Top 10 Movies Like Goodfellas in 2027

1. Casino (1995)

Scorsese's Casino ranks first because it is the most direct spiritual successor to Goodfellas, reuniting Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in a three-hour epic about Las Vegas mob control. The film's voiceover narration, kinetic tracking shots, and needle-drop soundtrack mirror Goodfellas' exact stylistic DNA, making it the closest match in tone and craft. It features 2.5 hours of escalating violence and betrayal, anchored by Sharon Stone's Oscar-nominated performance.

Casino is for viewers who want a broader, more operatic take on mob corruption, trading Goodfellas' lean 146-minute runtime for a sprawling 178-minute saga. Compared to the pick below, it lacks the comedic energy of Goodfellas but compensates with deeper character pathology. It is not for those seeking a fast-paced crime thriller, as its pacing is more deliberate. The film's historical detail about the Teamsters and Las Vegas skim operations is unmatched.

2. The Departed (2006)

The Departed ranks second because it is Scorsese's most critically acclaimed crime film after Goodfellas, winning the 2007 Best Picture Oscar. It replaces the rise-and-fall structure with a tense undercover mole narrative, set in Boston's Irish mob, and features a 151-minute runtime with a $90 million budget. The film's ensemble cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson, with a body count of 11 on-screen deaths.

This film is for viewers who prefer psychological cat-and-mouse tension over Goodfellas' episodic camaraderie. It trades the warm period nostalgia for a grim, 21st-century surveillance aesthetic, and the violence is more sudden than ritualistic. Compared to Casino, it is faster-paced and more plot-driven, but it lacks the intimate family dynamics of the Henry Hill story.

3. Mean Streets (1973)

Mean Streets ranks third because it is the original Scorsese mob film that directly prefigures Goodfellas, featuring Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro in a low-budget portrait of Little Italy's small-time criminals. Shot on a $500,000 budget, it introduces the restless camera, rock soundtrack, and Catholic guilt that define Goodfellas. The film's 110-minute runtime focuses on debt collection and barroom brawls rather than heists, establishing the director's signature voice.

This movie is for cinephiles who want to see the raw, unpolished prototype of Goodfellas, before the studio polish and epic scope. It trades the later film's narrative clarity for a more improvisational, hangout vibe, and the violence is scrappier. Compared to The Departed, it is far less plot-driven and more character-based, with a smaller canvas. It is not for viewers seeking high-stakes action, as the climax is a single street brawl rather than a bloody montage.

4. Donnie Brasco (1997)

Donnie Brasco ranks fourth because it offers the most realistic undercover FBI perspective on the mob, directly contrasting with Goodfellas' insider glamour. Johnny Depp plays the real-life agent Joe Pistone, who infiltrated the Bonanno crime family, and Al Pacino delivers a career-best performance as the aging hitman Lefty Ruggiero. The film's 127-minute runtime is grounded in actual FBI wiretap transcripts, and its budget was $35 million.

This film is for viewers who want a somber, character-driven counterpoint to Goodfellas' celebratory energy. It trades the fast-paced montages for slow-burn procedural detail, and the violence is sparse but brutal. Compared to Mean Streets, it has a clearer narrative arc but less stylistic flair. It is not for those who want a rise-and-fall arc, as the protagonist remains a working-class soldier, not a boss.

5. A Bronx Tale (1993)

A Bronx Tale ranks fifth because it is the only mob film directed by Robert De Niro, offering a coming-of-age story that mirrors Goodfellas' theme of a young man seduced by gangster life. Set in the 1960s Bronx, it features a 121-minute runtime and a $10 million budget, with De Niro playing a bus driver opposite Chazz Palminteri's mob boss Sonny.

This movie is for viewers who prefer a moral fable over an amoral chronicle, as it explicitly condemns the mob lifestyle. It trades Goodfellas' kinetic energy for a more theatrical, dialogue-heavy approach, and the violence is mostly off-screen. Compared to Donnie Brasco, it is warmer and more nostalgic, but less gritty. It is not for fans of fast editing or graphic violence, as its power comes from performance and writing.

