Gangster films have long been a staple in cinema, often depicting the gritty, dangerous lives of mobsters and their criminal enterprises. However, there's a niche within this genre that offers a lighter, more family-oriented perspective. This collection of 10 family gangster films showcases stories where crime meets family values, providing an entertaining and often heartwarming experience. These movies are perfect for viewers who enjoy the thrill of the underworld but prefer a narrative that's accessible and suitable for family viewing. Here, we explore how these films manage to balance the dark world of gangsters with the light of family bonds.

The Godfather (1972)
Description: This iconic film follows the Corleone family, where the patriarch Vito Corleone navigates the treacherous world of organized crime while ensuring his family's safety and legacy. It's a family saga at heart, focusing on loyalty, tradition, and the struggle to maintain family unity amidst external threats.
Fact: The film was initially rated X by the MPAA, but after some edits, it was re-rated R. Also, Marlon Brando improvised the famous cat scene, picking up a stray cat from the studio lot.


The Freshman (1990)
Description: A naive college student gets entangled with a mobster who resembles Marlon Brando's character from "The Godfather," leading to a series of comedic and family-oriented misadventures.
Fact: Marlon Brando's character in this film is a parody of his own role as Vito Corleone. The film also features a real-life Komodo dragon, which adds to the humor.


Goodfellas (1990)
Description: Although known for its intense portrayal of mob life, "Goodfellas" also explores the family dynamics within the mafia, showing how crime impacts personal relationships and family values.
Fact: The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won for Best Supporting Actor for Joe Pesci. It's often cited as one of the greatest gangster films ever made.


My Cousin Vinny (1992)
Description: This comedy revolves around a New York lawyer, Vinny, who must defend his cousin in a small Alabama town, blending legal drama with family dynamics and the fish-out-of-water humor.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Marisa Tomei, who won the award. The movie was also praised for its accurate depiction of legal proceedings.


A Bronx Tale (1993)
Description: A father struggles to keep his son away from the local mob boss who takes the boy under his wing, offering a poignant look at family, loyalty, and the choices one makes.
Fact: Robert De Niro made his directorial debut with this film, which was based on a one-man show by Chazz Palminteri, who also stars in the movie.


Donnie Brasco (1997)
Description: While not strictly a family film, this movie delves into the personal life of an FBI agent infiltrating the mob, highlighting the impact of his undercover work on his family and the family-like bonds he forms within the mafia.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone, who went undercover as Donnie Brasco. Al Pacino and Johnny Depp both received critical acclaim for their performances.


Analyze This (1999)
Description: A mafia boss, Paul Vitti, suffers from panic attacks and seeks help from a reluctant psychiatrist, leading to a series of comedic and heartwarming interactions that explore the softer side of a hardened criminal.
Fact: The film was so successful that it spawned a sequel, "Analyze That," released in


Mickey Blue Eyes (1999)
Description: An English auctioneer falls in love with a woman whose father is a mobster. His attempts to impress her family lead to a series of funny and heartwarming situations, showcasing the clash between his world and the mafia's.
Fact: Hugh Grant, known for his romantic comedies, took on a role that mixed romance with the mafia, providing a fresh twist to his usual characters.


The Whole Nine Yards (2000)
Description: A dentist learns that his new neighbor is a notorious hitman, leading to a comedic and family-oriented plot involving mistaken identities, mobsters, and a quest for a new life.
Fact: The film's title refers to the idea of giving everything one has, which is reflected in the characters' all-out efforts to survive and thrive.


The Family (2013)
Description: A former mafia boss and his family are relocated to a small town in France under the witness protection program. Their attempts to live a normal life are hilariously undermined by their ingrained criminal habits and the inevitable clash with the local community.
Fact: The film was based on the French novel "Malavita" by Tonino Benacquista. Robert De Niro, who plays the mafia boss, had previously portrayed similar characters in other gangster films.
