Movies have often glamorized the lives of gunslingers, bank robbers, and mobsters, fueling our fascination with those who live outside the boundaries of the law. The allure of crime stories is timeless, predating even the advent of cinema, making them one of the earliest and most enduring genres in film. For those eager to dive into a world where tough individuals forge their own paths and live by their own codes, here's a curated list of the best mafia movies of all time.
Organized crime, largely a phenomenon of the 20th century, naturally became a compelling subject for filmmakers. As mob syndicates proliferated across the country, movies mirrored this growth, with directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese becoming synonymous with the genre due to their masterful storytelling. Other acclaimed filmmakers have also ventured into mafia narratives, producing exceptional works.
The following list includes films that span real-life mobsters and their law enforcement pursuers, as well as captivating works of fiction designed to entertain and engage. Here are our top 15 mafia movies, presented in no particular order:
The 15 Best Mafia Movies
16 Images
Looking for more great movies? Check out more lists like this:
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
Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas stands as a landmark in mafia cinema, captivating audiences for over three decades. This gripping narrative follows the rise and fall of Henry Hill, portrayed by Ray Liotta, alongside iconic performances by Robert De Niro and Oscar-winner Joe Pesci. Based on the biography Wise Guy by Nicholas Pileggi, the film showcases the best of its cast and crew, cementing its status as a definitive mob movie.
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 a unique perspective on the mafia world through the eyes of an FBI agent, played by Johnny Depp, who infiltrates the Bonanno crime family. Al Pacino delivers a compelling performance as Lefty, an aging enforcer who unknowingly aids the agent's deep cover. Adapted from Joseph D. Pistone's autobiography, the film provides a fresh take on the genre with its cool and engaging storytelling.
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 modern mafia-adjacent thriller that explores the challenges faced by Abel Morales, portrayed by Oscar Isaac, as he navigates the corrupt business landscape of 1981 New York City. Jessica Chastain and David Oyelowo deliver strong performances in this thought-provoking film that captures the turmoil of the 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
The Coen brothers' Miller's Crossing offers a stylized, film noir-inspired look at the Irish mob during the Prohibition era. Gabriel Byrne stars as Tom, a lieutenant caught in a mafia war, delivering a performance that helped establish his reputation in the U.S. The film's sharp dialogue and distinctive visuals make it a standout in the genre.
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 Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, this time exploring the world of Las Vegas casinos. Based on Nicholas Pileggi's book, the film follows the tumultuous relationship between Ace (De Niro) and Nicky (Pesci), with Sharon Stone delivering a standout performance as the woman who comes between them. Casino stands tall as a compelling follow-up to Goodfellas.
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
City of God is a Brazilian crime epic that chronicles the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade de Deus suburb. The film's raw authenticity, achieved through casting local residents, adds to its powerful impact. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, it has inspired a successful TV series and film adaptation.
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 brings the legendary battle between Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) and Al Capone (Robert De Niro) to life in a thrilling, action-packed style. Directed by Brian De Palma and penned by David Mamet, the film earned Sean Connery an Oscar for his role as a seasoned cop joining Ness's crusade.
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
Scorsese's The Departed is a gripping remake of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, set in Boston and loosely inspired by the life of Whitey Bulger. Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon star as moles on opposite sides of the law, with Jack Nicholson delivering a chilling performance as the crime boss. This ensemble film is both intense and darkly humorous.
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
Eastern Promises showcases Viggo Mortensen's versatility as a Russian mob enforcer in London. Directed by David Cronenberg, the film is notable for its intense narrative and memorable scenes, including a brutal bathhouse fight. Mortensen's collaboration with Cronenberg results in a powerful and memorable entry in the crime genre.
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 is often hailed as the pinnacle of mafia movies, revolutionizing the genre with its storytelling and iconic performances. Francis Ford Coppola's adaptation of Mario Puzo's novel follows the Corleone family, with Marlon Brando and Al Pacino delivering legendary performances. The film's influence on cinema and popular culture is undeniable.
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 continues the saga of the Corleone family, intertwining the story of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) with the rise of his father, Vito (Robert De Niro). This ambitious sequel, which also serves as a prequel, deepens the narrative and characters established in the first film, solidifying its place as a cinematic masterpiece.
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, blends elements of a mobster story with a poignant father-son road trip. Tom Hanks stars as Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer seeking revenge after his family is targeted. Directed by Sam Mendes, the film's stunning visuals and emotional depth make it a standout in the genre.
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
The original Scarface, directed by Howard Hawks, is a seminal gangster film inspired by Al Capone's rise to power. Paul Muni stars as Tony Camonte, navigating the treacherous world of the Chicago mob. Despite facing censorship challenges, the film's impact on the genre and its stylish execution have secured its place in cinematic history.
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, a Netflix original, reunites Scorsese with Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for an epic tale of regret and loneliness. The film follows Frank Sheeran (De Niro), a hitman for the mob, and his involvement with Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). Its exploration of the darker side of mafia life distinguishes it as a poignant and powerful addition to Scorsese's oeuvre.
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.
American Gangster brings Ridley Scott's vision to the story of Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), a Harlem drug lord, and his pursuit by Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe). The film's intelligent narrative and strong performances make it a compelling entry in the crime genre, showcasing the complexities of the drug trade and law enforcement.
AnswerSee ResultsThese are our selections for the best mafia movies of all time, presented without a specific ranking. Did your favorite make the list? If not, share your top picks in the comments section below.
