Fans of crime dramas are no doubt familiar with some of the genre’s classics like The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Scarface, Goodfellas, The Sopranos, and Boardwalk Empire. Naturally, audiences and critics have also become accustomed to seeing Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Steve Buscemi, and other prominent actors appear together or separately in these films and shows. While most actors in the crime drama genre suffer from typecasting, most possess exceptional range and regularly deliver memorable performances in movies, television shows, and even video games of vastly different genres.
New Jersey’s James Gandolfini made his acting debut in Arn McConnell and Todd Rutt’s 1987 fantasy comedy Shock! Shock! Shock! as an orderly, and would follow this performance up in a slew of supporting roles until landing his breakout role as the hitman Virgil in Tony Scott’s 1993 romantic crime film True Romance. Although Gandolfini portrayed his fair share of criminals throughout his career, the late actor was renowned for his characters’ sensitivity and vulnerability, things not often seen in crime.
Despite the Emmy Award-winning actor’s untimely passing in 2013, Gandolfini solidified his legacy with an impressive body of work and has inspired generations of artists, critics, and fans over ten years after the fact. To honor the respected and admired Gandolfini, this article will honor the actor by examining some of his best performances based on their impact and popularity.
Updated on September 21st: This list has been updated by Rachel Johnson to feature even more wonderful performances from James Gandolfini.
17 Zero Dark Thirty
Kathryn Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty hit theaters in 2012 to critical acclaim worldwide. The film is about the 2011 hunt for al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and the behind-the-scenes drama associated with completing this task. The film boasts an all-star cast including Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler, Mark Strong, Joel Edgerton, and Chris Pratt.
Gandolfini’s Brief-Yet-Impactful Appearance
Although Gandolfini briefly appears in Zero Dark Thirty, he goes against type in an exceptional performance as CIA director, Leon Panetta, portraying him as an austere man who takes his job as one of America’s leaders seriously. He makes the most of his limited screen time and his presence as the severe Panetta only adds to the intensity of the events depicted and reflects how important the mission was for the United States. Stream on Hulu.
16 Romance & Cigarettes
In the 2005 romantic comedy musical Romance & Cigarettes, construction worker and family man Nick Murder begins an illicit affair with a vivacious younger woman (Kate Winslet). Set in 1980s New York, when his stunned wife Kitty (Susan Sarandon) learns of the shocking dalliance after discovering an explicit poem addressed to his mistress, Nick’s entire existence is turned upside down, and he’s forced to face the music.
Gandolfini Lets Loose in Eccentric Musical
Gandolfini really got out of his comfort zone when he headlined the quirky rom-com musical, as friend and fellow actor John Turturro specifically wanted him to tackle the role of Nick Murder but had to wait until The Sopranos was finished filming its season. Seeing the normally serious performer break out into a zippy dance and lip sync along to famous tunes like “A Man Without Love” by Engelbert Humperdinck was a real treat for fans of Gandolfini, and it was a welcome switch-up to his more normally stoic portrayals and characters. Stream on The Roku Channel.
15 8mm
The late Joel Schumacher’s 1999 crime thriller 8mm stars the ridiculously talented Nicolas Cage in a story about the world of BDSM and snuff films. In addition to Cage and Gandolfini, 8mm also featured the talents of Catherine Keener, Joaquin Phoenix, Peter Stormare, and Chris Bauer in supporting roles. Despite the onscreen and behind-the-scenes talent associated with the picture and its success at the box office, 8mm performed poorly with most critics, citing the film’s subject and depictions of violence as reasons not to see it.
A Bright Spot in an Underwhelming Thriller
Nevertheless, Gandolfini’s performance as the snuff film talent scout Eddie Poole was among the few things consistently praised. In a world as depraved and deranged as snuff filmmaking, Poole was memorable as he was the only character to express even a shred of remorse for the world he was a part of. Poole’s colleagues made it clear they viewed snuff filmmaking as either a business or a pleasurable experience, but we saw glimpses of Poole showing remorse for his dealings in the snuff film industry. Stream on Hulu.
14 Where the Wild Things Are
Based on Maurice Sendak’s 1963 children’s novel of the same name, Spize Jonze’s 2009 fantasy adventure drama Where the Wild Things Are, tells the story of Max, a lonely nine-year-old boy who spends time on an island inhabited by grotesque-looking creatures called Wild Things after his mother sends him to bed without dinner. Where the Wild Things Are performed poorly at the box office, but its animatronics, make-up, voice-over performances, and Jonze’s imaginative directing impressed audiences and critics worldwide. Moreover, similar to Sendak’s book, the movie was praised for handling mental health and its relation to children.
