Asthe roaring ’20s roaredout of style, an explosive decade found its way into the cinema industry. From bootleggers and criminals to jazz and wild parties, there were several sobering realities of the Great Depression that needed to be depicted on the big screen. And even though times were tough and there was major unrest, movies provided a much-needed escape.
Naturally, filmmakers mined stories from the streets, made the greatest gangster movies, and took the world by storm. The essential gangster movies of the 1930s had all the makings. For starters, they offered a glimpse into the dangerous world of organized crime, allowing the audiences to live vicariously through the rise and fall of rackets and kingpins. Moreover, the subtle drama,hypnotic performances, and evocative cinematography also created a distinct tone and atmosphere.
During the formative decade, there were a bunch of remarkable titles that have managed to stand the test of time. Even though technology and trends have drastically evolved since the 1930s, these renowned gangster movies continue to appeal to new generations because of their artful storytelling and complex character studies. The movies on this list feature 20 essential gangster movies from the 1930s that remain truly unforgettable even today.
20Invisible Stripes (1939)
InInvisible Stripes, George Raft plays the role of an ex-con named Cliff Taylor, who tries to go straight after being released from prison but fails miserably. Mainly because of his disillusioned brother Tim, who does not have enough money to marry the love of his life and thus decides to turn to crime. Cliff, who is trying to escape his old enemies, instead falls into the temptation of easy money for the sake of his brother and ends up on the wrong side of the law.
A Gritty Story About Second Chances
Invisible Stripesis a taut thriller adapted from Warden Lewis E. Lawes’ crime novel of the same name. Under the direction of Lloyd Bacon, the film sees excellent life in New York City and taps into the noir style before the genre had fully established itself. Raft is terrific as the conflicted ex-criminal wanting to do the right thing. With so many sleazy villains and the police lined up to take him down, you cannot help but root for him. Overall,this story about redemptionand second chances is gripping and poignant.Rent on Apple TV.
19Each Dawn I Die (1939)
The plot ofEach Dawn I Dierevolves around an optimistic and unassuming newspaper reporter Frank Ross, who finds himself embroiled in a murder investigation and later accused of manslaughter. He is sentenced to 20 years in prison. Frank meets the notorious and untrustworthy lifer named “Hood” Stacey, who also claims that he was framed for the murder of an informant. The two men team up and try to clear Frank’s name.
Boasts a Haunting Atmosphere
This William Keighley-directed crime drama is based on a novel written by Jerome Odlum. Keighley, while staying faithful to the source material, immerses the audience into the seedy criminal realm and sets the template for the noir classics that followed. James Cagney and George Raft are both charismatic and share a great dynamic as two deeply flawed characters with morally ambiguous intentions. Decades later, its plot and atmosphere are still lauded.Rent on Apple TV.
18The Roaring Twenties (1939)
Anessential watch for fans of the genre,The Roaring Twentiesfollows three war buddies – Eddie Bartlett, George Hally, and Lloyd Hart – who return home after World War I and try to ease into normal life. Eddie becomes a cab driver, George a bootlegger, and Lloyd starts his law practice. As criminal enterprises rise and fall around them in the Prohibition era, the friends realize that their friendships and loyalties are being tested.
A Nostalgic Trip to the ‘20s
To tell a tale of three interconnected destinies and the effect of jealousy, nightmares, and desire to have the American dream it has on people is no easy feat. But director Raoul Walsh achieves it through this epic gangster saga.
With the help of an ensemble cast that includes Priscilla Lane, Humphrey Bogart, Gladys George, and a particularly mesmerizing James Cagney as the ambitious bootlegger, the movie takes you back to the stylish ‘20s. It features social change, gritty realism, and nostalgia in equal proportion.Rent on Google Play.
Related:10 Common Tropes You’ll Find in Most Gangster Movies
17Angels with Dirty Faces (1938)
One of the great filmmakers of his era and a Warner Brothers stalwart, Michael Curtiz, is the director ofAngels with Dirty Faces. It centers around two pickpocketing best friends, Rocky Sullivan and Jerry Connolly, who were once caught in the act. One escaped and turned to a life of crime, and the other was sent to reform school to become a priest. Almost 20 years later, Rocky returns to his old neighborhood and meets Jerry, who tries to reform him.
Boundary-Pushing Cinematic Masterpiece
Angels with Dirty Facesstars Humphrey Bogart and James Cagney as an iconic pair; they were both simply electric, and supporting turns were lent by Pat O’Brien, The Dead End Kids, and Ann Sheridan.
The gangster drama was clearly ahead of its time in tackling issues of crime, redemption, and capitalism. Curtiz has always had a direction that focuses on melodrama. Which is why the movie uses certain tools to explore humanity’s faith in a higher power. Even 80 years later, the movie still holds up because it was boundary-pushing and heartfelt.
16Algiers (1938)
Algiersreceived four Academy Award nominations back in the time and was a great influence to several artists, who remade the movie into radio plays and stage musicals. Its premise, set in the titular location, sees Pepe Le Moko, a charming French thief who is on the run from the law and finds refuge in the exotic Casbah. When he encounters the beauty that is Gaby, Pepe finds himself growing increasingly smitten. Still worried about his next big heist, Pepe gets caught up in his love for Gaby, and the jealousy that it evokes in his mistress, Ines.
