Dive into the Criminal Underworld with These 10 Films

Description: This iconic film is the epitome of the mafia genre, showcasing the inner workings of the Corleone family, their rise to power, and the moral dilemmas they face. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in the criminal underworld.

Fact: The film was initially offered to Sergio Leone, who turned it down because he felt an Italian director should make it. Also, Marlon Brando improvised the famous line, "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse."

Description: Tony Montana's rise from a Cuban refugee to a drug lord in Miami is a tale of ambition, excess, and the American Dream gone awry. It's a vivid portrayal of the criminal underworld.

Fact: Al Pacino's character was inspired by real-life gangster Al Capone, and the film's iconic "Say hello to my little friend!" line was improvised.

Description: Martin Scorsese's masterpiece follows the life of Henry Hill, from his early days as a mob associate to his eventual downfall. It's a raw, unfiltered look at the life of a gangster.

Fact: The film was based on the book "Wiseguy" by Nicholas Pileggi, and the real Henry Hill was on set during filming to ensure authenticity.

Description: Quentin Tarantino's debut film focuses on a botched heist and the aftermath, with a cast of colorful characters who are more than they seem. It's a masterclass in dialogue and tension.

Fact: The film was shot in just 35 days, and Tarantino wrote the script while working as a video store clerk.

Description: Robert De Niro's directorial debut tells the story of a young boy growing up in the Bronx, torn between his honest father and a charismatic mob boss. It's a poignant look at the allure and dangers of the criminal life.

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

Description: Another Scorsese gem, "Casino" explores the rise and fall of a Las Vegas casino magnate and his ties to the mob, offering a detailed look at the intersection of gambling, crime, and corruption.

Fact: The film was shot in real casinos in Las Vegas, and many of the extras were actual casino employees.

Description: Michael Mann's epic crime drama pits a professional thief against a relentless cop in a cat-and-mouse game that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the thin line between the law and the lawless.

Fact: The famous diner scene where Robert De Niro and Al Pacino meet was improvised, and it was the first time these two actors shared a scene together.

Description: This modern take on the classic "Infernal Affairs" explores the lives of an undercover cop infiltrating the Irish mob and a mobster infiltrating the police, leading to a tense game of deception.

Fact: The film was originally set in Hong Kong, but Martin Scorsese adapted it to Boston, adding his unique touch to the story.

Description: David Cronenberg's film dives into the Russian mafia in London, with a story revolving around a midwife who stumbles upon a diary that leads her into the dark world of organized crime.

Fact: Viggo Mortensen learned Russian for his role and even got a tattoo of the three stars, which in Russian prison culture signifies a thief-in-law.

Description: Set in Boston, this film follows a group of bank robbers who find themselves entangled in a dangerous game when one of them falls for a woman he took hostage during a heist.

Fact: Ben Affleck, who directed and starred in the film, used real-life bank robbers as consultants to ensure authenticity in the heist scenes.