In den Straßen der Bronx IMDb

In den Strassen der Bronx [dt./OV]
116 Min. | Deutsch, Englisch (OV)
HD FSK 12

In den Straßen der Bronx
116 Min. | Deutsch
HD FSK 12

In den Straßen der Bronx
122 Min. | Deutsch, Englisch (OV)
HD FSK 12

In den Straßen der Bronx
116 Min. | Deutsch
HD FSK 12

In den Straßen der Bronx
116 Min. | Deutsch
HD FSK 12

In den Straßen der Bronx
117 Min. | Deutsch, Englisch (OV)
FSK 12

In den Straßen der Bronx
117 Min. | Deutsch
HD FSK 12

In den Straßen der Bronx
121 Min. | Deutsch, Englisch (OV)
HD FSK 12

With this year marking The Godfather's 50th anniversary, there's no better time to brush up on some of the best mafia films to date. Specialized by directors like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola, mob films have remained popular for their cutting-edge action, witty dialogue, and overall legendary filmmaking.

Mafia films are also important because they reflected a key time in American history. Most mob stories often follow the lives of immigrants, who as ordinary people were able to rise to the top ranks because of the mafia and ultimately became all-powerful forces. That power, however, inevitably leads to a great downfall, which is the mafia tale directors articulate with some of the most unforgettable film techniques.

SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY

Donnie Brasco (1997) - 7.7

Stream On Netflix

The cast of Donnie Brasco

While most mafia films are inspired by the overall historic mobs centered in America, some are based on true stories directly. This is the case for Donnie Brasco, a film that illustrates the biography of Joesph D. Pistone, an undercover FBI agent who infiltrated a family mob under the alias Donnie Brasco. One of the greatest aspects of the movie is its plot, which explores the complex line Pistone must walk between his job and his newly formed relationships, especially his close bond with aging mobster Lefty (Al Pacino).

Related: 10 Best Documentaries About The American Mafia

Donnie Brasco also features some excellent acting, balancing the classic mobster acting style of Al Pacino and the proven versatility of Johnny Depp (Pistone). The two have excellent chemistry in the film, which makes the story's themes of honor and betrayal even more heartbreaking and impactful.

A Bronx Tale (1993) - 7.8

Rent On Redbox, Amazon, Google Play, & Vudu

A kid with two mobsters in A Bronx Tale

A Bronx Tale has proved itself as an excellent mobster film because of its representation of the real-life struggles of Italian-Americans in the 1960s. The movie's plot centers around the conflict of the young Calogero, who is stuck between his honest, working-class family and the enticing life of the mob.

The movie A Bronx Tale contains a lot of serious subjects, such as the racial tensions between Italian-American and the black community at the time. However, its solemn themes coincide with vivid acting performances and comical, fast-paced dialogue. These juxtaposed tones overall blend together to create a rich experience that earns the film a title as one of the best gangster movies.

The Irishman (2019) - 7.8

Stream On Netflix

The cast of The Irishman

A couple of years ago, The Irishman became an overnight hit on Netflix, and for good reason. Though most of the highest-rated mafia films have been released before the year 2000, Scorsese proved that classic mob films can still be made today with his three-and-a-half-hour epic tale.

The Irishman is great because it brings back the filmmaking techniques of old mafia hits, making it visually look more classic than other films produced today. It also stands it ground because of its acting performances from Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. These actors have already solidified their names as mafia stars years ago, but their older age gives a unique perspective to the mob story through their lenses of maturity.

Casino (1995) - 8.2

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Ace and Nicky facing each other and talking in Casino

Director Martin Scorsese has earned a spot as one of the primary leaders in mobster films, and Casino is a great example of his filmmaking mastery of the genre. The story follows the complex relationship between old friends Ace and Nicky, who are deep and well-written characters encapsulated in the risky mob life.

Related: 10 Ways Casino Is Actually Better Than Goodfellas

Casino has unique, stunning visuals that work to articulate the lavish, gaudy lifestyle that makes the mafia so appealing. However, Scorsese skilfully balances this luxury with the dangers of wealth and power, all wrapped in an immersive story that is based on true events.

Once Upon A Time In America (1984) - 8.3

Stream On Netflix

A kid walking around in America in Once Upon a Time in America

Once Upon a Time in America is a gangster masterpiece co-written and directed by Sergio Leone. The film has many great qualities, but one of the most notable is its plot, which follows best friends Noodles and Max, as they rise to become gangsters in the Jewish mob. The story is incredibly immersive and credible to the time period it is trying to convey, and its focal point around best friends makes its dark themes of greed and betrayal even more impacting.

