Gangsters have been part of popular culture for decades. From the classic films of the 1930s to the gritty dramas of today, they have fascinated and repelled us. And while we may not condone their actions, we cannot deny the allure of their words. In this article, we will explore some of the most famous gangster quotes and what they can teach us about life.
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Words have the power to inspire, to motivate, and to intimidate. Gangsters understood this better than most. They knew that a well-placed threat or a clever turn of phrase could make all the difference.
So, get your daily dose of attitude with our selection of the most infamous gangster quotes of all time. Perfect for Instagram captions, speeches, or just to live your life by.
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Here are Some of The All Times Favorites Gangster Quotes and Captions
This iconic line from one of the greatest gangster movies of all time has become part of our cultural lexicon. It perfectly captures the idea of using persuasion and coercion to get what you want.
“Say hello to my little friend!” – Scarface (1983)
Another classic line that has entered the zeitgeist, this one is all about bravado and showmanship. It reminds us that sometimes, you have to be willing to make a bold statement to get noticed.
“I bury those cockroaches.” – The Departed (2006)
This quote from Jack Nicholson’s character in The Departed is a chilling reminder of the ruthlessness of organized crime. It speaks to the idea that sometimes, you have to take extreme measures to protect your interests.
This quote from Al Pacino’s Tony Montana in Scarface may sound tough, but it also reveals a sense of desperation. It suggests that Montana has little else to rely on, and that his criminal exploits are driven by a need to survive.
“Don’t ever take sides with anyone against the family again. Ever.” – The Godfather (1972)
This quote from Marlon Brando’s Vito Corleone is a stark reminder of the consequences of disloyalty. It shows that in the world of organized crime, even the slightest hint of betrayal can be met with extreme violence.
“A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.” – The Godfather (1972)
This quote, also from The Godfather, is a rare moment of reflection in an otherwise violent film. It suggests that even those who are fully committed to a life of crime still value the importance of family.
“The world is yours.” – Scarface (1983)
This quote from Scarface is a reminder that we all have the power to shape our own destiny. It encourages us to take control of our lives and make the most of the opportunities we have.
This quote from Tony Montana may seem like a contradiction, but it actually speaks to the importance of authenticity. It suggests that even when we are not being entirely truthful, there is still value in being genuine and upfront about our intentions.
“Don’t let your mouth write checks that your ass can’t cash.” – Scarface (1983)
This quote is a warning about the dangers of over-promising and under-delivering. It reminds us to be careful with our words and to follow through on our commitments.
“Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” – The Godfather Part II (1974)
This quote is all about strategy and deception. It suggests that it is important to keep a close eye on those who may wish us harm, and to use their weaknesses to our advantage.
Curated List of 101 Infamous Gangster Quotes for a Badass Attitude
“I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse.” – The Godfather (1972)
“Say hello to my little friend!” – Scarface (1983)
“I am the king.” – Goodfellas (1990)
“All I have in this world is my balls and my word, and I don’t break them for nobody.” – Scarface (1983)
“Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment.” – The Godfather Part III (1990)
“I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” – The Godfather (1972)
“Don’t underestimate the other guy’s greed.” – Scarface (1983)
“I always tell the truth. Even when I lie.” – Scarface (1983)
“Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” – The Godfather Part II (1974)
“I’m not a businessman, I’m a business, man.” – Jay-Z
“There’s no such thing as good money or bad money. There’s just money.” – The Godfather Part III (1990)
“You wanna go to war? We’ll take you to war.” – The Untouchables (1987)
“I didn’t come here to make a deal. I came here to make a point.” – American Gangster (2007)
“I’m not a killer, I’m a businessman.” – The Sopranos (1999-2007)
“I never wanted to be a gangster. I wanted to be a dentist.” – Goodfellas (1990)
“The only way to get what you want is to take it.” – American Gangster (2007)
“Don’t tell me what I can’t do.” – The Sopranos (1999-2007)
“I’m living in America, and in America, you’re on your own. America’s not a country. It’s just a business.” – Casino (1995)
“I don’t want to be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product of me.” – The Departed (2006)