Gandolfini Showcases His Range
As Carol, Gandolfini nearly goes entirely against type in Jonze’s reimagining of the classic children’s book. The role required a combination of computer-generated imagery (CGI), heavy makeup and prosthetics, and Gandolfini’s ability to translate anger, sadness, and a sincere yearning for a friend — all without ever appearing onscreen himself. Although most casual audiences are more familiar with Gandolfini’s work in the crime genre, his performance as the conflicted monster Carol helps distinguish his range and further sets him apart from many other actors in crime dramas. Stream on Max.
13 Welcome to the Rileys
In the 2010 independent drama Welcome to the Rileys, James Gandolfini and Melissa Leo star as Doug and Lois Riley, a couple struggling to overcome the loss of their daughter and who find themselves drifting further and further apart as they are consumed by their heartbreak. When Doug meets the equally lost and broken teenager Mallory (Kristen Stewart), the pair help pull the other out of their darkness and nurture a life-changing bond.
A Raw & Moving Portrayal
Gandolfini was undeniably the greatest part of Welcome to the Rileys, with the talented actor delivering a poignant and raw performance of a grieving father whose life is crumbling all around him following the tragic death of his beloved teenage daughter. His character Doug develops a profound kinship with the troubled 16-year-old exotic dancer Mallory, whom he takes under his wing and desperately wants to help after being unable to protect his own child. Gandolfini’s portrayal was beautifully vulnerable and complex, and he truly helped elevate the drama to become something powerful and moving. Stream on Tubi.
12 12 Angry Men
William Friedkin’s 1997 courtroom drama 12 Angry Men is a remake of the 1957 Sidney Lumet classic starring Henry Fonda. Friedkin’s film stars many great character actors such as Jack Lemmon, Ossie Davis, Edward James Olmos, Courtney B. Vance, Mykelti Williamson, and George C. Scott. This film is interesting as it was the last project to feature Gandolfini before he starred in the critically acclaimed The Sopranos.
Gandolfini Helps Elevate Remake
Unlike his character in the beloved mafia drama, Gandolfini plays Juror #6, a calm and respectful man who routinely tries to maintain peace and order among his fellow jurors. Considering the legendary status of the Lumet version, often analyzed for its themes, Friedkin’s film holds up well even to this day, and a part of the reason is because of Gandolfini’s subdued performance. Rent/Buy on Apple TV+.
11 Sesame Street
Although including a Sesame Street episode on our list might be as jarring as Gandolfini’s appearance on the popular children’s program, we think our reasoning will justify its inclusion. In 2000, The Sopranos was at the height of its popularity, having impressed critics and audiences worldwide and having an unprecedented influence on what is now considered “prestige television,” The Sopranos is often cited as one of the best, if not the best TV series of all time. Additionally, Gandolfini won his first Primetime Emmy Award for The Sopranos, and it looked like he could have starred in any project of his choosing in between breaks on the HBO mafia drama.
A Fun & Heartwarming Appearance
Interestingly, Gandolfini elected to appear in Episode 33 of Sesame Streetin a heartwarming segment about conquering one’s fears. As any fan of The Sopranos knows, Tony is a very complex and troubled man prone to violent outbursts, and one of the last things he would do is confess his fears to anyone — except maybe Dr. Melfi. So to see Gandolfini portraying a fictionalized version of himself in a sketch professing his fear of the dark, haircuts, and giant vegetables is hilarious, baffling, and proof that the late actor didn’t take himself too seriously. Stream on Max.
10 Lonely Hearts
Fans were curious about Gandolfini’s next project after The Sopranos concluded in 2007. The actor would go against type in independent filmmaker Todd Robinson’s period drama Lonely Hearts as Detective Charles Hilderbrandt, a sarcastic yet loyal lawman committed to solving a string of murders in 1940s New York City based on the Lonely Hearts Killers.
A Worthy Follow-Up to The Sopranos
Like Gandolfini’s appearance in Sesame Street, Gandolfini followed up his career-defining performance with an obscure independent movie instead of a summer Hollywood blockbuster. The film’s box office performance was nothing to write about, but it did moderately well with audiences, and Gandolfini’s performance is one of the reasons why it resonated so well with moviegoers. Currently unavailable for streaming.
9 In the Loop
Armando Iannucci’s 2009 satirical comedy In the Loop is a spin-off from his BBC television series The Thick of It. In the Loop satirizes most of the United States’s politics, particularly those surrounding America’s war on terror and invasion of Iraq, and it went on to earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, with critics raving about the playful satire.
