19 Must-Watch Movies Like Scarface in the Crime Drama Genre

Goodfellas is reminiscent of Scarface because both movies delve into the dark and gritty world of organized crime. While Scarface takes place in 1980s Miami and focuses on a Cuban immigrant's rise to power in the drug cartel, Goodfellas tells the story of Henry Hill and his life in the mafia. Both films explore the themes of greed, power, and the consequences of a life of crime. However, Goodfellas stands out with its exceptional direction by Martin Scorsese, who brings raw energy and enthusiasm to the screen. The film is a textbook example of a great director at the peak of his talents. The script is also top-notch, with memorable quotes and a compelling story that keeps you hooked. Additionally, the ensemble cast in Goodfellas is one of the finest in film history, with outstanding performances from Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci, who won an Oscar for his role.

The Godfather Part III is reminiscent of Scarface in its exploration of the rise and fall of a powerful figure in the criminal underworld. While Scarface focuses on Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who takes over a drug cartel in 1980s Miami, The Godfather Part III follows Michael Corleone, now in his 60s, as he seeks to free his family from crime and find a suitable successor to his empire. Both films delve into themes of power, greed, and the consequences of a life of crime. However, where Scarface is a gritty and explosive portrayal of the drug trade, The Godfather Part III takes a more introspective approach, delving into the complexities of family, loyalty, and guilt within the context of organized crime. While Scarface showcases Al Pacino's intensity and charisma, The Godfather Part III sees him reprising his role as Michael Corleone with a seasoned and nuanced performance.

Carlito's Way is considered by many to be a companion piece to Scarface, but in its own ways, it is vastly different. While Scarface was an operatic film rooted in Greek tragedy, with over-the-top theatrics and scenery-chewing acting, Carlito's Way takes a more balanced approach. Directed by Brian De Palma, it still has some beautiful set pieces, but it avoids excessive visuals and instead focuses on a mixture of storyline and directorial flair. Unlike Scarface, which followed the downfall of its protagonist due to his own hubris and pride, Carlito's Way offers a new perspective. The main character, Carlito Brigante, is a Puerto Rican ex-con who is released from prison and tries to change his fate by leading a better life. However, as the film subtly suggests, his life is doomed to its inevitable conclusion. This makes Carlito's Way a more mature and human experience compared to Scarface.

City on Fire (1987) is reminiscent of Scarface (1990) in its portrayal of the criminal underworld. Both movies explore the themes of organized crime, gangsters, and the pursuit of wealth and power. While Scarface is set in 1980s Miami and focuses on a Cuban immigrant who rises to the top of a drug cartel, City on Fire takes place in Hong Kong and follows an undercover cop infiltrating a gang of thieves planning a jewelry store heist. The similarities lie in their gritty storytelling, intense action, and compelling performances. However, City on Fire stands out with its explosive action sequences and the stylish charisma of Chow Yun-Fat, who plays the cop with his usual style and class. Director Ringo Lam's work in this film even inspired Quentin Tarantino to create "Reservoir Dogs." With its good story, strong performances, and thrilling action, City on Fire is a must-watch for fans of the crime genre.

Billy Bathgate is reminiscent of Scarface in its portrayal of organized crime and the rise of a young protagonist within it. While Scarface is set in 1980s Miami and follows the story of Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who takes over a drug cartel, Billy Bathgate takes place in 1930s New York City and revolves around a teen named Billy Bathgate who becomes the protégé of fledgling gangster Dutch Schultz. Both movies explore the allure and dangers of the criminal underworld, showcasing the protagonist's journey from obscurity to power. However, while Scarface focuses on the brutal and violent path Tony Montana takes to the top, Billy Bathgate takes a more nuanced approach, delving into the complex dynamics of the time period and the characters involved. Additionally, Billy Bathgate stands out for the mesmerizing performance of Dustin Hoffman as Dutch Schultz, capturing the hot-tempered and homicidal nature of the character.

"The Last Days of Frankie the Fly" is reminiscent of "Scarface" in its portrayal of the criminal underworld and its anti-hero protagonist. While "Scarface" focuses on Tony Montana's rise to power in the drug cartel, "The Last Days of Frankie the Fly" follows Frankie, a small-time hood, as he teams up with a porn filmmaker and actress to run a high-risk scam. Both movies explore themes of organized crime, greed, and the consequences of pursuing power. However, "The Last Days of Frankie the Fly" takes a more comedic approach, infusing the story with black humor and quirky characters. Dennis Hopper's portrayal of Frankie is engaging, showcasing his ability to switch between being cool and old-fashioned. The movie's dialogue has a unique sense of humor, adding to its charm.

