7 Joe Pesci movies that prove nobody does unhinged like he does, ranked

Joe Pesci, for a very long time in Hollywood, has been known for his intense performances. Be it crime dramas or humour-infused plots, he has a way of making every role his own. He is known for bringing chaos with him and manages to keep the audience hooked. He is especially known for his continued collaborations with Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, and other big names and is praised for complex character portrayals. While he has always taken the back seat when it comes to chasing fame, his filmography speaks for itself.

Here is a list of 7 Joe Pesci Movies that prove nobody does unhinged like he does.

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7 Joe Pesci movies that prove nobody does unhinged like he does, ranked

1) Goodfellas (1990)

Goodfellas has earned a phenomenal reputation over the years for its portrayal of the allure of the mafia world. It shows how the American Dream is nothing but an illusion that breaks as soon as you rise to power.

In the movie, Joe Pesci plays the role of Tommy DeVito, a short-tempered and irrational man, who can snap at any moment. He is unpredictable, wild and asserts dominance over people around him all the time. The way Joe Pesci carries the role of a character who is morally empty and adds layers to his personality while maintaining an aura of fear shows just how talented he happens to be.

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2) Raging Bull (1980)

The 1980s classic hit - Raging Bull, features another iconic performance given by Joe Pesci. Again directed by Martin Scorsese and also starring Robert De Niro, this movie is a true adaptation of the life of middleweight boxer - Jake LaMotta. In the movie, Joe Pesci plays the role of Joey LeMattoa, Jake’s brother and manager. Joey is quite loyal to Jake and supports him in his moments of doubt. He shows him light when he needs it the most at the cost of his own personal life.

Pesci brings authenticity to this role and has an electric chemistry with Robert De Niro on screen. He displays a nuanced range of emotions, grounded in subtlety with extraordinary ease. It is this particular role which earned him his first Academy Award Nomination.

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3) Home Alone (1990)

Home Alone has received such a wide level of recognition and appreciation that I am pretty sure there is hardly anyone who doesn’t know about this iconic movie. The story is about an 8-year-old boy who gets left behind when his family leaves for their Christmas vacation. Alone at home, he must fight two burglars who are adamant about breaking in.

Joe Pesci plays the role of one of the burglars in the movie. His comedic timing is fantastic in this role and is not only limited to dialogues but also to physical comedy. It was a very unexpected role for him, being an established mob actor, but he took the risk and nailed it with perfect ease.

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4) The Irishman (2019)

The Irishman, once again directed by Martin Scorsese and starring not only Robert De Niro but also Al Pacino in 2019, marked the return of many great names to the silver screen. Another famous name making a comeback in this film, was that of Joe Pesci.

In this movie about Frank Sheeran, a World War II veteran who becomes a hitman, he plays the role of Russell Bufalino, a powerful mob boss who happens to be the mastermind pulling the strings. The movie hinges on the themes of loyalty vs. morality, and Joe Pesci fits in quite wonderfully, manipulating people around him by gaining their trust. He speaks a few words, but his silence is deafening, creating the perception of emotional coldness and numbness towards ethics.

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5) Casino (1995)

In 1995, Martin Scorsese directed Casino. An epic movie based on the real life story of the Las Vegas Mafia in the 1970s. Joe Pesci in this movie plays the role of Nicky Santoro, best friends with Ace Rothstein, a casino boss. Their relationship initially is one with trust and loyalty, but eventually spirals out into something laced with jealousy and ego clashes.

Nicky Santoro, as portrayed by Joe is brutal and impulsive. He is greedy and ambitious, and step after step betrays his best friend because of his inferiority complex. He owns the screen in his every scene and exudes the terrifying aura of an unpredictable man with unhinged violent tendencies.

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6) My Cousin Vinny (1992)

While Joe Pesci has nailed his roles as a mafia man, it is undeniable that his versatility as an actor is exceptional. In the 1992 movie - My Cousin Vinny, directed by Jonathan Lynn, we get to see his comic brilliance. Set in a courtroom, the movie is about two college students who are falsely accused of murder, and their saviour is Vinny, an incompetent and inexperienced lawyer.

But while Vinny might not be book smart, he sure is street smart and makes sure to use it to his advantage. Pesci’s balanced acting remains memorable, where he delved into unrestrained humour but never made it feel unreal.

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7) Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

Another one of Pesci’s unhinged roles comes as Frankie Monaldi in the 1984 movie - Once Upon a Time in America. Set in New York, the movie is about a group of Jewish Gangsters. Through the character of Frankie, Joe Pesci portrays the hierarchy of the mafia who like puppeteers control and shape in which direction the criminal organisation acts.

In the movie, he only gets a few lines, but they are sharp and striking. His dynamic with other actors sets the pace of the film even more and contributes to making it a classic hit.