Quentin Tarantino's groundbreaking film isn't strictly a 'gangster' movie in the traditional sense, but its non-linear narrative, sharp dialogue, and cool criminals left an indelible mark on crime cinema. It's a cultural phenomenon that revitalized careers and filmmaking styles.

Uma Thurman's character, Mia Wallace, was almost played by someone else, but Tarantino specifically wrote the role for her and waited for her availability.

Michael Mann directs this stylish period piece about the legendary bank robber John Dillinger during the Great Depression. Johnny Depp portrays Dillinger with charisma, while Christian Bale plays the FBI agent tasked with hunting him down.

Mann is known for his meticulous research and attention to detail, and the film strives for historical accuracy in its depiction of the era and the real-life figures involved.

David Cronenberg explores the dark world of the Russian mafia in London in this gritty thriller. Viggo Mortensen gives a captivating, Oscar-nominated performance as a mysterious driver entangled with a criminal family.

The film is particularly known for its brutally realistic and intense bathhouse fight scene, which required extensive preparation and choreography from Mortensen.

Robert De Niro's directorial debut is a heartfelt coming-of-age story set in the Bronx in the 1960s. Based on Chazz Palminteri's play, it explores the conflict faced by a young man torn between the love of his father and the allure of the local mob boss.

The film is notable for its authentic portrayal of neighborhood life and the complex relationship between the protagonist, his father (De Niro), and the gangster Sonny (Palminteri).

Sam Mendes' visually stunning film is a somber, elegiac take on the gangster genre, focusing on a mob enforcer (Tom Hanks) who must protect his son after their family is murdered. Set during the Great Depression, it's a story about fathers and sons.

Cinematographer Conrad L. Hall won a posthumous Academy Award for his breathtaking work on the film, capturing the era and the emotional weight of the story through light and shadow.

Ridley Scott directs this powerful film based on the true story of Frank Lucas, a drug lord who smuggled heroin into the U.S. in the 1970s, and the detective who brought him down. Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe deliver compelling performances.

The film highlights the contrast between Lucas's seemingly respectable public life and his brutal criminal enterprise, as well as the corruption within law enforcement at the time.

Brian De Palma's historical crime drama tells the story of Eliot Ness's efforts to bring down Al Capone during the Prohibition era. It features a stellar cast and several iconic, suspenseful sequences.

Sean Connery won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as the veteran beat cop Jim Malone, providing the moral compass for Ness's team.

The Coen Brothers bring their unique style to the Prohibition-era gangster genre with this tale of loyalty, betrayal, and fedoras. Known for its intricate plot, sharp dialogue, and dark humor, it's a stylish and often overlooked gem.

The iconic scene where Gabriel Byrne's character's hat blows away in the forest was inspired by a similar sequence in Akira Kurosawa's film 'Sanjuro.'

Martin Scorsese finally won his long-deserved Best Director Oscar for this taut, complex thriller set in Boston. It follows a state trooper infiltrating the Irish Mob and a mole within the police force, leading to a gripping game of cat and mouse.

It's a remake of the acclaimed Hong Kong film 'Infernal Affairs.' Scorsese relocated the story and characters to Boston, capturing the city's specific atmosphere and dialect.

Brian De Palma's stylish and ultra-violent remake features Al Pacino as the unforgettable Cuban refugee turned drug lord, Tony Montana. While controversial upon release, its over-the-top excess and quotable lines have made it a cultural touchstone.

The screenplay was written by Oliver Stone, who was battling his own cocaine addiction at the time, reportedly using the drug to fuel his writing process for the film.

Scorsese reunites with De Niro and Pesci for this sprawling saga set in the glittering, corrupt world of 1970s Las Vegas. Based on the true story of Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal and Tony "The Ant" Spilotro, it details how the mob skimmed profits before corporate interests took over.

Sharon Stone received an Academy Award nomination for her powerful portrayal of Ginger McKenna, inspired by Rosenthal's wife, Geri McGee.

This British crime film offers a chilling, stylized look at London's underworld through the eyes of a truly ruthless individual. Malcolm McDowell and Paul Bettany both portray the central character at different ages, showcasing a disturbing descent into psychopathy.

Directed by Paul McGuigan, it stands out for its stark visuals and psychological intensity, focusing less on mob structure and more on the brutal nature of one man.

Martin Scorsese's electrifying dive into the life of Henry Hill is a masterclass in filmmaking. Its kinetic energy, iconic freeze frames, and voiceover narration pull you right into the exhilarating, then terrifying, world of the mob.

Joe Pesci won an Oscar for his role as Tommy DeVito. His famous 'Funny how?' scene was largely improvised, stemming from a real anecdote Ray Liotta shared with Scorsese about his own life.

Francis Ford Coppola's epic is simply foundational. It transformed how we see organized crime on screen, moving away from pulp towards complex family dynamics and tragic ambition.

Did you know Marlon Brando famously used a real dentist's mouthpiece to create Don Corleone's jowls? It was an early test shot that convinced Paramount he could play the role, despite their initial reservations.