Black Mass is an interesting way to explore the life of Whitey Bulger, but there are many films like it to explore next. The 2015 film tells the real-life story of James “Whitey” Bulger, an Irish mafia mobster who rose to notoriety during the 1970s. In the film, Bulger acts as an FBI informant when he helps FBI agent John Connolly take down a competing crime family. Black Mass is based on the book Black Mass: Whitey Bulger, the FBI, and a Devil’s Deal by Dick Lehr and Gerard O’Neill.
Black Mass featured a leading cast including Johnny Depp, Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Kevin Bacon, Peter Sarsgaard, and Jesse Plemmons. The film received mixed reviews upon its release in 2015, but was praised for its hair and makeup design for Depp’s transformation into Bulger. Even if flawed, Black Mass is an interesting look into a certain era of crime, and luckily for fans of the film, there are a number of great movies like it to watch next.
10 The Departed
A Film Inspired By The Same Story
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10/10 The Departed R
A remake of the 2002 film Infernal Affairs, Martin Scorcese’s The Departed is one of the definitive crime epics. It follows Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), a Massachusetts State Police officer who serves as an informant for mob boss Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson), and Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio), an undercover cop placed within Costello’s organization. Both Sullivan and Costigan scramble to uncover the other’s identity in order to save their own lives from the wrath of Costello and his gang.
Director Martin Scorsese Release Date October 6, 2006 Writers William Monahan , Alan Mak , Felix Chong Cast Martin Sheen , Matt Damon , Jack Nicholson , Mark Wahlberg , Leonardo DiCaprio Runtime 151 minutes Budget $90 million Main Genre Crime Expand
The Departed is the first film that lovers of Black Mass should turn to, as it is inspired by the same story. The setting for The Departed and Black Mass is the same, as both are set in Boston and its surrounding areas. Those with a connection to Boston will especially enjoy this tie-in, as The Departed features a number of iconic Boston locations.
Related The True Story Behind Black Mass’ Whitey Bulger & The Winter Hill Gang
Black Mass tells the story of James “Whitey” Bulger and the Winter Hill Gang. The true story is one of brutal violence and evasion of justice.
The Scorsese-directed film is also oft-regarded as one of the best crime films of the century. The Departed is distinct from Black Mass, however, in that it is only inspired by the story of Whitey Bulger.
Black Mass
is directly based on Buger’s life, and thus is the more accurate biography of the Irish mafia big shot.
The Departed’s Frank Costello can be compared to Whitey Bulger, but is not a 1-to-1 representation. Still, The Departed is an interesting watch for those looking for a different interpretation of the mafia story.
9 The Irishman
Another Worthwhile Scorsese Pick
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6/10 The Irishman RBiographyDramaCrime
Based on the nonfiction book “I Heard You Paint Houses” by Charles Brandt, The Irishman follows Frank Sheeran and his time working for the Italian mafia. In recounting his past, the mob hitman recalls his possible involvement with the slaying of Jimmy Hoffa.
Director Martin Scorsese Release Date November 27, 2019 Writers Steven Zaillian Cast Bobby Cannavale , Jack Huston , Joe Pesci , Jesse Plemons , Sebastian Maniscalco , Al Pacino , Kathrine Narducci , Stephen Graham , Ray Romano , Aleksa Palladino , Anna Paquin , Robert De Niro , Harvey Keitel , Jake Hoffman Runtime 210 minutes Expand
Another Scorsese mob film worth watching after Black Mass is The Irishman. This particular film is a great watch for those looking for more based-on-a-true-story crime films. The Irishman tells the story of the life of Frank Sheeran, who is a hit-man for the Bufalino crime family that is accused of the assassination of Jimmy Hoffa.
Both films also feature
performances from Jesse Plemons
, who plays Chuckie O’Brien in
The Irishman
and Kevin Weeks in
Black Mass.
While the nature of their relationship is not identical, those that were drawn to Black Mass’s portrayal of the relationship between John and Whtiey may be interested in looking at Jimmy and Frank’s relationship in The Irishman. Both films also feature performances from Jesse Plemons, who plays Chuckie O’Brien in The Irishman and Kevin Weeks in Black Mass. Both films also tackle the Irish ties to the mafia, making for another reason why The Irishman is worth watching after Black Mass.
8 Public Enemies
A Johnny Depp Crime Film
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Public Enemies r
Public Enemies was based on Public Enemies: America’s Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933–34, a book by author Bryan Burrough. The 2009 film was directed by Michael Mann and follows a detective as he attempts to stop a crime wave that sparked during The Great Depression.
Director Michael Mann Release Date July 1, 2009 Writers Johnny Depp , Michael Mann Cast Johnny Depp , Marion Cotillard , Christian Bale , Channing Tatum , Jason Clarke Runtime 140minutes
A major draw for Black Mass when it came out was the performance by Johnny Depp. Known for his roles in works like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Pirates of the Caribbean, Depp had a chance to break free from character acting in Black Mass. But years before Depp played real-life gangster Whitey Bulger in Black Mass, he was a lead in Public Enemies.