Unfortunately, the U.S. release of the film was heavily cut and received terrible reception. It has since been restored in its over 3-hour long "European cut," which retains all the good pacing and construction of the original production.

Scarface (1983) - 8.3

Stream On Netflix

Tony taking a bath in Scarface

Scarface is an 80s crime movie that follows Tony Montana's journey from his start as a Cuban refugee to an all-powerful drug lord. Some find the film excessively violent and crude, and it took a long time for it to be more widely accepted. However, as of the current day, it is regarded as one of the best mafia stories on screen.

Most of Scarface's success is due to its lead star, Al Pacino, whose dedicated performance paints Montana as a unique, well-rounded character who is both fearless and brutal, yet able to be sympathized with. The movie's story is unforgettable because of Montana's epic rise and downfall. The film also avoids mobster clichés and creates something that can stand on its own.

The Departed (2006) - 8.5

Stream On HBO Max & The Roku Channel

Leonardo Dicaprio, Jack Nicholson, and Matt Damon on the poster for The Departed.

The Departed is yet another Scorsese classic, though this film delves into the Irish mob instead of the Italian-American mafia and features two men attempting to infiltrate a gang led by Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). The movie marked Scorsese's first and only Oscar for Best Director and is most highly revered for its riveting plot rooted in pure suspense.

Related: The 10 Best Gangster Movies Of The 2000s, Ranked According To IMDb

Though one of The Departed's initial appeals is its all-star cast, what really drives the movie is its complex story. Under Scorsese's direction, the film is always moving forward, with excellent pacing and plenty of twists to maintain audience interest from the beginning to its end.

Goodfellas (1990) - 8.7

Stream On FuboTV & HBO Max

Robert De Niro and Ray Liotta in Goodfellas

Scorsese's Goodfellas is considered a classic mafia movie for good reason. From a filmmaking standpoint, the movie has been commended for its nonlinear storytelling techniques, which examine the lead character Henry Hill from different points in time, allowing the audience many perspectives on his downward journey.

Goodfellas is also considered one of the greats for its immersion into mafia life. The plot was derived from Nicholas Pileggi's book Wiseguys, which follows a true story. Since the movie is rooted in nonfiction, its story feels incredibly real and accurate, giving viewers a proper look into what life is like in the mob.

The Godfather: Part II (1974) - 9.0

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Michael kissing his friend in The Godfather Part 2

The Godfather: Part II is only bested by its predecessor. The film is still ranked one of the best movies of all time for many reasons, mostly its deep and complex story. While The Godfather sets up the dynamic of the Corleone family, Part II intensely examines the life of Micheal Corleone (Al Pacino), the family's youngest son.

Through Micheal, the audience can see the slow corruption the mafia takes on one of its leaders, even though he previously tried to remain uninvolved. It also uses flashback techniques to give a full picture of the Corleone dynasty and an interesting parallel between young Vito's rise to power and Micheal's story. The deep and serious themes of the film are encapsulated by Pacino's stellar acting, which artfully illustrates just how intense the mafia can take on one person.

The Godfather (1972) - 9.2

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Vito in the opening scene of The Godfather

The Godfather holds the position as not only the greatest mafia movie but one of the best films of all time. Francis Ford Coppola's film contains undisputed mastery in all aspects of filmmaking and includes a poetic, epic storyline that perfectly outlines the power struggles and downfalls of being involved in the mob.

There's an endless list of film techniques that make The Godfather legendary. One is its unforgettable score, which perfectly articulates the film's somber and serious tones. Another is its award-winning screenplay, which was written by both Coppola and the original novel's author Mario Puzo. Also, Marlon Brando's versatile performance is a large part of the film's legendary success.

Is A Bronx Tale OK for kids?

Academy Award winner Robert De Niro and Tony winner Jerry Zaks direct this streetwise musical, based on Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri's story. A Bronx Tale is recommended for ages 12 and up due to strong language and gunshot effects.

Is the Bronx Tale Based on a true story?

The film is based on Chazz Palminteri's play original play of the same name, which was performed as a one-man show, being largely based on his own childhood, specifically the shooting Calogero witnesses as a child, as well as the occupation and name of his father.

Is A Bronx Tale a good movie?

A “GoodFellas” with heart, “A Bronx Tale” represents a wonderfully vivid snapshot of a colorful place and time, as well as a very satisfying directorial debut by Robert De Niro. A Bronx Tale is a deliciously well-observed memory piece about growing up in the '60s that marks the vital debut of director Robert De Niro.

Is A Bronx Tale inappropriate?

Content: -2 Extreme caution for older teenagers and adults.