10 Crime Films That Celebrate Family Traditions

Description: This pre-Code gangster film showcases the rise and fall of Tom Powers, where family traditions and the influence of his brother shape his criminal path.

Fact: James Cagney's famous grapefruit scene was improvised, adding to the film's gritty realism.

Description: This iconic film explores the Corleone family, where tradition and loyalty are paramount. It's not just about crime; it's about family, honor, and the legacy that Vito Corleone leaves behind.

Fact: The film was initially turned down by several studios because they thought it would glorify the mafia. Marlon Brando improvised the famous cat scene, which wasn't in the script.

Description: Sergio Leone's epic spans decades, showing how childhood friendships and family traditions shape the criminal lives of its characters, offering a poignant look at loyalty and betrayal.

Fact: The film was originally over 6 hours long, but was cut down significantly for its theatrical release.

Description: Martin Scorsese's masterpiece shows how the Lucchese crime family operates, with a strong emphasis on the traditions and rituals that bind the members together, making it a perfect fit for this list.

Fact: The film's famous "Layla" scene was shot in one continuous take, and the actors had to learn their lines in a very short time.

Description: Robert De Niro's directorial debut, this film examines the clash between a father's traditional values and the allure of the local mob, highlighting the importance of family in shaping one's path.

Fact: The movie is based on Chazz Palminteri's one-man show, which he wrote after witnessing a real-life murder in his neighborhood.

Description: This film delves into the life of an FBI agent infiltrating the Bonanno crime family, where he learns about the deep-rooted traditions and the unwritten rules that govern the mafia world.

Fact: The real Donnie Brasco, Joseph D. Pistone, was a consultant on the film, ensuring authenticity in the portrayal of mafia life.

Description: Martin Scorsese's film about the Irish mob in Boston shows how family ties and traditions can influence the criminal underworld, with a focus on loyalty and betrayal.

Fact: The film was a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs," but Scorsese added his unique touch to the story.

Description: David Cronenberg's film explores the Russian mafia in London, where family traditions and honor codes are central to the narrative, showing how they can lead to both protection and destruction.

Fact: Viggo Mortensen learned Russian for the role, and his tattoos were designed by a former Russian prisoner to ensure they were authentic.

Description: This dark comedy follows a mafia family in witness protection, highlighting how deeply ingrained family traditions can be, even when trying to escape the criminal life.

Fact: The film was based on the French novel "Malavita" by Tonino Benacquista, which was inspired by real-life events.

Description: This epic crime saga spans decades, focusing on the life of Frank Sheeran and his ties to the Bufalino crime family, showcasing how family traditions and loyalty can both build and destroy lives.

Fact: The film used de-aging technology to portray the characters at different ages, a process that took over 1,000 visual effects artists.