10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Bugsy (1991)

Description: 'The Public Enemy' and 'Bugsy' both depict the rise and fall of charismatic criminals, with a focus on the personal costs of a life of crime. The films share a similar narrative structure, tracing the protagonist's journey from obscurity to notoriety. The gritty realism of 'The Public Enemy' is echoed in 'Bugsy's' portrayal of the criminal underworld.

Fact: Starring James Cagney, 'The Public Enemy' was one of the first gangster films. The famous grapefruit scene was improvised by Cagney. The film was controversial for its violent content.

Description: 'White Heat' and 'Bugsy' both feature complex antiheroes whose psychological struggles are as central to the story as their criminal exploits. The films share a similar tone, blending action with character-driven drama. James Cagney's performance in 'White Heat' is as electrifying as Warren Beatty's in 'Bugsy'.

Fact: Directed by Raoul Walsh, 'White Heat' is considered one of the greatest gangster films. The famous 'Top of the world, Ma!' line is iconic. The film's climax is one of the most memorable in cinema history.

Description: Both 'The Godfather' and 'Bugsy' are epic crime dramas that explore the complexities of power, family, and loyalty within the mafia. The films share a similar tone, balancing brutal violence with intimate character studies. Like 'Bugsy', 'The Godfather' is deeply rooted in its historical setting, with a strong emphasis on authenticity.

Fact: Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, 'The Godfather' won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Marlon Brando improvised the famous 'I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse' line. The cat in Vito Corleone's lap was a stray found on set.

Description: 'Scarface' and 'Bugsy' both depict the rise and fall of ambitious criminals who are undone by their own hubris. The films share a similar narrative arc, with protagonists who achieve great power but ultimately face tragic downfalls. The lavish production design in 'Scarface' echoes the opulence seen in 'Bugsy'.

Fact: Directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone, 'Scarface' was a remake of the 1932 film. Al Pacino's performance as Tony Montana is considered iconic. The film's violent content sparked controversy upon release.

Description: Like 'Bugsy', 'Once Upon a Time in America' is a sprawling crime epic that spans decades, exploring themes of friendship, betrayal, and the passage of time. Both films feature richly detailed period settings and a melancholic tone. The non-linear storytelling in 'Once Upon a Time in America' adds a layer of complexity similar to 'Bugsy'.

Fact: Directed by Sergio Leone, the film was originally over four hours long. Robert De Niro and James Woods star as lifelong friends turned enemies. The score by Ennio Morricone is widely acclaimed.

Description: Like 'Bugsy', 'The Untouchables' is a crime drama that delves into the world of organized crime during a specific historical period (Prohibition era). Both films explore themes of ambition, power, and betrayal, with strong performances by their leads. The visual style of 'The Untouchables', with its period-accurate costumes and sets, mirrors the attention to detail seen in 'Bugsy'.

Fact: The film was directed by Brian De Palma and written by David Mamet. Sean Connery won an Academy Award for his role as Jim Malone. The famous train station shootout scene was inspired by the Odessa Steps sequence in 'Battleship Potemkin'.

Description: 'Miller's Crossing' and 'Bugsy' both explore the moral ambiguities of organized crime, with protagonists who navigate a world of shifting loyalties. The films share a similar visual style, with lush cinematography and period-accurate production design. The dialogue in 'Miller's Crossing' is as sharp and witty as that in 'Bugsy'.

Fact: Directed by the Coen Brothers, 'Miller's Crossing' is inspired by Dashiell Hammett's novels. The film's intricate plot was initially confusing to test audiences. Gabriel Byrne's performance as Tom Reagan is a standout.

Description: 'Casino' shares with 'Bugsy' a focus on the glamorous yet dangerous world of organized crime, particularly in the context of Las Vegas. Both films depict the rise and fall of their protagonists, blending violence with opulence. The meticulous recreation of period settings in 'Casino' is reminiscent of 'Bugsy's' detailed portrayal of 1940s Hollywood.

Fact: Directed by Martin Scorsese, 'Casino' is based on the real-life story of Frank Rosenthal. The film features over 200 instances of the word 'fuck'. Sharon Stone was nominated for an Academy Award for her role as Ginger McKenna.

Description: 'Road to Perdition' and 'Bugsy' are both visually stunning crime dramas that explore the relationship between fathers and sons within the context of organized crime. The films share a similar tone, blending violence with moments of quiet introspection. The period setting of 'Road to Perdition' is as meticulously crafted as that of 'Bugsy'.

Fact: Directed by Sam Mendes, the film is based on a graphic novel. Tom Hanks plays against type as a hitman. The cinematography by Conrad L. Hall won an Academy Award.

Description: Like 'Bugsy', 'Public Enemies' is a crime drama set in a specific historical period (the 1930s) that blends fact with fiction. Both films feature charismatic criminals who are pursued by law enforcement. The attention to period detail in 'Public Enemies' is comparable to that in 'Bugsy'.

Fact: Directed by Michael Mann, the film stars Johnny Depp as John Dillinger. The shootout at the Little Bohemia Lodge was filmed on location. The film uses digital cinematography to achieve a unique visual style.