10 Unconventional Gangster Movies That Changed Up The Genre

A few unexpected films within the gangster genre have made a large impact, influencing many of the stories that exist today. The subgenre of crime films has a few consistent visual and narrative devices that have continued to be used, but like any other genre, there have also been changes attributed to trailblazing films. While directors like Martin Scorsese and Brian De Palma are significant players in the genre, some more unexpected names shouldn’t go unnoticed.

Films like Layer Cake or Miller’s Crossing aren’t unknown to fans of crime-related stories, but they also aren’t titles automatically associated with shifting the style of the genre. Directors such as Warren Beatty and the Coen brothers have expertly brought comic strip characters and dark humor, respectively, into the world of organized crime. This, and more, are just a few unconventional ways the gangster genre has evolved over the years.

10 Layer Cake (2004)

An Intricate Look At The British Criminal Underworld

One of Daniel Craig’s best roles sees him as the lead character in Matthew Vaughn’s Layer Cake. Craig plays an unnamed protagonist, referred to as XXXX, who works as a drug distributor but is now ready to walk away from his involvement in crime and retire. Before he’s able to quit, he gets involved in one last job. Vaughn, who had produced films such as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, made his directorial debut with Layer Cake and accomplished something many films hadn’t before.

Rather than focusing on one individual in the drug world, particularly a figure in a leadership position, Layer Cake goes deeper by examining all the people involved in the operation. Layer Cake starts with a monologue by Craig as he details the process of his job. Aside from its impact on the genre, Craig’s performance in Layer Cake is also noted as what got him the role of James Bond a few years later.

9 Ghost Dog: The Way Of The Samurai (1999)

The Meeting Of Samurai And Mafia Genres

Many gangster films have leaned into the comedy genre, and a few have been centered around a blend of cultures. However, few gangster films have been able to pull off such a feat as well as Jim Jarmusch’s Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai. Forest Whitaker plays the eponymous role, a hitman who views himself as a servant to Louie, a member of the mafia. Ghost Dog puts himself in this position because he follows a certain code of samurai and the words of the Hagakure.

The fusion of samurai and American mafia genres makes Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai a one-of-a-kind film. The character types in each genre mix well and create a fascinating film. Additionally, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai has a unique and subtle humor that differentiates the film from others in the gangster genre. This includes the fact that Ghost Dog communicates solely through the use of pigeons, and he’s friends with an ice cream vendor who only speaks French.

8 Miller’s Crossing (1990)

A Neo-Noir Film With A Signature Dark Humor

As discussed with Ghost Dog: The Way Of The Samurai, it’s not rare to see humor woven into a gangster film. Still, it’s particularly notable when it’s expertly done, which is the case for Ethan and Joel Coen’s Miller’s Crossing. As one of the Coens’ best films, Miller’s Crossing is a meeting of a dramatic neo-noir tone and dark humor — a comfortable spot where most of their later work finds itself.

The characters in Miller’s Crossing have the same mobster roles as those in every gangster film, but there’s a lighthearted touch in their characterization that plays out humorously. Gabriel Byrne’s Tom Reagan finds himself in the middle of these characters as conflict between two rival gangs arises. Though Miller’s Crossing didn’t perform well at the box office when it was released, there is no denying how the film wound up having an impact on the gangster genre and the Coen brothers’ career as a whole.

7 The Big Heat (1953)

Typical Film Noir Characters Are Inverted

By the time The Big Heat was released in 1953, noir films were already rising in popularity. Fritz Lang’s film checked off key aspects found in noir films, such as a quick-witted script, dark and moody locations, and corrupt police officers. Another common element of film noir is flawed protagonists, and while The Big Heat‘s Dave Bannion (Glenn Ford) is not perfect, there’s rarely a moment where audiences question his motives.

As a homicide detective, Bannion goes against orders at work and continues in his pursuit of a local mob. By doing so, those around him suffer consequences, making his mission that serves the greater good feel slightly questionable at times. It’s something that isn’t always seen in gangster or crime-related films. Another film noir character type The Big Heat turns on its head is that of the femme fatale. The lead female role in the film is Debby Marsh (Gloria Grahame) — a hero in her own right, fighting with the same goal in mind as Bannion.

6 King Of New York (1990)

The Crime Film With No True Heroes

Most gangster films feature an anti-hero. They are flawed characters who can win audiences over with their methods of justice. However, King of New York‘s protagonist has no redeeming qualities. Frank White, deftly played by Christopher Walken, is a drug lord looking to eliminate his enemies and take his power back. Frank does earn a few points when he explains the heinous activities his rivals were involved in, as an explanation for why he killed them.

