Top 15 Mafia Films Ever Made

Movies have long captivated audiences with tales of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, fueling our fascination with those who live outside the law. Crime stories have been a staple since the dawn of cinema, quickly becoming one of the earliest and most enduring genres. For those eager to dive into a world where tough individuals 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, a hallmark of the 20th century, naturally became a popular subject for filmmakers. As mob syndicates grew across the country, movies followed suit, exploring this dark and complex world. Directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese became synonymous with the genre, delivering iconic films that have set the standard. Other esteemed filmmakers have also ventured into this territory, often with remarkable results.

Our list includes a mix of films inspired by real-life mobsters and the law enforcement officers who pursued them, as well as captivating works of fiction designed to entertain and thrill. Here are our selections 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 start with Martin Scorsese's masterpiece, Goodfellas, which has been hailed as one of the greatest mob movies ever made. This film chronicles the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill, portrayed by Ray Liotta, over several decades. With standout performances from Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, Goodfellas is a gripping, blood-soaked journey into the world of organized crime. Based on the biography Wise Guy by Nicholas Pileggi, the film showcases some of the finest work from its cast and crew, cementing Scorsese and De Niro's legendary status while elevating Liotta and Pesci to new heights.

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 compelling true story, directed by Mike Newell. The film follows FBI agent Joe Pistone, played by Johnny Depp, as he goes deep undercover within the Bonanno crime family under the alias "Donnie Brasco." Al Pacino delivers a nuanced performance as Lefty, a seasoned enforcer who unwittingly mentors Pistone. Based on Pistone's autobiography, Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia, the movie provides a cool and engaging perspective on the mob, distinct from other films 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 is a more contemporary entry that often flies under the radar. Starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain, the film follows Abel Morales, a trucking company owner navigating the corrupt and chaotic landscape of 1981 New York City. Abel strives to maintain his integrity in a morally compromised environment. With a strong supporting cast including David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks, A Most Violent Year is a thought-provoking thriller that captures the essence of a 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 unique take on organized crime set during the Prohibition era. The film follows Tom, an Irish mob lieutenant played by Gabriel Byrne, as he navigates a mafia war. With its stylized dialogue, noir aesthetics, and compelling performances, Miller's Crossing not only launched Byrne's career in the U.S. but also set the stage for the Coens' next project, Barton Fink. The film also features standout performances from Albert Finney, Marcia Gay Harden, and Steve Buscemi.

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 based on Nicholas Pileggi's book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas. De Niro plays Ace, inspired by real-life casino owner Lefty Rosenthal, while Pesci portrays Nicky, based on enforcer Tony Spilotro. The film traces their journey from partnership to rivalry, with Sharon Stone delivering an Oscar-nominated performance as the woman who drives them apart. Despite inevitable comparisons to Goodfellas, Casino stands on its own as a powerful and epic portrayal of the mob's influence in Las Vegas.

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 takes us outside American cinema to Brazil, where this powerful crime drama unfolds over decades, depicting the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade De Deus suburb. Loosely based on real events, the film offers a raw and authentic look at the violence of the era, enhanced by the casting of non-professional actors from Rio's low-income neighborhoods. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, City of God 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 film set in 1930s Chicago. It follows Eliot Ness, played by Kevin Costner, as he forms a team of incorruptible lawmen to take down Al Capone, portrayed by Robert De Niro. With its larger-than-life style and Sean Connery's Oscar-winning performance as a seasoned cop, The Untouchables delivers a thrilling and memorable take on the battle against organized crime.

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

The Departed, a remake of the Hong Kong thriller Infernal Affairs, is set in Boston and revolves around the cat-and-mouse game between two moles: one within the police force (Matt Damon) and the other within the mob (Leonardo DiCaprio). Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film features a stellar cast including Jack Nicholson, Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, and more. With its intricate plot and intense performances, The Departed is a gripping and entertaining exploration of loyalty and betrayal.

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 marks another collaboration between director David Cronenberg and actor Viggo Mortensen, following their work on A History of Violence. In this film, Mortensen plays a Russian mob enforcer in London caught between his boss, his boss's volatile son, and a midwife trying to protect a baby. The film is notable for its intense action sequences, including a memorable bathhouse fight, and its deep dive into 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.

The Godfather is often considered the pinnacle of mafia movies. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel, the film follows the Corleone family, led by patriarch Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), and the transformation of his son Michael (Al Pacino) from a reluctant outsider to a ruthless mob boss. With its iconic performances, groundbreaking storytelling, and cultural impact, The Godfather remains a landmark in cinema 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 is both a sequel and a prequel, continuing Michael Corleone's story as he navigates threats to his power while also exploring the early life of his father, Vito, portrayed by Robert De Niro. This film delves deeper into the Corleone family's history and the consequences of their actions, solidifying its place as one of the greatest sequels ever made.

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, combines unlikely elements to create a unique mobster tale. Tom Hanks plays Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer who goes on the run with his son after a betrayal leads to the murder of their family. Directed by Sam Mendes, the film features stunning visuals and powerful performances, including Paul Newman's final on-screen role. It's a poignant story of revenge and redemption, beautifully capturing the essence of the 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 classic inspired by the rise of Al Capone. Starring Paul Muni as Tony Camonte, the film follows his ascent through the Chicago mob and his tumultuous personal life. Despite facing censorship challenges, Scarface remains a landmark film for its stylish visuals and gripping narrative, blending historical significance with genre excellence.

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

The Irishman, another Scorsese masterpiece, reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for a Netflix original. The film follows Frank Sheeran, a truck driver turned hitman, and his involvement with the Bufalino crime family and Teamster Jimmy Hoffa. Based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses, The Irishman offers a sobering look at the cost of a life in the mob, focusing on themes of regret and isolation.

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 and Russell Crowe as Detective Richie Roberts, who leads the effort to bring him down. The film explores Lucas's innovative methods of smuggling heroin and the intense cat-and-mouse game that ensues. With strong performances and a compelling narrative, American Gangster is a gripping and intelligent addition to the genre.