15 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Once Upon a Time in America

Goodfellas is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in America because both movies delve into the world of organized crime, providing a captivating and gritty portrayal of gangster life. While Once Upon a Time in America focuses on the Prohibition era and its aftermath, Goodfellas takes us into the 1960s and 1970s, exploring the rise and fall of Henry Hill in the mafia. Both films boast exceptional performances, with Robert De Niro shining in both movies. However, Goodfellas stands out as Martin Scorsese's masterpiece, showcasing his unparalleled talent as a director. The film is a whirlwind of energy and excitement, with a flawless script, memorable quotes, and a killer soundtrack. Joe Pesci's Oscar-winning performance adds an extra layer of brilliance to the already stellar ensemble cast. Goodfellas is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the art of filmmaking and wants to experience a thrilling and immersive journey into the dark side of organized crime.

Boardwalk Empire is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in America. Both movies delve into the gritty world of gangsters and the prohibition era. While Once Upon a Time in America focuses on the personal journey of a former Jewish gangster returning to his old life, Boardwalk Empire takes a broader perspective by exploring the political landscape of Atlantic City during the Prohibition era. Both movies showcase the dark underbelly of society and the complex relationships between criminals and politicians. However, Boardwalk Empire does this through the medium of a series, allowing for more in-depth character development and a longer exploration of the time period. So, if you enjoyed the epic storytelling and immersive world of Once Upon a Time in America, Boardwalk Empire is definitely worth watching.

Scarface takes place in 1980s Miami and follows the story of Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who rises to power in the drug cartel. Similarly to Once Upon a Time in America, Scarface explores the rise and fall of a gangster, showcasing the consequences of greed and the pursuit of power. Both movies delve into the dark underbelly of crime, offering a gritty and intense portrayal of the criminal world. However, while Once Upon a Time in America takes a more introspective and nostalgic approach, Scarface is more fast-paced and action-packed. The former focuses on the psychological and emotional journey of its characters, while the latter prioritizes thrilling violence and high stakes. Nonetheless, both movies are masterfully crafted and feature standout performances from their lead actors, with Robert De Niro and Al Pacino delivering mesmerizing performances that anchor their respective films.

The Gunrunner is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in America, but with some notable differences. Both movies are set in the 1920s and fall within the Crime and Drama genres. They both explore the themes of gangsters and love, but they approach them in different ways. Once Upon a Time in America is an epic film that delves deep into the life of a Jewish gangster, while The Gunrunner focuses on a drifter seeking revenge for his girlfriend's execution. Once Upon a Time in America is known for its long runtime and intricate storytelling, whereas The Gunrunner is more compact and action-oriented. While Once Upon a Time in America has received critical acclaim and garnered numerous nominations and wins, The Gunrunner has a lower rating and hasn't received any nominations. Despite these differences, if you enjoyed Once Upon a Time in America and want to see a similar story set in the 1920s with a different twist, The Gunrunner might be worth a watch.

Scarface. An ambitious and nearly insane violent gangster climbs the ladder of success in the mob, but his weaknesses prove to be his downfall. Now, you might be thinking, "Wait a minute, haven't I seen this before?" Well, my friend, you're not wrong. Scarface, the 1932 original, is the predecessor to the Al Pacino classic that we all know and love. Set in the mobster era of Chicago, this film takes us on a journey through the gang wars of the time. Tony 'Scarface' Camonte, played by Paul Muni, is a bodyguard turned bootlegger who wants a piece of the action. He joins forces with mobster Johnny Lovo, and together they rise through the ranks, taking out their rivals along the way. But Tony's ambitions and weaknesses ultimately lead to his downfall.

Al Capone is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in America. Both films delve into the world of organized crime during the Prohibition era, exploring the rise and fall of notorious gangsters. While Once Upon a Time in America takes place in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Al Capone is set in Chicago. The former focuses on a Jewish gangster's return to his old neighborhood, while the latter chronicles the life of Al Capone himself. Both films showcase exceptional performances from their casts, with Robert De Niro and Rod Steiger embodying their respective characters with brilliance. However, the films differ in their storytelling approach. Once Upon a Time in America is an epic masterpiece, spanning over 3 hours, while Al Capone adopts a documentary format, providing a more concise glimpse into Capone's life. Despite these differences, if you've enjoyed Once Upon a Time in America, Al Capone offers a captivating perspective on the era and the infamous gangster himself.

Capone: "The story of the rise and fall of the infamous Chicago gangster Al Capone and the control he exhibited over the city during the prohibition years." Now, imagine a movie that takes you back to the Prohibition era, where gangsters ruled the streets and power was everything. That movie is Once Upon a Time in America. Both films delve into the world of organized crime, showcasing the rise and fall of powerful figures. While Once Upon a Time in America is an epic masterpiece directed by Sergio Leone, Capone takes a different approach. It's a bit like comparing a fine Italian wine to a Chicago deep-dish pizza. Once Upon a Time in America is a sweeping saga with a runtime of over 3 and a half hours, while Capone clocks in at a more digestible 1 hour and 41 minutes. The performances in both films are noteworthy, with Robert De Niro and Ben Gazzara delivering captivating portrayals of their respective gangsters.

Lucky Lady, released in 1975, takes us back to the 1930s during the prohibition era. The film follows a trio of rum-runners, played by Burt Reynolds, Gene Hackman, and Liza Minnelli, who engage in a hilarious menage-a-trois after business hours. Much like Once Upon a Time in America, Lucky Lady explores the themes of prohibition and the gangster lifestyle, but in a comedic way. While the former is a serious crime drama, the latter takes a lighter approach. Lucky Lady keeps you entertained with its laughs and cracking set pieces, including an impressive sea battle climax that stands out even in today's age of CGI. Directed by Stanley Donen, known for his work in "Charade," Lucky Lady is nothing short of excellent. It's a hidden gem that deserves more recognition, just like its predecessor.

