10 Most Shocking Betrayals In Movie History

6. Joe Pistone - Donnie Brasco

Donnie Brasco is one of those neglected gangster movies that never seems to get the attention it deserves. It's a true story in which Johnny Depp plays Joe Pistone, an FBI agent who is attempting to infiltrate the mob, and in doing so befriends mob veteran Lefty, played brilliantly by Al Pacino. The relationship that forms between Lefty and Donnie Brasco (Pistone's undercover ego) is both intimate and believable, which makes the impending betrayal hard to bear, even if it is for the greater good.

As Donnie is taken under Lefty's wing and brought up through the ranks of the mob, Lefty continually comments on how he'd die for Donnie. Simultaneously, Donnie begins to feel alienated from his normal life and increasingly frustrated with the government he swore an oath to, which leads the viewer to question whether or not Donnie is actually going to go through with ratting out Lefty and his associates. It's a heart-breaking betrayal, made all the more crushing thanks to the excellent performances given by Depp and Pacino.