I don’t know anyone who emulates Tony Soprano or Paulie Walnuts, lol!
Also, because crime drama is VERY dramatic in terms of conflict and fast action, which motivates all theater, it has a long history in film. Think of all the crime dramas of the late 20s and 30s with Edward G. Robinson and James Cagney. The French and the British also make good crime movies. I believe in Scarface (the Paul Muni version), they used real machine guns!
What has changed is the level of violence although anyone who has seen Public Enemy knows how violent Hollywood has always been.
They were morally sound and respected. Think John Wayne archetype.
After the 60's we saw the rise of the 'anti-hero'. First they were human, morally flawed in some way. Then they became reprobates like mafia figures.
There was a big cultural/art shift that occurred.
Look at all the movies and reality shows that are now elevated to high art.
Breaking Bad. Walking Dead. Game of Thrones.
Does good win over evil anymore? Or does evil simply become more evil and all-encompassing?