In the world of movies and television, gangsters have always held a certain fascination for audiences. From the classic mobsters of the 1920s to the modern-day drug lords, these characters have captivated us with their charisma, ruthlessness, and dark sense of humor. And along with their larger-than-life personalities, they have provided us with some of the most memorable quotes in cinematic history.
Whether it’s a menacing threat, a witty retort, or a philosophical observation about the nature of power and loyalty, gangster quotes have become iconic symbols of a subculture that exists on the fringes of society. These quotes encapsulate the mindset of characters who are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, often at the expense of others.
From “The Godfather” to “Scarface” to “Goodfellas,” there are countless films that have given us unforgettable moments of gangster wisdom. Whether you’re a fan of crime dramas or simply appreciate the raw energy and charisma of these characters, here are some of the best gangster quotes ever that will leave you both entertained and inspired.
The Most Powerful Gangster Quotes
Gangsters throughout history have made powerful statements that reveal the raw reality of their world. These quotes capture the essence of their ruthless nature and the consequences of their actions. Here are some of the most powerful gangster quotes:
| “I’m gonna make you an offer you can’t refuse.” | – Vito Corleone, The Godfather |
| “Say hello to my little friend!” | – Tony Montana, Scarface |
| “I am the danger.” | – Walter White, Breaking Bad |
| “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” | – Michael Corleone, The Godfather Part II |
| “I always tell the truth, even when I lie.” | – Tony Montana, Scarface |
| “There’s only one rule in this world: when I say ‘go’, everybody runs.” | – Frank Lucas, American Gangster |
These quotes reflect the power dynamics, cunning strategies, and fearless attitude of gangsters. They remind us of the darker side of humanity and the consequences of choosing a life of crime.
Incredible Quotes About Gangster Life
|
“I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” – Don Vito Corleone, The Godfather |
|
“Say hello to my little friend!” – Tony Montana, Scarface |
|
“I never stop to count heads before I start cutting them off.” – Al Capone |
|
“The streets is a jungle, you gotta be an animal.” – Frank Lucas, American Gangster |
|
“It ain’t personal, it’s strictly business.” – Michael Corleone, The Godfather |
|
“I never made a mistake in my life. I thought I did once, but I was wrong.” – Lucky Luciano |
Famous Quotes from Notorious Gangsters
Throughout history, infamous gangsters have left behind a legacy of power, violence, and ruthlessness. Here are some famous quotes that encapsulate their dangerous world:
- “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” – Vito Corleone, The Godfather (1972)
- “Say hello to my little friend!” – Tony Montana, Scarface (1983)
- “Three can keep a secret if two are dead.” – Benjamin Franklin
- “It’s not personal. It’s strictly business.” – Michael Corleone, The Godfather Part II (1974)
- “I never lie to any man because I don’t fear anyone. The only time you lie is when you are afraid.” – John Gotti
- “The more weird you behave, the more normal I feel.” – Al Capone
- “You can get much further with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone.” – Al Capone
- “I may have killed people, but at least I never stole a dog.” – Charles “Lucky” Luciano
- “In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the women.” – Tony Montana, Scarface (1983)
These quotes serve as a chilling reminder of the criminal underworld and the iconic figures who shaped it.
Insightful Quotes from Mobsters
Throughout history, mobsters have captivated our attention with their power, ruthlessness, and charm. Here are some insightful quotes from these notorious individuals that reveal their unique perspective on life:
1. “I never lie to any man because I don’t fear anyone. The only time you lie is when you are afraid.” – John Gotti
2. “More in a single day than you’ve done in your whole life.” – Al Capone, when asked how he felt about being a bootlegger
3. “You can get much farther with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone.” – Al Capone
4. “I have built my organization upon fear.” – Lucky Luciano
5. “Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment.” – Michael Corleone, The Godfather
6. “The strength of a family, like the strength of an army, lies in its loyalty to each other.” – Mario Puzo, The Godfather
7. “Friendship and loyalty are two qualities that can never be bought or sold, but must be earned.” – Meyer Lansky
8. “I’d rather be a dead man than a live coward.” – Vincent Gigante
9. “Always remember, the answer you want is always the one that gives you the most power.” – Frank Costello
10. “Never let anyone know what you are thinking.” – Vito Corleone, The Godfather
These insightful quotes from mobsters offer a glimpse into the complex characters that made up the world of organized crime. While their actions may have been questionable, their words reveal a certain understanding of the world around them and the challenges they faced.