Public Enemies is also based on a true story, telling the tale of the feds attempt to take down gangsters John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson, and Pretty Boy Floyd. Those who have seen Black Mass can compare his performance as Dillinger with his role as Bulger in Public Enemies. In addition to Depp’s role, however, the confident directing from Michael Mann and stellar performances from Depp’s co-stars Christian Bale and Stephen Graham also make Public Enemies worth a watch.
7 The Fighter
A Massachusetts-Based Family Sports Drama
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9/10 The Fighter R
The Fighter is a biographical sports film based on the true story of boxer Micky Ward and his older brother Dicky Eklund. Micky, who has fallen from grace after his legendary bout with Sugar Ray Leonard and losses along the way, is participating in an interview that he believes is about his boxing career but turns out to be a piece on crack addiction. Seeking redemption and a way back into the ring, Mickey and Dicky train together to restore their family’s honor and repair a broken home.
Director David O. Russell Release Date December 17, 2010 Writers Paul Tamasy , Scott Silver , Eric Johnson Cast Melissa Leo , Christian Bale , Amy Adams , Mark Wahlberg , Jack McGee Runtime 116 minutes
The Fighter is pretty different from Black Mass in a lot of ways. It is not a crime film. Instead, it tells the true story of Micky Ward, a boxer who is grappling with familial issues while trying to make a name for himself in boxing. The Fighter was released in 2010 and has a cast that features some familiar faces from other titles on this list, including Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg.
The Fighter
won Oscars for Best Performance by An Actor and Actress in a Supporting Role for Christian Bale and Melissa Leo, respectively.
The Fighter is another movie set in Massachusetts, so those who like films about this region will like it. Even though it is not a crime movie, relationships and the idea of family are both vital to The Fighter, much like the case of Black Mass. The Fighter is also a critically acclaimed film, and was nominated for multiple Oscars following its release. This status makes it one of the best movies like Black Mass, even if its plot details are less similar than some.
6 Donnie Brasco
A Crime Film Where Johnny Depp Is The FBI Agent
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Donnie Brasco R
Donnie Brasco is a crime drama film directed by Mike Newell, featuring Johnny Depp as an undercover FBI agent who infiltrates the mafia. Al Pacino co-stars as a seasoned mobster who mentors him. Based on true events, the movie explores the agent’s struggle to balance his professional duties and personal identity.
Director Mike Newell Release Date February 28, 1997 Writers Joseph D. Pistone , Richard Woodley , Paul Attanasio Cast Al Pacino , Johnny Depp , Michael Madsen , Bruno Kirby , James Russo , Anne Heche Runtime 127 minutes
For the Depp-heads out there, Donnie Brasco is a must-watch after Black Mass. It features Depp in the titular role, playing an FBI agent who infiltrates the mob but ends up finding himself attracted to the mafia lifestyle. Directed by Mike Newell, Donnie Brasco was released in 1997 and features a leading cast including Depp, Al Pacino, Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby, and James Russo.
In some ways, Donnie Brasco is an interesting inversion of the plot structure of Black Mass. Black Mass sees multiple FBI agents grow more suspicious of John Connolly and his work with mafia informant Whitey Bulger. Donnie Brasco, however, sees an FBI agent more attracted to the mafia lifestyle. For those interested in the relationship between the FBI and the mafia, or relationships that challenge that distinction, Donnie Brasco is a great film to check out.
5 American Gangster
A Crime Film Based On a True Story
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10/10 American Gangster R
American Gangster is a 2007 crime film directed by Ridley Scott, featuring Denzel Washington as Frank Lucas, a heroin kingpin in Harlem, and Russell Crowe as Richie Roberts, the detective determined to bring him down. The film explores the rise of Lucas in the drug trade and the eventual intersection of their lives amidst the backdrop of a corrupt and morally complex society.
Director Ridley Scott Release Date November 2, 2007 Writers Steven Zaillian , Mark Jacobson Runtime 157 minutes
American Gangster is another crime film based partially on a true story. This time, it tells the story of a New York City cop’s attempt to take down a drug lord named Frank Lucas. American Gangster was directed by Gladiator’s Ridley Scott, and features a leading cast including Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Josh Brolin. It was critically acclaimed and nominated for two Oscars.
As in the case with films like Public Enemies and Donnie Brasco, American Gangster’s narrative tension is highly based on friction between the mafia and the law. The film is different from Black Mass in that Frank Lucas does not have the same kind of relationship with legal officials as Whitey Bulger does in his John Connolly relationship. Still, this well-cast and thrilling film is a great crime film companion to Black Mass.
4 American Hustle
A Mafia-Related Film Set In New Jersey
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American Hustle RCrimeDocumentaryDrama
Set in the 1970s, American Hustle is a 2013 crime drama directed by David O. Russell. The movie follows Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams), two con artists who are forced to work with FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) to take down corrupt politicians like New Jersey mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner). Its all-star cast also includes Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Peña, and Louis C.K.
