Top 10 Gangster Films Set in America

Description: This iconic film follows the Corleone family, one of the most powerful mafia families in America. It's a tale of family, loyalty, and the price of power, making it a cornerstone in gangster cinema.

Fact: Marlon Brando improvised the famous line "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse." The film was shot in chronological order to help the actors age naturally with their characters.

Description: Tony Montana's rise from a Cuban refugee to a drug kingpin in Miami is both brutal and mesmerizing. This film redefined the gangster genre with its excess and intensity.

Fact: Al Pacino improvised the iconic "Say hello to my little friend!" line. The film was initially rated X due to its violence but was later edited to an R rating.

Description: Sergio Leone's epic spans decades, telling the story of a Jewish gangster's life from childhood to old age, reflecting on the American Dream and its corruption.

Fact: The film was originally over six hours long, but was cut down for theatrical release. It was restored to its full length in

Description: This film dramatizes the efforts of Eliot Ness and his team to bring down Al Capone during the Prohibition era, highlighting the battle between law enforcement and organized crime.

Fact: The famous "Union Station" shootout was inspired by the Odessa Steps sequence from "Battleship Potemkin." Sean Connery won an Oscar for his role as Jim Malone.

Description: Martin Scorsese's masterpiece captures the life of Henry Hill, a small-time crook who rises through the ranks of the mafia. It's a fast-paced, gritty look at the allure and downfall of the gangster life.

Fact: The famous "Copacabana" tracking shot was done in one take and took weeks to plan. Ray Liotta's mother actually appears in the film as his on-screen mother.

Description: Robert De Niro's directorial debut, this film explores the life of a young Italian-American boy torn between his honest father and a charismatic local gangster.

Fact: The film was based on Chazz Palminteri's one-man play of the same name, with Palminteri also starring in the film. De Niro was so impressed by the play that he bought the rights to make the movie.

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

Fact: The film was shot on location in Las Vegas, with many scenes filmed in the real-life casinos. The character of Sam Rothstein was based on Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows an FBI agent who infiltrates the Bonanno crime family, leading to a complex relationship with a mobster he befriends.

Fact: Johnny Depp's character was based on the real-life FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone, who used the alias Donnie Brasco. The film was shot in various locations in New York City.

Description: A modern take on the gangster film, this movie pits a mole in the police against an undercover cop in the mafia, leading to a cat-and-mouse game of deception and betrayal.

Fact: The film was a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs." It was Martin Scorsese's first Oscar win for Best Director.

Description: This film tells the true story of Frank Lucas, a heroin kingpin who smuggled drugs into the U.S. by hiding them in the coffins of American soldiers.

Fact: Denzel Washington's character was based on the real-life Frank Lucas, who was a consultant on the film. The film's budget was significantly increased due to the need for period-appropriate sets and costumes.