Black Massis an interesting way to explore the life of Whitey Bulger, but there are many films like it to explore next. The 2015 film tells thereal-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 Massis based on the bookBlack Mass: Whitey Bulger, the FBI, and a Devil’s Dealby Dick Lehr and Gerard O’Neill.
Black Massfeatured a leading castincluding 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 Massis 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.
The Departed
Cast
The Departed, directed by Martin Scorsese, depicts the tense interplay between the police and the Irish Mafia in South Boston. As an undercover officer infiltrates the criminal underworld, a syndicate informant rises within the police force, culminating in a high-stakes struggle to uncover the dual moles within their ranks.
The Departedis the first film that lovers ofBlack Massshould turn to, asit is inspired by the same story. The setting forThe DepartedandBlack Massis the same, as both are set in Boston and its surrounding areas. Those with a connection to Boston will especially enjoy this tie-in, asThe Departedfeatures a number of iconic Boston locations.
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 Departedis distinct fromBlack Mass, however, in that it is only inspired by the story of Whitey Bulger.
Black Massis 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 Departedis an interesting watch for those looking for a different interpretation of the mafia story.
The Irishman
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.
Another Scorsese mob film worth watching afterBlack MassisThe Irishman. This particular film is agreat watch for those looking for more based-on-a-true-story crime films.The Irishmantells 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 featureperformances from Jesse Plemons, who plays Chuckie O’Brien inThe Irishmanand Kevin Weeks inBlack Mass.
While the nature of their relationship is not identical, those that were drawn toBlack Mass’s portrayal of the relationship between John and Whtiey may be interested in looking at Jimmy and Frank’s relationship inThe Irishman. Both films also featureperformances from Jesse Plemons, who plays Chuckie O’Brien inThe Irishmanand Kevin Weeks inBlack Mass.Both films also tackle the Irish ties to the mafia, making for another reason whyThe Irishmanis worth watching afterBlack Mass.
Public Enemies
Public Enemies, a 2009 film directed by Michael Mann, stars Johnny Depp as notorious Depression-era bank robber John Dillinger. The film chronicles Dillinger’s rise to infamy, highlighting his confrontations with J. Edgar Hoover and the newly formed FBI, led by dedicated agent Melvin Purvis, portrayed by Christian Bale.
A major draw forBlack Masswhen it came out was the performance by Johnny Depp.Known for his roles in works likeCharlie and the Chocolate FactoryandPirates of the Caribbean, Depp had a chance to break free from character acting inBlack Mass. But years before Depp played real-life gangster Whitey Bulger inBlack Mass, he was a lead inPublic Enemies.
Public Enemiesis 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 seenBlack Masscan compare his performance as Dillinger with his role as Bulger inPublic 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 makePublic Enemiesworth a watch.
The Fighter
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.
The Fighteris pretty different fromBlack Massin 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 Fighterwas 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 Fighterwon Oscars for Best Performance by An Actor and Actress in a Supporting Role for Christian Bale and Melissa Leo, respectively.
The Fighteris 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 toThe Fighter, much like the case ofBlack Mass.The Fighteris also a critically acclaimed film, and was nominated for multiple Oscars following its release. This status makes it one of the best movies likeBlack Mass, even if its plot details are less similar than some.
Donnie Brasco
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.
For the Depp-heads out there,Donnie Brascois a must-watch afterBlack 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 Brascowas released in 1997 and features a leading cast including Depp, Al Pacino, Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby, and James Russo.
In some ways,Donnie Brascoisan interesting inversion of the plot structure ofBlack Mass.Black Masssees 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 Brascois a great film to check out.
American Gangster
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.
American Gangsteris 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 Gangsterwasdirected byGladiator’s Ridley Scott, andfeatures 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 likePublic EnemiesandDonnie Brasco,American Gangster’s narrative tension is highly based on friction between the mafia and the law.The film is different fromBlack Massin 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 toBlack Mass.
American Hustle
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.
American Hustleis 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. LikeBlack 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 Hustleis also similar toBlack Massin 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 Hustleis also a good way to look at a slightly different mafia environment, as the film shifts the focus to New Jersey rather than Boston.
Gangs of New York
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.
Gangs of New Yorkis yet anotherScorsese filmon this list.LikeAmerican Hustle,Gangs of New Yorkwas nominated for 10 Oscars, making it one of the more award-nominated films on this list.Gangs of New Yorkfeatures a leading cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Daniel Day-Lewis, Jim Broadbent, and John C. Reilly. This film is distinct fromBlack Massin that it is set in a starkly different time period, taking place in Amsterdam in 1862.
Gangs of New Yorkis regarded as a great Scorsese film, andis great forBlack Massfans 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 appreciateBlack Masswill likely enjoyThe Departed,The Irishman,Gangs of New York, and many of the director’s other works.
The Drop (2014)
The Dropis a great movie for those looking to get inside the psyche of its main character.Black Masspositions audiences with Whitey Bulger, whereasThe Dropputs 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 Dropfeaturessimilar sensibilities asBlack Massin terms of being really rooted in a sense of place, as the investigation disrupts Bob’s neighborhood.
Black Massdid this a little bit with both John and Whitey’s romantic partners, butThe Droptakes that to an even further heightened degree.
The Dropis also a good option for those looking for a film that delves into the family aspects of a crime story.Black Massdid this a little bit with both John and Whitey’s romantic partners, butThe Droptakes that to an even further heightened degree. It also features a great leading performance from Tom Hardy.
The Equalizer
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.
The Equalizeris the first film in the Antoine Fuqua franchise. Released one year beforeBlack Mass,The Equalizertells 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 Equalizeris a one-person army action film rather than a biographical crime dramabut nonetheless could interest those who likedBlack Mass.
While the entireEqualizerfranchise could interestBlack Massaudiences, the first film might have particular appeal. This is because it also takes place in Boston, so it would have recognizable locations. This commonality withBlack Masscould be a good gateway for those particularly interested in Boston-based crime films, and could then lead said audiences into the whole world ofThe Equalizer.
