Top 10 Crime Thriller Films About Criminal Gangs

Description: This gritty, realistic portrayal of a New York City cop's pursuit of a French heroin smuggler is famous for its car chase scene and its depiction of police work in the early '70s.

Fact: The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was based on a true story of a massive drug bust.

Description: This iconic film is the epitome of crime family sagas, detailing the Corleone family's struggle to maintain power in the world of organized crime. It's a landmark in cinema for its storytelling and character depth.

Fact: Marlon Brando famously refused his Best Actor Oscar for his role as Vito Corleone, protesting Hollywood's treatment of Native Americans.

Description: Martin Scorsese's classic film follows the rise and fall of Henry Hill, a small-time hoodlum who becomes part of the Lucchese crime family. It's a raw, gritty look at the life of organized crime.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of Henry Hill, whose life was chronicled in the book "Wiseguy" by Nicholas Pileggi.

Description: Quentin Tarantino's debut feature is a stylish, dialogue-driven heist film that focuses on the aftermath of a botched diamond robbery, exploring themes of loyalty and betrayal among a group of criminals.

Fact: The film was made on a budget of just $

Description: Robert De Niro's directorial debut is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Italian-American mafia in the Bronx, exploring themes of loyalty, family, and the allure of the criminal lifestyle.

Fact: The film is based on Chazz Palminteri's one-man show, which he wrote after his own experiences growing up in the Bronx.

Description: Michael Mann's epic crime saga pits a master thief against a relentless detective in a game of cat and mouse that spans across Los Angeles. The film's iconic diner scene is a study in character development and tension.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events involving a criminal mastermind known as Neil McCauley.

Description: Set in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, this Brazilian film captures the rise of a young man from a street kid to a drug lord, offering a raw, unfiltered look at gang life in Brazil.

Fact: The film was shot on location in the real City of God slum, using many non-professional actors from the area.

Description: This film is a masterclass in tension, featuring a cat-and-mouse game between an undercover cop and a mole in the police department, both infiltrating the Irish mob in Boston. It's a must-watch for its complex narrative and unforgettable performances.

Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film, and it also won Best Picture at the 2007 Academy Awards.

Description: David Cronenberg's film delves into the Russian mafia in London, with a gripping story about a midwife who uncovers a dark secret involving the Russian mob. The film is known for its intense action sequences and deep character studies.

Fact: Viggo Mortensen learned Russian for his role, and his performance earned him an Academy Award nomination.

Description: Set in Boston, this film explores the lives of bank robbers who are forced to confront their pasts when one of their heists goes wrong. It's a thrilling ride with a focus on character development and local flavor.

Fact: Ben Affleck, who directed and starred in the film, grew up in Boston and drew inspiration from the city's criminal history.