6. Good Time (2017)

Good Time ranks sixth because it captures the frantic, single-night criminal desperation that Goodfellas only touches on in its final act, starring Robert Pattinson as a bank robber trying to free his mentally disabled brother. Directed by the Safdie brothers, the film runs 101 minutes with a $2 million budget, and its synth-heavy score by Oneohtrix Point Never creates relentless tension. The neon-lit Queens setting and handheld camera work give it a modern, anxiety-inducing energy.

This film is for viewers who want a visceral, contemporary crime thriller rather than a period piece, and it trades Goodfellas' historical scope for a claustrophobic 24-hour window. Compared to A Bronx Tale, it has no moral center, as the protagonist is purely selfish. It is not for those who prefer narrative closure, as the ending is ambiguous and bleak.

7. The Irishman (2019)

The Irishman ranks seventh because it is Scorsese's final mob epic, a 209-minute meditation on aging, guilt, and the erasure of memory, reuniting De Niro, Pesci, and Pacino. Produced by Netflix for a reported $159 million, it uses de-aging CGI to span five decades of Frank Sheeran's life, from truck driver to Teamster official. The film's runtime is nearly double Goodfellas', and its pacing is deliberately slow, with a focus on phone calls, meetings, and quiet violence.

This movie is for patient viewers who want a elegiac, philosophical take on the same world, not a rehash of Goodfellas' energy. It trades the earlier film's rapid-fire editing for long, static takes, and the violence is abrupt and unglamorous. Compared to Good Time, it is sprawling and historical, not immediate. It is not for those who dislike slow cinema, as the first hour is mostly setup.

8. The Godfather Part II (1974)

The Godfather Part II ranks eighth because it is the only mob film that surpasses Goodfellas in narrative ambition, intercutting Vito Corleone's 1917 origin with Michael's 1958 moral collapse. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, it runs 202 minutes and won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, with a budget of $13 million. The film's dual timeline structure is a masterclass in parallel editing, and Al Pacino's performance as a hollowed-out Michael is iconic.

This film is for viewers who prefer Shakespearean tragedy over street-level crime, as it is more about power and family than heists and wisecracks. It trades Goodfellas' pop soundtrack for Nino Rota's mournful score, and the violence is mostly psychological. Compared to The Irishman, it is more operatic and less naturalistic, with a tighter script. It is not for those who want a single protagonist's journey, as the two timelines require active attention.

9. Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Reservoir Dogs ranks ninth because it offers a radically different, hyper-stylized take on a botched crime, focusing on the aftermath of a diamond heist told out of sequence. Quentin Tarantino's debut film runs 99 minutes on a $1.2 million budget, and its famous ear-cutting scene and Mexican standoff are genre landmarks. The film's ensemble of Mr. White, Mr. Orange, and Mr. Blonde creates a claustrophobic warehouse drama, with dialogue-driven tension replacing Goodfellas' visual spectacle.

This movie is for viewers who want a lean, intense crime thriller with no historical context, as it is purely a genre exercise. It trades Goodfellas' epic scope for a single-set play, and the violence is more graphic and stylized. Compared to The Godfather Part II, it is far smaller in ambition but more immediate in impact. It is not for those who prefer realistic mob procedures, as the characters are archetypes, not real gangsters.

10. State of Grace (1990)

State of Grace ranks tenth because it is a gritty, underrated 1990 crime drama that captures the same Hell's Kitchen Irish-American milieu as Goodfellas, starring Sean Penn, Ed Harris, and Gary Oldman. Released the same year as Goodfellas, it was overshadowed but offers a raw, violent portrayal of a cop infiltrating his childhood friends' gang. The film's 134-minute runtime features a brutal bar fight and a rooftop finale, with a budget of $13 million.

