Movies have long romanticized the lives of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, fueling our fascination with those who live outside the law. Crime stories have been captivating audiences since long before the advent of cinema, and when film emerged as a medium, crime quickly became one of its earliest and most enduring genres. For those eager to delve into a world where individuals forge their own paths and live by their own codes, we present our curated list of the best mafia movies of all time.
Organized crime, a hallmark of the 20th century, naturally became a compelling subject for filmmakers. As mob syndicates grew across the country, movies followed suit, exploring this shadowy world. Directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese have become synonymous with the genre due to their masterful storytelling, while other acclaimed filmmakers have also contributed memorable works to the canon of mafia cinema.
Our list encompasses everything from real-life mobsters and the law enforcement officers pursuing them to purely fictional narratives designed to entertain and captivate. Here are our picks for the 15 best mafia movies ever, presented 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 is Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas," a film that has been hailed for over three decades as one of the finest mob movies ever made (or at least the best non-Godfather mob movie). Starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci (who won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar), the film offers a gritty, blood-soaked portrayal of the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill (Liotta). Based on Nicholas Pileggi's biography "Wise Guy," "Goodfellas" showcases some of the best work from its cast and crew, leveraging Scorsese and De Niro's iconic status to elevate Liotta and Pesci into the pantheon of cinematic "made men."
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
Next on our list is "Donnie Brasco," a true mafia story directed by British filmmaker Mike Newell. The film follows an FBI agent, played by Johnny Depp, who goes deep undercover in the Bonanno crime family under the alias "Donnie Brasco." Al Pacino delivers a compelling performance as Lefty, a veteran enforcer who unwittingly mentors the agent. Based on Joe Pistone's autobiography, "Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia," the film offers a cool and compelling take on the genre, distinguishing itself 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 Most Violent Year" is a more contemporary entry that often flies under the radar. Starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain, the film presents a protagonist who navigates the mob-adjacent world of 1981 New York City, the most crime-ridden year in the city's history. Abel Morales (Isaac), a trucking company owner, strives to maintain his integrity in a corrupt environment. This thought-provoking thriller, also featuring David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks, creates a vivid time-capsule of the era's turmoil.
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
The same year that gave us "Goodfellas," the Coen brothers released "Miller's Crossing," offering a stylized, film noir-inspired look at the Irish mob during the Prohibition era. Gabriel Byrne stars as Tom, a lieutenant caught between rival factions. The film's heightened dialogue, stylish sequences, and strong performances helped launch Byrne's career in the U.S. and set the stage for future Coen brothers' successes. Albert Finney, Marcia Gay Harden, and Steve Buscemi also star.
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 classic, "Casino," reunites Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci from "Goodfellas" in a narrative based on Nicholas Pileggi's book "Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas." De Niro plays Ace, inspired by real-life casino owner Lefty Rosenthal, while Pesci portrays Nicky, based on enforcer Tony Spilotro. This epic tale charts their journey from partners to adversaries, with Sharon Stone delivering an Oscar-nominated performance as the former dancer who drives a wedge between them. "Casino" holds its own against its predecessor, standing tall as a significant work in its own right.
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 beyond American cinema, "City of God" is a powerful Brazilian crime drama that spans several decades, chronicling the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade De Deus suburb from the 1960s to the 1980s. Loosely based on real events, the film's authenticity is heightened 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, "City of Men."
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
"The Untouchables," directed by Brian De Palma, transports us to 1930s Chicago, where Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) leads a fierce campaign against Al Capone (Robert De Niro). This crowd-pleasing, action-packed film follows Ness and his team of incorruptible "untouchables" as they take on the notorious gangster. Sean Connery won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as a seasoned police officer who joins the battle against Capone's corruption.
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
"The Departed," a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs," was adapted by Martin Scorsese to reflect the story of Boston crime boss Whitey Bulger. The film features two cops on opposite sides of the law: one rising through the ranks while secretly working for Bulger (Matt Damon), and the other infiltrating Bulger's organization (Leonardo DiCaprio). Jack Nicholson delivers a chilling performance as Bulger, who always seems to be one step ahead. The film's complex narrative and strong performances, including those from Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, and Martin Sheen, make it a standout in the genre.
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
During the 2000s, Viggo Mortensen not only played Aragorn in "The Lord of the Rings" but also starred in two crime films directed by David Cronenberg, both of which could have made this list. We've chosen "Eastern Promises," in which Mortensen plays a Russian mob enforcer in London who must navigate complex relationships with his boss (Armin Mueller-Stahl), his boss's volatile son (Vincent Cassel), and a midwife (Naomi Watts) trying to protect a baby. The film is particularly memorable for its intense bathhouse 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.
"The Godfather," directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is often considered the pinnacle of mafia cinema. Based on Mario Puzo's novel, the film broke box office records and became the highest-grossing film of 1972. Starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton, "The Godfather" follows the Corleone crime family and the transformation of Michael Corleone (Pacino) from a reluctant 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.
"The Godfather Part 2" is not only a sequel but also a prequel, offering parallel narratives of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as he navigates life as the new Don and his father Vito's (Robert De Niro) journey from Sicily to founding the Corleone family in America. This film is often debated as the best in the series, showcasing the depth of the Corleone saga and the talents of its cast, including Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, and John Cazale.
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
"Road to Perdition," based on a graphic novel, combines unlikely elements to create a unique mobster tale. Directed by Sam Mendes, the film stars Tom Hanks as Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer, and his son (Tyler Hoechlin) on the run after their family is murdered. Featuring Paul Newman, Jude Law, and Daniel Craig, the film explores themes of revenge and father-son relationships, blending beauty and brutality in a way that echoes its comic book origins.
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
"Scarface," directed by Howard Hawks, is inspired by the rise of Al Capone. This pre-Hays Code film features Paul Muni as Tony Camonte, a gangster who climbs the ranks of the Chicago mob and falls in love with his boss's mistress. Its stylish visuals and gripping violence have ensured its place in cinema history, blending historical significance with the excellence of the mob genre. Notably, even Capone himself was a fan of the film.
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
"The Irishman," another Scorsese masterpiece, explores the life of a truck driver (Robert De Niro) who becomes a hitman for a mobster (Joe Pesci) and works for the infamous Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino). This Netflix film delves into themes of regret, exile, and loneliness, presenting a more somber take on mafia life. With its epic scope and unglorified portrayal of its characters, "The Irishman" stands as a poignant reflection on the cost of a life in 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" focuses on the criminal career of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), who uses the Vietnam War to smuggle heroin into the U.S. Newark Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) leads the effort to bring him down. The film's intelligent narrative and stellar performances from its leads make it a compelling addition to the genre, also featuring Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Cuba Gooding Jr.
AnswerSee ResultsThose are our picks of the best mafia movies ever – in no particular order. Did your favorite make the cut? If not, rather than leaving a horse head in our bed, let us know your top picks in the comments.
