Movies have long romanticized the world of gunslingers, bank robbers, and mobsters, captivating audiences with tales of those who live by their own codes outside the law. The allure of crime stories is timeless, predating even the advent of cinema itself. As one of the earliest and most enduring genres in film, mafia movies offer a thrilling glimpse into a shadowy world where individuals craft their own rules and adhere to a strict code of honor. For those eager to delve into this gripping genre, we present a curated list of the 15 best mafia movies of all time.
Organized crime, a hallmark of the 20th century, naturally became a staple in cinema. Filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese have become synonymous with the genre, delivering iconic portrayals of the mob world. Other esteemed directors have also ventured into this territory, producing remarkable films that explore the complexities of mafia life. Our list includes both historical accounts of real-life mobsters and their pursuers, as well as fictional narratives designed to entertain and enthrall.
Below, you'll find a diverse selection of mafia movies that showcase the genre's breadth and depth. From the rise and fall of notorious crime figures to the moral dilemmas faced by those entangled in the mob, these films offer a compelling look at the world of organized crime. 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
Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas stands as a towering achievement in mafia cinema, often hailed as one of the greatest mob movies ever made, second only to The Godfather series. This riveting film chronicles the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill, portrayed with magnetic intensity by Ray Liotta. With Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci delivering unforgettable performances, Goodfellas captures the allure and brutality of mafia life. Pesci's portrayal earned him a Best Supporting Actor Oscar, cementing the film's place in cinematic history.
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 gripping true story of FBI agent Joe Pistone, played by Johnny Depp, who infiltrates the Bonanno crime family under the alias "Donnie Brasco." Directed by Mike Newell, the film provides a nuanced look at the complexities of undercover work and the personal toll it takes. Al Pacino delivers a compelling performance as Lefty Ruggiero, a seasoned mobster who unwittingly befriends Pistone. This film stands out for its authenticity and emotional depth, offering a unique perspective on the mob genre.
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 presents a modern take on the mafia genre, focusing on a trucking company owner, Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac), navigating the treacherous landscape of 1981 New York City. Directed by J. C. Chandor, the film explores the moral dilemmas faced by Morales as he tries to maintain his integrity in a corrupt environment. With Jessica Chastain delivering a powerful performance as his wife, this thought-provoking thriller offers a fresh perspective on the genre, capturing the tension and 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 and noir-inspired take on the mafia genre, set during the Prohibition era. Gabriel Byrne stars as Tom Reagan, a lieutenant in the Irish mob caught in a power struggle between rival factions. With its sharp dialogue and atmospheric visuals, the film showcases the Coens' unique storytelling style. Miller's Crossing not only helped launch Byrne's career in the U.S. but also solidified the Coens' reputation as master filmmakers.
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, this time portraying characters based on real-life figures in the Las Vegas mob scene. De Niro plays Ace Rothstein, a casino manager, while Pesci portrays the volatile enforcer Nicky Santoro. Sharon Stone delivers a standout performance as Ginger McKenna, earning an Oscar nomination for her role. Casino delves deep into the corruption and excess of Las Vegas, offering a gripping and epic portrayal of the mob's influence on the city.
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 drama that offers a raw and visceral look at the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade de Deus suburb. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, the film spans decades, following the lives of young men drawn into the world of drugs and violence. With its gritty realism and powerful performances from non-professional actors, City of God provides a compelling and authentic portrayal of life in the favelas, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
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 is a thrilling and stylish depiction of the battle between law enforcement and organized crime in 1930s Chicago. Directed by Brian De Palma and written by David Mamet, the film follows Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) as he assembles a team of incorruptible agents to take down Al Capone (Robert De Niro). With its memorable action sequences and iconic performances, particularly from Sean Connery, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, The Untouchables remains a classic in the genre.
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
Martin Scorsese's The Departed is a gripping remake of the Hong Kong thriller Infernal Affairs, set in Boston and loosely inspired by the life of crime boss Whitey Bulger. The film follows two moles: one a cop working undercover in the mob (Leonardo DiCaprio), and the other a criminal infiltrating the police (Matt Damon). With a powerhouse cast that includes Jack Nicholson, Vera Farmiga, and Mark Wahlberg, The Departed is a tense and thrilling exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and identity, earning Scorsese his first Best Director Oscar.
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, directed by David Cronenberg, is a dark and intense crime drama set in London's Russian mafia underworld. Viggo Mortensen delivers a captivating performance as Nikolai Luzhin, a driver and enforcer navigating the dangerous dynamics of his criminal family. With its gritty realism and shocking moments, including a now-iconic bathhouse fight scene, Eastern Promises offers a compelling and unsettling look at the world of organized crime.
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 films ever made, The Godfather revolutionized the mafia genre. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel, the film follows the Corleone family as they navigate the treacherous world of organized crime. With iconic performances from Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and James Caan, The Godfather is a sweeping epic that explores themes of family, loyalty, and power. Its influence on cinema and popular culture remains unparalleled.
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 often considered a worthy successor to its predecessor, if not its equal. This ambitious sequel intertwines two narratives: the rise of young Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) in early 20th-century New York, and the challenges faced by his son Michael (Al Pacino) as he consolidates his power. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the film delves deeper into the themes of family and the corrupting influence of power, earning widespread acclaim and multiple Oscars.
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, directed by Sam Mendes, is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film based on a graphic novel. Tom Hanks stars as Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer who goes on the run with his son after his family is murdered. With its beautiful cinematography and poignant performances, including Paul Newman's final on-screen role, the film explores themes of vengeance, redemption, and the bonds of family. Road to Perdition is a unique and compelling addition to the mafia 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
Scarface, directed by Howard Hawks, is a groundbreaking early mafia film inspired by the rise of Al Capone. Starring Paul Muni as the ruthless Tony Camonte, the film explores themes of ambition, power, and violence. Despite facing censorship challenges, Scarface remains a landmark in cinema history, blending historical significance with genre excellence. Its influence can be seen in countless subsequent mafia films, including Brian De Palma's iconic 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 is a sprawling and reflective epic that reunites the director with Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. Based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses, the film follows Frank Sheeran (De Niro), a truck driver turned hitman, as he navigates the world of organized crime and his involvement in the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). With its themes of regret, loneliness, and the passage of time, The Irishman offers a poignant and mature take on the mafia genre, showcasing the human cost of a life of 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.
American Gangster, directed by Ridley Scott, is a gripping and intelligent crime drama based on the life of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington). As Lucas builds his empire by smuggling heroin from Vietnam, Newark Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) leads the effort to bring him down. With its strong performances and compelling narrative, the film offers a detailed and nuanced look at the drug trade and law enforcement in 1970s New York. American Gangster stands as a powerful entry in the mafia genre, highlighting the clash between crime and justice.
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.
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