Gandolfini Flexes His Acting Muscles
Dropping his New Jersey accent, Gandolfini plays Lieutenant General George Miller, one of the characters opposed to America’s continued invasion of Iraq. Acting alongside English comedic legends Peter Capaldi and Steve Coogan, Gandolfini holds his own with his sharp jabs and comical facial expressions and fully showcases his comedy acting chops. Rent/Buy on Prime Video.
8 Perdita Durango
Perdita Durango is Spanish filmmaker Álex de la Iglesia’s 1997 film adaptation of the 1992 Barry Gifford novel 59° and Raining: The Story of Perdita Durango, and stars Rosie Perez and Javier Bardem. Like many of Gifford’s other works, such as Wild at Heart: The Story of Sailor and Lula and Sailor’s Holiday: The Wild Life of Sailor and Lula, Perdita Durango is set in Gifford’s Sailor and Lula series and features some of the most bizarre characters and outrageous plots ever committed to paper.
A Scene-Stealing Performance
The movie didn’t leave a big impression on audiences because of its violent themes and subject matter. However, Gandolfini’s performance as the dedicated DEA Agent Willie “Woody” Dumas was one of the film’s highlights and it showcased the then up-and-coming actor’s impressive range and his ability to tackle any character or role and truly make it his own. Stream on Freevee.
7 The Taking of Pelham 123
Tony Scott’s 2009 adaptation of The Taking of Pelham 123 is the third adaptation of the John Godey novel. Scott’s version stars Denzel Washington, John Travolta, John Turturro, and Gandolfini and is as fast-paced and action-packed as its cast is stacked. Interestingly, this film marks the second collaboration between Travolta and Gandolfini, the second between Scott and Gandolfini, and the third between Washington and Gandolfini, and everyone firmly delivers in this 2009 thriller.
A Worthy Remake of the ’70s Classic
The film performed moderately well critically and commercially, but audiences and critics primarily praised the performances of the film’s stars. Gandolfini plays the Mayor of New York in this film, and like his appearance in In the Loop, he exchanges his New Jersey accent for a New York accent and disappears into the role of the Mayor of the Big Apple, much to the delight of his devoted fans. Rent/Buy on Prime Video.
6 Killing Them Softly
Andrew Dominik’s 2012 neo-noir crime film Killing Them Softly stars Brad Pitt as Jackie Cogan, a ruthless hitman executing hits around the same time as former U.S. President Barack Obama’s inauguration. Based on the 1974 George V. Higgins novel Cogan’s Trade, Dominik’s film wasn’t a major success at the box office or with critics, but it has developed a cult following since its release over a decade ago. The film would be the third project to feature both Pitt and Gandolfini and showcase Gandolfini’s more somber and subdued acting.
Gandolfini Brilliantly Embraces His Dark Side
Unlike Gandolfini’s previous villainous roles, Mickey is far more tired and burnt-out than we’re used to seeing the actor. Despite limited time on the screen, Mickey is memorable in that he’s so dissatisfied with life that he’d rather live in excess instead of addressing his problems. Although most of us likely have no ties to organized crime, we can all relate to feelings of doubt and uncertainty, and Gandolfini’s performance captures those feelings exceptionally well. Rent/Buy on Apple TV+.
5 The Drop
Michaël R. Roskam’s 2014 crime drama The Drop released in 2014, and despite its poor performance at the box office, was well received by critics and audiences. Among the film’s praises were its well-written script, bleak depiction of organized crime, and acting performances by its cast. Tom Hardy and Gandolfini especially received positive reviews for their unexpected yet brilliant pairing onscreen.
A Complex & Committed Portrayal
Hardy plays Bob, a complicated man involved with the mob, and Gandolfini plays his bar-owning cousin Marv. Marv seems to be looking out for Bob when we meet them, but as the film progresses, we learn that Marv is in debt to a ruthless Chechen gang and willing to do whatever he has to pay off his debt.
Seeing Gandolfini portray a man willing to do whatever it takes to save his skin is terrifying and hilarious, considering most of the wise guys he’s played would staunchly oppose Marv’s methods. Additionally, Marv is a standout on our list as he was the last character of Gandolfini’s beloved film career. Rent/Buy on Prime Video.
4 The Mexican
Gore Verbinski’s road movie, crime-thriller blend The Mexican, was released in 2001 and starred Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, and James Gandolfini in leading roles. The film follows Jerry and Sam, Pitt and Roberts, respectively, as they retrieve an antique pistol belonging to a ruthless crime lord. Along the way, they meet a hitman claiming to be Leroy, and he reveals to Sam that he is to watch her until Jerry delivers the pistol.
