Can You Name the Gangster Movie From an Image?

By: Lauren Lubas
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Name the Gangster Movie From an Image?
Image: Paramount Pictures / The Coppola Company

About This Quiz

Gangster movies have so many things film fans are looking for: villains turned into heroes, wild shootouts and a clear understanding of how family works. We love to see people in power, even if we don't want to associate ourselves with that kind of power. We love to see them take pity on those around them, as long as they get something in return. Some of our favorite gangster movies are ones based on real-life situations, told by those who lived in the stories themselves. 

There is something mysterious yet inviting about a gangster movie because they provide entertainment without the danger of actually being in the dangerous situations we see.

While some may think the popularity of gangster films came along with "The Godfather" trilogy, the truth is, this genre has been around since 1912. Even in the silent era, people wanted to see the high-class gangsters shooting up the streets because they didn't get what they wanted or someone double-crossed them. 

Although we don't expect you to know every gangster movie that was ever released, we are definitely interested in how many you might remember. Don't worry, we won't add a fugazi to throw you off ... we have respect.

Scarface
Universal Pictures
Can you name this gangster movie starring Al Pacino?
"Scarface"
"The Italian Job"
"Black Mass"
"Legend"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In "Scarface," Al Pacino plays Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who heads to Miami to make money in the drug trade. He becomes very powerful and ends up going into drug-addled bouts of paranoia.

Pulp Fiction
A Band Apart / Jersey Films
What is the name of this 1994 film that put Quentin Tarantino on the map?
"Reservoir Dogs"
"City of God"
"Pulp Fiction"
"The Untouchables"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

What's in the briefcase? You may never know. There is something about watching two best friends and hitmen interact with each other in a movie like "Pulp Fiction." It was definitely ahead of its time.

The Godfather
Paramount Pictures / Alfran Productions
Do you recognize this film that shed a light on the mafia?
"The Godfather"
"American Gangster"
"Scarface"
"Donnie Brasco"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Some say this is the best film that has ever been made, but "The Godfather" is also one of the most memorable. It's based on the book written by Mario Puzo showing what the family structure in the mafia is really like.

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Casino 1995
Syalis D.A. / Légende Entreprises / De Fina/Cappa
What is this Las Vegas-based film called?
"Leaving Las Vegas"
"Casino"
"Bright Lights Big City"
"A Bronx Tale"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Gangster movies like to take us from beginning to end, showing all of the ups and downs of what happens with the rise of power. "Casino" goes from two guys wanting to open a casino in Las Vegas to their inevitable downfall.

Goodfellas
Warner Bros.
This film is told by Henry Hill, a mobster who turned on his friends. What is it called?
"Gangster Squad"
"Scarface"
"Goodfellas"
"Donnie Brasco"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Goodfellas" is widely regarded as one of the most approachable gangster films because the voice-over of Henry Hill helps people follow along. It's a gritty look at what happens when you flip on the mob.

A Bronx Tale
TriBeCa Productions
In which film do you see a young boy whose father wants him to stay away from mobsters down the street?
"Public Enemies"
"A Bronx Tale"
"Legend"
"Casino"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Based on a one-man show, "A Bronx Tale" shows what life was like in the Bronx in the 1960s. It also brings in a little bit of a love story, which is rare for gangster films - especially since it was a biracial love story.

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Reservoir Dogs
PolyGram Filmed Entertainment / Live America Inc. / Dog Eat Dog Productions
This movie begins in the middle. Do you know what it's called?
"Jackie Brown"
"Reservoir Dogs"
"A Prophet"
"Rififi"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although it doesn't delve into the mafia or gangsters too much, "Reservoir Dogs" is a film about a group of thieves who don't know one another, doing a job for a known mobster. However, one of them is an undercover operative. It's your job to figure out who.

Bugsy
Mulholland Productions / Baltimore Pictures
Can you name this gangster movie starring Warren Beatty as Bugsy Siegel?
"Bugsy"
"Siegel"
"The Long Good Friday"
"Eastern Promises"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Bugsy" is a movie that documents the life, trials and tribulations of the well-known mobster Bugsy Siegel. He goes from New York City to Los Angeles and finally lands in Las Vegas where he gets into gambling.

On the Waterfront
Horizon Pictures
Standing up to a corrupt Union leader is difficult for Marlon Brando in this classic gangster movie. Can you name it?
"On the Waterfront"
"The Godfather Part II"
"Apocalypse Now"
"Rudy Bond"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It had been long accepted that any movie that had to do with the union also had to do with the mob. When Terry Malloy (played by Marlon Brando) ends his boxing career to work on the docks, he learns the ways of the union the hard way.

