10 Movies and Shows Similar to Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

Description: Like 'Once Upon a Time in America', 'The Godfather' is an epic crime drama that explores themes of power, loyalty, and the passage of time. Both films delve into the lives of organized crime figures over several decades, showcasing their rise and fall. The storytelling is rich and character-driven, with a strong emphasis on family dynamics and the moral ambiguities of the criminal underworld. The visual aesthetics of both films are lush and cinematic, with a focus on period detail and atmospheric lighting.

Fact: 'The Godfather' was initially met with controversy due to its portrayal of Italian-Americans, but it has since been recognized as one of the greatest films ever made. Marlon Brando's performance as Vito Corleone was so iconic that it earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. The film's famous line, 'I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse,' was ranked as the second-greatest movie quote by the American Film Institute.

Description: 'Scarface' shares with 'Once Upon a Time in America' a deep dive into the criminal psyche and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Both films are operatic in scale, featuring protagonists who rise from obscurity to power, only to face tragic downfalls. The themes of greed, betrayal, and the American Dream are central to both narratives. The visual style of 'Scarface' is similarly bold, with vibrant colors and dramatic lighting that heighten the emotional intensity.

Fact: 'Scarface' was initially criticized for its excessive violence and profanity but has since become a cult classic. Al Pacino's portrayal of Tony Montana is one of his most memorable roles. The film's famous line, 'Say hello to my little friend,' has been widely parodied and referenced in popular culture.

Description: 'The Untouchables' and 'Once Upon a Time in America' both explore the Prohibition era and the battle between law enforcement and organized crime. While 'The Untouchables' focuses more on the lawmen's perspective, both films share a thematic concern with morality and justice. The period setting is richly realized in both, with attention to historical detail and a cinematic visual style. The emotional tone is similarly intense, with moments of high drama and tragedy.

Fact: 'The Untouchables' was directed by Brian De Palma and features a memorable score by Ennio Morricone, who also composed the music for 'Once Upon a Time in America'. Sean Connery won an Academy Award for his supporting role as Jim Malone. The film's famous train station shootout scene is a homage to the Odessa Steps sequence in 'Battleship Potemkin'.

Description: 'Miller's Crossing' shares with 'Once Upon a Time in America' a complex, morally ambiguous narrative set within the world of organized crime. Both films explore themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the futility of violence. The storytelling is intricate and layered, with a focus on character psychology. The visual style is similarly stylized, with a mix of noir influences and poetic realism.

Fact: 'Miller's Crossing' was directed by the Coen Brothers and is considered one of their most underrated films. The film's dialogue is heavily influenced by the hard-boiled crime novels of Dashiell Hammett. The iconic hat sequence in the film is a recurring motif that symbolizes the protagonist's internal conflict.

Description: 'A Bronx Tale' shares with 'Once Upon a Time in America' a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of organized crime. Both films explore themes of loyalty, family, and the moral complexities of the criminal world. The storytelling is deeply personal, with a focus on the protagonist's emotional journey. The period setting is vividly realized, with a strong sense of time and place.

Fact: 'A Bronx Tale' was the directorial debut of Robert De Niro, who also stars in the film. The story is based on Chazz Palminteri's one-man play, which was inspired by his own childhood experiences. The film's soundtrack features doo-wop and early rock and roll music, enhancing its nostalgic tone.

Description: Like 'Once Upon a Time in America', 'Carlito's Way' is a crime drama that follows a former criminal trying to leave his past behind, only to be pulled back in. Both films explore themes of redemption, fate, and the inescapability of one's past. The storytelling is character-driven, with a focus on the protagonist's internal struggles. The visual style is similarly atmospheric, with a mix of gritty realism and poetic flourishes.

Fact: 'Carlito's Way' was directed by Brian De Palma and stars Al Pacino, reuniting them after 'Scarface'. The film is based on two novels by Edwin Torres, who was a real-life New York Supreme Court judge. The climactic chase scene through Grand Central Terminal is considered one of the most suspenseful sequences in cinema.

Description: Directed by Martin Scorsese, 'Casino' shares with 'Once Upon a Time in America' a sprawling narrative that chronicles the rise and fall of its characters within the world of organized crime. Both films are meticulously detailed, with a focus on the opulence and brutality of the criminal lifestyle. The themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power are prevalent in both. The visual storytelling is similarly immersive, with a mix of gritty realism and stylized violence.

Fact: 'Casino' is based on the real-life story of Frank 'Lefty' Rosenthal, a Las Vegas casino executive with ties to the mob. The film features a voiceover narration by Robert De Niro, a technique also used in 'Once Upon a Time in America'. Sharon Stone received an Academy Award nomination for her performance as Ginger McKenna.

Description: 'Road to Perdition' and 'Once Upon a Time in America' both explore the relationship between fathers and sons within the context of organized crime. Both films are visually stunning, with a focus on atmospheric lighting and composition. The themes of revenge, redemption, and the cost of violence are central to both narratives. The emotional tone is similarly somber and reflective.

Fact: 'Road to Perdition' was directed by Sam Mendes and features a haunting score by Thomas Newman. The film is based on a graphic novel of the same name. Paul Newman's performance as John Rooney earned him his final Academy Award nomination.

Description: 'The Departed' and 'Once Upon a Time in America' both delve into the world of organized crime, with a focus on the psychological toll of living a double life. Both films explore themes of identity, betrayal, and the blurred lines between good and evil. The storytelling is tense and intricate, with a mix of action and character drama. The visual style is similarly dynamic, with a mix of gritty realism and stylized violence.

Fact: 'The Departed' is a remake of the Hong Kong film 'Infernal Affairs'. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Martin Scorsese. Jack Nicholson's performance as Frank Costello is one of his most chilling roles.

Description: 'American Gangster' shares with 'Once Upon a Time in America' a sprawling narrative that chronicles the rise and fall of a criminal empire. Both films explore themes of power, corruption, and the American Dream. The storytelling is epic in scope, with a focus on the protagonist's journey and the societal context of their actions. The visual style is similarly immersive, with a strong sense of period detail.

Fact: 'American Gangster' is based on the true story of Frank Lucas, a Harlem drug lord in the 1970s. Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe star as the film's opposing leads. The film's soundtrack features original music by Ridley Scott's frequent collaborator, Marc Streitenfeld.