The Godfather was indeed one of the best movies ever made. And it is still appreciated today. The people became so engrossed in the series that they even avoided other movies.
The gangster and the mafia genre generally evoke a feeling of crime and violence. But it was not the case with all. Some were dominated by the lust while some with the desire to accumulate huge fortunes. While some even repented for their past mistakes. Whatever the case is, these movies have continued to impress us even today.
Hence, We Created A List Of The 12 Best Films That You Can Watch In Place Of ‘the Godfather’:
Scarface
Available on Amazon Prime | Netflix
The world is yours! Welcome to the city where you have control over the police, mafia, and the business. Scarface is a great crime film released in 1983. To name a few, some of the artists are Al Pacino, Robert Loggia, Steven Bauer, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Not to forget that the movie is based on the real-life of the gangster Al Capone.
Even though coincidently, his name is somewhat similar to the lead actor. The film is set in 1980 when a Cuban refugee and ex-convict named Tony Montana arrives in Miami, Florida.
He along with his friends starts working at an eatery but Tony, being disgruntled wants to achieve greater feats in life. He then builds his drug empire. The plot is great and will keep you hooked until the very end.
The film garnered huge public interest and was nominated for prestigious awards such as Motion Picture Sound Editors, Golden Globe Awards, etc. Further, it has great and memorable dialogues, one of which is included in the top 100 movie quotes. Even a videogame based on the movie was popular back in the days.
The Departed
Available on Amazon Prime | Netflix
The Departed was released in 2006. The movie is a remake of the 2002 film “Infernal Affairs”. The lead stars of the film are Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg.
The protagonist of the movie Colin Sullivan meets a mob boss named Frank who introduces him to the world of crime. Sullivan becomes a mole within the Special Investigations Unit of the Massachusetts State Police.
After becoming a perfect infiltrator, he joins Frank’s crew. After getting promoted, Sullivan embarks on a mission that would change the course of his destiny. Sullivan gets involved in a love affair with a police psychiatrist Madolyn Madden.
He gets killed at the end of the film. The main character is corrupt, yet he is interesting. The film managed to get an award at the 64th Golden Globe Awards and won four other accolades at the 79th Academy Awards.
Donnie Brasco
Available on Amazon Prime | Netflix
This wonderful film hit theatres in 1997. Eminent personalities such as Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen. and Bruno Kirby has acted in the movie. A glance at the storyline reveals a lasting relationship between a teacher and a student.
The entire plot revolves around Donnie who is an undercover FBI agent. Another guy called Lefty seeks Donnie’s assistance as his life is going nowhere. Lefty’s leader is Michael Madsen, who is extremely relentless. Unfortunately, the dons of the movie don’t achieve much success.
The movie is more about friendship than violence. What’s more? The film is accompanied with a lot of surprises that you are going to love. Despite its short duration, it will satisfy your desire to watch crime films. The movie grossed revenue almost four times its production budget. It is still one of the best crime dramas.
American Gangster
Available on Amazon Prime | Netflix
Yet another critically acclaimed biographical crime film, American Gangster is produced by Ridley Scott. Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Josh Brolin. The movie is inspired by the life of gangster Frank Lucas. The protagonist takes control of the criminal empire when his boss (Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson) dies.
Lucas buys a profitable brand of heroin known as Blue Magic and maintains his monopoly. Further, he expands his business and takes over nightclubs, casinos, and prostitution.
During his rise as a godfather, he falls for Eva, a glamorous Puerto Rican woman. Some people will oppose the protagonist while some will appreciate him. Are you ready to witness the capitalism portrayed in the movie? Go ahead and watch this highly recommended film. The film made huge revenue. The movie earned several accolades and was nominated for many others.
Once Upon a Time in America
Available on Amazon Prime | Netflix
The film was released in 1984. Lead artists of the movie are Robert De Niro and James Woods. In the beginning, we are introduced to a bunch of thugs who are searching for a man named Noodles. One of the goons is killed by Noodles. Still, they succeed in murdering his girlfriend and taking away all his money.
Noodles struggles as a child and commits petty crimes under the influence of a local boss, Bugsy. However, some of his attempts go in vain owing to the fact that other people succeed in tasks that he is supposed to do. After a specific time period, he forms his own gang that comprises him, Patsy, Dominic, and Cockeye.
However, they don’t get police officer’s protection which they enjoyed previously while working for Bugsy. The film received accolades in many categories and was nominated for a few others.
The Irishman
Available on Amazon Prime | Netflix
Released in 2019, this is the latest movie on this list. Renowned actors such as Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci have acted in this movie. The film is based on the life of Frank Sheeran a truck driver turned hitman who becomes an ally of mobster Russell Bufalino.
Frank himself narrates his life story. He starts working for Russell and other members of the Pennsylvania crime family. He even becomes the chief bodyguard of Hoffa, who has great connections with the godfather empire.
The movie also depicts certain real-life events including the news of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Kennedy’s brother tries to get Hoffa arrested. Eventually, Hoffa gets a jail sentence for jury tampering.