Saathi takes inspiration from Al Pacino's Scarface (1983), just like several other Bollywood movies during that time. Saathi stands out thanks to Aditya Panscholi's impressive portrayal of the Tony Montana-like anti-hero. His performance is the highlight of the film and arguably the best of his career, second only to his role in Aatish (1994). The movie also features Varsha Usgaonkar, who was a popular actress in Marathi cinema and played the female lead. Despite the controversies surrounding the Pakistani actor Mohsin Khan's involvement, Saathi managed to make an impact. Although it may not match the intensity and brilliance of Scarface, Saathi offers a unique perspective on the gangster genre and is worth watching for fans of crime dramas with a touch of romance.

Belly: Two young friends involved in organized crime and drug dealing find that their priorities differ. I can't help but see the similarities between Belly and Scarface. Both movies delve into the world of crime and the consequences that come with it. While Scarface takes us on a journey through the rise and fall of a Cuban immigrant turned drug lord in 1980s Miami, Belly focuses on the lives of two friends navigating the dangerous world of organized crime and drug dealing. Both films give us a glimpse into the allure and pitfalls of this lifestyle, showcasing the greed, violence, and complex relationships that define it. However, Belly brings its own unique flavor to the table. With its stylish visuals, heart-touching moments, and an unforgettable scene where DMX is intoxicated and lost in thought, Belly manages to captivate its audience. It's a movie that grows on you with each viewing, and despite what some critics may say, it's a hidden gem that deserves recognition.

The Irishman takes us on a journey through Frank Sheeran's life, from his time as a World War II veteran to becoming a hitman for the Bufalino crime family. The movie delves into the intriguing dynamics of the criminal underworld while also exploring Sheeran's alleged involvement in the assassination of his close friend, Jimmy Hoffa. Although The Irishman is reminiscent of Scarface in terms of its exploration of organized crime and a criminal as the protagonist, it differs in its approach. While Scarface focuses on the rise and fall of Tony Montana, The Irishman takes a more introspective and non-linear narrative approach, showcasing the decline of Frank Sheeran's character over time. The movie's runtime may seem daunting, but Martin Scorsese's masterful storytelling keeps you engaged throughout. So if you enjoyed Scarface's exploration of the criminal world, The Irishman offers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the subject matter.

Title Shot: A troubled police detective investigates fixed betting and corruption in the world of heavyweight boxing and uncovers a plot by a crime boss to use computerized data to rig fights. While Scarface takes us into the world of organized crime and follows the rise and fall of a Cuban immigrant in 1980s Miami, Title Shot dives into the gritty underbelly of the boxing world, exposing fixed betting and corruption. Both movies delve into the dark side of society, exploring themes of crime and greed. However, while Scarface focuses on the drug trade and the protagonist's hunger for power, Title Shot centers around the world of boxing and the detective's pursuit of justice. In Scarface, Al Pacino's powerful performance captivates the audience, while in Title Shot, Tony Curtis brings his legendary acting skills to the screen. While Scarface is an epic saga that spans over 2 hours, Title Shot delivers its story in a more compact format.

Ten Violent Women is reminiscent of Scarface in terms of its theme of crime and the involvement of drugs. While Scarface takes place in 1980s Miami and follows Tony Montana's rise to power in the drug cartel, Ten Violent Women tells the story of eight women miners who turn to crime after getting fed up with their lifestyle. They successfully rob a jewelry store but get into trouble when they try to buy cocaine. The movie takes a different turn when some of the women end up in a women's prison, facing a sadistic warden and a religious fanatic sidekick.
Both movies explore the darker side of human nature and the consequences of getting involved in criminal activities. While Scarface is known for its epic and intense portrayal of the gangster world, Ten Violent Women offers a more low-budget and gritty experience.

True Romance is reminiscent of Scarface in its portrayal of a protagonist's rise to power in the criminal underworld. While Scarface takes place in 1980s Miami and follows the story of a Cuban immigrant who becomes a drug lord, True Romance is set in Detroit and centers around a lonely pop culture geek who marries a call girl, steals cocaine, and tries to sell it in Hollywood. Both films explore themes of drugs, crime, and the pursuit of power, but in their own unique ways. Scarface is known for its epic storytelling and intense violence, while True Romance combines elements of crime, drama, romance, and thriller to create a captivating narrative. Although Scarface has received critical acclaim and has a higher average rating, True Romance has its own charm and is worth watching for its brilliant characters, amazing soundtrack, and the stellar cast, which includes Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, and Dennis Hopper.

