User Score
9.2 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 285 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 3 out of 285

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  1. May 1, 2013
    10
    Best movie ever. Everything from the story is so amazing. And like I said best movie ever and my favorite too
    Robert De Nitro, Joe Pesci, and Ray Loitta did an amazing job
  2. Mar 10, 2013
    10
    Great acting, plot, characterization and pacing. A true classic. One of those movies that you should see even if the underworld genre is not your cup of tea.
  3. Nov 13, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This has got to be the greatest movie I'v ever watched and i absolutley love the roll that the fine Ray Liotta plays it just turns me on hahaa its a MUST SEE KIND OF MOVIE !!! Expand
  4. Nov 7, 2012
    10
    Goodfellas is one of the greatest films ever made. It showcases the mob like no other film ever has, even The Godfather. The difference between the two films is this. The Godfather feels scripted professionally, like every line has a place in the film. Goodfellas feels wild and ad-libbed, especially by Pesci, who is phenomenal.
  5. Oct 16, 2012
    10
    Best movies I've seen in this year is Looper and batman the dark knight rises ,my all time favorite movie's are The Godfather (1972) .Taxi Driver (1976). Carrie (1976). Scarface (1983). GoodFellas (1990) . Raging Bull (1980) .Casino (1995) there masterpiece movies, what i don't like are the silly remakes why a new carrie movie ? this is the 4th movie carrie the made it's just stupid ,Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie are absolutely perfect ,they both got Oscar nominations out of it, for God sake! Expand
  6. Oct 15, 2012
    10
    An amazing film i love gangsters movies If you like this film, you should definitely check out "The Long Good Friday". People always mention "The Godfather" or "Goodfellas" as the best gangster film, but "The Long Good Friday" for some reason is rarely mentioned. Even though I slightly prefer "Goodfellas", I would say that "The Long Good Friday" is just as good a film as "Goodfellas".
  7. Aug 7, 2012
    8
    Based on a true story, Goodfellas is another great film by Martin Scorsese that isn't one of his best films in my opinion, but is still pretty good. I would give this movie three and a half stars, but a lot of you guys would probably give it four stars because of its great directing. Definitely worth seeing.
  8. Jul 30, 2012
    8
    I live gangster movies, but more importantly I love the history of gangsters. This movie has all the great backstories of the gang world, however not that much violence, which made it lose some pop. The plot also seemed a bit twisty. Maybe on a second viewing I'll see why people love it so much, but for now it's just a rely good mob film.
  9. Jul 27, 2012
    9
    Better paced than The Godfather and more interesting than Scarface, makes this the best mob film ever. Based on a true story, this Scorsese masterpiece shows why he is the god of film making.
  10. Apr 29, 2012
    10
    I saw this movie right after I saw Godfather 3. I needed a god mobster movie to wash out the bad taste of the last one. Goodfellas did just that. The acting was all around excellent. Not one person in the movie stood out as a particularly bad actor. Ray Liotta's first person narration works really well and helps us get to know the character all that much better. The story kept me interested the whole way through, showing us Henry Hill's life and how cutthroat and dangerous the mob can really be. This may very well be the first movie I have ever seen that made me want to watch it again IMMEDIATELY after watching it! Expand
  11. Apr 28, 2012
    9
    Goodfellas can easily be considered one of the greatest films ever made during the 90's. What makes it so brilliant, you ask? Without a doubt, it's number one quality is it's PLOT. Utterly captivating from the first scene the plot delivers one of the best cinematic experiences you will ever encounter.
  12. Mar 28, 2012
    7
    Not nearly as good as it is made out to be. I recently rewatched goodfellas and found it over long and discovered the film has no actual story but simply it's goal is to portray life as a gangster as realistically as possible.
