack, starring Tom Cruise, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Gene Hackman, Hal Holbrook
Rated R

From Harold Ramis, starring Robert De Niro, Billy Crystal, Lisa Kudrow, Chazz Palminteri
Rated R

From John Herzfeld, starring Teri Hatcher, Jeff Daniels, Danny Aiello, Charlize Theron
Rated R