For many man (and women) the gangster genre is a firm favorite. The protagonist are bad guys you’ll still feel sympathetic for. You believe in their dream to be the richest/best/most powerful, where they are willing to do anything to realize it. The gangster has a life full of risks and is part of a close group of people they trust to face any danger. Here’s my list of my personal favorites.

10. A Bittersweet Life

South Korea has a rich history when it comes to gangstermovies and it has many which are worth watching. A Bittersweet Life is a nice one to start with. It’s story is about a gangster who decides to stop following orders and has to face the consequences.

9. Gomorra (the show)

Of course you could watch the movie, but the series takes its time to slowly build its story about a crime boss who wants his son to continue the business, but has doubts if he has what it takes. Meanwhile his son’s best friend, Ciro is also interested in the spot sees opportunities when the boss ends up in jail. It results in a very exciting show to watch.

8. City of God

City of God might not be a strict gangstermovie (it was also the reason why i was having doubts about selecting Pulp Fiction or Reservoir Dogs) because it is also about the issues of the favelas in Brazil. It show how the main characters grow up and slowly turn into ruthless killers not afraid to do anything.

7. Carlito’s Way

The fact that some gangsters want to step away from their criminal life has been the story of many movies, but this film starring Al Pacino does so in an exquisite way and proves that just when you thought you was out, they pull you back in.

6. The Departed

Scorcese’s The Departed is a remake of the Chinese Infernal Affairs trilogy. Both the original as this movie are good, but I prefer the tighter storytelling of The Departed. With wonderful roles by Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Wahlberg and Jack Nicholson is a must-see.

5. The Sopranos

Once you start watching The Sopranos you simply can’t stop. I can still remember renting a couple of DVDs at the video store when it was just out and going back to also get the rest. The life of Tony Soprano James Gandolfini, his family, crew and conversations with his shrink kept millions of viewers entertained for years.

4. Casino

Las Vegas was known as the town run by gangsters and this Scorcese film brings that to life in rich colors and beautiful roles by Robert de Niro and Joe Pesci.

3. Scarface

The second movie in this list starring Al Pacino, playing a Cuban immigrant who quickly wants to make is money in the Miami drug trade. “Say hello to my little friend!”

2. The Godfather

The gangster epic which still is as good to watch as when it came out. With iconic roles by various well-known actors. Although the second movie was good as well, many still prefer the original.

1. Goodfellas

From all the movies in this list this is the one I’d rewatch immediately, purely because it is one that’s full of energy. It moves as fast as Martin Scorcese talks and has memorable appearances by De Niro, Pesci of course Ray Liotta, making this my absolute favorite.

What are your favorite gangstermovies?