  13. Mar 18, 2012
    9
    Martin Scorsese nous sortait l'artillerie lourde avec Les Affranchis. Parce que franchement, faire un énième film de mafieux avec un casting habitué à ce genre (Robert De Niro et Joe Pesci en tête) sur une durée de 2h20, avec un scénario plutôt classique sans oublier de se renouveler, il fallait y arriver. Et il se trouve que Scorsese réussit le pari, en faisant des Affranchis un film très décomplexé et qui use de l'humour noir à gogo (meurtres et règlement de compte sous des airs de musiques entraînantes, répliques bien senties...), le tout mis en scène avec savoir-faire. En somme, malgré une fin qui traîne en longueur, Les Affranchis est un excellent film sur la Mafia comme on n'en voit rarement! Expand
  14. Feb 13, 2012
    9
    Definitely the best crime/mafia movie ever made. The fact that it is a true story makes it even better. How this film didn't win best picture is beyond me.
  15. j30
    Jan 30, 2012
    10
    One of the greatest Oscar snubs of all-time, besides well Raging Bull and Taxi Driver. Martin Scorsese was on his way to becoming the new Stanley Kubrick in never receiving the coveted Best Director or Best Picture award. The cast is great Peci and De Niro are awesome.
  16. Jan 16, 2012
    9
    One of my favourite films ever, great storyline, superb cast, Lliota is under rated in his lead role and support cast around him is amazing, De Niro, Pesci, are great. Scorcese at his best. A must watch for any gangster movie lover.
  17. Jan 3, 2012
    9
    Goodfellas is Martin Scorsese's crime masterpiece, one that should have one both Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor. It is a perfect deception of crime, and one of the greatest crime movies, or any movie for that matter, of all time.
  18. Sep 10, 2011
    7
    The famous crime movie "Goodfellas" is a decent movie. It is very realistic and portrays the daily life of crime. However the movie is unnecessarily long and tedious, lacking lasting appeal. Nevertheless, Martin Scorsese did create a fine movie that supports the core of American crime genre.
  19. Jul 10, 2011
    8
    It's an overall decent and good movie. It has the same flaw as the departed though and that's WAYYY too much cussing. Okay I don't mind cussing you cuss alot you're a bad ass. You cuss everynow and then sure fine whatever. However, if you just keep cussing and cussing on and on and on and on it really gets on my nerves and comes off as annoying. Anyways though this movie was interesting had a decent plot, and I enjoyed it. Expand
  20. May 10, 2011
    10
    If you enjoy gangster movies, then Goodfellas is a must see.
  21. Apr 4, 2011
    10
    Just watched this last night. Totally blew me away, drawing me in from the very start. Funny, shocking but overall one of the best of its kind. Martin Scorsese delivers a film experience that anyone who calls themselves a buff NEEDS to experience. I liked the way the whole movie is told in chronological order, showing 30 years of mob life in NYC. Possibly the best gangster film I have seen so far.
  22. Apr 1, 2011
    10
    I had heard so many good things about Goodfellas, I just never got around to watch it. I recently picked it up at the store (on recommendation of a friend), and I am a fan of Martin Scorsese's films, and I can easily say it is Scorsese's best film. The movie has the violence and language that every Scorsese film has, but it is the story and the characters that truly make this film memorable. The movie definitely shows the grittiest aspects of mob life, and definitely shows it through the violence and betrayals. The plot twist throughout the movie, matched with excellent acting by all, make this my new favorite Scorsese film. Expand
  23. Mar 28, 2011
    10
    There must be something extremely wrong with you if you don't love this movie. Either the violence is to graphic or language is strong, you've got to at least love it.
  24. Mar 23, 2011
    10
    A startlingly violent yet charming portrayal of life in the mob. Goodfellas really give you a sense of what it would be like to be in the mafia. It's defiantly the best film in the genre, better even than the godfather.
  25. Mar 18, 2011
    10
    The best mob story ever written by Martin Scorsese and also in the cinema too. Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci played the most awesomest performances of a lifetime.
