Movies have long captivated audiences with tales of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, romanticizing the lives of those who operate outside the law. The fascination with crime stories predates cinema, making them one of the earliest and most enduring genres in film. For those eager to explore a world where individuals forge their own paths and live by their own codes, we present a curated list of the top mafia movies of all time.
Organized crime, a hallmark of the 20th century, naturally became a compelling subject for filmmakers. Directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese have become synonymous with the genre, crafting legendary narratives that capture the essence of mob life. Other renowned filmmakers have also ventured into this territory, producing remarkable works that explore the complexities of mafia culture.
Our list encompasses a range of films, from those depicting real-life mobsters and the law enforcement officials pursuing them to fictional tales that entertain and enthrall. Below, we showcase our selection of the 15 best mafia movies, presented in no particular order.
The 15 Best Mafia Movies
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Goodfellas (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 masterpiece, "Goodfellas," which has been hailed as one of the greatest mob movies for over three decades. This gripping narrative follows the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill, portrayed by Ray Liotta, over several decades. With standout performances from Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, "Goodfellas" is based on the biography "Wise Guy" by Nicholas Pileggi. The film showcases some of the finest work by its cast and crew, leveraging Scorsese and De Niro's iconic status to elevate Liotta and Pesci to "made men" in the eyes of cinema enthusiasts.
Donnie Brasco (1997)
Image credit: Sony Pictures
Director: 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 story directed by Mike Newell. This film delves into the life of FBI agent Joe Pistone, played by Johnny Depp, who goes undercover as "Donnie Brasco" within the Bonanno crime family. Al Pacino delivers a nuanced performance as Lefty, a seasoned enforcer who unwittingly mentors Pistone. Based on Pistone's autobiography, "Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia," the movie offers a fresh perspective on mob life, blending cool sophistication with compelling drama.
A Most Violent Year (2014)
Image credit: A24
Director: 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" offers a more contemporary take on the genre, featuring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain. Set in 1981, New York City's most crime-riddled year, the film follows trucking company owner Abel Morales, portrayed by Isaac, as he navigates the corrupt and chaotic environment while trying to maintain his moral integrity. This thought-provoking thriller also stars David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks, creating a vivid time-capsule of a tumultuous era.
Miller's Crossing (1990)
Image credit: 20th Century Fox
Director: 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 "Miller's Crossing," a unique take on organized crime set during the Prohibition era. This film noir-inspired story follows Tom, played by Gabriel Byrne, an Irish mob lieutenant caught in a mafia war. With its stylized dialogue and memorable performances, "Miller's Crossing" helped launch Byrne's career in the U.S. and also featured standout roles by Albert Finney, Marcia Gay Harden, and Steve Buscemi.
Casino (1995)
Image credit: Universal Pictures
Director: 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." Based on the nonfiction book "Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas" by Nicholas Pileggi, 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 traces their journey from partners to adversaries, with Sharon Stone delivering an Oscar-nominated performance as the catalyst for their rift. Despite comparisons to "Goodfellas," "Casino" stands firmly on its own as a compelling portrayal of the mob's influence in Las Vegas.
City of God (2002)
Image credit: Miramax
Director: 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" offers a gripping look at organized crime in the Cidade De Deus suburb of Rio de Janeiro from the 1960s to the 1980s. This Brazilian crime drama, loosely based on real events, features a cast primarily composed of non-professional actors from low-income neighborhoods, adding authenticity to its portrayal of violence and crime. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, the film's impact extended to a spin-off TV series, "City of Men."
The Untouchables (1987)
Image credit: Paramount Pictures
Director: 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" brings us to 1930s Chicago, where Eliot Ness, played by Kevin Costner, leads a crusade against Al Capone, portrayed by Robert De Niro. This action-packed film blends drama with comic-book elements, showcasing Ness's formation of the "untouchables," a team of incorruptible lawmen. Sean Connery earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as a seasoned cop joining the fight against Capone's widespread corruption.
The Departed (2006)
Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: 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 Hong Kong thriller "Infernal Affairs," is set in Boston and revolves around crime boss Whitey Bulger, portrayed by Jack Nicholson. The film follows two cops, one a mole for Bulger (Matt Damon) and the other an undercover operative within Bulger's ranks (Leonardo DiCaprio), as they each try to uncover the other's identity. This complex and thrilling narrative also features strong performances from Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, and Ray Winstone.
Eastern Promises (2007)
Image credit: Focus Features
Director: 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
Viggo Mortensen stars in David Cronenberg's "Eastern Promises," a gripping crime drama set in London. Mortensen plays a Russian mob enforcer navigating the dangerous dynamics between his boss (Armin Mueller-Stahl), his boss's volatile son (Vincent Cassel), and a determined midwife (Naomi Watts). The film is notable for its intense action sequences, including a memorable bathhouse knife fight, and its exploration of the dark underbelly of the Russian mafia.
The Godfather (1972)
Image credit: Paramount Pictures
Director: 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 widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. Based on Mario Puzo's novel, this cinematic masterpiece follows the Corleone crime family, led by patriarch Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), and the transformation of his son Michael (Al Pacino) from a reluctant outsider to a ruthless mob boss. With an ensemble cast including James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton, "The Godfather" broke box office records and set a new standard for the mafia genre.
The Godfather Part 2 (1974)
Image credit: Paramount Pictures
Director: 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, serving as both a sequel and a prequel. Al Pacino returns as Michael Corleone, now the head of the family, dealing with internal betrayal and external threats. The film also explores the early life of Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) as he rises from a young immigrant to a powerful mafia boss. With its dual narrative structure and deep character development, "The Godfather Part 2" is often considered a worthy successor to the original.
Road to Perdition (2002)
Image credit: DreamWorks Pictures
Director: 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," directed by Sam Mendes, is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film based on a graphic novel. Tom Hanks plays Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer who embarks on a revenge mission with his son (Tyler Hoechlin) after their family is brutally murdered. The film features standout performances from Paul Newman and Jude Law, blending elements of a father-son road trip with a gritty mobster tale.
Scarface (1932)
Image credit: United Artists
Director: 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 an early classic inspired by the rise of Al Capone. This pre-Hays Code film features Paul Muni as Tony Camonte, a ruthless gangster who climbs the ranks of the Chicago mob while falling in love with his boss's mistress. Known for its stylish visuals and gripping violence, "Scarface" remains a landmark in the gangster genre, blending historical significance with cinematic excellence.
The Irishman (2019)
Image credit: Netflix
Director: 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 Martin Scorsese masterpiece, reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for an epic tale about a truck driver turned hitman (De Niro) working for a mobster (Pesci) and their involvement with Teamster Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). Based on the book "I Heard You Paint Houses" by Charles Brandt, the film explores the unglamorous realities of mafia life, focusing on themes of regret and isolation. With its reflective tone, "The Irishman" stands out as a poignant addition to the genre.
American Gangster (2007)
Image credit: Universal Pictures
Director: 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" tells the story of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, portrayed by Denzel Washington, and the detective, Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), tasked with bringing him down. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the film explores Lucas's innovative smuggling methods and the intense cat-and-mouse game between the two men. With strong performances and a compelling narrative, "American Gangster" is a gripping addition to the mafia movie genre.
AnswerSee ResultsThese are our picks for the best mafia movies ever, presented in no particular order. Did your favorite make the list? If not, let us know your top picks in the comments.
