Top 15 Mafia Movies Ever Made

Movies have long romanticized the world of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, captivating audiences with stories of individuals who live by their own rules outside the law. The allure of crime stories isn't new; it predates cinema itself, and as soon as moving pictures were invented, crime became one of the first genres to flourish on screen. For those eager to dive into a world where steely characters forge their own paths and adhere to a unique code of honor, we present our curated list of the top mafia movies of all time.

The rise of organized crime in the 20th century provided a rich backdrop for filmmakers to explore, paralleling the growth of mob syndicates across the country. Legendary directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese became synonymous with the genre, crafting iconic films that have defined it. Other esteemed filmmakers have also ventured into the mafia realm, delivering remarkable cinematic achievements.

Our list encompasses everything from real-life mobsters and the law enforcement officers pursuing them to captivating works of fiction designed to entertain and enthrall. Below, we present our selection of the 15 best mafia movies ever made, listed in no particular order.

The 15 Best Mafia Movies

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Best Spy MoviesBest Thriller MoviesBest Netflix MoviesGoodfellas (1990)

Image credit: Warner Bros.Director: Martin Scorsese | Writer: Martin Scorsese, Nicholas Pileggi | Stars: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci | Release Date: September 19, 1990 | Review: IGN's Goodfellas review | Where to Watch: Included with HBO Max subscription, rent from Amazon, Apple TV, and most platforms

Kicking off our list with a bang, Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas has been a top contender for the best mob movie for over three decades. This intense and gripping film, often considered the best non-Godfather mob movie, follows the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill, portrayed by Ray Liotta. Based on the biography "Wise Guy" by Nicholas Pileggi, Goodfellas showcases the stellar performances of Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Scorsese's iconic collaboration with De Niro elevates Liotta and Pesci to "made men" status in the eyes of cinema lovers.

Donnie Brasco (1997)

Image credit: Sony PicturesDirector: Mike Newell | Writer: Paul Attanasio | Stars: Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen | Release Date: February 28, 1997 | Review: IGN's Donny Brasco review | Where to watch: Rent from Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and more

Donnie Brasco offers another true story, this time directed by British filmmaker Mike Newell. The film immerses viewers in the chaotic world of FBI agent Joe Pistone, alias "Donnie Brasco," played by Johnny Depp, who goes undercover in the Bonanno crime family. Al Pacino delivers a nuanced performance as Lefty, a seasoned but fading enforcer who unwittingly mentors Pistone. Based on Pistone's autobiography, the film provides a cool and compelling narrative, distinguishing itself from typical mob films with its unique atmosphere.

A Most Violent Year (2014)

Image credit: A24Director: J. C. Chandor | Writer: J. C. Chandor | Stars: Oscar Isaac, Jessica Chastain, David Oyelowo | Release Date: December 31, 2014 | Where to watch: Rent from Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, FlixFling, and more

A more recent addition to the genre, A Most Violent Year is a sleeper hit starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain. Set in 1981, during New York City's most crime-ridden year, the film follows Abel Morales, a trucking company owner played by Isaac, as he navigates a corrupt environment while trying to maintain his integrity. This thought-provoking thriller, featuring strong performances from David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks, captures the essence of a tumultuous era.

Miller's Crossing (1990)

Image credit: 20th Century FoxDirector: Joel Coen | Writer: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen | Stars: Gabriel Byrne, Marcia Gay Harden, John Turturro | Release Date: September 22, 1990 | Where to watch: Rent from Amazon, Apple TV, and more

In the same year as Goodfellas, the Coen brothers delivered their own take on organized crime with Miller's Crossing. Set during Prohibition, the film presents a stylized, film noir-esque look at the Irish mob through the eyes of Tom, played by Gabriel Byrne, who navigates a mafia war. The movie's sharp dialogue, stylish sequences, and compelling performances helped launch Byrne's career in the U.S. and set the stage for the Coens' subsequent film, Barton Fink.

Casino (1995)

Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: Martin Scorsese | Writer: Martin Scorsese, Nicholas Pileggi | Stars: Robert DeNiro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci | Release Date: November 22, 1995 | Review: IGN's Casino review | Where to watch: Stream with AMC Plus, rent from Amazon, Apple TV, and more

Another Scorsese masterpiece, Casino reunites Goodfellas stars Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. Based on Nicholas Pileggi's non-fiction book "Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas," the film follows De Niro's character, Ace, inspired by real-life casino owner Lefty Rosenthal, and Pesci's Nicky, based on enforcer Tony Spilotro. This epic tale of partnership turned rivalry features standout performances, with Sharon Stone earning an Oscar nomination for her role as the woman who drives a wedge between them. Despite inevitable comparisons to Goodfellas, Casino stands on its own as a towering achievement in the genre.

City of God (2002)

Image credit: MiramaxDirector: Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund | Writer: Bráulio Mantovani | Stars: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino Da Hora, Jonathan Haagensen | Release Date: August 30, 2002 (Brazil) | Review: IGN's City of God review | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and more

Venturing outside American cinema, City of God is a powerful Brazilian crime drama that spans decades, chronicling the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade De Deus neighborhood from the 1960s to the 1980s. Loosely based on true events, the film's raw authenticity is enhanced by its cast of non-professional actors from Rio's low-income neighborhoods. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, City of God also inspired a spin-off TV series and film.

The Untouchables (1987)

Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: Brian De Palma | Writer: David Mamet | Stars: Kevin Costner, Charles Martin Smith, Andy Garcia | Release Date: June 3, 1987 | Review: IGN's The Untouchables review | Where to watch: Paramount+, Hoopla, or rentable on most platforms

Brian De Palma's The Untouchables transports viewers to 1930s Chicago, where Eliot Ness, played by Kevin Costner, wages a fierce battle against Al Capone, portrayed by Robert De Niro. This action-packed, somewhat comic-bookish film follows Ness as he assembles his team of incorruptible "untouchables" to take down the notorious gangster. Sean Connery's performance as a seasoned cop earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, adding depth to this crowd-pleasing classic.

