Top 10 Films About Organized Crime

Description: This iconic film explores the inner workings of the Corleone family, a powerful Italian-American mafia clan, and their struggle to maintain control amidst internal and external threats. It's a cornerstone of organized crime cinema, showcasing the allure and the cost of power.

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

Description: This epic tale of Tony Montana's rise from a Cuban refugee to a drug kingpin in Miami is both a critique and a celebration of the American Dream. It's a vivid portrayal of excess and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

Fact: Al Pacino improvised many of his lines, including the famous "Say hello to my little friend!" Oliver Stone wrote the screenplay, inspired by the 1932 film of the same name.

Description: Sergio Leone's epic spans decades, telling the story of Jewish gangsters in New York from childhood to old age. It's a sprawling, melancholic look at friendship, betrayal, and the passage of time.

Fact: The film was initially released in a heavily edited version in the U.S., but the director's cut, which is over 4 hours long, is now widely recognized as the definitive version.

Description: Set during the Prohibition era, this film follows Eliot Ness and his team of "Untouchables" as they attempt to bring down Al Capone. It's a classic tale of good versus evil, with a touch of Hollywood flair.

Fact: The film's famous "baseball bat scene" was inspired by a real incident involving Capone's men. Kevin Costner was cast after Harrison Ford turned down the role of Eliot Ness.

Description: Martin Scorsese's masterpiece follows the rise and fall of Henry Hill, a small-time gangster who becomes involved with the Lucchese crime family. It's a raw, unflinching look at the life of a mobster, complete with its highs and lows.

Fact: The film was based on the book "Wiseguy" by Nicholas Pileggi, who also co-wrote the screenplay. Joe Pesci won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Tommy DeVito.

Description: Another Scorsese gem, "Casino" delves into the world of Las Vegas casinos and the mob's control over them. It's a tale of greed, betrayal, and the American Dream gone awry.

Fact: The film was based on the book "Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas" by Nicholas Pileggi. The character of Sam "Ace" Rothstein was inspired by real-life casino manager Frank Rosenthal.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows FBI agent Joe Pistone, who infiltrates the Bonanno crime family under the alias Donnie Brasco. It's a poignant look at the personal cost of undercover work and the blurred lines between right and wrong.

Fact: Johnny Depp's character was based on the real-life FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone. The film was shot in New York City and Florida, where much of the real story took place.

Description: This film, set in Boston, tells the story of an undercover cop infiltrating an Irish mob and a mobster infiltrating the police force. It's a thrilling cat-and-mouse game with layers of deception and loyalty.

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

Description: This film chronicles the rise of Frank Lucas, a real-life drug lord who built an empire in Harlem by smuggling heroin directly from Southeast Asia. It's a study in ambition, innovation, and the corrupting influence of power.

Fact: Denzel Washington was initially hesitant to play Lucas, but was convinced by director Ridley Scott. The film's ending was changed to reflect the real-life outcome of Lucas's trial.

Description: David Cronenberg's film dives into the world of the Russian mafia in London, focusing on a midwife who uncovers a dark secret involving a baby born to a teenage prostitute. It's a gritty, intense look at organized crime with a focus on human trafficking.

Fact: Viggo Mortensen learned Russian for his role as Nikolai Luzhin. The film was shot in London, with many scenes filmed in real locations associated with the Russian community.