Are you looking to find the best Irish mob movies for your entertainment? Look no further and check out my list!
The Irish mob has a long and storied history, and its impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable. From classic cinematic noir to more contemporary takes, Irish mob movies have been captivating audiences for decades. Whether you’re looking for gritty drama or dark comedy, here are some of the best examples of Irish mob films that have stood the test of time.
- The Departed (2006) – Directed by Martin Scorsese, this movie is set in South Boston and follows the story of two men working undercover, one for the Irish mob and one for the police. It stars Jack Nicholson as Frank Costello, a powerful mob boss, and Leonardo DiCaprio as Billy Costigan, an undercover cop trying to take him down. The Departed is widely considered one of the best mob movies ever made, and it won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
- Angels With Dirty Faces (1938, dir. Michael Curtiz) – This classic gangster film stars James Cagney, Pat O’Brien, and Humphrey Bogart in a story of two boys growing up on the wrong side of the tracks. It follows their paths as they age — one joins the Irish mob while the other becomes a priest. This movie is an iconic snapshot of 1930s gangster life with a powerful ending.
- State of Grace (1990, dir. Phil Joanou) – This dark drama stars Sean Penn and Gary Oldman as childhood friends who reunite after years apart — one is an Irish mob member while the other works as a cop in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen. The two must confront their pasts and choose where their loyalties lie. Viggo Mortensen also stars in this film, playing the role of a mob enforcer.
- The Irishman – Directed by Martin Scorsese, this three-and-a-half-hour epic stars Robert De Niro as Frank Sheeran, a mob hitman with ties to the Bufalino crime family. The movie follows Sheeran’s involvement in some of the most notorious crimes in American history, and also features Al Pacino and Joe Pesci in supporting roles. This is one of the most highly acclaimed mob movies of all time, and it’s a must-see for fans of the genre.
- The Boondock Saints (1999) – Directed by Troy Duffy, this movie follows two Irish brothers on a mission to rid their hometown of crime. It stars Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus, who portray the brothers as they battle their way through rival mobsters.
- Gangs of New York (2002) – Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Day-Lewis, this movie tells the story of an Irish gang in the 1860s Lower East Side of New York City. It’s a violent and gritty movie that depicts the struggles between rival gangs as they fight for control of the city.
- The Town (2010) – Directed by Ben Affleck and starring Jeremy Renner, this movie follows a group of bank robbers from Charlestown, Massachusetts as they attempt to pull off one last job. It’s a tense and exciting crime drama that explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and family.
- Miller’s Crossing (1990) – Directed by the Coen Brothers, this movie follows a gangster in 1920s New York as he navigates the treacherous underworld of organized crime. It stars Gabriel Byrne as the gangster and Albert Finney as his mentor. Miller’s Crossing is a classic of the mob movie genre and showcases some great performances by its ensemble cast.
- The Ghost Writer (2010) – Directed by Roman Polanski, this movie follows an Irish writer who is hired to finish the autobiography of a former British prime minister. It stars Ewan McGregor as the ghostwriter and Pierce Brosnan as the prime minister, who has ties to an Irish mob in Boston. The Ghost Writer is a suspenseful thriller that keeps viewers guessing until the very end.
- Snatch (2000) – Directed by Guy Ritchie, this British crime comedy follows a group of shady characters as they become involved in a diamond heist. It stars Brad Pitt, Benicio Del Toro, and Jason Statham as the main characters and includes an Irish mob subplot. Snatch is full of colorful characters and witty dialogue, making it one of the funniest mob movies around.
- Goodfellas (1990) – Directed by Martin Scorsese, this movie follows the rise and fall of a group of mobsters in New York City. It stars Ray Liotta as Henry Hill, an Irish mobster who starts out small and eventually works his way to become one of the most powerful men in the city. Goodfellas is renowned for its iconic performances and intense, gripping storytelling, making it one of the best mob movies ever made.
- The Untouchables (1987) – Directed by Brian De Palma and starring Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro, and Andy Garcia, this movie follows the story of a group of federal agents trying to take down Al Capone’s Irish mob in Prohibition-era Chicago. This classic mob film is filled with action, drama, and suspense, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
- Donnie Brasco (1997) – Directed by Mike Newell and starring Johnny Depp and Al Pacino, this movie follows an FBI agent who goes undercover to infiltrate the Italian mob. It’s a gripping crime drama that examines the complex relationships between gangsters and law enforcement. Donnie Brasco is a classic mob movie with great performances by its lead actors, making it an essential watch for fans of the genre.
