Top 10 Gangster Biopics You Must Watch

Description: This film chronicles the efforts of Eliot Ness and his team to bring down Al Capone during the Prohibition era. It's a classic tale of good versus evil, with a focus on the relentless pursuit of justice.

Fact: Sean Connery won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Jim Malone. The film's famous "Chicago Way" scene was improvised by director Brian De Palma.

Description: Martin Scorsese's masterpiece follows the rise and fall of Henry Hill, a small-time crook who becomes part of the Lucchese crime family. It's a vivid portrayal of the mob life, with its highs and inevitable lows.

Fact: The film was based on the book "Wiseguy" by Nicholas Pileggi. The famous "Copacabana" tracking shot took three days to film.

Description: Another Scorsese gem, this film explores the mob's control over Las Vegas casinos in the 1970s, focusing on Sam "Ace" Rothstein and his tumultuous relationship with the mob and his wife.

Fact: The film was based on the book "Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas" by Nicholas Pileggi. The real-life inspiration for the character of Sam Rothstein was Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal.

Description: Based on the true story of FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone, who infiltrated the Bonanno crime family under the alias "Donnie Brasco," this film explores the complexities of undercover work and loyalty.

Fact: Al Pacino and Johnny Depp had to learn the Sicilian dialect for authenticity. The real Donnie Brasco, Joe Pistone, served as a consultant for the film.

Description: This film traces the life of George Jung, a key figure in the cocaine trade in the 1970s and '80s. It's a tale of ambition, excess, and the American Dream gone awry.

Fact: Johnny Depp's character was based on Jung's real-life story, and he met with Jung to prepare for the role. The film's title refers to both the drug trade and Jung's eventual downfall.

Description: This film tells the story of Frank Lucas, a real-life drug kingpin who rose to power in Harlem in the 1970s, and his eventual downfall at the hands of detective Richie Roberts.

Fact: Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe both underwent extensive physical training for their roles. The film's opening scene, showing a dead body, was inspired by a real event.

Description: Michael Mann's film follows the life of John Dillinger, one of America's most infamous bank robbers, and his cat-and-mouse game with FBI agent Melvin Purvis.

Fact: The film was shot on location in many of the places where Dillinger's actual crimes took place. Johnny Depp prepared for his role by studying Dillinger's mannerisms and even visiting his grave.

Description: Johnny Depp stars as James "Whitey" Bulger, the notorious Boston mobster who became an FBI informant. The film delves into his criminal empire and the corrupt relationship with the FBI.

Fact: Depp underwent a physical transformation, including wearing blue contact lenses to match Bulger's distinctive eyes. The film was shot in Boston, where Bulger's crimes took place.

Description: This biopic focuses on John Gotti, the head of the Gambino crime family, known as the "Dapper Don" for his flamboyant lifestyle and ruthless tactics.

Fact: John Travolta, who played Gotti, met with the real-life Gotti's family to prepare for the role. The film was criticized for its portrayal of Gotti's life but offers a unique perspective on his rise and fall.

Description: Directed by Martin Scorsese, this epic film follows Frank Sheeran, a hitman involved with the Bufalino crime family, and his alleged role in the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa.

Fact: The film used de-aging technology to portray the characters over several decades. It was Scorsese's first collaboration with Netflix.