Casino is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in America, mainly because they both delve into the world of crime and the consequences that come with it. While Once Upon a Time in America focuses on a former gangster returning to his old life after many years, Casino explores the story of two best friends, a mafia enforcer and a casino executive, as they compete for a gambling empire in Las Vegas. Both movies are set in different time periods, with Once Upon a Time in America taking place during the 1920s and Casino set in the 1970s. The films also share some common themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and the pursuit of power. However, the main difference between the two is the directing style. Sergio Leone, the director of Once Upon a Time in America, is known for his use of close-ups and powerful emotional orchestrals, while Martin Scorsese, the director of Casino, employs a more fast-paced, documentary-like approach.

The Untouchables is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in America as both movies are set during the Prohibition era. While Once Upon a Time in America takes place in the Lower East Side of Manhattan and follows a former Jewish gangster confronting his past, The Untouchables is set in Chicago and focuses on Treasury agent Eliot Ness forming a team to take down ruthless gangster Al Capone. Both films explore the theme of corruption and feature talented casts, including Robert De Niro in a prominent role. However, the movies differ in their narrative approach and visual style. Once Upon a Time in America, directed by Sergio Leone, is known for its complex storytelling and stunning cinematography, while The Untouchables, directed by Brian De Palma, offers a more action-oriented and thrilling experience. Despite their differences, fans of Once Upon a Time in America will appreciate The Untouchables for its captivating portrayal of the Prohibition era and its engaging performances.

Peaky Blinders is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in America. Both movies delve into the world of organized crime, showcasing the power struggles, loyalty, and brutality that define the gangster genre. However, while Once Upon a Time in America takes place in Prohibition-era New York, Peaky Blinders transports us to 1900s England. The similarities lie in the attention to detail and the captivating performances. Once again, we are treated to complex characters, led by the fierce Tommy Shelby, brilliantly portrayed by Cillian Murphy. The writing in Peaky Blinders is just as gripping as its American counterpart, and the acting is top-notch. With 51 nominations and 22 wins, this series has proven itself to be a force to be reckoned with. So, if you enjoyed the gritty world of Once Upon a Time in America, prepare to be captivated by Peaky Blinders' razor-sharp storytelling and addictive plot.

Midnight Run is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in America because both movies feature Robert De Niro in outstanding performances, showcasing his incredible range as an actor. While Once Upon a Time in America takes us back to Prohibition-era New York, Midnight Run takes us on a thrilling chase across the country. Both films are beautifully written, with Once Upon a Time in America delving into the depths of regret and redemption, while Midnight Run keeps us on the edge of our seats with its tightly woven script. The chemistry between De Niro and his co-stars is palpable in both movies, with Charles Grodin providing a brilliant foil to De Niro's character in Midnight Run. While Once Upon a Time in America is an epic gangster drama, Midnight Run combines action, comedy, crime, and thriller elements into a unique blend that keeps us entertained from start to finish. If you enjoyed De Niro's performance in Once Upon a Time in America, you'll love him in Midnight Run.

Mean Streets. If you loved Once Upon a Time in America, you'll find Mean Streets to be a fascinating and raw exploration of the crime genre. While Once Upon a Time in America is an epic saga spanning decades, Mean Streets focuses on the gritty streets of New York City in the 1970s. Both films share an unflinching portrayal of gangster culture and the internal struggles of their characters. However, where Once Upon a Time in America is grand and sprawling, Mean Streets is intimate and intense. Martin Scorsese's signature style is on full display in Mean Streets, with fluid camerawork, expressionistic lighting, and sudden explosions of violence. The film captures the emotional intensity of a young director passionate about making a personal statement. Robert De Niro delivers a ferocious performance as Johnny Boy, an anarchic friend of the main character played by Harvey Keitel. Their dynamic and the conflicts they face provide the backbone of the film.

The Irishman, released in 2019, is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in America. Both films fall under the crime and drama genres and revolve around the life of a gangster. While Once Upon a Time in America takes place during the Prohibition era in the 1920s, The Irishman showcases the life of Frank Sheeran, a World War II veteran turned hit-man for the Bufalino crime family. Both movies delve into the dark and complex world of organized crime, exploring the ghosts and regrets that haunt the main characters. However, there are notable differences between the two films. Once Upon a Time in America, directed by Sergio Leone, is an epic tale with a runtime of over 3 hours, while The Irishman, helmed by Martin Scorsese, is slightly shorter at around 3 and a half hours.

Dogville is reminiscent of Once Upon a Time in America in its exploration of the darker side of human nature. Both movies delve into the themes of exploitation, betrayal, and the moral ambiguity that exists within society. While Once Upon a Time in America focuses on the life of a Jewish gangster and his regrets, Dogville tells the story of a woman on the run from the mob who seeks refuge in a small town. The similarities between these films lie in their exploration of the complexities of human behavior and the consequences of our actions. However, where Once Upon a Time in America uses lush cinematography and a sweeping score to captivate the audience, Dogville takes a more minimalist approach, using a bare stage set and intense performances to create a sense of claustrophobia and unease. Both films are powerful and thought-provoking in their own right, but Dogville's experimental style and provocative storytelling make it a must-watch for anyone seeking a unique and challenging cinematic experience.