Gangster flicks have been a staple genre in Hollywood since the very earliest days of moviemaking. "Underworld" from 1927 and 1931’s "City Streets" set the stage for modern mob movie directors who would expound upon and redefine the genre, leading up to the most successful set of mafia movies ever made – "The Godfather" trilogy. Here are eight modern mob movie directors who stand out.
1. Francis Ford Coppola
Probably the best known and respected director in the mob movie genre, Coppola directed all three of "The Godfather" movies. He was nominated or won Oscars for all three films, along with various other prestigious awards.
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2. Guy Ritchie
This director gave audiences "Snatch," "RocknRolla," and "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels." His twist on the gangster genre is certainly unique, appealing to a different set of the genre’s fans.
3. Brian De Palma
Known for the mob classics "Scarface" and "The Untouchables," De Palma had a penchant for ultraviolent films. Nonetheless, they became some of his best-known and enduring works.
4. Mike Newell
He may have only directed one mob movie, but fans credit it as an important one. "Donnie Brasco" is about an undercover FBI agent that infiltrates the mob and finds himself identifying with the new way of life.
5. Quentin Tarantino
This director has created gangster movies with a modern twist in "Pulp Fiction" and "Reservoir Dogs." Known for movies that are always excessively violent and fraught with foul language, Tarantino is a director like no one else.
6. Martin Scorsese
Another stand-out mob movie director, Scorsese delivered the classic "Goodfellas," starring Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, and Robert De Niro, but also hits "Mean Streets," "Casino," "Gangs of New York," and "The Departed."
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7. Joel and Ethan Coen Brothers
The Coen brothers have directed many crime-related movies, including "Fargo" and "Burn After Reading," but their true mob hit, "Miller’s Crossing," is highly rated by both critics and audiences.
8. Michael Mann
"Thief," "Public Enemies," and "Heat," the first movie where mob superstars Robert De Niro and Al Pacino appeared opposite each other on the silver screen, are all Mann’s handiwork.