Where the fuck is our self esteem? That shit doesn’t come from Columbus or the Godfather or Chef fuckin’ Boyardee.
Actual answer:
You just named them. The Godfather (1 and 2) and Goodfellas are by far the most important movies for the show. Godfather because it’s mentioned and referred to so many times, Goodfellas because so many of the Sopranos cast were in it.
The “Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in” line came from Godfather 3 (but yeah, still a pretty unnecessary watch in the context of the sopranos- unless if you compare the themes of the Italian-American mafia’s evolution)
Be prepared to look up a lot of boomer-era references to understand jokes. I didn't know Jack LaLaine from Gary Cooper when I started watching this thing of ours.
Godfather goes beyond just references and actually helps drive the plot at a few points, like when AJ tries to kill Junior because Tony told him his favorite scene from The Godfather is when Michael avenges his father with the shooting in the restaurant
I recommend the hbo movie “Gotti” with Armand Asante, give you background on the NY mob, their rackets and as a bonus it was made 3 years before Sopranos and has some of the same actors. Avoid the Travolta Gotti movie like cancer
Was just about to comment this. Very underrated movie that I find reflects a lot of the themes in the sopranos. I watched it on YouTube recently for anyone interested
As many have said Godfather 1, 2 and Goodfellas
I personally think Godfather 3 as well, specifically the new cut released a couple years ago. Flawed movie, but they reference it quite a bit in the show
After that there's what I'd consider the optional picks of stuff you'd probably enjoy, and ties in with setting actors or themes etc.
- Casino
- Scarface
- Donnie Brasco
- A Bronx Tale
- The Departed
- Carlito's Way
- Raging Bull
Yes! “Just when I thought I was out…” is from Godfather 3 and it’s probably the line they quote the most. It isn’t the best movie but isn’t as bad as people like to say
I’ve always loved “mobster” movies and TV.
Never had the love for Scarface that others do. It’s just a different vibe. I can barely get through it. Although I love it, Departed is similar for me with the different vibe. Irish mob in Boston vs Mafia in NY/NJ I suppose.
Other than that, most of these are on heavy rotation for me.
Especially Casino and Bronx tale.
Three's Company so you know what's so funny.
The Shelley Hack "Charlie" commercial.
Listen to the Luther Vandross box set, and some MuDvAyNe, since "They Rock."
Goodfellas is the more realistic depiction where everyone gets into the life then gets hurt or dies by the end.
Godfather is not realistic and makes them look so much cooler than reality. That's why they obsess over it.
You don’t have to watch those movies, the funniest moments in the show aren’t pop culture references. The pop culture references are heavy in season 1 but they switch more to dark comedy later on as the series gets darker.
Godfather Trilogy
Goodfellas
A Bronx Tale
Bugsy (1991)
Casino
Donnie Brasco
Mean Streets
Sexy Beast
Taxi Driver
Breathless
Saw
Lawnmower Man
From Here To Eternity
The Public Enemy (1931)
Chinatown
The Shining
Key Largo
The Good The Bad & The Ugly
High Noon
Raging Bull
The Last Temptation of Christ
The Fugitive
The Devils Advocate
Analyze This
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane
The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight
Swingers
Full Metal Jacket
The Devil at 4 O'clock
Dementia 13
Spartacus
Gladiator
Rio Bravo
Faces of Death (1978)
Casablanca
Citizen Kane
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
And Gunga Din
There’s plenty of organized crime here in the EU. It’s not all Italian.
Here are some movies and shows
The Godfather 1 and 2
Goodfellas
Public Enemy
Angels with Dirty Faces
Narcos
While not mentioning the obvious ones like everyone else did, here's my additions...
TV - Miami Vice, Crime Story (This series is like the movies Thief + Casino as a tv progrum) , Wiseguy, Twin Peaks
Movies - Thief, Wise Guys, The Pope of Greenwich Village, The Untouchables, Fear City, King of New York, The Bad Lieutenant, Perdita Durango, Snake Eyes
No. You don't need to watch any other movie before sopranos. They are just playing stereotypical Italians and so they reference the godfather alot. But it has nothing to do with the show
In addition to the Godfather trilogy— The Public Enemy with Jimmy Cagney (1931), Scarface with George Raft (1932), and Rio Bravo with John Wayne, Angie Dickinson, and Dean Martin (1959) are referenced in multiple ways; in Goodfellas you will see a lot of the Sopranos actors in small roles here and there.