“Don’t let your mouth write checks that your ass can’t cash.” – Scarface (1983)
“I trust everyone. It’s the devil inside them I don’t trust.” – The Italian Job (2003)
“If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard ‘I’m innocent,’ I’d be a rich man.” – Law & Order: SVU (1999-present)
“The more things change, the more they stay the same.” – The Godfather Part III (1990)
“I’m not a gangster. I’m a businessman who works with gangsters.” – Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014)
“Every man has his own destiny: the only imperative is to follow it, to accept it, no matter where it leads him.” – The Godfather Part III (1990)
“A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.” – The Godfather (1972)
“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” – The Sopranos (1999-2007)
“I’m not gonna kill you. I’m just gonna hurt you really, really bad.” – The Dark Knight (2008)
“I always knew I was destined for greatness.” – Narcos (2015-2017)
“Revenge is a dish best served cold.” – Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
“I don’t know how to be anything other than what I am.” – The Sopranos (1999-2007)
“I ain’t afraid to die anymore. I’ve done it already.” – The Wire (2002-2008)
“In this world, you either sink or you swim, and I ain’t the drowning type.” – The Sopranos (1999-2007)
“The only way to get ahead in this world is to take it.” – The Godfather (1972)
“Money talks and bullshit walks.” – Goodfellas (1990)
“It’s business. Leave your emotions at the door.” – The Godfather (1972)
“Don’t talk unless you can improve the silence.” – The Departed (2006)
“I don’t have friends, I have family.” – Fast and Furious (2001-present)
“The world is yours.” – Scarface (1983)
“I don’t trust society to protect us, I have no intention of placing my fate in the hands of men whose only qualification is that they managed to con a block of people to vote for them.” – The Sopranos (1999-2007)
“A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.” – The Godfather (1972)
“I’m gonna do what I gotta do.” – The Sopranos (1999-2007)
“I’ve always believed that a man’s destiny lies in his own hands.” – The Godfather Part III (1990)
“I never made a mistake in my life. I thought I did once, but I was wrong.” – The Sopranos (1999-2007)
“I’ve learned that life is one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead.” – The Simpsons (1989-present)
“I never lie to any man because I don’t fear anyone. The only time you lie is when you are afraid.” – The Godfather Part II (1974)
“I don’t believe in apologies. I’m sorry, but that’s just the way I am.” – The Sopranos (1999-2007)
“I am not a destroyer of companies. I am a liberator of them!” – Wall Street (1987)
“A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.” – The Sopranos (1999-2007)
“When you’re in the life, you’re in it. There’s no getting out.” – The Godfather Part III (1990)
“Everybody’s got a price.” – The Million Dollar Hotel (2000)
“I’m the one who does the knocking.” – Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
“I’m a businessman. Blood is a big expense.” – The Godfather (1972)
“I’m here to take what’s mine.” – The Sopranos (1999-2007)
“I always tell the truth, even when I lie.” – Scarface (1983)
“You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.” – The Departed (2006)
“I never asked for permission to do anything. I always asked for forgiveness after.” – The Sopranos (1999-2007)
“I’m not a bad guy. I just have bad luck.” – Goodfellas (1990)
“I didn’t want to get involved, but they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.” – The Godfather (1972)
“It’s better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.” – The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli
“I have a sentimental weakness for my children and I spoil them as you can see. They talk when they should listen.” – The Godfather (1972)
“I don’t trust society to protect us. I have no intention of placing my fate in the hands of men whose only qualification is that they managed to con a block of people to vote for them.” – The Sopranos (1999-2007)
“Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness.” – The Irishman (2019)
“I don’t hate anyone. I just love money more.” – The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
“Money and blood don’t mix, like two kinds of oil and vinegar.” – The Godfather (1972)
“I’m not a gangster. I’m a businessman.” – Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014)
“The only way to make money is to take it.” – The Departed (2006)
“I’m not a psychopath, I’m a high-functioning sociopath.” – Sherlock (2010-2017)
“I never liked that word, ‘criminal.’ It has a negative connotation.” – The Sopranos (1999-2007)
“You can’t buy loyalty. But you can buy a loyalty that is owed to you.” – The Godfather Part II (1974)
“I don’t have enemies. I have clients.” – American Gangster (2007)
