10 Hollywood Underrated Gangster Films: This list of underrated gangster films brings attention to works that, while not as universally celebrated as classics like The Godfather or Goodfellas, showcase originality, intricate storytelling, and deep exploration of the criminal underworld. The films vary in style, era, and origin, reflecting the versatility and richness within the gangster genre. Here’s a deeper look into what makes each of these films notable and how they contribute uniquely to the genre.
1. The Asphalt Jungle (1950)
John Huston’s The Asphalt Jungle is a noir-heist classic that intertwines elements of the gangster genre. The story follows a criminal mastermind assembling a crew for a jewel heist. This setup may feel familiar, yet Huston’s portrayal of the gritty underbelly of organized crime is refreshingly realistic and devoid of Hollywood glamorization. The movie’s strength lies in its tight script and tension-filled sequences, making it both a heist and gangster genre landmark.
2. Carlito’s Way (1993)
While Scarface remains Brian De Palma’s more famous Al Pacino-led gangster film, Carlito’s Way delves into a different side of crime life. It portrays an ex-gangster trying to escape his past, but finding his efforts thwarted by inevitable conflicts. It’s a fascinating exploration of the struggle between redemption and the pull of one’s past, presented with a realistic tone that keeps audiences invested. This more subdued take on crime gives Carlito’s Way a distinct edge and offers audiences a deeper emotional connection to its characters.
3. A Colt Is My Passport (1967)
Directed by Takashi Nomura, A Colt Is My Passport is a standout within the yakuza sub-genre. It stars Jô Shishido as a hitman embroiled in a gang war, where he must assassinate a rival leader. Known for its stylized action sequences and lean storytelling, this film exemplifies the stark coolness often associated with Japanese crime cinema. Its under-90-minute runtime makes it a compact, efficient thriller that’s as stylish as it is gripping, adding to the catalog of Japanese crime cinema with flair and precision.
4. The Yakuza (1974)
Sydney Pollack’s The Yakuza is a unique take on the gangster genre as it brings an American perspective to Japan’s organized crime scene. With Robert Mitchum playing an American who must navigate Japan’s criminal world to rescue his friend’s daughter, the movie offers cross-cultural insights that were groundbreaking for its time. The film’s slow build culminates in a climactic, explosive sequence, demonstrating Pollack’s skill at blending cultural themes with genre conventions.
5. Killing Them Softly (2012)
Andrew Dominik’s Killing Them Softly is a dark, cynical examination of crime as an extension of the capitalist system. Following Brad Pitt as a hitman cleaning up a mob-protected poker game heist, the film uses stylized violence and slow pacing to illustrate its bleak message. This unique deconstruction challenges conventional gangster tropes, showcasing crime as a business rather than a source of honor or camaraderie. Dominik’s commentary on crime and capitalism enriches the film, making it an underappreciated yet thought-provoking piece in the gangster genre.
6. Pusher (1996)
Nicholas Winding Refn’s Pusher captures the gritty reality of a low-level drug dealer spiraling into debt and despair. Its raw portrayal of Copenhagen’s criminal underworld feels almost documentarian, contrasting with more stylized crime films. Pusher stands out for its relentless realism and focus on the consequences of crime rather than glorification. This simple yet intense film underscores Refn’s ability to create visceral tension, setting the tone for the rest of his career and serving as a testament to the potency of grounded storytelling in the crime genre.
7. Miller’s Crossing (1990)
The Coen Brothers’ Miller’s Crossing masterfully merges gangster themes with their trademark wit and unique storytelling style. Set in the Prohibition era, the film follows a complex web of gang conflicts, shifting loyalties, and power struggles. Balancing intense drama with dark humor, Miller’s Crossing highlights the Coen Brothers’ capacity to blend genre conventions with originality. Its mixture of period-accurate dialogue, suspenseful plotting, and moral ambiguity solidifies it as a must-see film for gangster genre aficionados.
8. Rififi (1955)
Jules Dassin’s Rififi is often seen as one of the greatest heist films ever made, but it also fits within the gangster genre due to its themes of betrayal and criminal hierarchy. This French classic follows a meticulously planned jewel heist and its aftermath, with a nearly half-hour heist sequence executed in silence, emphasizing tension and suspense. Rififi’s influence on the heist and gangster genre cannot be overstated, setting the standard for pacing and structure in crime films.
9. Road to Perdition (2002)
Set during the Great Depression, Sam Mendes’ Road to Perdition depicts the moral complexities of a hitman, portrayed by Tom Hanks, who is attempting to protect his son from the violent world of crime. The film is visually stunning, with each shot designed to evoke the era’s bleakness and the story’s emotional weight. It blends family drama with gangster themes, showcasing how violence and loyalty intersect within a father-son dynamic. This unique approach to a gangster story renders Road to Perdition a modern classic that deserves further acclaim.
10. Battles Without Honor and Humanity (1973)
Kinji Fukasaku’s Battles Without Honor and Humanity is a chaotic depiction of the Japanese post-WWII yakuza underworld. Known for its frantic pacing and uncompromising violence, it captures the anarchic and unpredictable nature of gang wars. The lack of a clear moral center and the chaotic narrative make it an intense experience that reflects the instability of postwar Japan. Fukasaku’s gritty style inspired subsequent yakuza films, marking this as a foundational work in the genre.
Conclusion
These films reveal the vast range within the gangster genre, showing that its scope extends far beyond the stereotypical tales of mob bosses and crime families. With stories ranging from redemption arcs and gritty realism to heist thrillers and family sagas, each of these movies brings something distinctive. Whether exploring the fractured lives of criminals or diving into the ethical and cultural dilemmas of crime, these movies stand out as gems deserving wider recognition. They demonstrate the genre’s versatility and reaffirm its power to explore human frailties within a world bound by rules yet ruled by chaos.