10 Movies & Shows Similar to Public Enemies (2009)

Description: As one of the earliest gangster films, 'The Public Enemy' shares with 'Public Enemies' a focus on the rise and fall of a criminal during the Prohibition era. Both films examine the societal factors that lead individuals to crime and the inevitable consequences of their actions.

Fact: Starring James Cagney in a breakthrough role. The grapefruit scene is one of the most famous in film history. It was one of the first films to portray gangsters as complex characters rather than outright villains.

Description: Like 'Public Enemies', this film romanticizes the lives of infamous outlaws, blending action with deep character studies. Both movies explore the media's role in glorifying criminals and the inevitable violent end that awaits them. The visual style, with its mix of gritty realism and stylish cinematography, is another point of similarity.

Fact: Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway's performances became iconic. The film's graphic violence was groundbreaking for its time. It marked a turning point in Hollywood, ushering in the New Hollywood era.

Description: This film directly parallels 'Public Enemies' as it focuses on the life of John Dillinger, the same criminal portrayed in the 2009 movie. Both films depict Dillinger's charismatic yet ruthless nature, his bank robberies, and his eventual downfall. The period setting and the portrayal of 1930s America are key similarities.

Fact: Starring Warren Oates as Dillinger, the film takes a more fictionalized approach to his life. It was part of a wave of 1970s gangster films. The movie features a memorable shootout at the Biograph Theater, mirroring Dillinger's real-life death.

Description: Similar to 'Public Enemies' in its portrayal of law enforcement's pursuit of notorious criminals during the Prohibition era. Both films highlight the cat-and-mouse game between criminals and authorities, with a strong focus on historical accuracy and period detail. The themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral ambiguities of crime fighting are central to both narratives.

Fact: Directed by Brian De Palma, the film is based on the real-life efforts of Eliot Ness to bring down Al Capone. 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: Like 'Public Enemies', 'Miller's Crossing' is a stylish crime drama that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and power struggles within the criminal underworld. Both films feature intricate plots and morally ambiguous characters, set against the backdrop of Prohibition-era America.

Fact: Directed by the Coen Brothers, the film is known for its sharp dialogue and intricate plot. The hat blowing in the wind scene is iconic. It was initially a box office disappointment but has since gained a cult following.

Description: Both 'Road to Perdition' and 'Public Enemies' are visually stunning films that explore the criminal underworld with a focus on father-son relationships and the consequences of a life of crime. The melancholic tone and the emphasis on loyalty and betrayal are themes shared by both movies.

Fact: Directed by Sam Mendes, the film is based on a graphic novel. It features Paul Newman's final on-screen role. The cinematography by Conrad L. Hall won an Academy Award.

Description: Similar to 'Public Enemies', this film is based on true events and follows the rise and fall of a notorious criminal, Frank Lucas. Both movies delve into the intricacies of organized crime and the law enforcement efforts to dismantle it. The period detail and the moral complexities of the characters are central to both stories.

Fact: Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe star in the lead roles. The film was directed by Ridley Scott. It was initially developed as a project for Antoine Fuqua with Benicio del Toro as Lucas.

Description: Both 'Lawless' and 'Public Enemies' are set during the Prohibition era and focus on the violent struggles between bootleggers and law enforcement. The films share a gritty, visceral approach to storytelling and a focus on brotherhood and survival in a lawless world.

Fact: Based on the book 'The Wettest County in the World' by Matt Bondurant. Features Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, and Jessica Chastain in leading roles. The film was shot on location in Georgia, USA.

Description: This film shares with 'Public Enemies' a focus on the battle between law enforcement and organized crime in mid-20th century America. Both movies feature stylized action sequences and a strong ensemble cast. The period setting and the depiction of iconic criminals are key similarities.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life LAPD officers who fought against Mickey Cohen's gang. It features an all-star cast including Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling, and Emma Stone. The release was delayed due to the Aurora theater shooting, leading to the removal of a cinema shootout scene.

Description: Like 'Public Enemies', 'Black Mass' is a biographical crime film that focuses on the life of a notorious criminal, Whitey Bulger, and his complex relationship with the FBI. Both films explore themes of betrayal, power, and the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminality.

Fact: Johnny Depp underwent a dramatic physical transformation for his role as Bulger. The film is based on a book by Dick Lehr and Gerard O'Neill. It marks one of Depp's most critically acclaimed performances in recent years.