“I’m not a monster, I’m just ahead of the curve.” – The Dark Knight (2008)
“In this game, there are no second chances.” – The Sopranos (1999-2007)
“You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” – The Dark Knight (2008)
“I never met a wiseguy who wasn’t afraid of something.” – Goodfellas (1990)
“You know what they say: revenge is a dish best served cold.” – Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
“The streets are always watching.” – Paid in Full (2002)
“I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” – The Irishman (2019)
“The thing about a shark, he’s got lifeless eyes, black eyes, like a doll’s eyes. When he comes at ya, doesn’t seem to be livin’… until he bites ya.” – Jaws (1975)
“It’s not personal. It’s strictly business.” – The Godfather (1972)
“I never knew the life of a gangster could be so thrilling.” – Goodfellas (1990)
“I’m not a gangster, I’m a hustler.” – American Gangster (2007)
“If you want to be a gangster, you better have a code.” – Omar Little
“I’d rather die on my feet than live on my knees.” – John Dillinger
“In this world, you either get rich or you get got.” – Frank Lucas
“I have built my organization upon fear.” – Al Capone
“It’s not personal, it’s strictly business.” – Michael Corleone
“If you’re going to be a criminal, do your homework.” – Frank Costello
“They call me Mr. Tibbs!” – Virgil Tibbs
“I don’t trust nobody, not even myself.” – Henry Hill
“I don’t like violence, Tom. I’m a businessman; blood is a big expense.” – Sollozzo
“I never discuss business on the telephone.” – Vito Corleone
“I’m not a businessman; I’m a business, man.” – Jay-Z
“I never rat on my friends.” – Henry Hill
“I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” – Vito Corleone
“I’m gonna sleep with the fishes.” – Luca Brasi
“It’s not about money. It’s about the game.” – Michael Corleone
“I’m the one who does the killing.” – Tony Montana
“It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” – Rocky Balboa
“A friend should always underestimate your virtues and an enemy overestimate your faults.” – Don Vito Corleone (from the book “The Godfather”)
“Always trust a dishonest man to be dishonest. It’s the honest ones you want to watch out for, because you can never predict when they’re going to do something incredibly… stupid.” – Jack Sparrow (from the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”)
“Behind every great fortune, there is a crime.” – Honore de Balzac
“Don’t ever let someone make you feel like you don’t deserve what you want.” – Heath Ledger (from the movie “The Dark Knight”)
“Every man has his own destiny: the only imperative is to follow it, to accept it, no matter where it leads him.” – Henry Miller
“For every dark night, there’s a brighter day.” – Tupac Shakur
“Get rich or die tryin’.” – 50 Cent (also the title of his album and movie)
“Good night, sweet prince.” – The Joker (from the movie “The Dark Knight”)
“I always tell the truth. Even when I lie.” – Tony Montana (from the movie “Scarface”)
“I am the danger.” – Walter White (from the TV show “Breaking Bad”)
“I don’t have friends, I have acquaintances.” – Meyer Lansky
“You don’t get another chance, life is no Nintendo game.” – Eminem
“I never made a mistake in my life. At least, never one that I couldn’t explain away afterwards.” – Rudyard Kipling
“It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business.” – Michael Corleone, The Godfather
“The strength of a family, like the strength of an army, is in its loyalty to each other.” – Mario Puzo, The Godfather
“A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.” – Don Vito Corleone, The Godfather
“Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment.” – Michael Corleone, The Godfather: Part III
“I don’t believe in accidents. There are only encounters in history. There are no accidents.” – Pablo Escobar
“If you want to kill me, kill me like a man, not with a bullet in the back.” – John Gotti
“I never lie because I don’t fear anyone. You only lie when you’re afraid.” – John Gotti
“My money is my business. What I do with my money is my business.” – John Gotti
“Every man has to decide for himself whether he’ll obey the law or not.” – John Gotti
“Power is not given to you. You have to take it.” – Beyonce
Conclusion
These are just a few more examples of famous gangster quotes that have become iconic over time. Each quote offers a unique perspective on the world of organized crime and the mindset of those who operate within it. Whether you find them inspiring, thought-provoking, or simply entertaining, there’s no denying that these quotes have left an indelible mark on popular culture.
Gangster quotes may be rooted in a world of crime and violence, but they can still offer valuable insights into human nature. Whether we are looking for inspiration, warning signs, or lessons for life, there is something to be gained from these iconic lines. So the next time you hear a gangster quote, take a moment to reflect on what it might be trying to tell you.
