11 Most Recognized Gangsters of Hollywood

1. James Cagney

James Cagney was a man who popularized gangster movies in its first incarnation and deserved to lead our 11 most recognized gangsters of Hollywood. He starred in some defining movies of the gangster genre that had the great impact on movies to come, like Public Enemy, Angels with Dirty Faces, and White Heat. During his successful career he received multiple Academy Award nominations, winning one. He retired from acting in 1961, eventually coming back on the screen 20 years later for his final role in Ragtime.
Number of appearances: 17