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The Untouchables
Paramount Pictures
Kevin Costner takes on Al Capone in which gangster film?
"Litle Caesar"
"The Untouchables"
"White Heat"
"A Bronx Tale"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Robert De Niro plays Al Capone in the movie that explains just how he was brought down. During Prohibition, Capone was well-loved by those around him, and nearly everyone worked for him. Elliot Ness (played by Kevin Costner) was the only one who wasn't afraid of him.

The Godfather Part III
Paramount Pictures / Zoetrope Studios
Do you know the name of this popular sequel?
"The Godfather Part III"
"The Godfather Part II"
"The Favor"
"Donnie Brasco"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Michael Corleone finds that it's much more difficult to get your entire family out of the mafia than expected. Once you're in, you're in, but "The Godfather Part III" shows a dangerous side to being a part of the family.

The Godfather II
Paramount Pictures / The Coppola Company
This was one of the most successful sequels of all time. Do you know what it's called?
"The Godfather Part III"
"The Godfather Part II"
"White Heat 2"
"Angels With Dirty Faces"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Starring Al Pachino, this film made waves in 1974. It was a time when it was almost unheard of for a sequel to make any kind of money, let alone win an Oscar. It actually won six out of the 11 Oscars it was nominated for.

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Russell Crowe
Imagine Entertainment / Scott Free Productions / Relativity Media
Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe star in this gangster movie. Can you name it?
"Gangs of New York"
"The Departed"
"Legend"
"American Gangster"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although many films focus on the Italian mafia in the 1970s, "American Gangster" shows what it was like for the rise of the gangsters in Harlem during the same time. The 2007 film was directed by Ridley Scott.

The Irishman
TriBeCa Productions / Sikelia Productions / Winkler Films
Can you name this 2019 Scorsese film about Jimmy Hoffa?
"Black Mass"
"American Gangster"
"The Irishman"
"Legend"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Al Pacino, Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro together in one movie creates the Scorsese trifecta of gangster movies. In "The Irishman," we see Frank Sheeran (De Niro) working for Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino) and Russell Buralino (Pesci).

Donnie Brasco
Mandalay Entertainment / Baltimore Pictures / Mark Johnson Productions
Johnny Depp plays a jeweler in this film. Do you know what it's called?
"Public Enemies"
"Bonnie and Clyde"
"The Departed"
"Donnie Brasco"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Johnny Depp plays an undercover agent meant to infiltrate the mob in "Donnie Brasco." He does so by standing up to Al Pacino, telling him that a diamond is a fake. It's definitely an edge-of-your-seat movie.

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Bonnie and Clyde
Warner Bros.-Seven Arts
Do you recognize this movie that stars Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway?
"Carlito's Way"
"Scarface"
"Road to Perdition"
"Bonnie and Clyde"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Anyone who studies criminal justice or American history knows the names of the notorious killers, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Their relationship was so well-documented in newspapers, it was only a matter of time before someone wrote a movie about them.

"Boyz in the Hood"
Columbia Pictures
Do you know the name of this gangster movie that showed what life was really like for African Americans in the early 1990s?
"Boyz in the Hood"
"Legend"
"The Streets"
"Colors"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Not all gangster movies have to do with the mafia. As a matter of fact, the late 1980s and early '90s showed us a different kind of gangster - and a modern-day one at that. "Boyz in the Hood" shed light on what was truly happening in our streets and what we needed to know about.

Gotti
Emmett/Furla/Oasis Films / Fiore Films / Highland Film Group
What is the name of this movie about a famous mob boss?
"Danin"
"Gotti"
"Portelli"
"Moxi"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite the reality television show about his family, John Gotti was the kind of mobster who enhanced the drug trade, and not in a pretty way. In the film "Gotti," John Travolta plays the mob boss.

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Carlito's Way
Epic Productions
He tries to get out but he can't. Do you know the name of this movie?
"Donnie Brasco"
"Goodfellas"
"Get Carter"
"Carlito's Way"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After just being released from prison, Carlito Brigante (played by Al Pacino) wants nothing more than to go straight. However, there are always circumstances that pull him back in. If only he wasn't so good.