Director David O. Russell Release Date December 3, 2013 Writers Eric Warren Singer , David O. Russell Cast Christian Bale , Bradley Cooper , Amy Adams , Jeremy Renner , Jennifer Lawrence , Louis C.K. Runtime 138 minutes
American Hustle is a massively acclaimed 2013 film directed by David O. Russell. It was nominated for a whopping 10 Oscars and was considered one of the best films of the year at the time of its release. Like Black Mass, it features a stellar cast, including Jennifer Lawrence, Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, and Louis C.K.
Besides both having A-list casts, American Hustle is also similar to Black Mass in that it also involves both the FBI and the mafia. In this case, Bale’s leading con-man character has to work with an FBI agent who pushes him and his partner into a world of powerbrokers and the mafia. American Hustle is also a good way to look at a slightly different mafia environment, as the film shifts the focus to New Jersey rather than Boston.
3 Gangs of New York
A Scorsese Film Set In The 19th Century
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10/10 Gangs of New York R
Gangs of New York, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a historical drama that explores the violent rivalries between immigrant groups in 19th-century New York City. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Amsterdam Vallon, who returns to the Five Points area seeking revenge against Bill the Butcher, played by Daniel Day-Lewis. The film dramatizes the socio-political unrest in America during that era, highlighting issues like gang warfare and ethnic tension.
Director Martin Scorsese Release Date December 20, 2002 Writers Jay Cocks , Steven Zaillian , Kenneth Lonergan Runtime 167 Minutes Main Genre Drama
Gangs of New York is yet another Scorsese film on this list. Like American Hustle, Gangs of New York was nominated for 10 Oscars, making it one of the more award-nominated films on this list. Gangs of New York features a leading cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Daniel Day-Lewis, Jim Broadbent, and John C. Reilly. This film is distinct from Black Mass in that it is set in a starkly different time period, taking place in Amsterdam in 1862.
Gangs of New York is regarded as a great Scorsese film, and is great for Black Mass fans looking to delve further into the world of gangster films. The same can be said for a lot of Scorsese’s movies, as the director is well-versed in portraying the gangster movie. Thus, those who appreciate Black Mass will likely enjoy The Departed, The Irishman, Gangs of New York, and many of the director’s other works.
2 The Drop
A Tom Hardy-Led Crime Drama
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8/10 The Drop (2014) R
The Drop is a crime drama directed by Michaël R. Roskam and based on a screenplay by Dennis Lehane. The film stars Tom Hardy as Bob Saginowski, a bartender who becomes involved in a robbery gone wrong and a subsequent investigation that unravels secrets about the neighborhood’s criminal underbelly. Also featuring James Gandolfini and Noomi Rapace, the film explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the complexity of human relationships.
Director Michaël R. Roska Release Date September 12, 2014 Writers Dennis Lehane Runtime 106 Minutes Main Genre Thriller
The Drop is a great movie for those looking to get inside the psyche of its main character. Black Mass positions audiences with Whitey Bulger, whereas The Drop puts audiences in the perspective of a main character named Bob Saginowski. In the 2014 film, Bob has a robbery go wrong, which ends up seeing him wrapped up in an investigation. The Drop features similar sensibilities as Black Mass in terms of being really rooted in a sense of place, as the investigation disrupts Bob’s neighborhood.
Black Mass
did this a little bit with both John and Whitey’s romantic partners, but
The Drop
takes that to an even further heightened degree.
The Drop is also a good option for those looking for a film that delves into the family aspects of a crime story. Black Mass did this a little bit with both John and Whitey’s romantic partners, but The Drop takes that to an even further heightened degree. It also features a great leading performance from Tom Hardy.
1 The Equalizer
The First In Antoine Fuqua’s Crime Franchise
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The Equalizer (2014) R
The Equalizer is an action thriller directed by Antoine Fuqua starring Denzel Washington as Robert McCall, a former intelligence operative who lives a quiet life in Boston. When he encounters a young girl named Teri, played by Chloë Grace Moretz, threatened by violent Russian gangsters, McCall comes out of retirement to use his skills to restore justice. The film reimagines the 1980s TV series of the same name.
Director Antoine Fuqua Release Date September 24, 2014 Writers Richard Wenk , Richard Lindheim , Michael Sloan Cast Denzel Washington , Marton Csokas , Chloe Grace Moretz , David Harbour , Haley Bennett Runtime 132 Minutes Main Genre Thriller Expand
The Equalizer is the first film in the Antoine Fuqua franchise. Released one year before Black Mass, The Equalizer tells the story of a man who has to reenter his violent lifestyle of yesteryear when he meets a young girl who is under the control of Russian gangsters. Like many on this list, it positions a group of gangsters at the center of the film. The Equalizer is a one-person army action film rather than a biographical crime drama but nonetheless could interest those who liked Black Mass.
While the entire Equalizer franchise could interest Black Mass audiences, the first film might have particular appeal. This is because it also takes place in Boston, so it would have recognizable locations. This commonality with Black Mass could be a good gateway for those particularly interested in Boston-based crime films, and could then lead said audiences into the whole world of The Equalizer.