The movie reveals the way these criminals hunt down their enemies and eliminate anyone that stands in their ways. It managed to get a very high approval rating. Further, it received 10 nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards.
Training Day
Available on Amazon Prime | Netflix
Training Day is a crime thriller film that hit the theatres in the year 2001. The main roles are played by the actors Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke. The main characters are narcotics officers who are entrusted with the task of confiscating drugs from some college students. However, the cop Alonzo Harris is himself corrupt and mean.
Alonzo resorts to intimidating people in the streets. He even teaches the unethical way to reach the top as a new recruit named Jake wants to get promoted to the elite rank. The cruel crop Alonzo does not arrest the wrongdoers. Rather, he beats them mercilessly. Watch the movie to know the rest of your story.
The two-hour movie will keep you busy in your leisure time. The movie was well-received at the box office. It won a score of international awards in different categories and was nominated for some accolades.
The Dark Knight
Available on Amazon Prime | Netflix
Even though it is a superhero film, still it retains the charm of a crime movie. This blockbuster was released in 2008. The movie stars Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, and other prominent actors. The movie starts with a gang of criminals robbing a mob bank in Gotham City.
These thugs start rivalry amongst each other for a higher share. But, finally, only Joker escapes with the money. Lieutenant Jim Gordon takes the assistance of Harvey Dent in eliminating the city of various types of crimes. Moreover, Bruce Wayne wants to lead a normal life.
The accountant of the mob flees to Hong Kong with the funds. Watch the full movie to uncover the suspense. It is exciting to see Morgan Freeman in a Batman movie. Needless to say, it made billions at the box office. The movie got a ton of awards in various categories.
Casino
Available on Amazon Prime | Netflix
This crime movie hit the theatres about 24 years ago. The lead actors of the film include Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci. The story follows a gambling expert (Ace) who is given the task of supervising the casino and hotel operations at a Mafia’s casino in Las Vegas. The protagonist has friends named Santoro and Ginger.
The movie comprises the hurdles that Ace faces and shows the drastic changes that occur in his relationships over time. The movie contemplates that a gangster’s life has numerous challenges and managing business and love-life is indeed a herculean task. All the characters are intriguing and based on real people.
The plot will make you think as if you’re an eavesdropper. The film grossed millions in profit. Sharon Stone won the Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress.
A Bronx Tale
Available on Amazon Prime
Ever wondered that you will get to watch a coming of an age gangster movie. If you were looking for one, look no further. This 1993 film is directed by Robert De Niro. It is an adaptation of a 1989 play of the same name by Chazz Palminteri. This cast includes Robert De Niro, Chazz Palminteri, Lillo Brancato, Jr, Francis Capra, etc.
The protagonist is Calogero who is heavily influenced by mafia since his childhood. One of the criminals in his neighborhood is Sonny, who coaxes him to commit crimes. Soon, Calogero’s father gets cognizance of the illegal money that his son has accumulated. He rebukes Sonny and gives him an ultimatum about his company with Lorenzo.
Get ready to witness the transition of Lorenzo from an errand boy to a real gangster. The plot is interesting, especially to those who love the gangster genre. The film did a great job at the box office earning millions. It was nominated for three awards and managed to secure one.
The Godfather Part III
Available on Amazon Prime
It is the final part of the amazing Godfather series. Released in 1990, the American crime film succeeded in winning the hearts of millions of people. The movie stars eminent personalities such as Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Andy García, and Eli Wallach. Michael Corleone tries to bring an end to his criminal empire. The movie also two real-life events including the death of a Pope and the banking scandal.
Michael is struck by guilt due to his ruthlessness and oppressive nature. Moreover, he is responsible for Fredo’s death. He even gives a substantial part of his wealth to charity. He is divorced and his children live with his ex-wife (Kay).
Watch the complete movie to see the reunion of the two souls (Michael and Kay) witness the debauchery and attempts to assassinate the lord (Michael). The film managed to earn a huge profit at the box office. The film earned two accolades and was nominated for seven Academy Awards.
The Godfather Part II
Available on Amazon Prime | Netflix
The preceding film to the third part is also a great movie. The film hit the theatres more than a decade before the final part. The cast includes Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro, and other actors. The plot follows the main character Michael who has meetings as the don of the Corleone crime family.
He has to find the person who plotted his assassination. The relationship between the Corleone family and the Rosato family changes drastically. Michael becomes concerned about the Cuban Revolution.
Finally, it is revealed to him that Fredo is the one who had betrayed him. Fredo, Michael, and Roth then flee Havana and reach their home in the United States. He isn’t aware of his wife’s miscarriage until now. The movie earned numerous accolades in various categories like Best Original Dramatic Score amongst others. The masterpiece was also nominated for some awards.
Conclusion
Get ready to experience the real thrill of being a kingpin (of course we are only talking about the movie). All the above-mentioned movies are great and will make your boring day lively.