The allure of crime films often lies in their exploration of the darker aspects of human nature, and what could be more compelling than when these themes are intertwined with family dynamics? This curated list of ten films delves into the intricate web of familial relationships set against the backdrop of crime, offering a unique perspective on loyalty, betrayal, and the lengths to which people will go for those they love. From the gritty streets of New York to the sun-drenched landscapes of Sicily, these films provide not just thrilling narratives but also a deep dive into the heart of what makes a family.

The Godfather (1972)
Description: This iconic film explores the Corleone family's mafia empire, highlighting the complex dynamics between father and sons, loyalty, and the price of power. It's a cornerstone in the crime genre, showcasing how family ties can both bind and break.
Fact: Marlon Brando improvised the famous cat scene, and the film was shot in chronological order to capture the aging of the characters.


Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Description: Sergio Leone's sprawling epic follows the lives of Jewish gangsters in New York, focusing on their lifelong friendship and the impact of their criminal activities on their personal relationships.
Fact: The film was originally over six hours long, and Robert De Niro and James Woods had to learn Yiddish for their roles.


Goodfellas (1990)
Description: Martin Scorsese's masterpiece follows Henry Hill's rise and fall in the mob, with a particular focus on his relationships with his wife and his "family" in the mafia, showing the clash between personal and criminal life.
Fact: The real Henry Hill was on set during filming, and the film's famous "Copacabana" tracking shot took over three days to shoot.


Donnie Brasco (1997)
Description: An FBI agent infiltrates the mafia, forming a bond with a low-level mobster, exploring themes of loyalty, identity, and the surrogate family within the criminal underworld.
Fact: Johnny Depp's character was based on the real-life FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone, and Al Pacino improvised much of his dialogue.


The Departed (2006)
Description: This modern classic by Martin Scorsese delves into the lives of two men on opposite sides of the law, both with deep ties to their respective "families," exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and identity.
Fact: The film was a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs," and it won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.


Eastern Promises (2007)
Description: David Cronenberg's film focuses on the Russian mafia in London, with a nurse uncovering a dark family secret, exploring themes of heritage, loyalty, and the criminal underworld's impact on family life.
Fact: Viggo Mortensen learned Russian for his role, and the film features a now-iconic nude fight scene.


The Drop (2014)
Description: This film explores the life of a bartender caught up in a criminal world, with his relationship with his cousin and a mysterious woman highlighting the complexities of family and loyalty.
Fact: The film was based on a short story by Dennis Lehane, and Tom Hardy improvised much of his character's dialogue.


The Family (2013)
Description: A mafia family in witness protection struggles to keep their criminal past at bay, showcasing the humorous and dangerous dynamics of family life under the shadow of crime.
Fact: The film was based on the novel "Malavita" by Tonino Benacquista, and Robert De Niro's character was inspired by real-life mobster Henry Hill.


A Bronx Tale (1993)
Description: Robert De Niro's directorial debut examines the life of a young boy torn between his honest father and the allure of a local mob boss, showcasing the struggle between family values and the criminal lifestyle.
Fact: The film is semi-autobiographical, based on Chazz Palminteri's one-man show, and De Niro insisted on casting Palminteri as the mob boss.


The Irishman (2019)
Description: Martin Scorsese's epic tale of Frank Sheeran, a hitman with ties to the Bufalino crime family, delves into themes of loyalty, regret, and the passage of time within the context of family.
Fact: The film used digital de-aging technology to portray younger versions of the characters, and it was one of the most expensive films ever made for Netflix.