  26. Feb 10, 2011
    10
    In my opinion, this just about pips The Godfather to the seat of the best Gangster movie ever made and why? For one it's all based around the real lives of Henry Hill and the others who appear in this fine piece of film making and Tommy DeVito. I like knowing that some of my favorite movie characters actually existed, it gives some kind of fufillment knowing that the events this film depicts actually happened. Like I said, the other reason is the character Tommy DeVito, played wonderfully by Joe Pesci who won an Oscar he really deserved for his perfomance, he was an amazing and psychopathic character. Expand
  27. Aug 22, 2010
    10
    Scorsese's best film easily . its a story spanning 30 years of a life of a mobster . from when he was a kid getting in till his downfall . as the story is being told you are getting narration from henry hill played by ray liotta the main charicter of the film. which puts you in his head on what he was thinking and why he does what he does. this is easily liotta's nest performance . joining him are paul sorvino as big pauly , joe peshi as tommy , and robert deniro as jimmy conway . all there acting in this picture is just fantastic . peshi's performance expecially stands out he really comes off as a guy you dont mess with and why he won the oscer for best supporting actor. if you wana see some great acting and hear a great story and get inside the head of the mob this is the movie to see . even better then the godfather id say. Expand
  28. Aug 16, 2010
    10
    A brilliant film by Scorsese, the best filmmaker alive in my opinion. Unbelievably entertaining for two and a half hours, with colorful characters, hilarious dialogue, and brilliant violence. Joe Pesci gives his best performance of his career, and Scorsese seems to be at his energetic best within this film. One of the best films ever made.
  29. Aug 13, 2010
    10
    An amazing film that shows mob life at its grittiest, goriest, lowest levels. I loved Goodfellas. Every time I watched it, it still felt great. But one thing really perked me. How is it a classic? It is one of the best movies I ever watched but why is it so revered? I watched it another time just to keep my eye out for details. Now I understand. It isn't easy. Especially to praise a film with countless violence and seemingly aimless profanity (300 f words total). But Goodfellas isn't about that. It's about the story. It's about the array of characters. It's about the suspense. It's one of the most accurate portraits of mob life, specifically those in the lower end of the food chain.

    THe story is narrated by Henry Hill, an ex-mobster who explains his dreams of becoming a gangster. Through Henry's eyes, being a gangster was everything. Money. Cars. Girls. Respect. Nobody would dare talk rough to a gangster. And the cops could care less too. Our main man Henry, narrates his 30-year career as a mob member from parking cars to setting cars on fire to dealing drugs to carrying out dastardly schemes (the infamous Lufthansa heist). In the end, Henry is forced to give up his mob life and expose his fellow gangsters after learning his best friend is going to kill him. Even then, he still misses his old life stating that he is now a regular guy aka a nobody, a "schnook".

    Robert De Niro is charming yet cunning as Jimmy Conway. He smiles but behind is a greedy desire. He makes sure he gets what he wants and those who don't follow him get whacked. Joe Pesci, the show stealer, gives a fiery performance as the short-tempered Tommy De Vito. He wants respect and one word is enough to make him go berserk. Ray Liotta and Lorraine Bracco both give fine performances even though they are the most thankless roles in the film.

    Dialogue is a highlight even if it is laced with numerous profanity. But the music is something that really adds to the success. The eclectic rock soundtrack fits its scenes like a modern-day orchestra. Scorsese is able to fit a piano version of Layla and a montage of dead bodies so perfectly. That is a rare gift.

    Once again my favorite director stuns me with another classic that I now fully realize as a classic. It may not be his best (that would be Taxi Driver) but it definitely is one of them.
    Expand
  30. AliS.
    Feb 3, 2010
    10
    Its a very good film that I love it as my best.
  31. ImAnon
    Nov 5, 2009
    10
    Anything under a 10 is an insult to everyone who worked on this movie. I'm ignorant and have only seen the t.v. version, i'm sure watching the real version makes it that much better.
  32. MitchB
    Sep 12, 2009
    10
    One of the best gangster movies of all time. Almost as good as Godfather.
  33. G.V.
    Aug 1, 2009
    10
    This movie is simply a masterpiece, from the cast to the storytelling...everything!
  34. DeNirofanRobertfan
    Jul 2, 2009
    7
    Too much stereotypes and violence for the sake of violence in this movie.
  35. ScottH.
    Jan 31, 2009
    10
    Best mob movie ever!!!!!!!!
  36. AranH.
    Jan 3, 2009
    10
    One The Best Films Ever Made In My Opinion. Ray Liota's only 1st Class Performance. I do not understand why scorcese has not won more oscars
  37. CacksM.
    Oct 27, 2008
    10
    This movie is why Robert DeNiro is one of the greatest living actors. Without a doubt, one of the top ten movies of all time.
