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'The Godfather' (1972) - ‘The Godfather’ of all gangster movies! Francis Ford Coppola’s legendary film boasts some of the best on-screen performances of all time, and is an utterly compelling saga of the Mafia world.

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'Goodfellas' (1990) - Frequently called one of the best gangster films of all time, Scorsese’s epic masterpiece never grows old. It provides an incredible insight into the daily lives of ruthless mobsters who were also family men.

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'The Departed' (2006) - Another masterpiece by Scorsese, this Boston-set gangster film centers around police corruption and infiltration, and the constant sense of tension throughout the film is palpable.

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'The Godfather Part II' (1974) - Could any film beat ‘The Godfather’? Perhaps just this one. Many say this is the best chapter of the trilogy, largely due to Al Pacino’s haunting performance as Michael Corleone. Truly evil.

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'Donnie Brasco' (1997) - Arguably one of the best performances that Johnny Depp has ever given, this dark and sad gangster film also shows Al Pacino at his best, as an aging gangster who knows his time is running out.

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'Pulp Fiction' (1994) - Tarantino’s 1994 masterpiece is a roller coaster of blood, guns, and crazy surprises. It also boasts some amazing career-saving and career-boosting performances by the ensemble cast.

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'The Usual Suspects' (1995) - One of the most complex, clever, and mind-bending films ever, it can be watched multiple times and something new is learned with each viewing. Excellent performances also help.

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'Scarface' (1983) - A still youthful-looking Al Pacino steals the show as a megalomaniacal and ruthless gangster who rises up the ranks. The ending is notoriously over the top and fascinating to watch.

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'A Bronx Tale' (1993) - This 1993 drama has Robert DeNiro as both actor and director. Written by Chazz Palminteri, who also stars, it is a highly compelling coming-of-age drama, naturally set in The Bronx, New York.

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'Sin Nombre' (2009) - The tension in this film is almost unbearable. Our hero may be a gang member, but he also has a conscience, unlike many of his contemporaries. No spoilers, but this film will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.

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'Eastern Promises' (2007) - This London-set Russian mob film boasts some spectacular violence. It also has some very fine performances by Viggo Mortensen and Naomi Watts.

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'Casino' (1995) - Initially dismissed by some critics as a sort of sequel to ‘Goodfellas,’ as years have gone by, ‘Casino’ has earned its place as a masterpiece in its own right.

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'Snatch' (2000) - While the film might be silly and over the top at times, it boasts an impressive cast of Hollywood stars. Guy Ritchie’s film is not merely a followup to 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,' but an excellent ensemble piece in its own right.

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'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' (1998) - An iconic piece of British culture from the 1990s, 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' became endlessly quotable and a firm favorite with audiences for its daring and innovative new techniques in cinema.

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'25th Hour' (2002) - This tragic tale is hard to resist. Edward Norton’s character got involved with the Russian Mafia and dealing drugs, and will pay the price. The film follows his last hours of freedom, which are truly heart-wrenching.

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'Leon' (1994) - Arguably one of the best films of the '90s, this was Natalie Portman’s film debut. Tense, heartwarming, and with an unforgettable ending.

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'Sexy Beast' (2000) - Deeply unpleasant and nasty, yet also extremely funny. You won’t ever see Ben Kingsley in the same way again. Not for those easily offended by foul language and aggression!

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'Mean Streets' (1973) - While the film might seem very dated now, in comparison to some of Scorsese’s other films of the 1970s, this film still packs a punch and has a typically shocking end.

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'Road To Perdition' (2002) - A well-made film, it shows off the impressive versatility of Tom Hanks. It's directed with great expertise by Sam Mendes, and the Depression-era is captured perfectly.

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'Fargo' (1996) - 'Fargo' is at once iconic, atmospheric, and utterly tragic. The film is ultimately a fairy tale between good and evil, represented perfectly by the characters on-screen.

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'Once Upon A Time In America' (1984) - An extremely lengthy and truly epic tale of the rise of the mob in America, the film stars Robert DeNiro and was directed by the legendary Sergio Leone. It's set in the Prohibition era.

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'The Godfather Part III' (1990) - Many would argue about this film's inclusion in this list, as it has been called a "public humiliation." However, many others feel that the film didn't receive its proper appreciation due to the staggering popularity of the first two 'Godfather' films. 

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'Carlito's Way' (1993) - A very thoughtful and intelligent gangster film, Al Pacino is perfectly cast as Carlito, a gangster who so desperately wants to reform and have a normal life. But, of course, it’s never that easy.

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'Alpha Dog' (2006) - Based on a horrifying true story, this highly engaging and tense film focuses on the kidnapping of a teenage boy for ransom, who has his own awakenings throughout.

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'A History of Violence' (2005) - The first collaboration between David Cronenberg and Viggo Mortensen, this film is a remarkably crazy story of a seemingly normal family man who has an unbelievable past.

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'American Gangster' (2007) - Based on a true story, Denzel Washington portrays Frank Lucas, a heavyweight gangster and drug dealer who smuggled heroin into the US from Asia.

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'In Bruges' (2008) - A spectacularly bizarre film about a couple of gangsters who have to lie low in Bruges until things calm down. Colin Farrell is perfectly brooding and moody throughout, and Ralph Fiennes plays the perfect villain.

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'The Untouchables' (1987) - Brian DePalma’s 1980 film brings together a very talented cast. Set in the Prohibition era, it follows the story of US bureau agents attempting to end the reign of Al Capone.

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'True Romance' (1993) - 'True Romance' is a fantastically original and engaging film written by Quentin Tarantino. Numerous Hollywood heavyweights appear in unforgettable small parts, and the two leads are so charming they carry the film easily.

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'Gangs of New York' (2002) -

Scorsese’s 2002 film received a lot of attention and praise, despite its historical accuracy being called into question. Certainly the performances and atmosphere are mesmerizing.

See also: How accurate are these true crime films really?

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