The 20 Best Movies Like 'Scarface,' Ranked By Fans
- Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures120 VOTES
Scorsese makes another appearance on this list with Goodfellas, which presents an intimate look at mob life from inside out. The performances by Ray Liotta as Henry Hill, Robert De Niro as James Conway and Joe Pesci as Tommy DeVito are nothing short of electrifying. This film not only redefined the gangster genre but also had lasting impacts on pop culture - its fast-paced narrative style and raw depiction of violence have influenced countless films since.
Like Scarface, Goodfellas redefines the gangster genre and offers endlessly quotable dialogue.
- Photo: Carlito's Way216 VOTES
Carlito's Way presents the struggle of a reformed criminal trying to escape his past. Al Pacino delivers a powerful performance as Carlito Brigante, a Puerto Rican ex-convict determined to leave his life of crime behind but finds himself drawn back into the underworld. This movie examines the theme of redemption while highlighting the relentless grip of past mistakes. Sean Penn's portrayal of sleazy lawyer Dave Kleinfeld also adds another layer to this compelling narrative. As such, Carlito's Way serves as an influential piece in the canon of crime dramas.
Carlito's Way, also starring Al Pacino, parallels Scarface's theme of redemption.
- Photo: Warner Bros.313 VOTES
Martin Scorsese's masterpiece The Departed, stands out with its intricate plot about deception within both law enforcement agencies and Boston's Irish Mob. It showcases stellar performances from Leonardo DiCaprio as undercover cop Billy Costigan Jr., Matt Damon as corrupt officer Colin Sullivan, Jack Nicholson as ruthless mob boss Frank Costello, among others. The complex relationships between these characters drive home themes such as loyalty versus betrayal, identity crisis, and moral ambiguity. The film's impact on pop culture is evident, as it continues to be referenced and celebrated years after its release.
The Departed, echoing Scarface's themes, features stellar performances by an ensemble cast.
- Photo: Serpico413 VOTES
Serpico, starring Al Pacino in one of his most iconic roles, stands as a testament to individual courage against systemic corruption. Based on true events, this film follows Frank Serpico's solitary fight against police corruption in New York City during the 1970s. It delves into themes such as integrity in law enforcement and personal sacrifice for greater good – concepts that continue to resonate today.
Serpico blurs the line between cop and criminal with Scarface star Al Pacino delivering an unforgettable performance.
- Photo: Casino514 VOTES
Casino, directed by Martin Scorsese, is an intricate tapestry woven with threads of greed, deception, money, power, and murder. With Robert De Niro as Sam "Ace" Rothstein and Joe Pesci as Nicky Santoro ruling over Las Vegas' underworld, the movie paints an unflinching portrait of Mafia influence on American society. Its impact on pop culture is undeniable; it has become synonymous with cinematic depictions of organized crime and remains a touchstone in discussions around the genre.
Casino paints an unflinching portrait of Mafia influence on society, similar to Scarface.
- Photo: Netflix620 VOTES
The Irishman is a captivating journey into the underbelly of organized crime, centered around the life of Frank Sheeran, a hitman for the mafia. Directed by Martin Scorsese and featuring remarkable performances from Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, this epic saga delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of power. The film's narrative intricately weaves historical events with fictional elements, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.
The Irishman mirrors Scarface's exploration of organized crime, and also features Al Pacino, in a captivating tale of criminal codes.
- Photo: Warner Bros.77 VOTES
Sergio Leone's epic masterpiece Once Upon a Time in America is not just another gangster movie; it's an intricate tapestry woven from threads of friendship, betrayal, greed and redemption spanning several decades in New York City's criminal underworld. Robert De Niro delivers one of his career-best performances as David “Noodles” Aaronson while James Woods shines equally bright as Max Bercovicz - two friends whose destinies are irrevocably intertwined amidst violence and corruption.
Once Upon a Time in America weaves threads of friendship, betrayal, and redemption, mirroring Scarface's exploration of the criminal underworld.
- Photo: Eastern Promises810 VOTES
David Cronenberg's Eastern Promises immerses viewers in London's Russian mafia circles through the eyes of midwife Anna (Naomi Watts), who stumbles upon their dark world while trying to trace a newborn baby’s lineage. Viggo Mortensen delivers a stellar performance as Nikolai Luzhin, a driver with hidden depths. Its raw portrayal of organized crime coupled with its exploration of identity makes it stand out in the genre.
Eastern Promises parallels Scarface in its raw portrayal of organized crime, taking viewers deep into London's Russian mafia circles through a gripping narrative.
- Photo: The Iceman95 VOTES
The Iceman is a chilling journey into the heart of darkness, depicting the life of notorious contract killer Richard Kuklinski. Michael Shannon's riveting performance as Kuklinski takes center stage, embodying a man whose icy veneer hides a tempestuous inner world. The film's exploration of dual identities and moral corruption offers a stark examination of human nature that resonates within the crime drama genre.
The Iceman offers a chilling journey into killer's life, much like Scarface.
- Photo: The Gambler109 VOTES
The Gambler presents an intriguing character study set against the backdrop of high-stakes betting. This riveting drama explores themes such as obsession, self-destruction, and moral decay through James Caan’s remarkable portrayal of Axel Freed, a literature professor with a crippling gambling addiction. Through his descent into chaos, the film offers an insightful commentary on how individual choices can have far-reaching consequences.
The Gambler presents a character study echoing Scarface's themes of obsession and moral decay.