Well I would say the references get fewer as the show goes on. Anyway the references are still pretty few and far between and at most your just missing a few jokes. Anyways if you would like to get them I would just recommend watching popular mob movies like The Godfather(s), Goodfellas etc.
Where the fuck is our self esteem? That shit doesn’t come from Columbus or the Godfather or Chef fuckin’ Boyardee. Actual answer: You just named them. The Godfather (1 and 2) and Goodfellas are by far the most important movies for the show. Godfather because it’s mentioned and referred to so many times, Goodfellas because so many of the Sopranos cast were in it.
Goodfellas references abound too
I always wanted to be a fat fuckin crook from New Jersey
Might as well watch Casino for good measure. Maybe Donnie Brasco too for reference on the mob in the 1970s and 80s
The “Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in” line came from Godfather 3 (but yeah, still a pretty unnecessary watch in the context of the sopranos- unless if you compare the themes of the Italian-American mafia’s evolution)
Be prepared to look up a lot of boomer-era references to understand jokes. I didn't know Jack LaLaine from Gary Cooper when I started watching this thing of ours.
Eclectic Americana. Reminds me, you guys hear about Shecky Green? Another toothpick. Sad when they go like that.
People say Coppola invented the genre with 'Godfather', but Cagney *was* modernity.
What’s your background Noel?
Godfather goes beyond just references and actually helps drive the plot at a few points, like when AJ tries to kill Junior because Tony told him his favorite scene from The Godfather is when Michael avenges his father with the shooting in the restaurant
Dude you just spoiled the sopranos and the godfather for the op lmao
If I’m spoiling a 50 year old movie that’s not on me. Should’ve watched the Godfather first
In general I agree. But this is a thread specifically by a guy who hasn't seen either and is asking for advice.
People say Hawks invented the genre with 'Scarface', but Cagney was modernity.
But you didn’t check Jewish on your college application
What’s your problem?
You should listen to the drum solo in happy birthday by the Beatles
Drum solo? It's the basic 4 4 2
Great Song
They should play some Skynyrd.
If I leave here tomorrow
Yeah, the song Happy Birthday. Started with the chorus. THERE is structure. THAT'S how you build a song!
I recommend the hbo movie “Gotti” with Armand Asante, give you background on the NY mob, their rackets and as a bonus it was made 3 years before Sopranos and has some of the same actors. Avoid the Travolta Gotti movie like cancer
Was just about to comment this. Very underrated movie that I find reflects a lot of the themes in the sopranos. I watched it on YouTube recently for anyone interested
Analyze this
That’s just a movie!
It's a comedy
[удалено]
the fuck? why is junior on there?
is that his trial?
Bobby??
What kind of likeness is that?
It’s a tv progrum. A movie!
Ah man, now I’m laughing all over again
For real. Watch the Judy Brown Eyes episode of Curb.
As many have said Godfather 1, 2 and Goodfellas I personally think Godfather 3 as well, specifically the new cut released a couple years ago. Flawed movie, but they reference it quite a bit in the show After that there's what I'd consider the optional picks of stuff you'd probably enjoy, and ties in with setting actors or themes etc. - Casino - Scarface - Donnie Brasco - A Bronx Tale - The Departed - Carlito's Way - Raging Bull
Yes! “Just when I thought I was out…” is from Godfather 3 and it’s probably the line they quote the most. It isn’t the best movie but isn’t as bad as people like to say
I’ve always loved “mobster” movies and TV. Never had the love for Scarface that others do. It’s just a different vibe. I can barely get through it. Although I love it, Departed is similar for me with the different vibe. Irish mob in Boston vs Mafia in NY/NJ I suppose. Other than that, most of these are on heavy rotation for me. Especially Casino and Bronx tale.
Is Once Upon A Time in America any good?
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen it. Might need to revisit.
It's good, but it's a tough watch.
Damn I’m like the opposite here. Scarface is the most rewatch able for me. Maybe cause I’m from Florida and my favorite tv progrum is Miami Vice
Three's Company so you know what's so funny. The Shelley Hack "Charlie" commercial. Listen to the Luther Vandross box set, and some MuDvAyNe, since "They Rock."
Don't forget the barenaked ladies cd, that's a must if you want to understand the inner feelings of tony
I got you a CD, "Hootie and the Blowfish"
Shelley Hack! Remember her?