Road to Perdition
DreamWorks Pictures / 20th Century Fox / The Zanuck Company
Tom Hanks stars in which gangster movie?
"Elite Squad"
"Road to Perdition"
"Apollo 13"
"Reservoir Dogs"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tom Hanks is the kind of actor who can do anything, so it was only a matter of time before he was placed in the role of a Depression-era hitman in the Midwest. If you're looking for a film where Forrest Gump becomes an "enforcer," check out this one.

The Usual Suspects
Bad Hat Harry Productions / Blue Parrot / Spelling Films International
A group of thieves is set up in this gangster movie. Can you name it?
"Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels"
"The Departed"
"The Usual Suspects"
"The Boondock Saints"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Dean Keaton wants to give up the gangster life for good. He fakes his death but an anonymous phone call leads the police to him. He finds himself in a cell with four other cons and they concoct a plan to score big.

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Mean Streets
Taplin-Perry-Scorsese Productions
You'll find Robert De Niro and Harvey Keitel in this classic gangster movie. Can you name it?
"Ronin"
'Get Shorty"
"Mean Streets"
"The Godfather"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Following the success of "The Godfather," it was clear that Americans loved gangster movies. Therefore, it only made sense to have Martin Scorsese create a thrilling drama about small-time gangsters in "Mean Streets."

Public Enemies
Relativity Media / Forward Pass / Misher Films / TriBeCa Productions
What is the name of this gangster film starring Johnny Depp?
"Public Enemies"
"The Departed"
"True Romance"
"Gangster Squad"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You'll find Johnny Depp in a lot of gangster movies, mostly because he has the look and voice for it. In "Public Enemies," he plays John Dillinger, one of the most sought-after criminals of his time.

"Once Upon a Time in America"
The Ladd Company / Embassy International Pictures / PSO Enterprises / Rafran Cinematografica
What is the name of this movie that includes a Jewish gangster?
"Bonnie and Clyde"
"Miller's Crossing"
"A Bronx Tale"
"Once Upon a Time in America"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When people go to see gangster movies, they like to see what it was like in the old days. "Once Upon a Time in America" shows all of this, giving us insight into the life of a man named "Noodles" who was a career criminal in the '20s and '30s.

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The Sting
Universal Pictures
Paul Newman and Robert Redford take the screen in this film. What is the name of it?
"What Doesn't Kill You"
"Cop Land"
"The Sting"
"Miller's Crossing"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Revenge plots are commonplace in gangster movies. In "The Sting," we see some of the biggest stars of the day (Paul Newman and Robert Redford) take on Doyle Lonnegan (played by Robert Shaw) to avenge the death of their friend.

Blow 2001
New Line Cinema
Can you name this movie that documents the boost in drug use in the 1970s?
"More"
"Requiem For a Dream"
"Colors"
"Blow"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although there have been numerous movies and television shows about the Medellin Cartel from Columbia, this one goes into the connection between the drug delivery and the upper-class clientele it attracted.

The Departed
Plan B Entertainment / Initial Entertainment / Group Vertigo Entertainment / Media Asia Films
Do you recognize this movie with Jack Nicholson and Leonardo DiCaprio?
"The Departed"
"Public Enemies"
"Eastern Promises"
"King of New York"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In "The Departed," Leonardo DiCaprio plays Billy Costigan, a police officer who goes undercover to take down one of the biggest names in the city: Frank Costello (played by Jack Nicholson).

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New Jack City
Warner Bros. Pictures
A wild detective goes up against a crime lord in which 1991 gangster film?
"Jumping Jack Flash"
"New Jack City"
"Racketteer"
"White Heat"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Cash Money Brothers have taken over New York City's drug trade. Headed by Nino Brown (played by Wesley Snipes), the operation becomes seemingly unstoppable until Ice-T and Judd Nelson bring them down.

Lucky Number Slevin
The Weinstein Company / Ascendant Pictures / Capitol Films / The Complex Studio / FilmEngine / VIP 4
A man vows to take down two gangsters in which movie?
"Carlito's Way"
"Edison's Telling"
"Lucky Number Slevin"
"Road to Perdition"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Lucky Number Slevin" is full of twists and turns in an interesting "who done it" and "who's doing it" plot that keeps the audience guessing. The movie stars Bruce Willis and Josh Hartnett.

Miller's Crossing
20th Century Fox
What is the name of this movie that was written and directed by the Coen brothers?
"The Big Lebowski"
"Angels with Dirty Faces"
"Miller's Crossing"
"O Brother, Where Art Thou?"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In true Coen brothers fashion, "Miller's Crossing" shows us there can be poetry as well as artistic direction in gangster films. They don't necessarily have to be all about bloodshed, although the movie has that as well.