- Photo: Mean Streets1111 VOTES
Mean Streets is a masterpiece by Martin Scorsese that explores the gritty realities of small-time gangsters in New York City. Harvey Keitel brilliantly portrays Charlie, a man torn between his Catholic guilt and his loyalty towards his reckless friend Johnny Boy played by Robert De Niro. This seminal work laid down some thematic groundwork for future crime dramas: moral conflict within a criminal lifestyle.
Mean Streets shares Scarface's exploration of gritty small-time gangsters.
- Photo: Anchor Bay Films124 VOTES
Kill the Irishman takes audience members deep into Cleveland's criminal underworld during the 1970s. Starring Ray Stevenson as Danny Greene – an Irish-American mobster - this gripping tale chronicles his rise through the Mafia ranks and eventual defiance against Italian mob rule. Beyond its thrilling plotline, Kill the Irishman explores themes of ethnic rivalry within organized crime circles while showcasing memorable performances from Vincent D'Onofrio and Val Kilmer.
Kill the Irishman echoes Scarface's exploration of ethnic rivalry within organized crime circles.
- Photo: Miller's Crossing1313 VOTES
In Miller's Crossing, Joel and Ethan Coen masterfully depict a tumultuous power struggle between rival gangsters during the Prohibition era. The film stars Gabriel Byrne as Tom Reagan, whose loyalties are tested in this complex web of deceit and violence. With its intricate plotline and memorable dialogue, Miller's Crossing has greatly contributed to the evolution of crime dramas.
Similar to Scarface's power struggles, the Coen Brothers masterfully depict a Prohibition-era gangster turf war that tests loyalties.
- Photo: The Onion Field143 VOTES
The Onion Field is a powerful cinematic retelling based on true events that shook 1960s Los Angeles to its core. It chronicles the harrowing tale of two policemen kidnapped by criminals during what seemed to be a routine traffic stop gone terribly wrong. With John Savage in one of his most memorable roles as Officer Karl Hettinger, this film serves as a poignant reminder about survival and guilt that leaves an indelible mark on viewers' minds.
The Onion Field and its themes of survival are akin to those found in Scarface.
- Photo: Sexy Beast153 VOTES
Sexy Beast, which breaks away from conventional narratives to offer an intense character study set against Spain’s sun-drenched backdrop. Retired safecracker Gary 'Gal' Dove (Ray Winstone) is dragged back into the London underworld by unhinged gangster Don Logan (Ben Kingsley). This film’s unique blend of sun-soaked noir and psychological drama has left a lasting impact on crime cinema.
Sexy Beast diverges with a unique narrative style against Spain's backdrop, akin to Scarface's depiction of Miami.
- Photo: The Family161 VOTES
The Family, meanwhile, offers a unique blend of dark humor and suspenseful action. This film follows the Manzoni family, led by Robert De Niro’s character Giovanni Manzoni - an ex-mafioso turned informant - now living under witness protection in France. With Michelle Pfeiffer and Dianna Agron playing his equally cunning wife and daughter respectively, this movie highlights how old habits die hard even when trying to lead “normal” lives. Its unconventional narrative style adds a refreshing twist to traditional crime dramas.
Fans of Michelle Pfeiffer's performance in Scarface will enjoy her return to the genre 30 years later.
- Photo: The Choirboys171 VOTES
A compelling exploration of the complexities inherent in law enforcement, The Choirboys delves into the lives and experiences of a group of off-duty Los Angeles police officers. The film is renowned for its unflinching portrayal of the paradoxes that exist within the world of crime and justice. Featuring an ensemble cast including Charles Durning and Louis Gossett Jr., this movie pulls back the curtain on a side of law enforcement often left unseen, revealing a narrative fraught with camaraderie, tension, and raw human emotion.
In contrast to Scarface which examines the lives of criminals, The Choirboys explores complexities in law enforcement.
- Photo: Gloria181 VOTES
Gloria, a riveting crime drama directed by John Cassavetes, breaks away from the traditional mold of the genre. Gena Rowlands gives a commanding performance as Gloria Swenson, a mobster's ex-girlfriend who finds herself protecting a young boy marked for death by the mafia. The film stands out for its unconventional approach to narrative structure and character development, offering an unorthodox perspective on themes of survival and motherhood within the criminal underworld.
Gloria redefines mafia crime dramas like Scarface, by following a female lead.
- Photo: State of Grace192 VOTES
State of Grace is a haunting examination of loyalty tested by conflicting ties of friendship and blood. The narrative centers around Terry Noonan (Sean Penn), who goes undercover in his old Irish neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen to infiltrate a gang led by his childhood friend Jackie (Gary Oldman). This film explores the theme of personal loyalty versus professional duty, creating an intense, atmospheric crime drama that leaves a lasting impression.
State of Grace examines loyalty amid conflicting ties, akin to Scarface.
- Photo: Gotti204 VOTES
Gotti is a crime drama that vividly captures the life of John Gotti, a notorious mob boss who rose to power in the Gambino crime family. The film stars John Travolta in an unforgettable performance as Gotti himself, bringing to life the charisma and ruthlessness that made him one of New York's most feared figures. Through its exploration of power dynamics, familial bonds, and the allure of organized crime, Gotti leaves a lasting impression on viewers and contributes significantly to the genre.
Gotti mirrors Scarface's exploration of power dynamics, familial bonds, and the allure of organized crime.
