Hollywood is fascinated with gangsters, and there have been a lot of great gangster movies over the years. I like a good gangster movie as much as the next guy, so today I'm going with my top 5 gangster movies.
Let me get one thing out of the way first. You will not be seeing The Godfather on my list. I hate to admit this, but I haven't actually watched it. I've seen so many bits and pieces, that I'm sure I've seen the whole thing. I certainly know a Godfather reference when I see one. But in my mind, you have to watch a movie from start to finish for an official viewing. Since I haven't done that, I can't include The Godfather on this list.
I know, pathetic. Feel free to ridicule me in the comments.
With that out of the way, here's the list:
5) State of Grace
4) A Bronx Tale
3) Eastern Promises
2) Goodfellas
1) Pulp Fiction
What's your favorite gangster movie?
I have not seen any of these or Godfather but I think I know most of the movie from other shows referencing it.
ReplyDeleteIs Reservoir Dogs a gangster movie if so it is the only one coming to mind right now.
I would say RD is a gangster movie, and a damn good one at that.
DeleteI'm not a big fan of Gangster stuff, I have to say. I think I've seen A Bronx Tale but can't remember it - and haven't seen any of the others on your list that I remember. Not even...gasp...PULP FICTION! Most people are horrified when I tell them that ;)
ReplyDeleteI have watched a bit of The Sopranos and definitely think it's an excellent show. But I guess I find it a bit too troubling to watch.
I never got into The Sopranos. My wife and I have talked about getting the series on Netflix, but who knows if that will ever happen with so much other stuff to watch.
DeleteMy husband loves these, but I just can't get into them- the violence maybe? I don't know.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.melanieschulz.blogspot.com
I was surprised that I enjoyed watching Pulp Fiction. It's been years, now, but I found it fascinating. I've watched all the Godfather movies. My ex loves them. They are epic.
ReplyDeletePlay off the Page
Yeah.. I don't do gangsters....
ReplyDeletebut I thought of you and your appreciation of movies last night. I watched (again,though I scarcely remember watching it the first time) Good Will Hunting. I'd be interested in your thoughts on that genre - what would you call that type of movie? It is my style and I want more like that..... ideas?
I'm not sure what you'd call the genre either. You've got that interesting mentor/troubled soul thing on. If you like GWH, you might like another Gus Van Zant movie called Finding Forrester. Another movie that fits that mold, and one of my all time favs, is Wonder Boys.
DeleteI'm not a fan of gangster stuff but I have seen The Godfather 1 and 2. I can't make fun of you for not seeing it since I've never seen Pulp Fiction. Yes, I am beyond lame.
ReplyDeleteYou and Arlee Bird are on the same line of thought today. I just left his blog. The most recent gangster movie that I have seen is Public Enemies with Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. I liked it pretty well. I want to see the one with Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, but I haven't. I also liked The Usual Suspects (on Arlee's list) and Goodfellas (on Arlee's list and your list). Pulp Fiction is one of those movies that I felt completely mixed about when I was done with it. I knew it made movie history, but it freaked me out. Quentin T. is a mental S.O.B. That I know.
ReplyDeleteI also liked The Untouchables. And Bugsy was just a fun movie. I really loved that soundtrack when it came out. I know that you didn't ask about soundtracks... but, as you know, there was a time when soundtracks and movies were riding one another for mutual success. I think the soundtrack helped Bugsy to get there.
You seriously have never watched the Godfather? Seriously? Seriously? You have to sit down and watch it. Please. I beg you. I will drive to AZ and watch it with you, if necessary. I will bring my copy. I will bring cannoli. I will make you a pasta you can't refuse.
ReplyDeleteAs a Coen fan, I"m sure you have Miller's Crossing somewhere in your top fifteen. That's a great movie too. Really like your Eastern Promises inclusion. Very underrated movie.
As for Pulp Fiction, I have nothing to add. I'm heading out for lunch now, to get a Royale with cheese.
Hope the Royale with cheese was tasty Mike. I would love nothing more than to watch The Godfather with you here in Arizona. In fact, let's make that happen. Soon. Bring the whole family.
DeletePulp Fiction is fabulous, and my husband loves Goodfellas and Godfather. I tend to like the younger version though... gangsters, as in gangs... Warriors is a cult classic.
ReplyDeleteBugsy Malone.....
ReplyDeleteReservoir Dogs - best ever
ReplyDeleteWhat no Johnny Dangerously???
ReplyDeleteI know, I'm a real fargin bastage.
DeleteI came upon your blog as I was going down the list. Pulp Fiction is my number one as well. I also liked that one with Kevin Spacey, where they were on a ship and he tricked everyone, including the police. He was limping. I'm so mad I can't remember the name of it. The Usual Suspects?? Was that it? I must see Goodfellows, but I haven't yet. I don't know the rest of them.
ReplyDeleteYep, that's The Usual Suspects. Great movie-almost made the list.
DeleteGoodfella and Pulp FIction are two faves of mine. Hey Tim, you and Arlee need to get together and have a Godfather marathon (well at least the first two).
ReplyDeleteChuck at Apocalypse Now
I saw that we had the same topic today, and the same flaw in our movie history.
DeleteI'd say an all the way through viewing of The Godfather is in order. Agree re Goodfellas, great movie...
ReplyDeleteI think The Godfather has to be my favorite. Pulp Fiction would be second. Ohhhh but maybe Scar Face... so many great gangsters!
ReplyDeleteConnie
A to Z buddy
Peanut Butter and Whine