The 10 Greatest Gangster Movies Since 'Goodfellas'

From 'Gangs of Wasseypur' to 'The Irishman', these crime dramas have expanded the genre's possibilities.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:27pm

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An extreme close-up of shattered glass and glittering shards in dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting, conceptually representing the gritty glamour and violent underbelly of the gangster genre.The shattered remnants of the gangster genre's iconic imagery reflect the genre's enduring fascination with power, ambition, and the personal cost of violence.Boston Today

When Goodfellas redefined the gangster genre in 1990, it set a new standard that filmmakers around the world have been chasing ever since. This list highlights 10 of the greatest crime movies that have been released in the decades since Scorsese's classic, including international epics, psychological thrillers, and Marty's own swan song to the genre.

Why it matters

Goodfellas stripped away the romantic mythology of the gangster genre and replaced it with a gritty, cocaine-fueled portrait of the criminal underworld. In the years since, filmmakers have continued to push the boundaries of the genre, using organized crime stories to explore broader themes and fresh styles. These 10 films represent the best of that evolution, showcasing the genre's enduring fascination with ambition, downfall, and the nature of violence.

The details

From the sprawling Indian saga Gangs of Wasseypur to the intimate psychological thriller Sexy Beast, each of these movies has found a unique way to build upon the foundation laid by Goodfellas. Some, like Casino and The Departed, come from Scorsese himself, while others, like Road to Perdition and A History of Violence, put their own distinctive spins on the genre. Collectively, they demonstrate the endless creative potential of the gangster film.

  • Goodfellas was released in 1990.
  • Gangs of Wasseypur premiered in 2012.
  • Sexy Beast was released in 2000.
  • Casino hit theaters in 1995.
  • Carlito's Way was released in 1993.

The players

Martin Scorsese

An acclaimed American filmmaker who has directed several of the most influential gangster movies of all time, including Goodfellas, Casino, and The Departed.

Anurag Kashyap

An Indian filmmaker who directed the sprawling epic Gangs of Wasseypur, which reimagines the gangster genre through the lens of Indian history.

Jonathan Glazer

A British filmmaker whose feature debut, Sexy Beast, is one of the most psychologically intense gangster films ever made.

Brian De Palma

An American filmmaker who directed the tragic gangster story Carlito's Way, starring Al Pacino.

Sam Mendes

A British filmmaker who combined crime storytelling with a poignant father-son drama in the film Road to Perdition.

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What they’re saying

“Power is not given. It is taken.”

— Anurag Kashyap, Director, Gangs of Wasseypur

“No! No! No! No! No! No! No!”

— Ben Kingsley, Actor, Sexy Beast

“In the casino, the cardinal rule is to keep them playing.”

— Robert De Niro, Actor, Casino

“I'm out. I'm done with that life.”

— Al Pacino, Actor, Carlito's Way

“There are no accidents.”

— Viggo Mortensen, Actor, Eastern Promises

What’s next

As The Irishman marks the end of an era for Scorsese's gangster films, it remains to be seen what new directions the genre will take in the years to come. Filmmakers around the world will undoubtedly continue to find innovative ways to explore the themes of power, loyalty, and the personal cost of violence that have defined the crime drama for decades.

The takeaway

These 10 films demonstrate the enduring appeal and creative potential of the gangster genre. From international epics to psychological thrillers, each movie has found a unique way to build upon the foundation laid by Goodfellas, pushing the boundaries of the genre and exploring broader themes of identity, family, and the nature of power. As the genre continues to evolve, these films will stand as some of the greatest examples of what the crime drama can achieve.