If you're a fan of the darker side of human nature, where ambition, greed, and the pursuit of power intertwine, then this collection of films is right up your alley. These crime business dramas delve deep into the murky waters of illegal activities, showcasing the rise and often the fall of those who dare to play with fire. From the boardrooms to the back alleys, these stories will keep you on the edge of your seat, offering a thrilling mix of suspense, betrayal, and the harsh realities of the criminal underworld.

The Godfather (1972)
Description: A cornerstone of crime cinema, this film explores the inner workings of the Corleone family, an Italian-American Mafia clan, and their business dealings. It's a masterclass in storytelling, character development, and the portrayal of the criminal world's allure and its inevitable downfall.
Fact: The film was initially offered to several directors who turned it down, including Sergio Leone. Also, Marlon Brando improvised the iconic cat scene, picking up a stray cat from the studio lot.


Goodfellas (1990)
Description: Martin Scorsese's masterpiece follows the life of Henry Hill, a small-time hood who rises through the ranks of the mob. It's a raw, unflinching look at the allure and the harsh realities of the gangster life, with unforgettable performances and a killer soundtrack.
Fact: The famous "Layla" scene was shot in one take, and the film's script was based on the book "Wiseguy" by Nicholas Pileggi.


Casino (1995)
Description: Another Scorsese gem, this film explores the mob's control over Las Vegas casinos in the 1970s. It's a story of greed, betrayal, and the inevitable collapse of a criminal empire, with Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci delivering powerhouse performances.
Fact: The film was shot in sequence, which is rare for movies, and the real-life Frank Rosenthal, on whom the character Sam "Ace" Rothstein is based, was a consultant.


Heat (1995)
Description: Michael Mann's crime epic pits a master thief against a relentless detective in a game of cat and mouse. It's a film about professional criminals, their codes, and the personal costs of their lifestyle.
Fact: The famous diner scene between De Niro and Pacino was the first time they shared the screen, and it was improvised. Also, the film was shot on location in Los Angeles, giving it an authentic feel.


The Departed (2006)
Description: This film is a cat-and-mouse game between an undercover cop and a mole in the police department, both infiltrating the Irish mob in Boston. It's a thrilling, twist-filled drama with an all-star cast.
Fact: The film is a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs," and it was the first time Scorsese won an Oscar for Best Director.


American Gangster (2007)
Description: This film tells the story of Frank Lucas, a real-life drug lord who built an empire in Harlem by smuggling heroin from Vietnam. It's a tale of ambition, corruption, and the American Dream gone wrong, with Denzel Washington delivering a career-defining performance.
Fact: The film was originally set to be directed by Antoine Fuqua, but Ridley Scott took over. Also, the real Frank Lucas was a consultant on the film.


Eastern Promises (2007)
Description: David Cronenberg's film delves into the Russian mafia in London, focusing on a midwife who unwittingly becomes entangled in their criminal activities. It's a tense, atmospheric thriller with a standout performance by Viggo Mortensen.
Fact: Viggo Mortensen learned Russian for the role and even got a tattoo of the three stars, which is a symbol of a thief-in-law in the Russian criminal world.


The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Description: Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, this film dives into the excesses of Wall Street's criminal underbelly, where stockbrokers engage in fraud, corruption, and debauchery. It's a wild ride through the highs and lows of financial crime.
Fact: The film set a Guinness World Record for the most swearing in a movie, with over 500 uses of the F-word. Also, Leonardo DiCaprio improvised many of his scenes.


A Bronx Tale (1993)
Description: Robert De Niro's directorial debut, this film tells the story of a young boy torn between his honest father and a charismatic mob boss. It's a coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of organized crime in the 1960s Bronx.
Fact: Chazz Palminteri wrote the screenplay based on his one-man show, and De Niro had to convince him to let him direct the film.


The Irishman (2019)
Description: Scorsese's epic crime saga follows the life of Frank Sheeran, a hitman involved with the Bufalino crime family and his connection to Jimmy Hoffa. It's a reflective look at loyalty, betrayal, and the passage of time in the criminal world.
Fact: The film used de-aging technology to portray the characters over several decades, and it was one of the most expensive films ever made for Netflix.
