Goodfellas

Name: Goodfellas
Genre: Biography, Drama, Crime
Released: September 1, 1990
Duration: 146 min
Rating: 89
Cast: Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino, Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro

1990

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 18 Critics

See All

USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 860 Ratings

See All

8.9

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

8.9	Your Score
8.9	User Score Universal acclaim based on 860 Ratings

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:

You are not allowed to view this material at this time.

GOODFELLAS

Movie Details & Credits

Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: September 1, 1990

Starring: Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino, Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro

Summary: Based on the bestselling book "Wiseguy" by Nicholas Pileggi, Scorsese's film profiles nearly 30 years of mob life in New York City.

Director: Martin Scorsese

Genre(s): Biography, Drama, Crime

Rating: R

Runtime: 146 min

See All Details and Credits

Awards & Rankings

Watch Now

Buy On

Stream On

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

100

Chicago Tribune - Gene Siskel

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]

100

San Francisco Chronicle - Mick LaSalle

Ferocious brutality is presented without commentary or judgment, yet with unmistakable moral understanding and vision. [21 September 1990, Daily Notebook p.E-1]

100

Los Angeles Times - Sheila Benson

GoodFellas is "Raging Bull" squared. [20 September 1990, Calendar, p.F-1]

100

Christian Science Monitor - David Sterritt

Stunningly acted. [21 September 1990, The Arts, p.12]

Film.com - John Hartl

An appalling masterpiece.

TV Guide Magazine - Staff (not credited)

Scorsese's rich tapestry is both broader in scope and more detailed than a mere recounting of the events in the trio's life of crime. Read full review

The New Republic - Stanley Kauffmann

Scorsese's style, fierce as it is, doesn't accomplish what he clearly expected of it. Often, in many arts, fresh treatment can redeem familiar subjects, but it doesn't happen here. [Oct 22, 1990]

SEE ALL 18 REVIEWS

Write a Review

User Reviews

EricR.

Dec 11, 2006

The best gangster movie ever. It's also my second favorite movie of all-time.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

rollingstone82

Aug 13, 2010

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 anotherAn 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

10 of 13 users found this helpful103

AliS.

Feb 3, 2010

Its a very good film that I love it as my best.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

mmeese1

Apr 22, 2015

What a classic. The quintessential MOB movie. Interesting because none of the main characters are actually in the MOB. This film stands on a pillar to all influenced by films of this genre. From directors to actors, curious onlookers to actual gangsters, this film is more a documentary thanWhat a classic. The quintessential MOB movie. Interesting because none of the main characters are actually in the MOB. This film stands on a pillar to all influenced by films of this genre. From directors to actors, curious onlookers to actual gangsters, this film is more a documentary than a mere movie. Celebrating its 25th anniversary it still is as influential as it became the summer of 1990. Hailed by notorious film critics Siskel and Ebert as "the greatest MOB mover ever". The two critics often disagreed but when it came to "Goodfellas" they shared a rare collaboration of positive notions as to the direction of the ever influential Martin Scorsese as well as great performances by Ray Liotta, Robert Deniro, and Joe Pesci whom took home a gold statue as best supporting actor.
I recently read an article that caught my eye about the making of Goodfellas. It is in the most recent May 2015 issue of Playboy magazine. It tells of the numerous walkouts at the preview screening. Irwin Winkler, the films high powered producer says in an interview " People started running out of that theater like the place was on fire," "we had 38 walkouts alone after the scene where Joe Pesci's character Tommy DeVito, knifes the body of Billy Batts in the trunk of a car. And that was just the beginning of the movie." "The screening didn't go badly it was disastrous." Funny that this was the reaction the night of screening. I wonder what the people who walked out that night think of this movie now? Obviously it was a different time but nonetheless this movie is now immortal. Fun fact to prove this point, Goodfellas holds a place in the Library of Congress's National Film Registry. If you are unaware the film registry is a prestigious list of culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant films. Even the much more modern MOB portrayal HBO hit "The Sopranos" owes its creative roots to Goodfellas. The shows creator David Chase has acknowledged his debt to the film, saying, "Goodfellas is the Koran for me".
Personally, this film moves me a great deal. Having grown up watching it, I still find it interesting. I have literally watched the film hundreds of times yet find new chuckles every time I watch it. I find particular joy in the event I am able to share this all time great with an unfamiliar audience. It is a violent movie yes, but also an unfolding drama and love story of epic proportions. Depicting the rise and fall of an Irish-Italian American street thug whom eventually becomes a real life Mafia insider. Every time I pop it in my VHS player I smile. Yes VHS, it gives it even greater charm I assure you. In conclusion this movie is not to be missed and worth re-watching year after year.esumptuous to say it will remain MOB film for decdes to come. It is always funny to me that people assume the MOB is a thing of the past. I suppose you just don't hear much about it anymore. I always joke to people they didn't disappear, they just went to Congress! HA! With that being said I will leave you with the infamous first line of narration: "As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster."… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Andremax

Sep 6, 2018

Gangster movies is an old and known formula to making movies. But in Goodfellas it works. Oh... and how it works.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

MartyMcFly

Oct 2, 2018

My score 100
Metascore / User score 89 / 89
Tomatometer / Audience score 96 / 97
IMDB 87
(93)

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

ChadS.

May 13, 2007

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, 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… Expand

1 of 6 users found this helpful

SEE ALL 116 REVIEWS