Gandolfini’s Poignant Performance
Uncharacteristic of a hitman, Leroy bonds with Sam over time, and after discovering that he is a hopeless romantic at heart, she tries to help him find love. Despite the film’s mixed reviews, Gandolfini’s performance as a homosexual man constantly questioning life’s mysteries resonated with critics and audiences. Additionally, critics praised Gandolfini and Roberts’ scenes, often citing them as the film’s sole highlights. Stream on Paramount+.
3 Enough Said
When we think of romantic comedies, we tend to have established notions of what to expect. We anticipate things like the leads being young and conventionally attractive or the story filled with slapstick humor. Nicole Holofcener’s Enough Said subverts those expectations, considering Gandolfini and Julia Louis-Dreyfus are probably the furthest things away from a conventional onscreen couple, and the film’s humor is charming instead of outlandish.
Sensational On-Screen Chemistry
Gandolfini plays Albert, a recently divorced middle-aged man, and father of one currently back on the dating market. He eventually meets Eva, played by Dreyfus, at a party, and the two swiftly go on a date. Gandolfini’s performance in Enough Said is arguably the best example of the actor’s range as he convincingly plays a middle-aged man who is both excited and afraid of what dating looks like for men in his position. Fox Searchlight Pictures dedicated the film to the actor who tragically passed away before its release, and while Enough Said received near-universal praise, Dreyfus and Gandolfini’s performances were the highlights of Holofcener’s romantic comedy. Stream on Hulu.
2 True Romance
1993’s romantic crime thriller True Romance was written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by the late Tony Scott. Romance follows a young couple, Clarence and Alabama, and their accidental mixup with the Italian mob and their drugs. While initially a box office failure, True Romance enjoyed praise from critics for its sharply written dialogue, fun characters, and interpretation of the crime genre.
Furthermore, True Romance would mark Gandolfini’s first collaboration with director Scott and Hollywood A-lister Brad Pitt. Gandolfini plays Virgil, one of Vincenzo Coccotti’s mob enforcers, and his wry smile and imposing presence immediately tells the audience it’s best not to cross Virgil.
An Impactful & Career-Defining Performance
Even though Virgil operates in a peripheral capacity, he shares one of the film’s most memorable scenes with Patricia Arquette’s character Alabama. The two characters engage in a brutal fight inside a motel room that consists of Alabama utilizing anything she can get her hands on as a weapon and ends with Alabama killing Virgil in self-defense.
Virgil’s appearance in True Romance is brief, but his sly sense of humor and fight with Alabama truly shine, and it is arguably just as good as the film’s previous Sicilian scene with Christopher Walken and the late Dennis Hopper. Gandolfini’s portrayal of Virgil was so impressive, it helped him secure an audition for The Sopranos when casting director Susan Fitzgerald saw a clip of his work while casting actors in the now legendary role of Tony Soprano. Rent/Buy on Prime Video.
1 The Sopranos
Our number one pick for Gandolfini’s most iconic role is none other than his portrayal of New Jersey mafioso Tony Soprano. Having accrued twenty-one Primetime Emmy Award wins and 111 nominations, creator and showrunner David Chase’s The Sopranos debuted on HBO on January 10, 1999, and was an immediate pop culture sensation. Across its six-season run, The Sopranos boasted eighty-six well-written episodes with compelling characters, philosophical musings about life, and a unique approach to the crime drama genre with its memorable dream sequences. Of the show’s many praises, Gandolfini’s portrayal of Tony Soprano is among the reasons the show attained its legendary status.
A Truly Unforgettable & Unparalleled Performance
He perfectly portrayed a family man and an overworked mob boss seemingly with ease and brought a vulnerability not often seen in characters in the crime drama genre. With the show’s conclusion in 2007, other acclaimed shows with villain-protagonists would emerge, such as Mad Men (created by The Sopranos writer Matthew Weiner), Breaking Bad, Dexter, and Boardwalk Empire (created by The Sopranos writer Terrence Winter).
Tony Soprano was so impactful on the television industry, Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan confessed there wouldn’t have been a Walter White if it weren’t for Soprano. Despite Gandolfini’s range, he embodied Soprano perfectly physically and consistently delivered exceptional performances of a man suffering from severe trauma. The portrayal earned Gandolfini three Emmy Awards and continues influencing generations of fans well after the show’s conclusion. Stream on Max.
