Family Ties and Criminal Lies: 10 Must-Watch Crime Films

Description: This classic gangster film follows the rise and fall of Tom Powers, a bootlegger during Prohibition, and his complex relationship with his family and criminal associates.

Fact: James Cagney's iconic grapefruit scene was improvised, and the film was one of the first to depict the gangster lifestyle in a realistic manner.

Description: This iconic film explores the inner workings of the Corleone family, a powerful Italian-American mafia clan. It delves into the transition of power from Vito Corleone to his reluctant son, Michael, showcasing the complexities of family loyalty and the business of crime.

Fact: The film was initially offered to Sergio Leone, who turned it down, feeling it was too similar to his own work. Also, Marlon Brando improvised the famous line "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse."

Description: This epic saga follows the lives of Jewish gangsters in New York from childhood to old age, highlighting the bonds of friendship and the harsh realities of the criminal world.

Fact: The film was initially released in a heavily edited version, but the director's cut restored much of the original vision.

Description: Henry Hill's journey from a young boy fascinated by the mafia to a full-fledged member of the Lucchese crime family is a tale of family, betrayal, and the allure of the criminal lifestyle. The film captures the essence of family dynamics within the mob.

Fact: The real Henry Hill was on set during filming, and Joe Pesci's improvised "Funny how?" scene was based on an actual conversation Hill had.

Description: A young boy grows up in the Bronx, torn between his honest father and a charismatic mob boss. The film explores the influence of family and the allure of the criminal life.

Fact: Robert De Niro directed this film, his directorial debut, and it was based on Chazz Palminteri's one-man show.

Description: An FBI agent infiltrates the Bonanno crime family, forming a close bond with a low-level mobster. The film examines the blurred lines between family and the criminal world.

Fact: The real Donnie Brasco, Joseph D. Pistone, served as a consultant on the film, ensuring authenticity.

Description: In Boston, an undercover cop and a mole in the police attempt to identify each other while infiltrating an Irish gang. The film showcases the complex dynamics of loyalty within a criminal family.

Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film, which was a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs."

Description: A nurse gets entangled with the Russian mafia in London, uncovering a family-run criminal operation. The film delves into the brutal world of organized crime and the personal sacrifices made for family honor.

Fact: Viggo Mortensen learned Russian for his role and improvised the famous bathhouse fight scene.

Description: A former mafia boss and his family are relocated to France under the witness protection program, but old habits die hard. The film humorously explores the challenges of leaving the criminal life behind while maintaining family ties.

Fact: The film was based on the novel "Malavita" by Tonino Benacquista, and Luc Besson directed it.

Description: Frank Sheeran, a hitman, recounts his life story, including his ties to the Bufalino crime family and his relationship with Jimmy Hoffa. This film explores the intersection of family, friendship, and the criminal underworld.

Fact: The film used de-aging technology to portray younger versions of the characters, and it was one of the last films featuring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino together.