Memorable Quotes from Gangster Movies
2. “Say hello to my little friend!” – Tony Montana, Scarface
3. “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” – Michael Corleone, The Godfather Part II
4. “I always tell the truth, even when I lie.” – Tony Montana, Scarface
5. “Life is short, but snakes are long.” – Al Capone, The Untouchables
6. “You wanna know how I got these scars?” – The Joker, The Dark Knight
7. “You can’t handle the truth!” – Frank Jessup, A Few Good Men
8. “I’m funny how? Funny like a clown?” – Tommy DeVito, Goodfellas
9. “It’s not personal. It’s strictly business.” – Michael Corleone, The Godfather
10. “What’s the most you ever lost on a coin toss?” – Anton Chigurh, No Country for Old Men
Wise Words from Legendary Criminals
Throughout history, there have been individuals who have left their mark on the world through their illicit activities. These legendary criminals may not have followed the traditional path, but their words often carry a certain wisdom. Here are some of the most insightful quotes from the minds of these notorious figures:
“I rob banks because that’s where the money is.” – Willie Sutton
“I’m like Robin Hood. I rob the rich and give to the poor.” – Al Capone
“The only thing I’m addicted to is winning.” – John Gotti
“Rules are made to be broken.” – Pablo Escobar
“It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business.” – Michael Corleone
“I’m not a businessman. I’m a business, man.” – Jay-Z
“In this business, you either sink or swim, and there ain’t no dolphins around here.” – Meyer Lansky
“Money and power are the most important things in life.” – Tony Montana
“The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.” – Keyser Söze
These wise words may have come from unconventional sources, but they offer a unique perspective on life. Whether you agree with their actions or not, there is no denying the impact these legendary criminals have had on the world.
Inspirational Quotes from Gangland Leaders
Throughout history, gangland leaders have been known for their charisma, courage, and cunning. Their words have inspired not only their own followers but also those seeking wisdom and guidance. Here are some of the most memorable and inspirational quotes from gangland leaders:
- “I am the master of my fate, the captain of my soul.” – Al Capone
- “It’s not about the cards you’re dealt, but how you play the game.” – Lucky Luciano
- “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – John Gotti
- “Fear is the greatest motivator, but it is loyalty that keeps the brotherhood strong.” – Tony Accardo
- “In this world, you gotta have eyes in the back of your head.” – Meyer Lansky
- “The streets teach you everything you need to know about life.” – Frank Lucas
- “Money talks, but power whispers.” – Mickey Cohen
- “Take the risk or lose the chance.” – Griselda Blanco
- “When opportunity presents itself, you grab it with both hands.” – Pablo Escobar
- “There is no honor among thieves, but there is loyalty among brothers.” – Bugsy Siegel
These quotes remind us that even in the darkest of worlds, there is wisdom to be found. The gangland leaders may have lived a life of crime, but their words can still inspire us to be bold, courageous, and steadfast in our pursuit of success.
Unforgettable Lines from Gangster Novels
Gangster novels have captured the imaginations of readers for decades, with their gritty portrayals of the criminal underworld and the characters who inhabit it. These novels often feature unforgettable lines that perfectly encapsulate the ruthless nature of the gangster lifestyle. Here are some of the most memorable quotes from gangster novels:
- “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” – The Godfather by Mario Puzo
- “Say hello to my little friend!” – Scarface by Armitage Trail
- “There’s no law in the arena, just iron.” – The Last Don by Mario Puzo
- “I have a sentimental weakness for my children and I spoil them, as you can see. They talk when they should listen.” – The Godfather by Mario Puzo
- “The first time you kill somebody, that’s the hardest. The second time, it gets easier.” – Road to Perdition by Max Allan Collins
- “Don’t let yourself get attached to anything you are not willing to walk out on in 30 seconds flat if you feel the heat around the corner.” – Heat by William Goldman
- “Friendship is everything. Friendship is more than talent. It is more than the government. It is almost the equal of family.” – Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia by Joseph D. Pistone
- “Don’t ever take sides with anyone against the family again. Ever.” – The Godfather by Mario Puzo
These unforgettable lines from gangster novels continue to resonate with readers, reminding us of the allure and danger of the criminal underworld.
Timeless Quotes on the Dark Side of Organized Crime
Organized crime has fascinated individuals for decades, with its intricate web of secrecy, power, and danger. Below are some timeless quotes that capture the essence of the dark side of organized crime:
- “I grew up in a tough neighborhood, and we used to say, you can get further with a kind word and a gun than just a kind word.” – Al Capone
- “Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment.” – Michael Corleone (The Godfather)
- “Behind every great fortune, there is a crime.” – Honoré de Balzac
- “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” – Michael Corleone (The Godfather Part II)
- “The only thing that’s certain in this life is violence and bloodshed.” – Tony Soprano (The Sopranos)
- “Crime is a way to take control of one’s destiny in a world where fate often seems predetermined.”
- “There’s nothing more dangerous than someone who wants to make the world a better place.” – Pablo Escobar
- “In this business, you either sink or you swim, there’s no treading water.” – James Conway (Goodfellas)
- “The streets are ours. Money, power, and respect.” – Nino Brown (New Jack City)
- “The true measure of a man is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience but how he stands at times of controversy and challenges.”
These quotes provide a glimpse into the mindset and reality of the dark side of organized crime. They reveal the cunning, ambition, and sometimes tragic nature of those involved in this underbelly of society.