7 Most Underrated Gangster Movies Of All Time, Ranked

As a movie lover, I’ve always been drawn to gangster and crime films, even though they aren’t for everyone. We all know the big ones – The Godfather, Goodfellas, Scarface – films that truly define what cinema can be. But honestly, there are so many other fantastic movies in this genre that never quite got the attention they deserved. Sometimes it was just a lack of marketing, or maybe they were a little too different for audiences at the time. What I really appreciate about these gangster stories is the complex characters and clever plotting, and that’s where you find those hidden gems – the ones that really take you by surprise and prove just how strong this genre can be.

Here’s a ranking of 7 surprisingly great gangster movies that often get missed. These films are not only excellent examples of the genre, but they’re also innovative and deserve to be considered alongside the most well-known classics.

7) King of New York

As a movie fan, I’ve always felt King of New York was a bit overlooked. It’s a fantastic gangster film, but it never quite got the love it deserved, maybe because it’s more about character than just ticking boxes. It’s not the typical Scorsese crime flick, and I think that threw people off. The story centers around Frank White, brilliantly played by Christopher Walken, who comes out of prison and tries to rebuild his criminal empire with a lot of charm, a bit of brutality, and a really warped sense of right and wrong. It’s a cool mix of action, a really striking visual style, and this tense game of cat and mouse between the police and criminals. Back when it came out, it felt a little too different for most viewers. But now, that unique quality is exactly what makes it so memorable and worth checking out.

Despite being released some time ago, King of New York holds up remarkably well, which is why it’s near the bottom of this list. While it’s gained a dedicated following as a cult classic, particularly among fans of Christopher Walken, it’s still an underappreciated gangster film. It’s not the most overlooked movie here, but its striking visuals and unique atmosphere definitely earn it a place.

6) Road to Perdition

Despite featuring stars like Tom Hanks and Paul Newman, and boasting beautiful visuals, Road to Perdition never quite reached the status of a truly classic gangster film. It tells the story of Michael Sullivan (Hanks), a mob enforcer who goes on the run with his son after a terrible event, seeking both revenge and a way to protect his child. At its heart, it’s a powerful story about a father and son navigating a dangerous criminal world, where Michael must conceal his identity and confront the repercussions of his past actions. The film is notable for its dark, immersive mood, gorgeous cinematography, and impactful violence that relies on nuance rather than graphic displays.

Despite being somewhat known among film lovers, Road to Perdition is often forgotten when people discuss great gangster movies. It really should be talked about more – it expertly combines heartfelt moments with the violence the genre is known for, and deserves a fresh look.

5) A Bronx Tale

Many people feel like they already know this movie, but often they only remember the famous ‘door test’ meme, not the film itself. Directed by Robert De Niro, A Bronx Tale follows a young boy caught between the values of his honest, working-class father and the alluring, yet dangerous, world of a local mobster named Sonny (Chazz Palminteri). While the story might seem familiar, its straightforward nature is actually one of its strengths. The film explores themes of community, family history, what it means to be a man, and finding your place in a neighborhood where crime isn’t romanticized – it’s simply how things are.

Despite being a really good film, A Bronx Tale never quite achieved the widespread recognition it deserved. It doesn’t fall neatly into any popular category – it’s not a cult hit, a classic, or a major blockbuster, and critics never fully embraced it. While some fans of the genre still appreciate it, it feels overlooked, especially when compared to other beloved coming-of-age crime stories. It’s a genuinely touching film that avoids being overly sentimental, realistically portrays violence without being sensational, and feels mature without being snobby. All that’s left is for a broader audience to discover how good it truly is.

4) Carlito’s Way

If you’re a fan of movies like Scarface, you probably know Brian De Palma, but I honestly think Carlito’s Way is his most overlooked masterpiece. It’s not just beautifully directed, but the main character, Carlito Brigante – played brilliantly by Al Pacino – is way more interesting than you might expect. He’s an ex-con really trying to go straight after years of a tough life, but everything keeps pulling him back in. It could have easily been another typical gangster film, but it’s so much more than that. What really gets to me is how every bad decision Carlito makes feels completely natural, and you end up really feeling for him.

Though Al Pacino fans appreciate Carlito’s Way, it’s never quite gotten the recognition it deserves as a truly great film. It successfully blends tragedy, romance, and suspense, but shines brightest as a deep dive into its main character. It’s a perfect example of a story about someone trying to escape a life of crime, but it’s often overlooked in favor of more popular movies. While it’s definitely underrated, other films on this list have been even more unfairly ignored.

3) Miller’s Crossing

Despite being as skillfully made as films like Fargo and No Country for Old Men, Miller’s Crossing remains somewhat overlooked. The movie centers on Tom Reagan, a strategist for a crime boss, who becomes entangled in a complex world of shifting alliances, deceit, and difficult choices – a classic noir story told with the Coen brothers’ signature wit and attention to detail. It’s a beautifully crafted film with well-developed characters and a clever storyline. What’s particularly noteworthy is that it builds suspense through atmosphere and unexpected turns, rather than relying on excessive violence – a refreshing approach for a 1990s gangster movie. However, it never achieved mainstream recognition despite its quality.

Despite being a truly exceptional gangster film, Miller’s Crossing doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. It’s gained a devoted following, and many acknowledge it’s underrated, but it still isn’t widely appreciated among fans of the genre. It’s a high-quality movie with a lasting impact, yet surprisingly few people have seen it enough to consider it a classic.

2) State of Grace

Have you ever heard of the movie State of Grace? It’s surprisingly overlooked. Considering it stars Sean Penn, Gary Oldman, and Ed Harris – all at the top of their game – you’d think it would be much more well-known. But it rarely gets mentioned, often missing from ‘best of’ lists, and many people haven’t even heard of it. The film centers on an undercover cop who returns to his old neighborhood, forcing him to deal with unresolved issues and conflicting loyalties. It’s a compelling story, powerfully acted, and definitely worth watching. Its tragic atmosphere is comparable to classic films like Goodfellas.

While some find the movie a bit slow or guessable, State of Grace is generally a well-made film with memorable scenes. The biggest issue is that it’s largely unknown – recommending it often leads to confusion. It’s skillfully directed, features a fantastic cast, and feels genuinely emotional. Perhaps it was released at the wrong time, but it remains a prime example of a truly underrated film that deserves more attention.

1) Killing Them Softly

Do you remember the movie Killing Them Softly? You might recognize it from ads, but the name doesn’t quite ring a bell. It’s more than just overlooked – it’s a prime example of a film that people didn’t quite get. It came out when audiences were looking for simple action and entertainment, but it offered something much deeper: a look at economics, violence, and politics, cleverly disguised as a crime story about post-2008 America. The plot revolves around two clumsy thieves who disrupt the criminal world, and Jackie Cogan (played by Brad Pitt) is hired to restore order. However, the movie isn’t really about crime – it’s about the bigger systems at play.

Reactions to Killing Them Softly were sharply divided: people either loved it, disliked it intensely, or struggled to connect with it. This strong polarization fueled negative responses at the time, with critics disagreeing and audiences largely staying away. However, the film has surprisingly held up well over the years. It’s a complex, satirical movie that feels remarkably current. In fact, because it was misunderstood when it first came out, it perfectly captures the feeling of a film being ahead of its time. While many other movies from that era get discussed, Killing Them Softly is often overlooked.

What are your thoughts on these hidden treasures? Share your opinion in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-12-01 01:14