10. Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Steven Spielberg is not a filmmaker known for crime films, however he excels with the story of Frank Abagnale, Jr., played by Leonardo Dicaprio, teenage runaway turned con man and check counterfeiter.

9. Donnie Brasco (1997)

Featuring another understated performance by Johnny Depp, Donnie Brasco tells the story of Joseph D. Pistone, an FBI agent who goes undercover infiltrating the mafia, adopting the name Donnie Brasco. The movie represents a deep examination of the true meaning of loyalty.

8. The French Connection (1971)

The incredible true story of New York cops Jimmy Doyle and Buddy Russo, who stumble onto drug smugglers with a 'French Connection'. It was the first big break for William Friedkin and Gene Hackman. Both would take home Oscars for Best Director and Best Actor, respectively.

7. The Untouchables (1987)

The Untouchables tells the classic tale of Eliot Ness and his ‘Untouchables’ bringing down Al Capone with a fresh take on it from Director Brian De Palma and writer David Mamet. While it may be less faithful to the true events inspiring the film, it makes up for it with action and suspense, particularly with Sean Connery’s character.

6. Dog Day Afternoon (1975)

It represents the true story of a botched bank robbery turned hostage situation on a scorching afternoon in 1970s New York. Sonny Wortzik, played by Al Pacino, and his dim-witted pal Sal, played by the late John Cazale, rob the bank to pay for a sex change operation for Sonny’s male lover.

5. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Based on the autobiography by Jordan Belfort, the film, directed by Martin Scorsese, follows his rise and fall as a stockbroker with a hunger for money, women, cocaine and more money. It represents the examination of our national greed and desire for excess.

4. Bronson (2008)

With an incredible performance from Tom Hardy, Nicolas Winding Refn’s film is based on the true story of Britain’s most famous prisoner: Bronson. He was originally sentenced to 7 years for robbing a post office and ended up spending 30 years in solitary confinement due to his violent behavior.  

3. The Assassination of Jesse James by The Coward Robert Ford (2007)

Andrew Dominick’s second feature, based on the book by Ron Hansen, concerning the final months of Jesse James’ life and that of his assassin Robert Ford. Aside from the lush cinematography, the film is an amazing meditation on fame and those who lust after it.

2. Zodiac (2007)

David Fincher’s adaptation of the 1986 book Zodiac, details Robert Graysmith’s time as a cartoonist for the San Francisco Chronicle during the Zodiac murders, his obsession with the case and subsequent amateur investigation. Fincher manages to stay incredibly faithful to the true facts of the case while crafting a compelling film.

1. Goodfellas (1990)

Perhaps Martin Scorsese’s most famous film and a natural choice for this list, 'Goodfellas' is a brilliant examination of the day in the life of mafia foot soldier Henry Hill. Scorsese recreates the look and sound of New York in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s with immaculate costume and production design to show the world that Hill and his associates lived in. An unflinching brutality with which they dispatch friends and enemies alike, and the world of false glamour, dark humor and self-glorification, 'Goodfellas' is the perfect movie which shows the world where these gangsters cloak themselves in.