The Departed (2006)

Image credit: Warner Bros. PicturesDirector: Martin Scorsese | Writer: William Monahan | Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson | Release Date: October 6, 2006 | Review: IGN's The Departed review | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon and most platforms

A remake of the Hong Kong thriller Infernal Affairs, Martin Scorsese's The Departed is set in Boston and loosely inspired by crime boss Whitey Bulger. The film follows two cops on opposite sides: one rising through the ranks while secretly working for Bulger (Matt Damon), and the other embedded deep within Bulger's organization (Leonardo DiCaprio). With Jack Nicholson delivering a chilling performance as Bulger, The Departed is a gripping, complex thriller that also stars Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, and Ray Winstone.

Eastern Promises (2007)

Image credit: Focus FeaturesDirector: David Cronenberg | Writer: Steven Knight | Stars: Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts, Vincent Cassel | Release Date: September 14, 2007 | Review: IGN's Eastern Promises review | Where to watch: Paramount+, rentable on most platforms

In the 2000s, Viggo Mortensen transitioned from saving Middle Earth to starring in David Cronenberg's crime films, including A History of Violence and Eastern Promises. The latter, set in London, follows a Russian mob enforcer, played by Mortensen, as he navigates the treacherous dynamics between his boss, his boss's volatile son, and a midwife determined to protect a baby. Eastern Promises is highlighted by its intense and memorable bathhouse knife fight scene.

The Godfather (1972)

Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: Francis Ford Coppola | Writer: Francis Ford Coppola, Mario Puzo | Stars: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan | Release Date: March 24, 1972 | Review: IGN's The Godfather review | Where to watch: Stream on Paramount+, or rent on Amazon and most platforms.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest mob movies ever made, The Godfather directed by Francis Ford Coppola, transformed the genre. Based on Mario Puzo's novel, the film shattered box office records and became the highest-grossing movie of 1972. With an ensemble cast including Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton, The Godfather chronicles the Corleone family's saga, focusing on the transformation of Michael Corleone from an outsider to a ruthless mob boss.

The Godfather Part 2 (1974)

Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: Francis Ford Coppola | Writer: Francis Ford Coppola, Mario Puzo | Stars: Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton | Release Date: December 20, 1974 | Review: IGN's The Godfather Part 2 review | Where to watch: Stream on Paramount+ and FuboTV, or rent on Amazon and most platforms.

Competing for the title of the best mob movie, The Godfather Part 2 not only continues the story of Michael Corleone but also delves into the past of his father, Vito Corleone. This dual narrative, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, showcases Al Pacino's Michael dealing with betrayal and Robert De Niro's young Vito building the family empire. With a cast including Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, and John Cazale, this film is a masterful exploration of power and legacy.

Road to Perdition (2002)

Image credit: DreamWorks PicturesDirector: Sam Mendes | Writer: David Self | Stars: Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law | Release Date: July 12, 2002 | Review: IGN's Road to Perdition review | Where to watch: Paramount+, or rentable on most platforms

Based on a graphic novel, Road to Perdition directed by Sam Mendes, combines unlikely elements into a compelling mobster tale. Tom Hanks plays Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer, who goes on the run with his son after a tragic family loss. With a cast including Paul Newman, Jude Law, Daniel Craig, and Tyler Hoechlin, the film is a poignant journey of revenge and redemption, beautifully capturing the essence of a father-son bond against a backdrop of violence.

Scarface (1932)

Image credit: United ArtistsDirector: Howard Hawks | Writer: W.R. Burnett, John Lee Mahin, Seton I. Miller, Ben Hecht | Stars: Paul Muni, Ann Dvorak, Osgood Perkins | Release Date: April 9, 1932 | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon and most platforms

Inspired by the rise of Al Capone, Howard Hawks' Scarface is a landmark film in the genre. Paul Muni stars as Tony Camonte, a gangster who climbs the ranks of the Chicago mob. Despite battling censors, the pre-Hays Code film delivers stylish visuals and gripping violence, cementing its place in cinematic history. The film's impact is such that even Capone himself appreciated it, and its legacy was later revisited in Brian De Palma's 1983 remake.

The Irishman (2019)

Image credit: NetflixDirector: Martin Scorsese | Writer: Steven Zaillian | Stars: Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci | Release Date: November 1, 2019 | Review: IGN's The Irishman review | Where to watch: Netflix

Martin Scorsese's The Irishman, released on Netflix, reunites genre legends Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for an epic tale of a truck driver turned hitman. Based on the book "I Heard You Paint Houses," the film explores the darker, less glamorous aspects of mafia life, focusing on themes of regret and isolation. With additional performances by Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin, Jesse Plemons, and Harvey Keitel, The Irishman offers a sobering look at the cost of a life in organized crime.

American Gangster (2007)

Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: Ridley Scott | Writer: Steven Zaillian | Stars: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Josh Brolin | Release Date: November 2, 2007 | Review: IGN's American Gangster review | Where to watch: Starz Apple TV Channel, rentable on most platforms.

Ridley Scott's American Gangster dives into the criminal world of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, portrayed by Denzel Washington. As Lucas exploits the Vietnam War to smuggle heroin, Newark Detective Richie Roberts, played by Russell Crowe, leads the effort to bring him down. This intelligent and stirring film boasts exceptional performances from its leads, supported by a strong cast including Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ruby Dee, Ted Levine, and Cuba Gooding Jr.