Goodfellas has been one of the most critically acclaimed films from Martin Scorsese. The picture is regarded as one of the best thrillers from the late 90s, and it has served as a reference point for many crime thrillers and gangster films that came after its release. Like many who aren’t familiar with the picture, you might be wondering; why is Goodfellas a great film? One of the likely answers is that this movie perfectly captures the thrills and ride of life in the underworld.
For people who enjoyed Goodfellas, it’s safe to say many of us couldn’t get enough of the movie, and continue to look for titles similar to it. If you are a fan of the Scorsese classic and have been looking for films that are similar to Goodfellas in how it captures the grit and emotional depth of the underworld, we have got you covered. We have curated four films like Goodfellas that you will love.
The Departed (2006)
Martin Scorsese was in his bag when he directed The Departed. This crime drama has received critical acclaim as an intense thriller with its cat and mouse characteristics. The movie follows the story of an undercover cop Billy Costigan, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who tries to infiltrate a Boston crime syndicate.
There was also another character, Colin Sullivan, a mobster who works for the police as a mole while climbing the syndicate ladder. Along the line Costigan and Sullivan worked to discover the identity of each other. Overall, the movie is pulsating and features complex characters who all try to survive in a world where the lines between good and evil are blurred. With four Oscar wins, including the awards for Best Picture, and Best Director for Scorsese, do you need any more conviction that this will be a great watch?
The Town (2010)
Another film like Goodfellas that takes a unique spin on crime drama is The Town. This movie which features Ben Affleck takes a more in-depth look into the nitty gritty of a criminal underworld. The characters face life with their personal relationships at stake and the emotional weight it carries. There’s a whole lot of tension and thrilling moments. The plot twists in the movie are also exhilarating as it takes an in-depth look into the concept of loyalty and identity.
American Gangster (2007)
One of the films that gives the same vibe as Goodfellas is Ridley Scott’s American Gangster. If you haven’t seen this film, you’re definitely missing out. Unlike the intimate vibe of crime we see in Goodfellas, American Gangster offers a more fascinating version.
It follows the life of Frank Lucas (Denzel Washinghton), a heroin kingpin whose only goal was to beat the competition at their game and also corrupt the system. But Lucas is faced by a dogged detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) whose only goal is to grind him down to a halt. This cold battle between both characters takes the movie to another dimension and puts the spotlight on the battle for ambition and power which was common in the 70s underworld.
The Irishman (2019)
If you haven’t seen the Irishman, you owe it to yourself to watch this cinematic masterpiece. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film features a star studded cast that includes the likes of Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. However, the movie is mainly carried by the excellent storytelling of Scorsese, which encapsulates the exploration of loyalty and regret.
Following the story of Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro), we see the story of life as a hit man and all that revolves around the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino). The film received wide positive acclaim from critics, with many tagging it ‘a must see.’ With an IMDB rating of 8.1/10, and several Oscar nominations, it is safe to say this film is one of the top crime thrillers of the last 15 years.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. We have looked at four movies that give the same vibes as Goodfellas in their own unique ways. They all encapsulate the experience and thrills connected to the criminal world. Oh, and they make you hold your breath in suspense due to the emotional depth and heart pumping actions that come with the narratives.