Top 15 Mafia Movies Ever Made

Movies have long romanticized the world of gunslingers, bank robbers, and mobsters, tapping into our fascination with characters who live outside the law. Crime stories have been a staple since the early days of cinema, making them one of the first popular genres. If you're drawn to tales of tough individuals who craft their own rules and live by a unique code, dive into our 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. As mob syndicates expanded across the nation, movies mirrored this growth. Legendary directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese became synonymous with the genre due to their masterful storytelling, while other esteemed filmmakers also ventured into this territory, producing some remarkable works.

Our list encompasses a range of stories, from real-life mobsters and the law enforcement officers pursuing them to captivating works of fiction designed to entertain and enthrall. 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

We kick off our list with Martin Scorsese's iconic film, Goodfellas, which has been hailed as one of the best mob movies for over three decades. This gritty narrative follows the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill, portrayed by Ray Liotta, over several decades. With standout performances by Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, Goodfellas is based on Nicholas Pileggi's biography of Hill, Wise Guy. It showcases some of the finest work from all involved, leveraging the iconic status of Scorsese and De Niro to elevate Liotta and Pesci to "made men" status in the film world.

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 of the mafia, directed by Mike Newell. Johnny Depp stars as FBI agent Joe Pistone, undercover in the Bonanno crime family under the alias "Donnie Brasco." Al Pacino delivers a nuanced performance as Lefty, a veteran enforcer who unwittingly mentors Pistone. Based on Pistone's autobiography, Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia, the film provides a cool and compelling take on the genre, setting it apart from other mob movies with its unique perspective.

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 recent addition to the genre, starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain. This film follows Abel Morales, a trucking company owner navigating the corrupt and chaotic world of 1981 New York City. As he strives to maintain his morality in an inherently immoral business, the movie offers a thought-provoking thriller and a vivid time-capsule of that 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 Miller's Crossing, a stylized take on organized crime set during the Prohibition era. Gabriel Byrne stars as Tom, an Irish mob lieutenant caught between rival factions. With its heightened dialogue, stylish sequences, and strong performances, this film not only launched Byrne's career in the U.S. but also set the stage for the Coens' subsequent successes.

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 masterpiece from Martin Scorsese, Casino reunites Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in a tale inspired by the real-life figures of Lefty Rosenthal and Tony Spilotro. De Niro plays Ace, a casino manager, while Pesci portrays the violent enforcer Nicky. Sharon Stone's portrayal of Ginger, a former dancer who drives a wedge between them, earned her an Oscar nomination. Despite inevitable comparisons to Goodfellas, Casino stands tall as a gripping epic 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 outside American cinema, City of God is a Brazilian crime drama that chronicles the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade de Deus neighborhood over two decades. Loosely based on real events, the film offers a raw and authentic look at the violence of the time, enhanced by its use of non-professional actors from Rio's low-income areas. 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 takes us to 1930s Chicago, where Eliot Ness, played by Kevin Costner, leads a team to bring down Al Capone, portrayed by Robert De Niro. This action-packed film blends elements of comic-book style with historical drama. Sean Connery's portrayal of a seasoned police officer who joins Ness's fight earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

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, The Departed is set in Boston and revolves around a crime boss, played by Jack Nicholson, and two cops—one a mole for the mob (Matt Damon) and the other an undercover agent infiltrating the mob (Leonardo DiCaprio). This complex, thrilling narrative features a stellar ensemble cast, including 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

Viggo Mortensen stars in David Cronenberg's Eastern Promises, a gripping tale of a Russian mob enforcer in London navigating the dangerous dynamics between his boss, his boss's son, and a midwife trying to protect a baby. This film, notable for its intense bathhouse fight scene, showcases Mortensen's versatility and Cronenberg's mastery of suspense.

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.

Often hailed as the greatest mob movie ever made, The Godfather transformed the genre. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel, this film broke box office records and became the top-grossing film of 1972. With an ensemble cast including Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton, it follows the Corleone family and Michael Corleone's chilling transformation from outsider to 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 with its predecessor for the title of the best mob movie, The Godfather Part 2 continues the saga of the Corleone family. As Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) consolidates power, the film also explores the early life of his father, Vito (Robert De Niro), from his childhood in Sicily to his rise in New York. This dual narrative adds depth and complexity to the story, making it a standout sequel.

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 features Tom Hanks as Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer on the run with his son after a family tragedy. Directed by Sam Mendes, this film blends elements of a revenge tale with a poignant father-son journey, featuring standout performances from Hanks, Paul Newman, and Jude Law.

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 gangster genre. Paul Muni stars as Tony Camonte, a ruthless gangster climbing the ranks of the Chicago mob. Despite facing censorship challenges, Scarface blends historical significance with gripping storytelling, cementing 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

Martin Scorsese's The Irishman, a Netflix original, reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci in a sweeping tale of a truck driver turned hitman and his involvement with the mob and Teamster Jimmy Hoffa. Exploring themes of regret and isolation, The Irishman offers a poignant look at the cost of a life in organized crime, presenting a mature and reflective take on the genre.

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 tells the true story of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, played by Denzel Washington, and the detective, portrayed by Russell Crowe, determined to bring him down. This intelligent and stirring film showcases exceptional performances from its leads and a strong supporting cast, including Josh Brolin and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

What's the best mafia movie of all time? ----------------------------------------

The GodfatherThe DepartedAmerican GangsterThe Godfather Part 2The IrishmanCasinoDonnie BrascoGoodfellasA Most Violent YearEastern PromisesMiller's CrossingCity of GodScarface (1932)The Untouchables (1987)Road to PerditionSomething else (let us know in the comments!)

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.