However, he’s still not someone to root for. It’s difficult to root for anyone in King of New York and that’s made clear by the high body count in the film — a factor that turned many critics off from the film around its initial release — an indication that few characters are worth saving. Yet, King of New York‘s director Abel Ferrara is happy with his choice of excess violence and cynicism, joking in an interview by saying, “King of New York made Scarface look like Mary Poppins.” (via The Guardian).

5 The Long Good Friday (1980)

Influenced British Gangster Films And Guy Ritchie

Set in London, The Long Good Friday follows a gangster named Harold Shand (Bob Hoskins) on his journey to become legitimate and work with the American mafia whilst overcoming the numerous obstacles placed in front of him. Hoskins is supported by a talented cast including Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan in his film debut.

The Long Good Friday has been lauded for its entertaining premise, thrills, and sharp writing. It has influenced many gangster films, especially those coming from Britain. One individual who frequently draws from John Mackenzie’s work is Guy Ritchie. Known for his British gangster films, many of Ritchie’s films, including Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, are heavily comparable to The Long Good Friday. This includes the witty writing, character types, and humor. In fact, Ritchie’s The Gentlemen makes a direct reference to The Long Good Friday during its final scene.

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4 Dick Tracy (1990)

An Early Box-Office Superhero Success

Before superhero films were a popular and surefire way to get audiences into theaters, there was doubt about the success such films would be able to have. It wasn’t until films like Warren Beatty’s Dick Tracy, that stories based on comic material were approved of. Based on the comic strip from the 1930s, Dick Tracy shows the titular detectives’ pursuit of a local crime boss known as Big Boy.

In addition to Dick Tracy finding success as a summer blockbuster at the box office, the film is mostly remembered for its visual style. Pulling inspiration from its comic strip source, Dick Tracy is uniquely vibrant. The colors of the film bounce off the screen, utilizing a palette of minimal colors such as red, green, and yellow. The performances in Dick Tracy are also viewed fondly, particularly that of a prosthetic-covered Al Pacino as the cartoonish antagonist, Big Boy.

3 Snatch (2000)

Layed The Foundation For Guy Ritchie’s Filmography

As previously mentioned, Guy Ritchie is a well-known name in the world of British gangster films. Having gained inspiration from many great directors before him, Ritchie too makes an impact on the gangster genre. Ritchie’s second feature film, Snatch, follows various characters and storylines all involved in London’s criminal underworld. Admittedly, the film closely resembles details from his first film, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, but these continued themes in Snatch helped cement Ritchie’s role in the gangster genre.

Ritchie’s films are known for their entertaining factor that keeps audiences coming back for more. His filmography is defined by a few key elements, including memorable characters, fast action, and a non-linear narrative or intertwining the stories of multiple characters, as shown in Snatch. Ritchie’s signature snappy dialogue also plays a large role in his success, and it’s what makes Snatch quotable.

2 The Sting (1973)

An Intricate Plot Is Replicated Throughout The Genre

The acclaimed caper film, The Sting, revived an interest in the subgenre. Starring the short-lived, but mighty duo of Paul Newman and Robert Redford, The Sting follows their characters as they work to con Robert Shaw’s mob boss. The Sting, like many crime-related films, is entertaining and smart, but its screenplay is its greatest strength. David S. Ward’s writing earned the film Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards because The Sting‘s story is undoubtedly clever and well-executed.

The plot of The Sting, full of twists and turns, keeps audiences on their toes for the entirety of the film. It’s an accomplishment that seemed effortless and had many following heist movies aiming to replicate it. However, part of what makes The Sting gripping is its leading performances by Newman and Redford. The duo’s on-screen talents warmly invite audiences to be part of their con mission, encouraging an engaged viewing experience.

1 A History Of Violence (2005)

Audiences Are Confronted With The Consequences Of Violence

A loose adaptation of the DC graphic novel of the same name, A History of Violence sees its main character, Tom (Viggo Mortensen) confront his past when he’s deemed a local hero in his small town. It’s not true that every gangster movie romanticizes violence, but many do. Brutal violence is often a means to an end in these films and that’s where A History of Violence starts to differ.

The violence in David Cronenberg’s film is a result of Tom’s past, showcasing the cyclical nature of such actions. Cronenberg puts audiences in a thought-provoking position by asking if they applaud Tom’s use of violence, are the consequences equally worth celebrating? Since its release, A History of Violence has gained high levels of praise for its writing and performances, including one of the best performances from Mortensen.