6 Movies Like ‘The Road To Perdition: Mobster Rules’ and ‘Greed’

Sam Mendes’ “Road to Perdition” is the 2002 onscreen adaption of Alan Collins’ graphic novel. Featuring a dark and violent storyline, “The Road to Perdition” showcased the amazing talents of actor Tom Hanks, who plays the role of mob enforcer Michael Sullivan. After being betrayed by his Irish mob boss, John Rooney, played by Paul Newman, Sullivan goes on a bloody crusade to avenge the death of his family.

As violent as Road to Perdition is, it remains a milestone in cinema lore with its pseudo-noir cinematography and a display of gritty and raw human emotion. While mob movies aren’t anything new, The Road to Perdition definitely changed the paradigm, to the point that these six films were no doubt inspired from it, and many ways The Road To Perdition was inspired by some on the list.

1. The Godfather (1972)

Considered hands down the godfather of the modern-day mob genre, the first in the trilogy stars the late Marlon Brando in one of his most iconic roles. Starring as Vito Corleone, in his old age, Don Vito wants to transition his family out of the criminal underground. It so happens that there are rival mob families determined to take out the Corleone family. Despite his best efforts to spare his son, Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino, from the gangster side of things, fate ultimately places Michael Corleone into the role of the Don.

2. A History of Violence (2005)

Directed by David Cronenberg, “A History of Violence” focuses on the fragility and the shattering of innocence. Vigo Mortensen stars as Tom Stall, who is a family man living in a small town. One night, two dangerous individuals threaten harm to him and his family, causing Tom to kill them in self-defense. However, it gets revealed throughout the story, that Tom has a history of killing and violence, which ultimately tears his family apart.

3. Mystic River (2003) 

Directed by Clint Eastwood, “Mystic River” shares a lot of the same traits as The Road to Perdition, however it tells the story of three men who have been friends since childhood. After the horrible murder taking place in the neighborhood, these three friends are forced to grapple with previous unresolved matters and dark secrets. The themes of revenge and graphic violence often have movie buffs comparing “Mystic River” to “The Road to Perdition.”

4. Road to Paloma (2014)

Jason Momoa stars in and directs “Road To Paloma,” a Native American drama starring Momoa as Wolf. Wolf is on the run after brutally avenging his mother’s death. As Wolf eludes law officials, movie fans are treated to beautiful cinematography of the great American Western frontier.

5. Goodfellas (1990)

Directed by Martin Scorsese, “Goodfellas,” is a mob drama that shines a light on mobster’s Henry Hill, played by the late Ray Liotta, who falls from grace in the mob organization. As a slow burn, Goodfellas showcases the tremendous character development of Henry Hill throughout the decades. Robert DeNiro and Joe Pesci also star in Goodfellas, which is one of the most violent and emotional mob movies ever.

6. Casino (1995)

“Casino” is a 1995 crime drama that’s also directed by Martin Scorsese. Reunited with Robert DeNiro, DeNiro stars as Sam Rothstein, who is affectionately known as “Ace,” the head of a powerful local casino that is ultimately owned and controlled by powerful mobsters. As Ace continues to succeed in his role, jealousy sets in. Facing competition from all sides, including from within from his drug-addict wife, played by Sharon Stone, and his best friend, Joe Pesci, the heat is on for Ace to find a way out of life before his number is called.

In conclusion, these six films either inspired or were inspired in many ways by the gritty success of “The Road to Perdition.” Directed by cinematic masters, these films don’t hold back on the gritty emotion and the dangers of human greed and vengeance.