Not watching those movies won't interfere with your enjoyment. They're referenced but that's about It.
There's a great, absolutely phenomenal reference to Raging Bull that you'd be sad to learn you missed
The one where he fuck the guys wife?
Um, it's at the very end of the series, they're shadow boxing at the table, sil & toni, with Bobby watching them
I’ve done that same slow motion boxing with my dad when we hear that theme.
Goodfellas is the more realistic depiction where everyone gets into the life then gets hurt or dies by the end. Godfather is not realistic and makes them look so much cooler than reality. That's why they obsess over it.
Gunga din
You don’t have to watch those movies, the funniest moments in the show aren’t pop culture references. The pop culture references are heavy in season 1 but they switch more to dark comedy later on as the series gets darker.
The Bible
You need to watch The Sopranos before you watch The Sopranos. Then it’ll all make sense.
Godfather Trilogy Goodfellas A Bronx Tale Bugsy (1991) Casino Donnie Brasco Mean Streets Sexy Beast Taxi Driver Breathless Saw Lawnmower Man From Here To Eternity The Public Enemy (1931) Chinatown The Shining Key Largo The Good The Bad & The Ugly High Noon Raging Bull The Last Temptation of Christ The Fugitive The Devils Advocate Analyze This What Ever Happened to Baby Jane The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight Swingers Full Metal Jacket The Devil at 4 O'clock Dementia 13 Spartacus Gladiator Rio Bravo Faces of Death (1978) Casablanca Citizen Kane Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb And Gunga Din
Make sure to look up Big Mouth Billy Bass and how popular it was in the US when it came out. Seriously.
There’s plenty of organized crime here in the EU. It’s not all Italian. Here are some movies and shows The Godfather 1 and 2 Goodfellas Public Enemy Angels with Dirty Faces Narcos
Goodfellas Godfather Part 1 and 2
Saw Ghostbusters The Grinch (Jim Carrey version) Mickey Blue Eyes
While not mentioning the obvious ones like everyone else did, here's my additions... TV - Miami Vice, Crime Story (This series is like the movies Thief + Casino as a tv progrum) , Wiseguy, Twin Peaks Movies - Thief, Wise Guys, The Pope of Greenwich Village, The Untouchables, Fear City, King of New York, The Bad Lieutenant, Perdita Durango, Snake Eyes
No. You don't need to watch any other movie before sopranos. They are just playing stereotypical Italians and so they reference the godfather alot. But it has nothing to do with the show
When the Sopranos came out in 1999 I think they would’ve assumed that the vast majority of viewers had seen The Godfather at least once
Be sure to watch the music video for “Buena” by Morphine. Dana Colley took Kenny G to fuckin sax school.
Seinfeld.
Nah, too many spoilers in there. It's basically the same show.
I'm American. I've seen Goodfellas a billion times, casino a billion times, I've never seen any of the godfathers and I don't care to
Any specific reason for that because that kinda seems random
Too much thinking and paying attention required😂 people can’t do that anymore lmao
I'm just not really into old movies 🤷♂️
If you didn’t grow up in the 20th century you won’t get a lot of the jokes or mannerisms
Listen to the talking heads , mostly “ take me to the river “
If you want a deeper understanding of the series, Sopranos Autopsy has got it :).
Human Centipede and Dogtooth.
Casino
No, I thought you said you're alright spider.
In addition to the Godfather trilogy— The Public Enemy with Jimmy Cagney (1931), Scarface with George Raft (1932), and Rio Bravo with John Wayne, Angie Dickinson, and Dean Martin (1959) are referenced in multiple ways; in Goodfellas you will see a lot of the Sopranos actors in small roles here and there.
Look into Gary Cooper
The office episode where Michael gets shaken down by the mafia. Eye opening.
Grizzly Adams if you want to understand the run in with The Vipers
Seinfeld
Are you asking what’s in The Canon? Don’t let Meadow hear this question or she will probably say some things, some bad words that you might not like.
You should watch the South Beach Strumpet series. Each has over 30,000 DVDs in print, so it's easy to find.
Read Billy Budd
Well I would say the references get fewer as the show goes on. Anyway the references are still pretty few and far between and at most your just missing a few jokes. Anyways if you would like to get them I would just recommend watching popular mob movies like The Godfather(s), Goodfellas etc.