---
title: "GoodFellas"
year: 1990
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/goodfellas-1990"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 769
imdb_id: "tt0099685"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 145
community_rating: 8.5
vote_count: 14509
content_rating: "R"
---

# GoodFellas (1990) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/goodfellas-1990

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

GoodFellas is a 1990 American gangster film directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the true story of Henry Hill, a half-Irish, half-Sicilian Brooklyn native who becomes involved with organized crime. The film chronicles Hill's rise through the ranks of a New York Mafia family under the mentorship of seasoned gangster Jimmy Conway. It explores his relationships with fellow mobsters Tommy DeVito and Jimmy Conway, as well as his wife Karen. The movie spans three decades of Hill's life, depicting both his criminal activities and the consequences of his lifestyle. Featuring a cast that includes Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, and Lorraine Bracco, the film is noted for its direction, cinematography, and performances. GoodFellas premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, where Scorsese received the Silver Lion award for Best Director. The film was released in the United States by Warner Bros. and achieved financial success, earning $47 million at the box office against a $25 million budget. It is widely regarded as one of Scorsese's finest works and a standout entry in the gangster genre.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A gritty rise-and-fall tale of mob life in 1970s Brooklyn."

### Why Watch
- Masterful direction by Martin Scorsese
- Iconic performances from the main cast
- Striking cinematography and editing

### Caveats & Content Note
- Graphic violence and strong language
- Pacing may feel slow to some viewers
- Tone & Suitability: Contains strong violence, profanity, and adult themes; not suitable for children.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: gritty, intense, stylish, violent, realistic

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | None | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Sky Go, Now TV Cinema | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Amazon Prime Video, Crave, Starz Amazon Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Crave Amazon Channel | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Martin Scorsese
- **Networks / Studios**: Winkler Films, Warner Bros. Pictures

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Robert De Niro** as *James Conway*
- **Ray Liotta** as *Henry Hill*
- **Joe Pesci** as *Tommy DeVito*
- **Lorraine Bracco** as *Karen Hill*
- **Paul Sorvino** as *Paul Cicero*
- **Frank Sivero** as *Frankie Carbone*
- **Tony Darrow** as *Sonny Bunz*
- **Mike Starr** as *Frenchy*
- **Frank Vincent** as *Billy Batts*
- **Chuck Low** as *Morris Kessler*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Is GoodFellas based on a true story?
Yes, it is based on the real-life experiences of Henry Hill, a former mob associate.

### Q: Who directed GoodFellas?
Martin Scorsese directed the film.

### Q: When was GoodFellas released?
It premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 1990 and was released in the U.S. shortly after.

### Q: What awards did GoodFellas win?
It received several nominations and wins, including a Silver Lion for Best Director at the Venice Film Festival.

### Q: Where can I watch GoodFellas?
It is available to stream on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Goodfellas - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodfellas)
- [GoodFellas (1990) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099685/)
- [GoodFellas | Plot, Cast, Mafia, Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese ...](https://www.britannica.com/topic/GoodFellas)
- [Watch Goodfellas (1990) - Free Movies | Tubi](https://tubitv.com/movies/610572/goodfellas)
- [GoodFellas (1990) - Movie | Moviefone](https://www.moviefone.com/movie/goodfellas/2277/main/)
- [GoodFellas streaming: where to watch movie online?](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/goodfellas)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*