GoodFellas

  • 1990
  • R
  • 145m
movieMx RATING
8.5/10$13.9K
VERDICT
SUPER HIT
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Performance & Direction: GoodFellas Review

Last updated: January 21, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 21, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is GoodFellas (1990) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 8.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and GoodFellas features a noteworthy lineup led by Robert De Niro . Supported by the likes of Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of GoodFellas (1990) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 8.5/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.

Story & Plot Summary: GoodFellas

Quick Plot Summary: GoodFellas is a Drama, Crime film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Story Breakdown

This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. The true story of Henry Hill, a half-Irish, half-Sicilian Brooklyn kid who is adopted by neighbourhood gangsters at an early age and climbs the ranks of a Mafia family under the guidance of Jimmy Conway. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
  • Character Arc: The protagonist undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
  • Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.

Thematic Depth

The film delves into universal human experiences including love, loss, identity, and belonging. It holds up a mirror to society, asking difficult questions about morality, choice, and consequence.

What Works & What Doesn't

✅ Strengths

  • Exceptional storytelling that balances entertainment with substance
  • Strong performances that bring depth to the characters
  • Technical excellence in cinematography, editing, and sound design

⚠️ Weaknesses

  • Minor pacing issues that do not significantly detract from the experience
  • A few underdeveloped subplots

Ending Explained: GoodFellas

Ending Breakdown: GoodFellas brings together its narrative threads in a way that feels both earned and emotionally resonant. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, leaving audiences satisfied.
  • Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.

The final moments of GoodFellas demonstrate careful narrative planning, resulting in a conclusion that enhances the overall experience.

GoodFellas Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

GoodFellas incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a drama, crime film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.

Historical Context

The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.

Accuracy Assessment: GoodFellas successfully translates real events into compelling cinema. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch GoodFellas?

Highly Recommended For:

  • Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
  • Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
  • Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises

Box Office Collection: GoodFellas

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $25.0M
Worldwide Gross $47.1M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

GoodFellas Budget

The estimated production budget for GoodFellas is $25.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: GoodFellas

All Cast & Crew →
Robert De Niro
Robert De NiroJames Conway
Ray Liotta
Ray LiottaHenry Hill
Joe Pesci
Joe PesciTommy DeVito
Lorraine Bracco
Lorraine BraccoKaren Hill
Paul Sorvino
Paul SorvinoPaul Cicero
Frank Sivero
Frank SiveroFrankie Carbone
Tony Darrow
Tony DarrowSonny Bunz
Mike Starr
Mike StarrFrenchy
Frank Vincent
Frank VincentBilly Batts
Chuck Low
Chuck LowMorris Kessler
Frank DiLeo
Frank DiLeoTuddy Cicero
Henny Youngman
Henny YoungmanHenny Youngman
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Where to Watch GoodFellas Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Apple TVApple TV
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TVApple TV
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

GoodFellas Parents Guide & Age Rating

1990 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about GoodFellas age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

GoodFellas is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of GoodFellas is 145 minutes (2h 25m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 8.5/10, and global collection metrics, GoodFellas stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1990 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GoodFellas worth watching?

GoodFellas is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 8.5/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find GoodFellas parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for GoodFellas identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of GoodFellas?

The total duration of GoodFellas is 145 minutes, which is approximately 2h 25m long.

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How GoodFellas Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for GoodFellas

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 8.5
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