The 10 Greatest Gangster Movie Masterpieces of the Last 100 Years, Ranked

Goodfellas, City of God, and Carlito's Way are all among the very best gangster movies of the last 100 years.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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This article explores the enduring appeal of gangster films and ranks the 10 greatest gangster movie masterpieces of the last century. From classics like The Godfather and Goodfellas to modern gems like City of God, these films offer unflinching glimpses into human nature, herd mentality, and the difficult decisions people make to ensure their own survival.

Why it matters

Gangster movies often demonstrate the difficult, if not impossible, decisions that some people are forced to make because of where and when they grew up, or even based on what they look like. These films offer unique thrills and a point of relatively detached fascination for most viewers, while also providing insights into the human condition.

The details

The article covers 10 of the greatest gangster films of the last 100 years, including Carlito's Way, Once Upon a Time in America, Boyz n the Hood, The Irishman, Scarface (1932), The Public Enemy, City of God, Goodfellas, Angels with Dirty Faces, and The Godfather. It provides context on the significance and legacy of each film, highlighting their impact on the genre and cinema as a whole.

  • The article was published on February 24, 2026.
  • The films discussed span the last 100 years, from the 1930s to the 2020s.

The players

Martin Scorsese

A renowned American filmmaker who has directed several acclaimed gangster films, including Goodfellas and The Irishman.

Francis Ford Coppola

The director of the iconic gangster film The Godfather, which is widely considered one of the greatest movies of all time.

John Singleton

The director of the 1991 film Boyz n the Hood, which has become a classic coming-of-age story about growing up in South Central Los Angeles.

Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund

The directors of the 2002 Brazilian film City of God, which is hailed as one of the greatest movies ever made and helped put Brazilian cinema on the map.

Brian De Palma

The director of the 1983 film Scarface, which is a remake of the 1932 classic of the same name.

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What they’re saying

“These characters, who are really despicable, are presented in such a way that you like them. And that was the key.”

— Martin Scorsese, Director (American Film Institute)

“There was a lot of pressure on him from the various [crime] families of New York not to shoot the picture in New York. We almost moved the picture one time...And Francis was a nervous wreck from it. There was actually a conspiracy against Francis on the production side of the picture to keep Francis from making the film.”

— Robert Evans, Producer and studio executive (Hollywood: The Oral History)

The takeaway

Gangster films have captivated audiences for decades, offering a unique window into the human condition and the difficult choices people make to survive. These 10 masterpieces have left an indelible mark on cinema, cementing the genre's enduring appeal and influence.