10 Must-Watch Racket Drama Films

Description: A cornerstone of cinema, this film explores the inner workings of the Corleone family, a powerful Italian-American mafia clan. It's a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of power, making it an essential watch for anyone interested in the dynamics of racketeering.

Fact: The film was initially offered to Sergio Leone, who turned it down because he felt it glorified the mafia. Also, Marlon Brando improvised the famous cat scene, picking up a stray cat from the studio lot.

Description: Sergio Leone's epic spans several decades, following a group of Jewish gangsters from their childhood in the slums to their rise in the criminal underworld of New York City. It's a meditation on friendship, betrayal, and the passage of time.

Fact: The film was originally over six hours long and was heavily edited for its theatrical release. Robert De Niro and James Woods had a real-life feud that added authenticity to their on-screen rivalry.

Description: This film pits Eliot Ness and his team against Al Capone's empire during the Prohibition era. It's a classic tale of good versus evil, showcasing the struggle to dismantle a racket from within.

Fact: The famous "Baby Carriage" scene was inspired by a similar sequence in the Soviet film "Battleship Potemkin." Kevin Costner was not the first choice for the role of Eliot Ness; Harrison Ford was initially considered.

Description: Martin Scorsese's masterpiece follows the rise and fall of Henry Hill, a small-time hood who becomes part of the Lucchese crime family. It's a raw, unflinching look at the allure and the ultimate downfall of the gangster lifestyle.

Fact: The film was based on the book "Wiseguy" by Nicholas Pileggi, who also co-wrote the screenplay. The famous "Layla" scene was improvised by Ray Liotta and Lorraine Bracco.

Description: Another Scorsese gem, this film dives into the world of Las Vegas casinos and the mob's control over them. It's a story of ambition, greed, and the inevitable corruption that comes with power.

Fact: The film was shot in a real casino, The Riviera, which was closed for filming. Robert De Niro's character was based on the real-life figure Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal.

Description: This film, set in Boston, revolves around an undercover cop infiltrating the Irish mob and a mole within the police force. It's a tense, thrilling narrative about loyalty, betrayal, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.

Fact: The film is a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs." Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this movie.

Description: This film chronicles the rise of Frank Lucas, a real-life drug kingpin who smuggled heroin into the U.S. inside the coffins of American soldiers. It's a study in ambition, power, and the American Dream gone awry.

Fact: Denzel Washington's character was based on the real Frank Lucas, who was a consultant on the film. The film's budget was significantly increased due to the need for period authenticity.

Description: David Cronenberg's film delves into the Russian mafia in London, focusing on a midwife who uncovers a criminal conspiracy. It's a gritty, intense exploration of the dark side of immigration and organized crime.

Fact: The film was shot in London, with many scenes filmed in real locations used by the Russian community. Viggo Mortensen learned Russian for his role and did many of his own stunts.

Description: Robert De Niro's directorial debut, this film tells the story of a young Italian-American boy torn between his honest father and a charismatic local mobster. It's a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the mafia.

Fact: The film was based on Chazz Palminteri's one-man play, which he performed in theaters before it was adapted into a movie. De Niro saw the play and insisted on directing the film.

Description: Martin Scorsese's latest venture into the world of organized crime, this film follows Frank Sheeran, a truck driver turned hitman, and his involvement with the Bufalino crime family. It's a reflective, somber look at a life spent in the shadows of the mob.

Fact: The film used digital de-aging technology to portray the characters at different ages. It was also one of the most expensive films ever made for Netflix.