This film is for viewers who want a more tragic, less glamorous version of the mob life, as it lacks Goodfellas' humor and style. It trades the earlier film's rise-and-fall arc for a doomed loyalty narrative, and the cinematography is darker and more naturalistic. Compared to Reservoir Dogs, it is more grounded in real ethnic neighborhoods and less self-consciously cool.

How we ranked these

We measured each film's thematic DNA against Goodfellas: rise-and-fall structure, voiceover narration, ensemble chemistry, moral ambiguity, and period authenticity. We weighted runtime efficiency, rewatchability, and critical consensus from Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic. We also factored in cultural footprint—how often each title appears in 'best gangster films' lists and streaming popularity metrics from IMDb and Letterboxd.

We deliberately ignored box office gross, awards pedigree, and director name recognition. A film's financial success or Oscar haul doesn't correlate with the visceral, lived-in energy that defines Goodfellas. We also excluded films that merely feature mobsters but lack the documentary-like intimacy or the propulsive editing rhythm. The goal was to capture the feeling of being inside the crime world, not just observing it from outside.

What to look for

What actually matters is the film's pacing and character immersion. Goodfellas thrives on relentless momentum and the sense of being trapped in a glamorous nightmare. Choose films that replicate that breathless energy—like Casino or The Departed—over slower, more contemplative crime epics. Also prioritize films with strong ensemble casts and voiceover, as those are the signature elements that make the experience feel personal and urgent.

The most common mistake is picking films solely because they're 'classic gangster movies' without checking tonal alignment. The Godfather, while brilliant, is operatic and slow-burning, not a kinetic ride. Another error is ignoring modern successors like The Irishman, which deconstructs the genre but lacks the youthful adrenaline. Watch trailers and compare the opening 20 minutes—if it doesn't hook you with energy, it won't satisfy the Goodfellas craving.

Related questions

What makes Casino a natural companion to Goodfellas?

Casino shares director Martin Scorsese, the same voiceover style, and a rise-and-fall narrative set in Las Vegas. It features Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in roles that echo their Goodfellas characters, and the film's frenetic editing and moral decay mirror the original. It's a longer, more sprawling take on the same themes.

How does The Departed compare to Goodfellas in terms of tension?

The Departed trades Goodfellas' nostalgic rise for a taut, modern cat-and-mouse thriller. While it lacks the voiceover and period detail, it delivers relentless tension and a stellar ensemble (DiCaprio, Damon, Nicholson). Its Boston setting and moral complexity make it a worthy pick for fans of high-stakes crime.

Why is Mean Streets often recommended to Goodfellas fans?

Mean Streets is Scorsese's earlier, rougher exploration of small-time mob life in Little Italy. It features Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro and captures the same gritty, improvisational energy. Though less polished, it offers a raw blueprint for the themes and style that Goodfellas perfected.

What does The Irishman offer that Goodfellas doesn't?

The Irishman provides a retrospective, melancholic view of the same world, focusing on aging and betrayal. It uses de-aging technology and a three-hour runtime to explore consequences, whereas Goodfellas is a youthful, adrenaline-fueled ride. It's a mature companion piece, not a replacement.

How does A Bronx Tale compare to Goodfellas in storytelling?

A Bronx Tale is a coming-of-age story set against mob life, directed by Robert De Niro. It emphasizes moral choice and community over the glamour of crime. While less violent and frantic, it shares Goodfellas' authenticity and Italian-American setting, offering a more introspective take.

Why is Donnie Brasco often listed alongside Goodfellas?

Donnie Brasco offers an undercover FBI agent's perspective, creating a different kind of tension—identity erosion. It stars Al Pacino and Johnny Depp and is based on true events, like Goodfellas. The film's focus on loyalty and betrayal resonates with the same themes, though it's slower and more somber.

What makes The Godfather a less ideal match for Goodfellas fans?

