5 Best Movies About Lucky Luciano

The history of the United States during the 20th century is marked by notorious mob activities and law-breaking exploits, with Charlie ‘Lucky’ Luciano standing out as the most renowned figure among these criminals. His life story, from a poverty-stricken childhood in the slums to becoming one of America’s most feared gangsters and wealthiest individuals, is truly extraordinary.

It’s no surprise that stories from his life, along with those of his peers and adversaries, are meticulously recorded and have been adapted into live-action films on multiple occasions. Without any delay, let’s delve straight into the top five movies centered around Lucky Luciano and other gangsters, which you should definitely watch if you’re captivated by this genre and its historical significance.

The list is ranked solely based on IMDb score. Enjoy!

Honorable mention: ‘Gangster Wars’ (1981)

IMDb score: 6.5/10

As a film enthusiast, I’d put it this way: In the heart of early 20th-century New York City, a group of impoverished boys resided within the city’s grimy ghetto. Unbeknownst to all, they were about to rise from their humble beginnings and carve a formidable niche for themselves as the world’s most notorious mobsters and gangsters, leaving even the United States trembling in their wake.

“I’m recommending ‘Gangster Wars’ for your viewing pleasure, as I found myself captivated by it even though it didn’t boast a massive budget during my childhood days.

Michael Nouri plays Lucky Luciano in this movie, yet there are other notable figures and characters featured as well, including Michael Lasker, Bugsy Siegel, Joe Masseria, Al Capone, Arnold Rothstein, Salvatore Maranzano, Dutch Schultz, among others. It’s an excellent starting point for those interested in the subject matter but may not be familiar with it yet, as it delves into the lives of these gangsters from their early days to their demises.

In addition to my top picks, I’d also like to highlight two other notable films:

1. ‘Lepke’, a 1975 movie that revolves around the life of Louis Buchalter, with Vic Tayback portraying Lucky Luciano.
2. ‘The Valachi Papers’, released in 1972, which tells the story of Joe Valachi, a gangster who testified against his fellow mob members under protection in prison alongside Don Vito Genovese, one of the most powerful mob bosses at the time. In this film, Angelo Infanti played Lucky Luciano.

Now, let’s move on to my top five!

5. ‘Mobsters’ (1991)

IMDb score: 5.9/10

Main Theme: Delve into the tale of four young men from New York City’s ghettos who ascended to power as organized crime figures in the early 20th century. These individuals include Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky, Bugsy Siegel, and Frank Castello. Employing violence as their primary strategy, they maintain a general distrust of others, yet remain loyal to one another, despite their differences regarding the management of their criminal organization…

Here’s why you should give it a watch: The chemistry and performances by the main characters in this movie were truly captivating. I firmly believe Christian Slater delivered an outstanding portrayal of Lucky Luciano. It offers a unique glimpse into the complex bond between gangsters, showcasing their camaraderie despite their contrasting personalities, from their early days to their tragic endings.

As a film aficionado, I might admit that this particular mobster flick doesn’t quite live up to the depth and complexity of the great mafia films out there. However, despite its shortcomings, I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a spin as an entertaining escape – a guilty pleasure, if you will. In my humble opinion, it deserves a rating that’s significantly higher than 5.9/10.

4. ‘Lansky’ (2021)

IMDb score: 6.2/10

The Plot: This narrative delves into the tale of Meyer Lansky, a retired gangster, who is under scrutiny by the FBI for supposedly hiding vast sums of illegally acquired money. In his twilight years, Lansky shares long-kept secrets that have piqued curiosity for decades – secrets concerning his personal life and that of his fellow crime lords as the head of the National Crime Syndicate.

The reason to watch: I found the perspective of ‘Lansky’ fascinating as we delve into the lives of mobsters in a reflective manner. The movie primarily centers around an older Meyer Lansky, but it also includes numerous flashbacks featuring Frank Rivers, Bugsy Siegel, and Charlie ‘Lucky’ Luciano, portrayed by Shane McRae.

As a cinephile captivated by the world of organized crime, if you’re seeking more insights about Lansky – an enigmatic figure among famous mobsters – I’d recommend checking out the 1999 TV film ‘Lansky’. Richard Dreyfuss brilliantly brought Lansky to life on screen, while Paul Sincoff portrayed a young Lucky Luciano. Although it may not match up to the excellence of the 2021 movie, it’s a compelling tale that merits your attention and viewing time.

3. ‘Hoodlum’ (1997)

IMDb score: 6.3/10

Main Topic: Bumpy Johnson was a notorious Black gangster operating in Harlem, New York during the 1930s. He gained prominence and notoriety by challenging Dutch Schultz for dominance over the underground gambling scene. Despite Lucky Luciano’s suggestion of peaceful negotiations, violent confrontations erupted before any discussions could take place.

You should definitely check out ‘Hoodlum’. It stands out as a classic in its genre, particularly because of the time period it portrays – the era when Dutch Schultz, Lucky Luciano, and others were ruling the crime world at the turn of the century. Laurence Fishburne delivers an impressive performance as Bumpy, while Andy Garcia does not disappoint as Lucky Luciano.

The film effectively portrays Bumpy’s journey from rise to fall and back again, but for a more detailed exploration of the topic and a richer narrative about Johnson, I strongly advise checking out the MGM+ original series ‘Godfather of Harlem’, featuring Forest Whitaker as Bumpy Johnson alongside an impressive ensemble including Giancarlo Esposito, Vincent D’Onofrio, Paul Sorvino, and others.

2. ‘Lucky Luciano’ (1973)

IMDb score: 6.4/10

Main Topic: This biographical film delves into the life of Lucky Luciano post his pardon from prison in 1946 and subsequent deportation to Sicily, Italy. After returning, Luciano resumed expanding his criminal empire in Italy, reemerging as a Mafia boss. The narrative is interspersed with flashbacks that transport us back to his days in the U.S., where he orchestrated the killing of 40 other mobsters who threatened his authority…

Reason for Watching: Unlike other films where Lucky Luciano plays a significant part, this particular movie is unique as it primarily delves into his life, both personally and professionally as a Mafia leader. The film primarily explores the latter stages of his career from 1946 to 1962, yet it also provides glimpses into his earlier years through flashbacks.

The movie excellently maintains its focus on the character Luciano, with Gian Maria Volonte delivering an exceptional portrayal of Lucky. However, what truly captivates me is how it skillfully integrates Luciano’s associates and business matters without allowing them to overshadow him or become overly prominent plot elements.

1. ‘Bugsy’ (1991)

IMDb score: 6.8/10

In a Nutshell: I’m just a follower here, but let me share a tale about a character named Ben ‘Bugsy’ Siegel. He was a notorious gangster based in New York City. This movie revolves around his intriguing journey – a short business excursion to Los Angeles that eventually sparked the concept for his most monumental project: the creation of the world’s largest gambling hub, now famously known as Las Vegas, Nevada.

Here’s why you shouldn’t miss it: This film centers around Bugsy Siegel, an influential partner of Lucky Luciano. Remarkably, Lucky himself makes an appearance in the movie, played by Bill Graham. The movie is captivating as it illustrates the transformation of Las Vegas into the city we know today, with the building of the iconic Flamingo hotel. Intriguingly, a life-sized version of the Flamingo was constructed specifically for this film.

2025-05-26 11:45