- Road to Perdition (2002) – Directed by Sam Mendes and starring Tom Hanks and Paul Newman, this movie follows a father-son duo as they flee from the Irish mob that is chasing them after a hitman betrays them. Road to Perdition is an intense crime drama that features some great performances by its two leads, as well as a memorable appearance by Joe Pesci.
- On the Waterfront (1954) – Directed by Elia Kazan and starring Marlon Brando, this movie follows an ex-boxer who takes on a corrupt union boss to protect his neighborhood from the grip of the Irish mob. On the Waterfront is an acclaimed classic that won eight Academy Awards, and it features a standout performance by Brando as its lead character.
- A Bronx Tale (1993) – Directed by Robert De Niro and starring Chazz Palminteri, this movie follows a young Italian-American boy who struggles to choose between the mobster he idolizes and his hardworking father. It’s a personal drama that has earned its place as one of the best mob movies ever made. A Bronx Tale is an emotional and poignant story that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on its viewers.
- The General (1998) – Directed by Richard Donner and starring Brendan Gleeson, Viggo Mortensen, and Alicia Silverstone, this movie follows a group of Irish mobsters as they face off against a corrupt cop in the mean streets of Dublin. This gripping crime drama features some great performances from its cast and showcases an intense battle between good and evil. It’s a great mob movie that fans of the genre are sure to love.
- Public Enemies (2009) – Directed by Michael Mann and starring Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, and Marion Cotillard, this movie follows notorious bank robber John Dillinger as he defies the authorities while eluding capture from the FBI. It’s an intense crime drama that features some great performances by its lead actors and showcases the cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and mobsters. Public Enemy is a thrilling watch for fans of the genre.
- Kill the Irishman (2011, dir. Jonathan Hensleigh) – This movie follows the real-life story of Danny Greene, an Irish mobster who fought against rival gangs to establish his power in Cleveland during the late ‘70s. Starring Ray Stevenson, Christopher Walken, and Viggo Mortensen, this crime drama is a great watch for those who love mob movies. It features some intense performances and an interesting story that makes it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
- A History of Violence (2005, dir. David Cronenberg) – This movie follows the story of a mild-mannered family man who is forced to confront his dark past when a group of mobsters from Philadelphia arrive in his small town seeking revenge. Starring Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, and Ed Harris, this intense thriller features some great performances and is sure to leave an impression on viewers.
- The Road to Perdition (2002, dir. Sam Mendes) – This movie follows the story of a father and son duo as they flee from the Irish mob after a hitman betrays them. Starring Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, and Jude Law, The Road to Perdition is an intense crime drama that features some great performances by its lead actors and showcases a complex relationship between gangsters and law enforcement.
- Miller’s Crossing (1990, dir. Joel and Ethan Coen) – This movie follows the story of an Irish mob boss and his lieutenant who becomes embroiled in a power struggle with a rival gang. Starring Gabriel Byrne, Marcia Gay Harden, and Albert Finney, this crime drama is sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats as it showcases some intense performances and a great story.
- Once Upon a Time in America (1984) – Directed by Sergio Leone and starring Robert De Niro, James Woods, and Elizabeth McGovern, this movie follows a Jewish gang of childhood friends in 1920s New York City. It’s an epic crime drama that spans decades and features some great performances by its lead actors. Once Upon A Time In America is one of the best mob movies ever made, and it’s an essential watch for fans of the genre.
- Run All Night (2015, dir. Jaume Collet-Serra) – This movie follows an aging hitman who must make a desperate attempt to protect his son from a vengeful mob boss. Starring Liam Neeson, Viggo Mortensen, and Joel Kinnaman, this intense action-thriller is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
By including some of the best performances by Sean Penn, Matt Damon, and Gary Oldman, Ray Liotta, Johnny Depp, and Al Pacino these movies are sure to keep viewers engaged and entertained. Whether they’re crime dramas or comedies, these Irish mob movies have something for everyone. So if you’re looking for a great mob movie to watch this weekend, any one of these picks will surely hit the spot.
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