Infused with a Swooning Romance
The twisting alleys of Casbah act as the perfect backdrop for this gangster movie about love and freedom, a testament to why we love cinema in the first place. Starring Charles Boyer in a phenomenal role alongside Sigrid Gurie and Hedy Lamarr as his love interest and Joseph Calleia as Inspector Slimane, the movie casts an alluring spell on the viewers.
From theturbulent romanceto the tense game of cat-and-mouse, director John Cromwell creates a fantastic brew of desire and danger that gangster movies of the 1930s came to be known for.Stream on Fubo TV.
Capturing the duality of Depression-era New York, where one side of the river is occupied by the luxury apartments and the other by cockroach-infested tenements,Dead Endtells the story of the slums. The two protagonists are “Baby Face” Martin, who has just returned to the neighborhood, and Dave Connell, a frustrated architect at odds with Martin. While the former just wants to reign as the gang leader, the latter is torn between his girlfriend and a mistress.
Authentic Gangster Drama
ThroughDead End, director William Wyler presented the world with a hard-hitting snapshot of urban poverty and how it walks hand-in-hand with crime. A true landmark of filmmaking, the movie creates a delicate balance between its grim setting and powerful message about social issues. The ensemble cast, including future megastar Humphrey Bogart as Martin, give their most raw and unforgettable performances.
Because of its authenticity,Dead Endstill holds up as a movie that spared no emotion and broke new ground.Stream on Prime Video.
14Marked Woman (1937)
InMarked Woman,Bette Davis stars as Mary, a young woman who works as a bar girl run by the notorious underworld leader, Johnny Vanning. When two of Vanning’s henchmen brutally murder a client who fails to pay his gambling debt, Mary bravely agrees to testify against him. However, testifying against a gangster boss comes with threats and bribes, which extend towards Mary’s younger sister. And yet, Mary puts her life at risk and prepares to stand in the trial.
Laced with Searing Commentary on Corruption
Lauded as a movie that held the ability to “convey not only corruption but the sadness of corruption,”Marked Womanwas nothing if not a crusade for justice against a massive crime syndicate. While Davis was undoubtedly stunning in the demanding role, it was Humphrey Bogart that shone brighter than all-in-one of his earliest roles. The reason this movie holds up today is also because ofits timely messages on feminism, staying righteous in the face of adversity, and fighting corruption head-on.Stream on Tubi TV.
13Pépé le Moko (1937)
A French classic directed by Julien Duvivier,Pépé le Mokocenters around the titular charming thief who has been hiding out in the Casbah quarter of Algiers to evade French authorities, who have teamed up with local detectives and are biding their time. While plotting his next heist, he meets a beautiful Parisian tourist named Gaby Gould and finds himself entirely in love with her. However, with Inspector Slimane on his tail, will Pépé be able to put his life of crime behind him?
A Pioneer of the Noir Genre
An exciting, thought-provoking, and poetic gangster movie that infuses elements of a tender and intoxicating romance into its narrative,Pépé le Mokotakes French cinema to new heights.
By romanticizing the life of crime and juxtaposing themes of desire and passivity, it gripped the audience from start to finish. Additionally, under the sublime direction of Duvivier, the movie was a roaring testament of how melancholy finds a home in the most shadowy and stylish individuals. Clearly an influential gangster drama.Stream on Max.
Related:Coolest Gangsters of All Time in Movies and TV, Ranked
12The Petrified Forest (1936)
An essential 1930s gangster movie,The Petrified Forestis adapted from Robert E. Sherwood’s 1934 drama of the same name. Taking place during the Great Depression, it follows Alan Squier, a morose writer tired of his dull life, having dinner at a restaurant where Gabrielle works. The remote location at the edge of the Petrified Forest is ideal for his drifting heart. But when gangster Duke Mantee shows up and takes the patrons hostage, Alan and Gabby must use the dramatic situation for their own gain.
Humphrey Bogart’s Breakthrough Role
While Leslie Howard and Bette Davis sizzled as the main couple, the movie marked Humphrey Bogart’s breakthrough role as Mantee.
A tightly-paced thriller with enduring value,The Petrified Forestreceivedparticular praise for its opening sceneand wise script, and lack of gun-related violence. Director Archie Mayo used the vivid atmosphere of Arizona to his benefit and created a gem that juggled crime and romance in a way that is still relevant today.Rent on Apple TV.
11Bullets or Ballots (1936)
Bullets or Ballotsis an outstanding gangster movie. In it, Johnny Blake, a skilled detective, is called to help after an anti-crime advocate is mysteriously murdered. Blake, who suspects mob boss Al Kruger, decides to go undercover and infiltrate the crime syndicate. With the help of an accomplice, Johnny burrows himself into danger and gains Kruger’s trust. Meanwhile, he tries to bust Bigs Fenner, a henchman played by Humphrey Bogart.
Delivers Pulse-Pounding Thrills
Inspired by a gritty take of the real-life New York City detective, Johnny Broderick, this crime thriller really packs a punch. For those who enjoy a decent, pulse-pounding gangster drama, the movie features epic shoot-outs, characters stuck in a crossfire, themes of betrayal, stylish violence, and genuinely engrossing storytelling. What makes the plot more interesting are the iconic performances from Edward G. Robinson, Joan Blondell, Barton MacLane, and Humphrey Bogart.Rent on Apple TV.
