Underrated Gangster Movies
Underrated Gangster Movies are a treasure trove of cinematic excellence, waiting to be discovered by movie enthusiasts. If you’re tired of the same old gangster movies being rehashed and re-released, look no further! Here are 15 underrated gangster movies that showcase a mix of gritty realism, stunning performances, and captivating storytelling.
1. “Hoffa” (1992)
Directed by Danny DeVito, this film stars Jack Nicholson as the infamous Teamster leader Jimmy Hoffa, who rises to power and eventually disappears under mysterious circumstances. With an all-star cast, including Danny DeVito, Armand Assante, and John C. Reilly, Hoffa is a fictionalized account of Hoffa’s life and disappearance. Underrated Gangster Movies like this one deserve more attention.
2. “The General” (1998)
Directed by John Boorman, this crime thriller tells the story of Irish mobster Martin Cahill, played by Brendan Gleeson, who reflects on his life of crime and the events that led to his death. The film is based on the true story of Cahill’s life and features a stunning performance from Gleeson. Underrated Gangster Movies like this one are a testament to the power of storytelling.
3. “The Friends of Eddie Coyle” (1973)
Directed by Peter Yates, this crime thriller stars Robert Mitchum as Eddie Coyle, a gunrunner who becomes an informant for the police. With a gripping storyline and outstanding performances from the entire cast, The Friends of Eddie Coyle is a classic example of a well-crafted gangster film. Underrated Gangster Movies like this one are often overlooked.
4. “Killing Them Softly” (2012)
Directed by Andrew Dominik, this crime thriller is based on George V. Higgins’ novel Cogan’s Trade and features a star-studded cast, including Brad Pitt and James Gandolfini. With its gripping storyline and outstanding performances, Killing Them Softly is an entertaining take on modern organized crime. Underrated Gangster Movies like this one are a must-see for fans of the genre.
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5. “State of Grace” (1990)
Directed by Phil Joanou and Michael Lee Baron, this neo-noir criminal drama stars Sean Penn as Terry Noonan, an undercover officer who infiltrates a local crime boss’s inner circle. Underrated Gangster Movies like this one are often overlooked.
6. “Lansky” (2021)
Directed by Eytan Rockaway, this crime biopic stars Harvey Keitel as notorious underworld mobster Myer Lansky, who recounts his life story to an author while being investigated by the F.B.I. Underrated Gangster Movies like this one are a testament to the power of storytelling.
7. “Hoodlum” (1997)
Directed by Bill Duke, this crime thriller stars Laurence Fishburne as Bumpy Johnson, a powerful gangster who returns to his stomping grounds in Harlem after being released from prison. Underrated Gangster Movies like this one are often overlooked.
8. “The Pope of Greenwich Village” (1984)
Directed by Stuart Rosenberg, this black comedy crime film stars Eric Roberts and Mickey Rourke as cousins who plan to rob a restaurant to help support their pregnant girlfriend. Underrated Gangster Movies like this one are a must-see for fans of the genre.
9. “King of New York” (1990)
Directed by Abel Ferrara, this crime thriller stars Christopher Walken as drug kingpin Frank White, who plans to rebuild his criminal enterprise while also trying to go legitimate after his release from prison. Underrated Gangster Movies like this one are often overlooked.
10. “The Big Combo” (1955)
Directed by Joseph H. Lewis, this crime thriller stars Cornel Wilde as a police lieutenant who begins investigating a powerful crime boss played by Richard Conte. Underrated Gangster Movies like this one are a classic example of a well-crafted gangster film.
11. “Eastern Promises” (2007)
Directed by David Cronenberg, this crime thriller stars Viggo Mortensen as Nikolai Luzhin, a Russian mafia enforcer who takes care of business in London. Underrated Gangster Movies like this one are often overlooked.
12. “The Drop” (2014)
Directed by Michaël R. Roskam, this crime thriller stars Tom Hardy as Bob Saginowski, a bartender who becomes embroiled in a world of organized crime in Brooklyn. Underrated Gangster Movies like this one are a must-see for fans of the genre.
13. “Gone Fishin'” (1997)
Directed by Steven Brill, this crime comedy film stars Danny Glover and Joe Pesci as two friends who go on a fishing trip to escape the stresses of their lives. Underrated Gangster Movies like this one are often overlooked.
14. “The Usual Suspects” (1995)
Directed by Bryan Singer, this crime thriller stars Kevin Spacey as Verbal Kint, a small-time crook who becomes embroiled in a complex web of deceit and betrayal. Underrated Gangster Movies like this one are a testament to the power of storytelling.
15. “American Gangster” (2007)
Directed by Ridley Scott, this biographical crime drama film stars Denzel Washington as Frank Lucas, a heroin smuggler who becomes one of the most successful criminals in New York City during the 1970s. Underrated Gangster Movies like this one are often overlooked.
Conclusion
Underrated Gangster Movies like these are hidden gems waiting to be discovered by movie enthusiasts. With their gritty realism, stunning performances, and captivating storytelling, they offer an alternative to some more well-known films in the genre. Whether you’re a fan of gritty realism or black comedy crime films, these movies are sure to entertain and captivate audiences. Underrated Gangster Movies like these deserve more attention and recognition from critics and audiences alike.
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