While Hollywood's gangster genre has seen its share of ups and downs, its golden age produced some of cinema's most enduring masterpieces. From the sprawling ambition of The Godfather to the raw energy of City of God, these films captured the dark allure of organized crime with unforgettable style. Yet, among these titans, one film continues to hold a uniquely revered position: Martin Scorsese's 1990 tour de force, Goodfellas.
A Cinematic Masterpiece Reclaims the Spotlight
Widely hailed as one of the greatest films ever made, Goodfellas is more than just a mob movie; it's a frenetic, immersive plunge into a life of crime. The film's influence is so profound that even fellow directing legend Steven Spielberg has called it an "epic cinematic masterpiece." This acclaim is reflected in its stellar 93% critics' score and a staggering 97% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where it's described as the arguable high point of Scorsese's legendary career.
Despite its now-universal praise, Goodfellas faced stiff competition at the 1991 Academy Awards. Nominated for six Oscars, it only secured one win for Joe Pesci's explosive performance as Tommy DeVito, losing the Best Picture prize to Dances with Wolves. History, however, has rendered its own verdict. Over three decades later, the film's power hasn't dimmed. In fact, it's surging in popularity once again, finding a massive new audience on the free streaming platform Tubi, where it's currently one of the ten most-watched films in the United States.
What Makes 'Goodfellas' Timeless?
The film represents Scorsese at the peak of his directorial powers. It features what many consider one of the greatest ensemble casts ever assembled. Ray Liotta delivers a career-defining performance as Henry Hill, the real-life mobster whose rise and fall anchors the story. He's supported by Robert De Niro as the seasoned Jimmy Conway, Lorraine Bracco as Hill's wife Karen, Paul Sorvino as boss Paulie Cicero, and the Oscar-winning Joe Pesci in a role that became instantly iconic. For a deeper look at how Pesci's real-life experiences shaped one of the film's most famous moments, check out our exclusive piece on how Joe Pesci's real-life mob encounter created the 'Funny How?' scene.
The plot chronicles Hill's journey from a wide-eyed Brooklyn kid enamored with the local gangsters to a key player in their lucrative schemes, and ultimately to a desperate informant in the FBI's Witness Protection Program. Scorsese's kinetic direction—featuring rapid-fire editing, a legendary soundtrack, and that unforgettable long take through the Copacabana—doesn't just tell the story; it makes you feel the adrenaline, paranoia, and seductive glamour of that life.
This streaming revival proves that classic, expertly crafted crime sagas never go out of style. If you're captivated by the genre, you might also enjoy our ranking of the top crime thrillers that defined the last decade, or explore Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe's epic crime saga 'American Gangster,' which is also finding major success on streaming.
Where to Stream the Classic
For viewers in 2026 looking to experience or revisit this landmark film, the path is easy and free. Goodfellas is available to stream at no cost on Tubi, supported by ads. Its presence in the platform's top ten is a testament to its enduring appeal, introducing Scorsese's brutal, brilliant vision to a whole new generation of film fans. It stands as a powerful reminder that true cinematic greatness only grows more potent with time.
