Goodfellas stands as the quintessential gangster flick, leaving audiences yearning for more even as its 146 minutes come to a close. Fortunately, the world of cinema has birthed both offspring and successors to this crime saga, ensuring that the itch it scratches lingers on. One noteworthy alternative isn’t confined to the silver screen; it’s none other than the iconic HBO series, The Sopranos. Now, granted, The Sopranos boasts a sprawling 86-episode epic, making it a commitment of time and emotion. For those seeking a taste of Goodfellas‘ essence without the luxury of hours to spare, we’ve got a selection of movies that promise to deliver. Some feature familiar faces from Goodfellas, a handful are helmed by the same visionary director, Martin Scorsese, and others share narrative beats, themes, or an overall style that resonates with aficionados of Scorsese’s 1990 crime masterpiece.
In this cinematic journey, we’ll explore the perfect company for your Goodfellas craving, regardless of the time you have to spare. Without further ado, here’s a rundown of movies that are bound to resonate with fans of Goodfellas.
Make sure to also check out our list of Fantastic Movies Like The Godfather.
Casino (1995)
 | Casino (1995) | |
| Genre Crime, Drama, Thriller | Runtime 178 minutes | |
| Directed by Martin Scorsese | 8.2/10 | |
| Cast Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, James Woods, Don Rickles | ||
Casino transports us to the glamorous yet treacherous world of Las Vegas casinos. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film reunites him with actors Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, who once again deliver stellar performances. The movie delves into the inner workings of the casino industry while exploring themes of power, greed, and the blurred lines between legality and criminality.
The Departed (2006)
 | The Departed (2006) | |
| Genre Crime, Drama, Thriller | Runtime 151 minutes | |
| Directed by Martin Scorsese | 8.5/10 | |
| Cast Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg | ||
In The Departed, director Martin Scorsese masterfully navigates the complex landscape of law enforcement and organized crime. With an ensemble cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson, the film intricately weaves a web of deception, loyalty, and moral quandaries.
Donnie Brasco (1997)
 | Donnie Brasco (1997) | |
| Genre Crime, Drama | Runtime 2 hours 27 minutes | |
| Directed by Mike Newell | 7.7/10 | |
| Cast Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby, Anne Heche | ||
Donnie Brasco offers a gripping account of an undercover FBI agent’s infiltration into the Bonanno crime family. Johnny Depp and Al Pacino deliver standout performances as they navigate the dangerous world of the mafia, showcasing the thin line between duty and personal bonds.
Heat (1995)
 | Heat (1995) | |
| Genre Crime, Drama, Thriller | Runtime 170 minutes | |
| Directed by Michael Mann | 8.2/10 | |
| Cast Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, Tom Sizemore | ||
Directed by Michael Mann, Heat explores the intense cat-and-mouse game between a dedicated detective (Al Pacino) and a skilled thief (Robert De Niro). The film’s intricate plot and dynamic characters mirror the essence of Goodfellas, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
A Bronx Tale (1993)
 | A Bronx Tale (1993) | |
| Genre Crime, Drama | Runtime 121 minutes | |
| Directed by Robert De Niro | 7.8/10 | |
| Cast Robert De Niro, Chazz Palminteri, Lillo Brancato Jr. | ||
Robert De Niro takes the director’s chair for A Bronx Tale, a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of organized crime. The film follows a young boy’s journey as he navigates the influence of a charismatic mobster (Chazz Palminteri) and his father’s (Robert De Niro) guidance.
American Gangster (2007)
 | American Gangster (2007) | |
| Genre Crime, Drama | Runtime 157 minutes | |
| Directed by Ridley Scott | 6.4/10 | |
| Cast Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor | ||
Inspired by a true story, American Gangster delves into the rise and fall of Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), a drug lord who challenges the status quo. The film offers a compelling exploration of power dynamics and the pursuit of the American Dream within the criminal underworld.
Scarface (1983)
 | Scarface (1983) | |
| Genre Crime, Drama | Runtime 170 minutes | |
| Directed by Brian De Palma | 8.3/10 | |
| Cast Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio | ||
Scarface remains a cultural touchstone, with Al Pacino’s portrayal of Tony Montana becoming iconic. The film chronicles Montana’s meteoric rise in the drug trade, showcasing the consequences of unbridled ambition and excess.
The Irishman (2019)
 | The Irishman (2019) | |
| Genre Crime, Drama, Biography | Runtime 209 minutes | |
| Directed by Martin Scorsese | 7.8/10 | |
| Cast Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel, Anna Paquin | ||
Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman reunites him with Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in a tale that spans decades. The film reflects on a hitman’s life and his involvement with the Bufalino crime family, offering a poignant exploration of aging, regret, and loyalty.
Wrapping it up!
In the world of cinema, few genres captivate audiences as effectively as crime dramas. With their ability to immerse us in the morally complex lives of their characters, movies like Goodfellas continue to leave an indelible mark on our collective imagination. As you explore the films mentioned above, you’ll discover a diverse range of narratives that echo the themes, emotions, and storytelling brilliance that make Goodfellas a timeless classic.
