When it comes to gangster movies, it’s the bonds between the characters that make these films so great. No matter how many shootouts, car chases, or scheming montages with close-ups of fat wads of cash, these mobster movies are all about relationships - both between the gangsters themselves and the law enforcement officers working to track them down.
Which gangster character is your favorite? From Scarface to Goodfellas, The Godfather and The Departed, for these characters, loyalty means everything. Whether you’re more a Corleone fan than a Montana one, these characters are out for blood, so you better make sure you pick the right side.
Unfortunately, not every character on this list is who they appear to be. In fact, some might be undercover cops, while others may have their own nefarious hidden agendas. So slap on your bulletproof vest, make sure your friend isn't wearing a wire, and get ready to vote up the list of the best gang characters in film history.
1
412Vito Corleone
The Godfather Saga, The Godfather2
4212Tony Montana
Scarface3
345Michael Corleone
The Godfather Saga, The Godfather Part II4
287James 'Jimmy' Conway
Goodfellas5
205Sonny Corleone
The Godfather Saga, The Godfather Part II6
2514Henry Hill
Goodfellas7
175Sam 'Ace' Rothstein
Casino8
188Frank Costello
The Departed9
168Jules Winnfield
Pulp Fiction10
2014Carlito Brigante
Carlito's Way: Rise to Power, Carlito's Way11
136Frank Lucas
American Gangster12
127Frank White
King of New York13
1410Lorenzo Anello
A Bronx Tale14
84Nino Brown
New Jack City15
1210Vincent Vega
Pulp Fiction16
1415David "Noodles" Aaronson
Once Upon a Time in America17
910Marsellus Wallace
Pulp Fiction18
57Buscapé - Rocket
City of God, Cidade de Deus19
913Colin Sullivan
The Departed20
812Donnie Brasco/Joseph D. 'Joe' Pistone
Donnie Brasco21
47Al Capone
Boardwalk Empire22
48Mr. White
Reservoir Dogs23
612Johnny Boy
Mean Streets24
815Pumpkin - Ringo
Pulp Fiction25
616Tom Reagan
Miller's Crossing