Top 15 Mafia Films Ever Made

Movies have long captivated audiences with tales of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, glorifying the lives of those who operate outside the law. The fascination with crime stories dates back well before the advent of cinema, making them one of the earliest genres to be explored on the big screen. For those eager to delve into a world where ruthless characters forge their own paths and live by their own codes, we present a curated list of the best mafia movies of all time.

Organized crime, predominantly a phenomenon of the 20th century, naturally became a compelling subject for filmmakers. As mob syndicates proliferated across the country, movies mirrored this growth, with directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese becoming synonymous with the genre due to their masterful storytelling. Other esteemed filmmakers have also taken on mafia themes, yielding remarkable cinematic achievements.

Our list spans from historical accounts of notorious mobsters and their relentless pursuers to captivating fictional narratives designed to thrill and entertain. Here are our selections 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

We kick off our list with Martin Scorsese's masterpiece, "Goodfellas," which has been hailed as one of the best mob movies ever made for over three decades. This film chronicles the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill, portrayed by Ray Liotta, over several decades. Based on Nicholas Pileggi's biography "Wise Guy," "Goodfellas" 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 pantheon 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

Another compelling true story, "Donnie Brasco," directed by Mike Newell, plunges viewers into the life of an FBI agent deep undercover within the Bonanno crime family. Johnny Depp stars as Agent Pistone, alias "Donnie Brasco," while Al Pacino delivers a standout performance as Lefty, a seasoned enforcer unaware of Pistone's true identity. Based on Pistone's autobiography, the film offers a unique perspective on mob life, distinct from other entries in the 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" offers a modern take on the genre, with Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain delivering powerful performances. Set during 1981, New York City's most crime-ridden year, the film follows Abel Morales, a trucking company owner striving to maintain his integrity amidst corruption. This thought-provoking thriller captures the essence of a turbulent time, making it a standout in the mafia movie canon.

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

Released the same year as "Goodfellas," the Coen brothers' "Miller's Crossing" offers a stylized, film noir take on organized crime during the Prohibition era. Gabriel Byrne stars as Tom, an Irish mob lieutenant navigating a gang war, delivering a performance that helped establish him in Hollywood. With its sharp dialogue and striking visuals, this film is a testament to the Coens' unique storytelling.

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 Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, this time exploring the world of Las Vegas casinos. Based on Pileggi's book "Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas," the film follows the tumultuous journey of De Niro's character, Ace, and Pesci's Nicky, as they navigate the highs and lows of the casino business. Sharon Stone's compelling performance earned her an Oscar nomination, cementing "Casino" as a standout 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" transports viewers to the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro, offering a visceral portrayal of the rise of organized crime from the 1960s to the 1980s. This Brazilian crime drama, loosely based on real events, is enhanced by its use of non-professional actors from the area, lending authenticity to its depiction of violence and struggle. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, the film also inspired a successful TV series and film spin-off.

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 thrilling, stylized account of Eliot Ness's crusade against Al Capone in 1930s Chicago. Kevin Costner leads the charge as Ness, forming a team of incorruptible lawmen to bring down the notorious gangster, played by Robert De Niro. Sean Connery's portrayal of a seasoned police officer earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, adding to the film's enduring 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

Martin Scorsese's "The Departed," a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs," is set in Boston and revolves around two cops—one infiltrating the mob, the other working as a mole within the police force. With a stellar cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson, this labyrinthine thriller blends tension, humor, and heart, culminating in Scorsese's well-deserved Oscar win for Best Director.

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 caught between his boss and a midwife trying to protect a baby. This film, known for its intense bathhouse fight scene, showcases Cronenberg's ability to blend crime with psychological depth, making it a must-watch for fans of 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.

Considered by many as the pinnacle of mafia cinema, "The Godfather" revolutionized the genre upon its release. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel, the film follows the Corleone family, led by patriarch Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando. The transformation of Michael Corleone, portrayed by Al Pacino, from outsider to ruthless leader is a cinematic masterpiece that broke box office records and left an indelible mark on film history.

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 of the Corleone family but also delves into the past, tracing Vito Corleone's rise from Sicily to New York. As Michael Corleone, now the Don, faces betrayal and attempts on his life, the film weaves a parallel narrative of his father's early years. This sequel is often considered equal to, if not surpassing, the original in its storytelling and impact.

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," based on a graphic novel, stars Tom Hanks as Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer on the run with his son after a family tragedy. Directed by Sam Mendes, this visually stunning film combines elements of a revenge story and a father-son journey, with standout performances from Hanks, Paul Newman, and Jude Law. Its unique blend of beauty and brutality sets it apart in 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 an early cinematic exploration of mob life, inspired by Al Capone's rise in Chicago. Starring Paul Muni as Tony Camonte, this film battled censors to depict the brutal ascent and fall of a gangster, blending historical significance with genre-defining visuals and violence. Even Capone himself appreciated the film's portrayal.

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" reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for an epic tale of a truck driver turned hitman and his involvement with the mob and Teamster Jimmy Hoffa. This Netflix original explores the darker, more reflective side of mafia life, focusing on themes of regret and loneliness. It stands as a poignant addition to Scorsese's mafia filmography.

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" follows the rise of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, portrayed by Denzel Washington, and the efforts of Newark Detective Richie Roberts, played by Russell Crowe, to bring him down. This intelligent and gripping film showcases the contrasting worlds of crime and law enforcement, with standout performances from its leads and a supporting cast that includes Josh Brolin and Chiwetel Ejiofor.