  38. Jake
    May 11, 2008
    10
    One the best ganster films ever shot. Scorcese is an absolute master. The cast is perfect for this film.
  39. jaredC
    Nov 2, 2007
    8
    goodfellas is pure intelligence. scorsese shares what he thinks 'the life of a gangster' should be through his own view. the acting was also well performed. robert deniro did the best though, 'cause i dont really enjoy ray liottas style and joe pesci just goes a little too over the top with swares. But the film itself is totally an unexpected wake up call for the beginnging of the 90s decade. the decade starts out with a knock in the head. since 80s decade ended with the untouchables, wich was a superb masterpiece by the way. although for some reason they dont have it on metacritic? a little odd to me, but o well. then it went to the shawshank redemption which was probably the best film i've seen since the godfather part 2. until the crappy prequel the godfather part 3 came out, what a waste of filmmaking. what else is there to add. but goodfellas on the otehr hand was pure beautiful excellent poetry written from scorsese's hand himself. the film is unforgettable. then when casino came out, joe pesci went extremely +78% over the top. but nothing matches to this mob movie. sure its flaws are simple, but the movie is great to watch on television. although you may not like it the first time you watch it. (which is when you see it on TV.) and you think, "this film is way overrated." but once you buy it a month later, the front cover looks so cool and when you watch it the second time, your face is solid rock and you can't even move your head or your eyes. you're so appealed. and thats the reason why i gave it an 8. its because it was one of the most appealing movies i have ever seen. and im not just saying that to make you watch it and think, "what was this user thinking?" No. this film will keep electrified until the credits roll up and says: Directed by martin Scorsese. then you say wow. Expand
  40. HarryG.
    May 22, 2007
    10
    Superb. One of the greatest gangster films ever made.
  41. ChadS.
    May 13, 2007
    6
    This IS NOT...NOT...the best gangsta movie ever. It's not even close, and it surely isnt Scorsese best film. I unfortunately watched this after watching Casino, which is much better, and since they are very similiar movies i would highly recommend you either A. watch this movie first, then Casino or B. watch Casino and dont watch this movie...just ok
  42. JayK.
    Mar 15, 2007
    10
    Astounding, they don't make them like this anymore.
  43. BlakeJ.
    Mar 11, 2007
    10
    A masterpiece. The performances are stellar. Ray Liotta's best movie, by far. One of Scorsese's finest hours, hands down. Thank you Mr. Scorsese, and thank you underground crime syndicates!
  44. AlexaR.
    Mar 1, 2007
    10
    Scary!
  45. Rachel
    Feb 24, 2007
    10
    Without a shadow of a doubt the absolute masterpiece of cinema. Unsurpassable.
  46. JoshC
    Jan 1, 2007
    10
    One of the best American films of the 1990's. You either love it or you love it.
  47. EricR.
    Dec 11, 2006
    10
    The best gangster movie ever. It's also my second favorite movie of all-time.
  48. Eon
    Oct 27, 2006
    10
    There isn't much to say about it, that's never been said already. :) I just love those type of movies. Cheers.
  49. JerryF.
    Mar 17, 2006
    10
    Holy moly, this has to be one of the best films I;ve laid eyes on. Amazing, performances are wonderful, Pesci rules!
  50. VaibhavD.
    Jan 10, 2006
    10
    I can think of no movie I have seen that surpasses "Goodfellas". Scene upon scene is a tour-de-force of technical mastery, of performances that are extravagant yet precise, of boundless energy and above all of sheer entertainment. Even after viewing upon viewing, I continue to rewind moments from this movie in my mind, to experience the intoxication one feels upon seeing or thinking of something outstanding. This film has few equals. Expand
  51. darrinb.
    Dec 10, 2005
    10
    There are no words for this movie.best movie ever made hands down.
  52. JodyM.
    Nov 4, 2005
    10
    A masterpiece of our time, the greatest movie ever made. Ive seen it once, and it will stay that way until im on my death bed, where i will watch 3 hours before i die, and realise that life was sweet.
  53. AkhilK
    Jul 27, 2005
    10
    Unforgettable qoutes aside, (Tell me, how the f**k am i funny?!) Goodfellas is one gangster masterpiece that should leave you with a lasting impression as soon as you finish viewing the film and reach for the rewind button.
