10 Must-Watch Racket Drama Films

Description: This early gangster film follows the rise and fall of Tom Powers, a bootlegger and extortionist during the Prohibition era. It's a classic example of how racketeering was portrayed in early cinema.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use the term "racket" in a criminal context. Also, it was controversial for its time due to its portrayal of violence and crime.

Description: This iconic film delves into the world of the Corleone family, where extortion is just one of the many tools used to maintain power and influence. The Godfather not only showcases the inner workings of the mafia but also explores the personal and ethical conflicts faced by its members.

Fact: The film was initially offered to Sergio Leone, who turned it down because he didn't want to glorify the mafia. Also, Marlon Brando improvised the famous cat scene, picking up a stray cat from the studio lot.

Description: Sergio Leone's epic spans several decades, following the lives of Jewish gangsters in New York. Extortion is a recurring theme as the characters navigate the underworld, showcasing the brutal reality of organized crime.

Fact: The film was originally over six hours long, but was cut down significantly for its theatrical release. Also, Robert De Niro and James Woods had to learn to play the violin for their roles.

Description: This film portrays the efforts of Eliot Ness and his team to bring down Al Capone, whose empire was built on extortion, bootlegging, and other criminal enterprises. It provides a historical perspective on racketeering in the Prohibition era.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life memoirs of Eliot Ness. Also, the iconic train station scene was based on the real-life incident known as the "Union Station Massacre."

Description: Martin Scorsese's masterpiece captures the rise and fall of Henry Hill, a small-time hoodlum who becomes part of the Lucchese crime family. Extortion is a key element in their operations, providing a vivid portrayal of the mafia lifestyle.

Fact: The film was shot in chronological order to help the actors age naturally with their characters. Also, the famous "Layla" scene was filmed in one continuous shot.

Description: Robert De Niro's directorial debut, this film tells the story of a young boy growing up in the Bronx, caught between his father's honest ways and the allure of the local mob boss. Extortion is one of the many criminal activities the boy witnesses and becomes involved with.

Fact: The film was based on Chazz Palminteri's one-man play of the same name. Also, De Niro initially wanted to play the role of Sonny, but Palminteri insisted on playing the part himself.

Description: Another Scorsese classic, Casino explores the world of Las Vegas casinos, where extortion and racketeering are rampant. The film provides an in-depth look at how organized crime infiltrated the gambling industry.

Fact: The film was based on the real-life story of Frank Rosenthal, a casino executive. Also, the scene where Joe Pesci's character gets whacked was filmed in one take, with the actors not knowing when it would happen.

Description: Set in Boston, this film revolves around an undercover cop and a mole in the police department, both trying to outwit each other. Extortion plays a significant role in the criminal activities depicted, adding to the tension and complexity of the plot.

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

Description: This film dives into the dark world of the Russian mafia in London, where extortion and human trafficking are central themes. Viggo Mortensen's portrayal of a mob enforcer adds depth to the exploration of these criminal activities.

Fact: Viggo Mortensen learned Russian for the role and even got a tattoo to match his character's. Also, the film was shot in London, with many scenes filmed in real locations used by the Russian community.

Description: Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film follows the life of Frank Sheeran, a truck driver turned hitman, and his involvement with the Bufalino crime family. Extortion is one of the many criminal activities depicted, reflecting the pervasive nature of organized crime.

Fact: The film used de-aging technology to portray the characters at different ages. Also, it was one of the most expensive films ever made for Netflix.