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The Killing
Harris-Kubrick Pictures Corporation
Do you know the name of this movie about a career criminal and a sharp shooter?
"Snatch"
"Once Upon a Time in America"
"The Killing"
"The French Connection"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The 1956 classic, "The Killing," is a gangster film starring Sterling Hayden and Timothy Carey. It's a tale told again and again about a criminal's last hoorah before he quits the life for good.

Gangster Squad
Village Roadshow Pictures
Sean Penn plays Mickey Cohen in which 2013 gangster film?
"Once Upon a Time in America"
"A Bronx Tale"
"The Godfather Part III"
"Gangster Squad"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's going to take a lot to take down Mickey Cohen in Los Angeles, especially after he takes control of pretty much everything and everyone in the city. No wonder they need Josh Brolin and Ryan Gosling to form a secret squad to stop him.

State of Grace
Orion Pictures
In which gangster movie does Sean Penn go toe-to-toe with Ed Harris?
"State of Grace"
"What Doesn't Kill You"
"Road to Perdition"
"Broken City"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When an Irish mafia goon comes back after being gone for ten years, he is welcomed back with open arms. However, what his bosses don't know is that he is now undercover and trying to take them down.

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"Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels"
HandMade Films / SKA Films / The Steve Tisch Company / Summit Entertainment / Columbia / TriStar Pictures
This movie may be hard to follow but do you recognize it?
"Snatch"
"Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels"
"Hooch"
"Wedge"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you love movies with 25 characters that you have to pay attention to and loads of storylines, then "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" is perfect for you. This movie has it all: drugs, gambling and Jason Statham.

White Heat
Warner Bros.
What is the name of this 1949 movie about gang leader Cody Jarrett?
"Menace II Society"
"Boyz in the Hood"
"White Heat"
"A Dirty Carnival"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

James Cagney and Virginia Mayo star in the 1949 drama "White Heat." This is the story of Cody Jarrett (Cagney) who suffers from horrible headaches, but that doesn't stop him from planning heists and doing dirty deeds. That is until something goes wrong during a robbery.

Broken City
Regency Enterprises/ Emmett/Furla Films / Inferno Distribution / Black Bear Pictures / New Regency / Closest to the Hole Productions / Leverage Entertainment / Allen Hughes Productions / 1984 Private Defense Contractors / Envision Entertainment
Do you recognize this movie that stars Russell Crow and Mark Wahlberg?
"America Rising"
"American Gangster"
"Officially Broken"
"Broken City"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Broken City" is about a former police officer named Billy Taggart (played by Mark Wahlberg) who is seeking justice for being wronged by the mayor of New York City. The tension in this movie can be cut with a knife, as we learn about a scandal that would rock the city.

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We Own the Night
2929 Productions
Russian mafia hitmen are after characters in which film starring Joaquin Phoenix?
"We Own the Night"
"He's Got Guts"
"Alpha Dog"
"Cop Land"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

During the drug war of 1988 in New York City, police officers didn't care who the victims were, as long as the drugs stopped hitting the streets. This led to controversy ... as well as the movie "We Own the Night."

Live by Night
RatPac-Dune Entertainment / Appian Way Productions / Pearl Street Films
Can you name this Prohibition movie that stars Ben Affleck?
"Bonnie and Clyde"
"Live by Night"
"Broken City"
"Reindeer Games"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If the government thinks outlawing alcohol will stop people from drinking, they don't know the gangsters of the time. Ben Affleck stars in this movie about just how roaring the Roaring Twenties were.

In Bruges
Blueprint Pictures / Film4 Productions / Focus Features / Scion Films
This movie is about what happens when hitmen take a break. Can you name it?
"Rush Hour"
"Goodfellas"
"Run All Night"
"In Bruges"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"In Bruges" tells the tale of two hitmen who need a place to hide out after a job goes rough. They end up in Belgium where they have to wait for further instructions ... for two weeks. Things get a little sticky when they get stir crazy.

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What Doesn't Kill You
Battleplan Productions / Cold Spring Pictures / The Montecito Picture Company / Bob Yari Productions / Alphaville Films
Mark Ruffalo and Ethan Hawke work for the South Boston mob in which film?
"What Doesn't Kill You"
"Stronger"
"Run All Night"
"The Kitchen"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sometimes, you have to do whatever it takes to survive, even if that means working for the mob in your town. South Boston is well known for its gang activity, and friends Brian and Paulie are deep in it.

You Got:
/40
Paramount Pictures / The Coppola Company