  54. JodieH
    Jun 15, 2005
    10
    Oh my god! GoodFellas is the best film ever made!!!! Ray is the most good looking man walking earths surface, and a brilliant actor. brilliantly directed and i am on edge every time i watch it. im only 15 but i dont think il ever see a film as good as GoodFellas for the rest of me dayz! x x x x Ray I luv ya!
  55. AdamG.
    May 23, 2005
    10
    What is there to say? Goodfellas is the best movie ever made. Ever!
  56. Reviewer77
    Mar 19, 2005
    10
    Wow! Wow! Wow! If you haven't seen this movie, RUN to the video store!
  57. Mike
    Feb 14, 2005
    9
    I was expecting Godfather to be something like this masterpiece! This is probably the best gangster movie ever!
  58. NaomiM.
    Nov 12, 2004
    10
    This is my favorite movie of all time. This is definitly, Scorsese's best movie. I have always been a big fan of the gangster genre and the first time i saw this movie i was blown away. There isn't one done better. The cast was done perfectly and the acting was superb. If you haven't seen this movie, you have to! It's the best.
  59. MichaelM.
    Oct 23, 2004
    10
    This film blows The Godfather saga out of the water! This is an excellent film! The characters are way more interesting than The Godfather, in my opinion. The story is about a young unmade associate to the New York Italian Mafia, Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) who tells his story from when he was twelve to when he was about thirty something. His friends, and buddies are a much older man Jimmy Conway (Robert DeNiro) and a about-the-same-age violent mental midget Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci). He tells the story about the big boss Paulie (Paul Sorvino) and his goomars and his wife Karen (Lorraine Bracco - The Sopranos). The film is the second best Scorcese movie ever made. The reason I loved it so much is it has great writing, directing and acting. Other big stars are in it such as Sopranos stars Michael Imperioli, Tony Sirico, Vincent Pastore, Tony Darrow and Pulp Fiction star Samuel L. Jackson has a little but memorable part. Rent this movie, today! DeNiro and Liotta should have received Oscar nominations along Pesci and Bracco. (2/2/03) Expand
  60. TheElusivePossom
    Jun 24, 2004
    9
    Let's get one thing straight: I hate certain genres of film; these include gangster flicks (and war films and westerns). However, this film sucked me in at the start and never spat me out (great analagy eh :S). Brilliantly acted by a dream cast, and providing an interesting insight into the world of organised crime. A must see even for those who hate the genre.
  61. SunnyS.
    Apr 17, 2004
    9
    Brilliant film, a must see. Great plot and characters. Can't say I can find any flaws really.
  62. NinjaMafia
    Jan 20, 2004
    10
    One of the best mob films I have ever seen. Goodfellas is highly recomendable to everyone. Okay, Goodfellas is really just about following one man(Ray Liotta) through 30 years if being with the mob. This movie is superbly acted, can't get any better than this. This movie has everything a mob movie should have, tons of betrayals, pretty clever plot twists, hilarious mob stereotypes, everything is in this movie. From the first words Liotta says, to the excellent ending, there jus isn't a way Goodfellas can be horrible. If you haven't seen this film yet, you need to stop whatever you're doing right now and go out and get it. Expand
  63. JaredSS
    Jan 2, 2004
    10
    Pure entertainment! Scorsese almost came close to topping his two previous masterpieces, Raging Bull and Taxi Driver, but at least he has a third one to add to his collection.
  64. YoonMinC.
    Sep 28, 2003
    10
    Scorsese's greatest films, therefore one of the greatest ever... and a welcome corrective to the romanticized gangster image from Public Enemy to the Godfather. A psychologically penetrating study of (as well as thrilling joyride thru) the gangster world, it walks the tightrope between anti-crime sermonizing and starry-eyed fascination with criminal power; it maintains a focused gaze on how real life crime and mythic stereotypes interplay with one another. We are made to confront how art and entertainment--tools of capitalism--play a role in making us long for wealth we don't want to work for. Our society promises and glorifies leisure but we all face a steep climb... well, not for the gangsters, who for their boorish audacity, may seem just as heroic as thugghish(more the latter as evidenced by the popularity of gangsta rap). Also, most gangster movies depict its members as living apart from real society whereas Goodfellas reminds us that thugs can be your next door neighbor or the guy who beat up your co-worker. Just as Goodfellas takes us into the dark recesses of the criminal world, it also dumps it onto our frontyards for a long hard gaze. Scorsese's command of the medium is perhaps the most awesome since the best of Welles. Expand
  65. MattH.
    Jul 14, 2003
    10
    Great movie.