Kiss of Death captures the essence of Scarface in a more contained and suspenseful package. While Scarface immerses us in the world of a Cuban immigrant turned drug lord, Kiss of Death takes us on a thrilling journey of a reformed convict going undercover to take down a psychotic mobster with the help of an angry detective. Both movies explore the dark underbelly of crime and the consequences of getting involved in dangerous activities. However, Kiss of Death presents a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of the justice system and the challenges faced by ordinary citizens. With its action-packed moments and solid acting, this movie is definitely worth watching, especially if you're a fan of crime dramas.

Men with Guns is reminiscent of Scarface in its portrayal of characters caught in the world of crime and violence. Both movies explore the dark underbelly of society, focusing on characters who are driven by ambition and succumb to their own greed. While Scarface tells the story of a Cuban immigrant who rises to power in the drug cartel of 1980s Miami, Men with Guns follows three losers who are sent to collect a debt but end up in a bloodbath and with a large amount of cocaine.
In Scarface, the protagonist's journey is driven by his desire for power and wealth, while in Men with Guns, the characters are motivated by revenge and the pursuit of their own interests. Both movies highlight the consequences of their characters' actions, with Scarface showcasing the downfall of the protagonist and Men with Guns depicting the chaos that ensues when the three losers get in over their heads.
Despite their similarities, the two movies differ in their tone and execution.

Ursula is a movie that will remind you of Scarface, but with a charming Finnish twist. While Scarface takes us to 1980s Miami and follows the rise and fall of a Cuban immigrant turned drug lord, Ursula transports us to Helsinki and introduces us to Mårten, a aimless man who spends his days working in a hospital and his nights in the city's bars. One night, Mårten encounters Ursula, a distant and edgy high school student who has a young son but pays him little attention. Together with Mårten's eccentric friend Harri, they embark on a get-rich scheme involving cocaine smuggling that takes them to Copenhagen. It's a bad idea, but one that promises an exciting and unpredictable journey. While Scarface showcases the allure and consequences of the drug trade in a glamorous and violent way, Ursula explores the lives of ordinary individuals who get caught up in a criminal underworld.

Scarface (1932) is a classic gangster film that serves as the predecessor to the more well-known 1983 version starring Al Pacino. This early version follows the rise and fall of Tony 'Scarface' Camonte, an ambitious and violent gangster in Chicago during the era of prohibition. Just like its successor, Scarface (1932) showcases the dark and gritty world of organized crime, filled with betrayal, violence, and power struggles. However, what makes this film unique is its pre-Hays code setting, which allows for a more raw and unfiltered portrayal of the gangster lifestyle. The film's tabloid-like feel and dark humor add an interesting layer to the story, making it a captivating watch for fans of crime dramas. While both versions of Scarface share a similar plot and explore similar themes, they each have their own distinct style and flavor.

The Godfather Part II is a cinematic masterpiece that takes us deeper into the world of the Corleone family. While Scarface explores the rise and fall of a determined Cuban immigrant in 1980s Miami, The Godfather Part II delves into the early life and career of Vito Corleone in 1920s New York City, while simultaneously showcasing Michael's expansion and tightening grip on the family crime syndicate. Both movies are crime dramas that captivate the audience with their intense and violent narratives. However, The Godfather Part II stands out with its exceptional storytelling and flawless performances from Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Robert Duvall. It is a cinematic treasure, often considered one of the top 5 films of all time, and towers over its predecessor, The Godfather. So, if you've seen and loved Scarface, you definitely shouldn't miss The Godfather Part II.

Johnny Dangerously is a delightful comedy that takes us back to the 1930s, where an honest man is forced to turn to a life of crime to pay for his mother's medical bills. While it may not be what you expect from the director of "Fast Times at Ridgmont High," this film is a gem in its own right. Some critics say the humor is hit and miss, but when it hits, it's fantastic. Michael Keaton's spot-on Cagney impression is a standout. Speaking of Keaton, this movie is a reminder of his strong presence throughout the 1980s. Hopefully, with his recent Oscar win for "Birdman," people will rediscover his incredible career, which includes "Johnny Dangerously." So, if you're a fan of witty comedies and enjoy a nostalgic trip back in time, this film is a winner.