Released in September 1990, Goodfellas rewrote the rules of the gangster film. Martin Scorsese took the true story of mob associate Henry Hill and told it at breakneck pace, with freeze-frames, voiceover and pop songs, creating a film that feels as electric now as it did 35 years ago.
Here's the story behind one of cinema's most rewatchable classics. You'll find tribute designs for it in our movies collection.
Goodfellas Fact File
| Released | September 1990 (premiered at Venice, 9 September 1990) |
|---|---|
| Director | Martin Scorsese |
| Based on | Wiseguy (1985) by Nicholas Pileggi |
| Screenplay | Nicholas Pileggi and Martin Scorsese |
| Producer | Irwin Winkler |
| Studio | Warner Bros. |
| Main cast | Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino |
| Running time | 146 minutes |
| Setting | New York, 1955–1980 |
Key Cast
| Actor | Role | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Ray Liotta | Henry Hill | The narrator, whose life story drives the film |
| Robert De Niro | Jimmy Conway | His sixth feature collaboration with Scorsese |
| Joe Pesci | Tommy DeVito | Won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor |
| Lorraine Bracco | Karen Hill | Oscar-nominated for Best Supporting Actress |
| Paul Sorvino | Paul Cicero | The quietly powerful head of the crew |
Goodfellas earned six Academy Award nominations in total, with Joe Pesci taking home the film's only win.
From Wiseguy to the Big Screen
Nicholas Pileggi's 1985 book Wiseguy told the story of Henry Hill, who grew up around the mob in New York before becoming a government witness. Scorsese read it and approached Pileggi, and the pair wrote the screenplay together, with Irwin Winkler producing for Warner Bros.
Filming took place in the spring and summer of 1989 across Queens, Long Island and the wider New York area, with Ray Liotta cast as Henry, Robert De Niro as the volatile Jimmy Conway and Joe Pesci as the unpredictable Tommy DeVito.
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The Copacabana Shot
One of the most celebrated moments in the film is a single unbroken take that follows Henry and Karen through the back corridors and kitchen of the Copacabana nightclub to a table by the stage. It lasts around two and a half minutes and was filmed eight times, and it is still studied by film students today.
Thelma Schoonmaker's editing, which won a BAFTA, gives the whole film its relentless energy.
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A Legacy That Keeps Growing
Goodfellas won five BAFTAs, including Best Film and Best Director, and in 2000 it was added to the US National Film Registry. It placed second in the gangster category of AFI's 10 Top 10 list and rose to No. 28 in Sight and Sound's 2022 directors' poll. Scorsese, De Niro and Pesci reunited for Casino (1995) and The Irishman (2019).
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Awards
Academy Awards
- Best Supporting Actor: Joe Pesci
- Five further nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress (Lorraine Bracco)
BAFTA Awards (1991)
- Best Film
- Best Director
- Best Adapted Screenplay
- Best Editing
- Best Costume Design
Honours
- US National Film Registry (2000)
Behind the Scenes
Scorsese kept a documentary-like feel by using Henry's voiceover and real period music throughout. Ray Liotta died in May 2022 and Paul Sorvino in July 2022, and both are remembered for career-defining performances in the film.
FAQs
When did Goodfellas come out?
It premiered at the Venice Film Festival on 9 September 1990 and was released in US cinemas later that month.
Is Goodfellas a true story?
Yes. It is based on Nicholas Pileggi's book Wiseguy, about the life of real mob associate Henry Hill.
Who directed Goodfellas?
Martin Scorsese, who co-wrote the screenplay with Nicholas Pileggi.
Where was Goodfellas filmed?
In and around New York, including Queens and Long Island, during 1989.
Did Goodfellas win an Oscar?
Yes. Joe Pesci won Best Supporting Actor for playing Tommy DeVito. The film received six nominations in total.
How long is Goodfellas?
It runs for 146 minutes.
Shop the Goodfellas Collection
Our Goodfellas pieces are fan-made tribute designs, printed to order on hoodies and tees.
Goodfellas Men's Hoodie
£39.99
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Part of our Icon Profiles series. Read next: Scarface (1983): The Story, the Cast and the Legacy and Breaking Bad: Seasons, Cast, Emmys and the Story So Far.
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