  66. [Anonymous]
    May 7, 2003
    10
    Favorite movie of all time. Seen it 30 times. Love you Ray Liotta!
  67. TomI.
    Apr 25, 2003
    10
    This film is brutal yet light harted, funny yet gory and has a lot of hidden issues in it. I think that the film is clever in tthe way in which it will attract a different audience yet still interests 'Gangster' film lovers. I would recommend this to anybody I will ever meet.
  68. GilbertTheGentMulroneycakes
    Mar 29, 2003
    10
    Of course it's a great film. Duh. How the hell do you define a Great Film if Goodfellas isn't it? Jeez. Anyway. There are six stars in Goodfellas: De Niro, unusually quiet, almost second fiddle at times to Liotta, never better (though Narc comes close). Then there's Pesci, who for a tiny shortarse is genuinely frightening, a wonderfully overwrought Dr Melfi, and the imposing Paul Sorvino overseeing it all in regal fashion. And then there's Marty, who has never been so commanding as here. Really, really essential viewing. Even if you have to turn away a few times. Expand
  69. NickV.
    Mar 18, 2003
    10
    This is a clasic and in my view the greatest movie of all time which made me favor Joe Peshi and Ray Liotta and I already favored Rober D'nero. So what you doin Jabronni get off that chair and go to Blockbuster and rent this movie.
  70. RansfordL.
    Mar 11, 2003
    10
    Great movie better then Donnie Brasco, Was a two and a half hour thriller.
  71. ButteredPopCorn
    Mar 8, 2003
    8
    Enjoyable the first time, and definitely not to be missed, but every time I tried to watch it again, I was turned away by the excessive violence. This is a movie you should not miss. But it does leave you feeling more than a bit seady. A sordid tale, basically. Maybe if it had even a hint of something more uplifting, i could justify sitting through it more than once. It doesn't so I can't rank it with the 'great' movies, but it is very well done. This is one of those movies which contain individuall scenes you will never forget. Expand
  72. NikkiN.
    Nov 19, 2002
    10
    One of Scorsese's best. I don't think anything can top this one. :)
  73. ChrisM.
    Oct 28, 2002
    10
    Goodfellas is easily the best mob movie ever. Should have won best picture over Silence of the Lambs. De Niro kicks ass, Joe Pesci kicks ass, Scorsese kicks ass.
  74. RyanM.
    Jul 19, 2002
    10
    The best mob movie ever! It's also Scorsese's best.
  75. RyanT.
    Jul 18, 2002
    10
    The greatest mob movie of all time. All the acting peformances are great, especially Ray Liotta because we can really relate to his character. The movie is entertaining throughout, and will stick with you for a long time.
  76. SaniR.
    Jun 6, 2002
    10
    The best movie of the best director of 70's, 80's and 90's. Absolute masterpiece.
  77. DanielB.
    Jun 4, 2002
    10
    This movie is a true masterpiece! Its the BEST mob movie made to date. Quick to the action and leaves you guessing throughout the film.
  78. WobiekisserM.
    Aug 27, 2001
    10
    The best mob movie ever made! Brilliant and completely truthful, one of the all-time greats!
Metascore

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. 100
    All of the performances are first-rate; Pesci stands out, though, with his seemingly unscripted manner. GoodFellas is easily one of the year's best films. [21 September 1990, Friday, p.C]
  2. Reviewed by: Carmel Dagan
    100
    Director Martin Scorsese's spectacular, irreverent picture.
  3. Reviewed by: Jeremy Beday
    80
    Martin Scorsese scores again with his gritty, kinetic adaptation of Nicolas Pileggi's best-selling "Wiseguy."