10 Movies & Shows Like Carlito’s Way

Description: A masterful exploration of organized crime, family loyalty, and the moral complexities of power. The film delves deep into the protagonist's transformation and the consequences of his choices.

Fact: Marlon Brando stuffed his cheeks with cotton wool for his role as Vito Corleone. The cat he held in the opening scene was a stray found on the set.

Description: A gritty crime drama that explores the rise and fall of a criminal protagonist, filled with intense violence, moral ambiguity, and a focus on the protagonist's struggle against both external enemies and internal flaws.

Fact: The film was initially criticized for its excessive violence but has since become a cult classic. The famous line 'Say hello to my little friend!' was improvised by Al Pacino.

Description: An epic crime saga that spans decades, delving into the lives of Jewish gangsters in New York. The film's nonlinear storytelling and rich character development make it a classic.

Fact: The original cut was over 10 hours long, but it was drastically reduced for theatrical release. Ennio Morricone composed the film's iconic score.

Description: A coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of organized crime, exploring themes of loyalty, family, and the allure of the criminal lifestyle.

Fact: The film is based on Chazz Palminteri's one-man play of the same name. Robert De Niro made his directorial debut with this movie.

Description: A lavish yet brutal depiction of organized crime's infiltration into Las Vegas casinos. The film combines opulent visuals with a dark narrative about greed, power, and inevitable downfall.

Fact: The character of Sam 'Ace' Rothstein is based on real-life casino executive Frank Rosenthal. The film's budget was $40 million, one of the most expensive at the time.

Description: A crime thriller that balances intense action with deep character study, focusing on the lives of both criminals and law enforcement. The film's realism and meticulous attention to detail in heist scenes set it apart.

Fact: The famous shootout scene was filmed on location in downtown Los Angeles and used real blanks, creating an authentic sound. The diner scene between De Niro and Pacino was their first on-screen meeting.

Description: A gripping tale of undercover work and the blurred lines between loyalty and betrayal. The film highlights the psychological toll of living a double life in the criminal underworld.

Fact: Based on a true story, the real Donnie Brasco (Joseph D. Pistone) spent six years undercover in the Mafia. The film's script was heavily influenced by Pistone's memoir.

Description: A biographical crime drama that follows the life of a drug trafficker, showcasing the highs and lows of his career and the personal cost of his choices.

Fact: Johnny Depp spent time with the real George Jung to understand his mannerisms. The film's soundtrack features songs from the 1970s and 1980s to reflect the era.

Description: A tense, cat-and-mouse crime thriller that explores themes of identity, loyalty, and deception. The film's intricate plot and high-stakes tension make it a standout in the genre.

Fact: The film is a remake of the Hong Kong movie 'Infernal Affairs.' Jack Nicholson improvised many of his lines, including the infamous 'I'm not a cop' scene.

Description: A biographical crime film that chronicles the rise and fall of a drug lord, emphasizing themes of ambition, power, and the American Dream gone awry.

Fact: Denzel Washington trained with the real Frank Lucas to prepare for the role. The film was shot in over 200 locations, including Thailand and Harlem.