Top 15 Mafia Films Ever Made

Movies have long captivated audiences with tales of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, tapping into our fascination with those who live outside the law. Crime stories have been a staple since the earliest days of cinema, making them one of the first genres to flourish on the screen. For those eager to explore a world where individuals forge their own paths and adhere to their own codes, we present a curated list of the best mafia movies of all time.

Organized crime, a phenomenon that truly took root in the 20th century, has naturally inspired countless films. These movies have evolved alongside the rise of mob syndicates across the country. Iconic filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese have become synonymous with the genre, while other distinguished directors have also ventured into mafia storytelling, often producing remarkable results.

Below, you'll discover a mix of films that delve into the lives of real historical mobsters and the law enforcement chasing them, as well as fictional narratives designed to captivate and entertain. Here are our top 15 mafia movies, listed without rank.

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 kicks off our list with a bang. For over three decades, this film has been a top contender for the best mob movie ever made (or at least the best outside the Godfather series). Featuring powerhouse performances from Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Oscar-winner Joe Pesci, Goodfellas chronicles the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill over several decades. Drawing from Nicholas Pileggi's biography Wise Guy, the film showcases some of the finest work from its cast and crew, leveraging the iconic status of Scorsese and De Niro to elevate Liotta and Pesci into the ranks of "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

Donnie Brasco, directed by British filmmaker Mike Newell, offers another compelling true story of the mafia world. Johnny Depp stars as FBI agent Joe Pistone, known undercover as "Donnie Brasco," who infiltrates the Bonanno crime family. Al Pacino delivers a nuanced performance as Lefty, a veteran enforcer who unwittingly introduces Pistone to the mob. Based on Pistone's autobiography, the film stands out with its cool, engaging narrative, presenting a unique perspective on mafia life.

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 more recent addition to the genre, A Most Violent Year is a sleeper hit starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain. Set in 1981, during New York City's most crime-ridden year, the film follows Abel Morales, a trucking company owner trying to navigate a corrupt and chaotic environment. Isaac's character strives to maintain his morality amidst the immorality of his business, making A Most Violent Year a thought-provoking thriller and a vivid snapshot of a tumultuous time.

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 a distinctive take on organized crime with Miller's Crossing. Set during the Prohibition era, the film dives into the world of the Irish mob through the eyes of Tom, a lieutenant played by Gabriel Byrne, who navigates a dangerous mob war. With its stylized dialogue and noir aesthetics, Miller's Crossing not only boosted Byrne's career but also set the stage for future Coen brothers' 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 Scorsese masterpiece, Casino reunites Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, this time adapting Nicholas Pileggi's non-fiction book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas. De Niro's character, Ace, is inspired by real-life casino mogul Lefty Rosenthal, while Pesci plays the volatile enforcer Nicky, based on Tony Spilotro. The film is an epic portrayal of their journey from partnership to rivalry, with Sharon Stone's performance as a former dancer earning her an Oscar nomination. While often compared to Goodfellas, Casino stands tall as a formidable film 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 Brazilian crime drama that spans several decades, capturing the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade De Deus suburb. Based loosely on real events, the film offers a raw and authentic look at the violence of the era, enhanced by the casting of local residents rather than professional actors. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, City of God not only made a significant impact but 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 offers a thrilling, somewhat comic-book style portrayal of 1930s Chicago, focusing on Eliot Ness's (Kevin Costner) crusade against Al Capone (Robert De Niro). This action-packed film follows Ness as he assembles a team of incorruptible officers to take down Capone. Sean Connery's portrayal of a seasoned cop who joins the fight earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, adding to the film's appeal.

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 2002 Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, The Departed was tailored to reflect the life of Boston crime boss Whitey Bulger. It follows two cops on opposite sides: one rising through the ranks as Bulger's mole (Matt Damon) and the other working undercover within Bulger's organization (Leonardo DiCaprio). With Jack Nicholson playing the cunning Bulger, the film weaves a complex narrative filled with tension, heart, and humor, featuring an ensemble cast including Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, and others.

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, known for his role as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings, collaborated with David Cronenberg for two gripping crime films, including Eastern Promises. In this film, Mortensen plays a Russian mob enforcer in London, navigating tensions between his boss, his boss's volatile son, and a determined midwife trying to protect a baby. The film's highlight includes a notorious and brutal bathhouse fight scene, making it a memorable addition to the 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.

Often hailed as the pinnacle of mafia movies, The Godfather revolutionized the genre upon its release. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and adapted from Mario Puzo's novel, the film features an iconic cast including Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and James Caan. It broke box office records and became the highest-grossing film of 1972. The story follows the Corleone family, focusing on the transformation of Michael Corleone from a reluctant outsider to a ruthless mob boss, cementing its place as a cinematic masterpiece.

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 serves as both a sequel and prequel. It continues Michael Corleone's (Al Pacino) journey as the new Don while simultaneously exploring the early life of his father, Vito (Robert De Niro), from his Sicilian roots to his rise in New York. This dual narrative adds depth and complexity to the saga, making it another landmark film in the genre.

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 brings together an unlikely cast for a unique take on the mobster genre, based on a graphic novel. Tom Hanks stars as Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer forced to flee with his son after a family tragedy. Directed by Sam Mendes, the film is a beautifully crafted blend of revenge and a father-son journey, with standout performances from Paul Newman and Jude Law, unfolding with the visual style of a comic book.

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

While the 1983 remake with Al Pacino is widely known, the original Scarface directed by Howard Hawks offers a glimpse into early cinema's portrayal of organized crime, inspired by Al Capone. Paul Muni plays Tony Camonte, a gangster who climbs the ranks in Chicago, battling censors to bring this story to life. Its stylish visuals and intense violence have secured its place as a timeless classic in the genre.

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

Scorsese's The Irishman, his fourth film on this list, is a Netflix original that delves into the life of a truck driver turned hitman (Robert De Niro) working for a mobster (Joe Pesci) and their involvement with Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino). Based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses, the film explores the unglamorous realities of mafia life, presenting a poignant reflection on regret and loneliness, earning comparisons to Unforgiven in 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 story of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) and the detective (Russell Crowe) determined to bring him down. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the film showcases Lucas's innovative methods of smuggling heroin into the U.S. With compelling performances and a gripping narrative, American Gangster stands out as a smart and engaging addition to the genre.