If you were captivated by the gritty, true-crime storytelling of 'Lynchpin of Bensonhurst: The Dominick Montiglio Story (2021),' you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that delve into the underworld, organized crime, and gripping real-life narratives. Whether you're a fan of mob dramas or fascinated by true crime, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Description: An epic crime saga that spans decades, exploring the rise and fall of a group of Jewish gangsters in New York, with themes of friendship, betrayal, and the passage of time.
Fact: The film was originally over four hours long but was heavily cut for its U.S. release. Sergio Leone considered it his masterpiece and spent years developing the project.


A Bronx Tale (1993)
Description: A coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of organized crime, focusing on the moral dilemmas and loyalties faced by a young man torn between two father figures.
Fact: The film is based on Chazz Palminteri's one-man play, which he also adapted for the screen. It was Robert De Niro's directorial debut.


Carlito's Way (1993)
Description: A former gangster's attempt to go straight is thwarted by his past, illustrating the inescapable nature of a life of crime and the struggle for redemption.
Fact: The film is based on two novels by Edwin Torres, a former New York Supreme Court judge. The courtroom scenes were inspired by Torres's real-life experiences.


Casino (1995)
Description: A gritty portrayal of the mob's involvement in Las Vegas casinos, highlighting themes of power, betrayal, and the consequences of a life of crime.
Fact: The film is based on the real-life story of Frank Rosenthal, a mob associate who ran casinos for the Chicago Outfit. Many scenes were shot in the actual casinos where the events took place.


Donnie Brasco (1997)
Description: This film explores the dangerous world of undercover FBI agents infiltrating the mob, showcasing the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminal life.
Fact: The story is based on the real-life experiences of FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone, who spent six years undercover in the Bonanno crime family. The film's script was heavily influenced by Pistone's memoir.


The Sopranos (1999)
Description: This series delves deep into the complexities of organized crime, focusing on the psychological and familial struggles of its protagonist, much like the exploration of mob life and personal turmoil.
Fact: The show was initially pitched as a movie about a mobster in therapy, but it evolved into a groundbreaking TV series. It popularized the antihero trope in television.


The Departed (2006)
Description: A tense crime thriller about undercover agents on both sides of the law, exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and the psychological toll of deception.
Fact: The film is a remake of the Hong Kong movie 'Infernal Affairs.' It won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Martin Scorsese.


American Gangster (2007)
Description: This film tells the true story of a Harlem drug lord and the detective determined to bring him down, highlighting the intersection of crime, law enforcement, and societal issues.
Fact: The movie is based on the life of Frank Lucas, who smuggled heroin into the U.S. in the coffins of soldiers killed in Vietnam. Denzel Washington spent time with Lucas to prepare for the role.


Boardwalk Empire (2010)
Description: A historical drama that chronicles the rise of organized crime during Prohibition, blending real-life figures with fictional narratives to explore themes of power and corruption.
Fact: The series was created by Terence Winter, a writer for 'The Sopranos,' and features meticulous period detail. Many of the characters are based on actual historical figures, including Al Capone and Lucky Luciano.


Gomorrah (2014)
Description: A raw and unflinching look at the Camorra crime syndicate in Naples, Italy, depicting the brutal realities of mob life and its impact on communities.
Fact: The series is based on Roberto Saviano's bestselling book, which led to him receiving death threats from the Camorra and living under police protection. The show's authenticity comes from its use of non-professional actors from the neighborhoods it portrays.
