Movies have long captivated audiences with tales of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, fueling our fascination with those who live outside the law. The allure of crime stories is as old as storytelling itself, and they were among the first genres to be explored when cinema emerged. For those eager to dive into a world ruled by individuals who craft their own laws and adhere to their unique codes, we present a curated list of the best mafia movies of all time.
Organized crime, a phenomenon largely born in the 20th century, naturally became a popular subject in films, mirroring the rise of mob syndicates across the nation. Directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese have become synonymous with the genre due to their masterful storytelling, while other acclaimed filmmakers have also ventured into the world of mafia with remarkable results.
Our list encompasses a range of films, from those depicting historical mobsters and the real-life law enforcement pursuing them, to purely fictional narratives designed to entertain and enthrall. Below, you'll find our selection of 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
Kicking off our list is Martin Scorsese's iconic film, Goodfellas, which has been hailed as one of the best mob movies for over 30 years. This gripping tale of the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill, portrayed by Ray Liotta, is brought to life with powerhouse performances from Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, the latter earning a Best Supporting Actor Oscar. Based on Nicholas Pileggi's biography "Wise Guy," Goodfellas showcases the best of Scorsese's storytelling and has cemented the status of its stars as "made men" in the cinematic 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 a compelling true story from director Mike Newell, known for his work on Four Weddings and a Funeral and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The 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 standout performance as Lefty, a seasoned enforcer who unknowingly aids Pistone's infiltration. Adapted from Pistone's autobiography, Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia, this film stands out with its cool and engaging narrative.
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 take on the mafia genre, starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain. Set during 1981, 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 while maintaining his moral compass. This thought-provoking thriller, also featuring David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks, captures the essence of a tumultuous era and offers a unique perspective on the mob-adjacent world.
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 provides a distinctive take on organized crime, set during the Prohibition era. This film noir masterpiece follows Tom, an Irish mob lieutenant played by Gabriel Byrne, who navigates a mafia war with cunning and style. The film's sharp dialogue, stylized sequences, and strong performances not only elevated Byrne's career but also launched the trajectory of John Turturro, who would star in the Coens' subsequent film, Barton Fink.
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 classic, Casino, reunites the director with Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, following their success with Goodfellas. Based on Nicholas Pileggi's book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas, the film is inspired by real-life figures like casino owner Lefty Rosenthal and enforcer Tony Spilotro. Casino is an epic saga of partnership turning into rivalry, with Sharon Stone's Oscar-nominated performance as a pivotal force in their downfall. Though often compared to Goodfellas, Casino stands on its own as a monumental achievement in the genre.
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 vividly portrays the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade De Deus suburb over several decades. This powerful film, loosely based on true events, uses non-professional actors from Rio's low-income neighborhoods to deliver an authentic and shocking depiction of the era's violence. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, City of God has also inspired a spin-off TV series, City of Men.
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 is a crowd-pleasing, action-packed depiction of Eliot Ness's (Kevin Costner) campaign against Al Capone (Robert De Niro) in 1930s Chicago. This film, with its comic-book style and gripping action, showcases Ness assembling his team of incorruptible officers to take down the notorious gangster. Sean Connery's Oscar-winning performance as a seasoned cop adds depth to this thrilling narrative.
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, a remake of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, delves into the world of Boston crime boss Whitey Bulger. The film follows two cops: one rising in the ranks while secretly working for Bulger (Matt Damon), and the other infiltrating Bulger's organization (Leonardo DiCaprio). With Jack Nicholson's menacing portrayal of Bulger, The Departed weaves a complex and thrilling tale of loyalty and betrayal, featuring 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, known for his role as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings, also starred in David Cronenberg's Eastern Promises, a gripping crime drama about a Russian mob enforcer in London. Alongside Naomi Watts and Vincent Cassel, Mortensen delivers a powerful performance as he navigates the treacherous dynamics within the mob. The film is notable for its intense and memorable bathhouse fight scene, cementing its place as a standout in 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 considered the pinnacle of mafia movies, Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather transformed the genre. Based on Mario Puzo's novel, this film broke box office records and became the top-grossing movie of 1972. With Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton delivering iconic performances, The Godfather tells the story of the Corleone family and Michael Corleone's transformation from outsider to ruthless 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.
The Godfather Part 2 not only continues the saga but also serves as a prequel, exploring the early life of Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) and his rise in the mafia world. Simultaneously, it follows Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as he navigates betrayal and power struggles as the new Don. This masterful film, also starring Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, and John Cazale, is often debated as the best in the series and a landmark in cinema.
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 unique blend of mobster drama and father-son road trip. Based on a graphic novel, the film stars Tom Hanks as Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer on the run with his son after a tragic betrayal by his boss's son (Daniel Craig). Featuring strong performances from Paul Newman and Jude Law, Road to Perdition combines stunning visuals with a poignant narrative.
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. Starring Paul Muni as Tony Camonte, the film follows his ascent through the Chicago mob ranks and his tumultuous love affair with his boss's mistress. Scarface is renowned for its stylish visuals and gripping violence, making it a timeless classic that even Capone himself admired.
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 him with Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for a poignant exploration of mafia life. Based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses, the film follows a truck driver turned hitman and his involvement with the mob and Teamster Jimmy Hoffa. The Irishman delves into themes of regret and the unglamorous reality of aging in the mafia world, featuring a strong supporting cast including Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin, Jesse Plemons, and Harvey Keitel.
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 stars Denzel Washington as Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, who uses the Vietnam War to smuggle heroin into the U.S. Russell Crowe plays Newark Detective Richie Roberts, leading the charge to bring Lucas down. This intelligent and gripping film also features strong performances from Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ruby Dee, Ted Levine, and Cuba Gooding Jr., making it a standout in the genre.
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.
