Played by: Al Pacino
Tony Montana was a Cuban refugee who arrived in America and underwent a meteoric rise to the top of Miami’s criminal underworld. Feared because of his "balls of steel", Montano was willing to kill anyone who gots in his way (except women and kids). Montana lived the American dream, before suffering an equally meteroric fall.
3. Al Capone
Film: The Untouchables
Played by: Robert DeNiro
In third place is Robert DeNiro's powerful portrayal of legendary gangster Al Capone. DeNiro insisted on wearing the same style of silk underwear that Capone wore, even though it would never be seen on camera. The producers, knowing DeNiro's reputation as a "Method" actor, provided the pants.
4. Jules Winnfield
Film: Pulp Fiction
Played by: Samuel L Jackson
In Pulp Fiction, Samuel L Jackson plays Jules, a gun-toting hitman sent out to retrieve and guard a mysterious suitcase on behalf of big boss Marsellus Wallace. After experiencing a "divine intervention", Jules decides to give up the gang lifestyle for good and plans to "wander the earth".
5. Nicky Santoro
Film: Casino
Played by: Joe Pesci
The character of Nicky Santoro was based on real-life mobster Anthony 'The Ant' Spilotro. In the film Santoro is sent to Las Vegas by the bosses to make sure that the wiseguys there are kept in line. Santoro is a loose cannon in every sense of the word. In one savage scene, he stabs a man in the neck with a pen multiple times solely for insulting his friend.
7. Don Logan
Film: Sexy Beast (2000)
Played by: Ben Kingsley
Nearly 20 years after winning an Academy Award for his role in Gandhi, Ben Kingsley was back to his best as the frightening Don Logan in Sexy Beast. Logan is a crook coming out of retirement for one last heist. Shifting between raving lunatic and cold, calculating schemer, Logan steals the show every time he is on screen.
8. Bill The Butcher
Film: Gangs Of New York (2002)
Played by: Daniel Day-Lewis
The eighth favourite gangster is none other than Bill the Butcher from Gangs Of New York. The character was based on real-life ruffian Bill Poole, who was a member of the Bowery Boys street gang.
9. Reggie Kray
Film: The Krays (1989)
Played by: Martin Kemp
Casting former pop icons Gary and Martin Kemp (of Spandau Ballet) as the notorious Kray twins was a stroke of genius for Peter Medak's gritty film. Martin Kemp in particular stands out as the fearsome Reggie Kray.
10. Bill Guerrard
Film: The Ice Harvest (2005)
Played by: Randy Quaid
In 10th place is Bill Guerrard, the slimy crime lord of 'The Ice Harvest'. As well as running a string of Witchita brothels, Bill also happens to kill people for a living. Not the sort of chap you'd want to meet down a dark alley.
My greatest movie mobster is Marlon Brando's Don Vito Corleone character in the Godfather. I don't know of any other villain more lovable.
By the way, if you haven't seen the movie Alpha Dog, please go watch it. It's based on a true life story about the kidnapping and killing of a 15year old boy by his older brother's friends. The movie is heart-wrenching. A must see! It features Justin Timberlake, Bruce Willis and Sharon Stone