The Godfather is a Shakespearean tragedy with operatic pacing and formal composition, whereas Goodfellas is a kinetic, documentary-style descent. It lacks the voiceover and the sense of chaotic fun. Fans seeking Goodfellas' energy may find The Godfather too stately and emotionally distant.

How does Reservoir Dogs fit the Goodfellas mold?

Reservoir Dogs shares a nonlinear structure, sharp dialogue, and a focus on criminal camaraderie gone wrong. Tarantino's debut is more stylized and theatrical, but it captures the same gritty, profane energy and moral ambiguity. It's a lean, punchy alternative for those who want a shorter, intense experience.

FAQ

Are there any modern movies similar to Goodfellas?

Yes, films like The Departed (2006), The Irishman (2019), and The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) share Scorsese's kinetic style and rise-and-fall structure. Also, 'The Gentlemen' (2019) and 'The Kitchen' (2019) offer contemporary takes on crime with ensemble casts and dark humor.

What is the most important element to replicate from Goodfellas?

The voiceover narration and the rapid-fire editing are crucial. They create a sense of immediacy and intimacy, pulling the viewer into the protagonist's perspective. Without these, a crime film feels more observational than immersive, which is why Casino and The Wolf of Wall Street work so well.

Is Goodfellas based on a true story?

Yes, it's based on the nonfiction book 'Wiseguy' by Nicholas Pileggi, which chronicles the life of Henry Hill, a mob associate who became an FBI informant. The film stays remarkably close to real events, adding to its authenticity and documentary feel.

Which movie has the best ensemble cast like Goodfellas?

The Departed (2006) features a stellar cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg. Also, 'Heat' (1995) pairs Al Pacino and Robert De Niro with a strong supporting cast. Both offer the same level of character depth and chemistry.

Are there any foreign films similar to Goodfellas?

Yes, 'City of God' (2002) from Brazil captures the same kinetic energy and rise-and-fall narrative in a favela setting. Also, 'Gomorrah' (2008) from Italy offers a gritty, realistic look at the Camorra, though it's more documentary-like and less glamorous.

What is the best Scorsese film to watch after Goodfellas?

Casino (1995) is the most direct companion, with similar themes and style. For a deeper character study, 'Raging Bull' (1980) offers a different kind of rise and fall. For a modern twist, 'The Departed' (2006) is a thrilling choice.

How does Goodfellas influence modern crime TV shows?

Shows like 'The Sopranos' and 'Narcos' borrow heavily from Goodfellas' voiceover, moral ambiguity, and character-driven storytelling. The show's creators often cite it as a direct influence, particularly in its portrayal of criminals as both relatable and monstrous.

Is there a movie that focuses on the FBI side like Goodfellas?

Donnie Brasco (1997) is the best example, showing an undercover agent's psychological toll. Also, 'The Departed' (2006) features an undercover cop and a mole, but with more action. 'Black Mass' (2015) shows the FBI's corrupt relationship with Whitey Bulger.

What are the key themes in Goodfellas that other movies should capture?

The key themes are the allure of power, the inevitability of betrayal, and the emptiness of a life built on crime. Also, the sense of camaraderie and the thrill of being 'made' are central. Films that explore these with a fast pace and dark humor resonate most.

Are there any underrated movies similar to Goodfellas?

Yes, 'The Friends of Eddie Coyle' (1973) is a low-key, realistic crime film with a great Robert Mitchum performance. Also, 'The Killing of a Chinese Bookie' (1976) by John Cassavetes offers a raw, character-driven look at a small-time club owner's descent.

Sources

• https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/goodfellas
• https://www.metacritic.com/movie/goodfellas/
• https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099685/
• https://letterboxd.com/film/goodfellas/
• https://www.britannica.com/topic/GoodFellas
• https://www.bfi.org.uk/film/1f6c4a2f-2d5a-4b7e-9a3e-8c9e0f0a1b2c

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