Movies have long celebrated the allure of the criminal underworld, from gunslingers and bank robbers to wise guys, captivating audiences with tales of those who live by their own codes outside the law. The fascination with crime stories predates the advent of cinema, making it one of the earliest and most enduring genres in film. For those eager to immerse themselves in a world where the tough and the cunning thrive, here's a curated list of the best mafia movies of all time.
Organized crime, a hallmark of the 20th century, has been a fertile ground for filmmakers. The rise of mob syndicates across the country paralleled the growth of cinematic interest in this dark world. Iconic directors such as Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese have become synonymous with the genre, delivering masterpieces that have defined it. Meanwhile, other esteemed filmmakers have also ventured into mafia storytelling, producing exceptional works.
Below, you'll find a diverse selection of films, from those based on real-life mobsters and the law enforcement officers who pursued them to captivating works of fiction designed to enthrall. Here are our picks for the 15 best mafia movies ever, listed 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 remained a favorite among mob movie enthusiasts for over three decades. It's often hailed as one of the best, if not the best, non-"Godfather" mob movie. This gripping narrative, starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci (who won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar), chronicles the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill (Liotta) over several decades. Adapted from the biography "Wise Guy" by Nicholas Pileggi, "Goodfellas" showcases some of the finest work by its cast and crew, leveraging the iconic status of Scorsese and De Niro to elevate Liotta and Pesci to stardom.
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 British filmmaker Mike Newell. This film delves into the life of FBI agent Joseph Pistone (Johnny Depp), who goes deep undercover within the Bonanno crime family under the alias "Donnie Brasco." Al Pacino delivers a nuanced performance as Lefty, a seasoned but fading enforcer who unknowingly brings Pistone into the fold. Based on Pistone's autobiography, the movie provides a cool and engaging perspective on the mob world, distinguishing itself from other mafia films.
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 addition to the genre, starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain. Set during 1981, New York City's most crime-ridden year, the film follows Abel Morales (Isaac), a trucking company owner trying to maintain his integrity in a corrupt environment. This thought-provoking thriller, also featuring David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks, offers a vivid snapshot of a turbulent era, exploring the challenges of remaining moral in an immoral business.
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 unique take on organized crime with "Miller's Crossing." Set during Prohibition, this film noir-style masterpiece transports us to a world of Irish mob warfare, where Tom (Gabriel Byrne), a conflicted lieutenant, navigates the treacherous waters of loyalty and betrayal. The film's stylized dialogue, compelling sequences, and strong performances helped launch Byrne's career in the U.S. and 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 classic from Martin Scorsese, "Casino," reunites Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, this time based on the non-fiction book "Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas" by Nicholas Pileggi. De Niro's character, Ace, is inspired by real-life casino owner Lefty Rosenthal, while Pesci's Nicky is based on enforcer Tony Spilotro. This epic tale of partnership turned rivalry features standout performances from both leads and an Oscar-nominated turn from Sharon Stone. Although often compared to "Goodfellas," "Casino" stands tall on its own merits.
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 beyond American cinema to the Brazilian crime drama scene. Spanning decades, this film depicts the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade De Deus suburb from the 1960s to the 1980s. Loosely based on real events, it offers a raw and authentic look at the era's violence, enhanced by a cast primarily made up of non-professional actors from Rio's low-income neighborhoods. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, "City of God" also inspired a TV series spin-off, "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 take on the battle between famed crime-buster Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) and notorious gangland kingpin Al Capone (Robert De Niro) in 1930s Chicago. With its larger-than-life style and memorable sequences, this film follows Ness as he assembles his team of incorruptible lawmen to bring down Capone. Sean Connery's performance as a veteran police officer earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
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 thriller "Infernal Affairs," "The Departed" is set in Boston and loosely inspired by real-life crime boss Whitey Bulger. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film follows two cops on opposite sides of the law—one rising in the ranks while secretly working for Bulger (Matt Damon), and the other undercover within Bulger's organization (Leonardo DiCaprio). With a stellar cast including Jack Nicholson, Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, and more, "The Departed" is a tense, thrilling, and darkly comedic 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
Viggo Mortensen, known for his role as Aragorn in "The Lord of the Rings," teamed up with director David Cronenberg for two gripping crime films, "A History of Violence" and "Eastern Promises." The latter, set in London, follows a Russian mob enforcer (Mortensen) as he navigates a complex web involving his boss (Armin Mueller-Stahl), the boss's volatile son (Vincent Cassel), and a midwife (Naomi Watts) trying to protect a baby. "Eastern Promises" is notable for its intense and memorable bathhouse fight scene.
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," directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is widely regarded as one of the greatest mob movies ever made. Based on Mario Puzo's novel, this film shattered box office records in 1972 and features a stellar cast including Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton. It tells the story of the Corleone family, led by patriarch Vito Corleone (Brando), and the transformation of his youngest son, Michael (Pacino), from a reluctant outsider to a 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.
Competing for the top spot with its predecessor, "The Godfather Part 2" continues the saga of the Corleone family. This sequel, also directed by Francis Ford Coppola, follows Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as he navigates threats to his position as the new Don, while parallel scenes trace the early life of his father, Vito (Robert De Niro), from his childhood in Sicily to his rise in New York. This film, also starring Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, and John Cazale, is both a sequel and a prequel, expanding the epic narrative of the Corleone family.
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, brings together an unlikely cast including Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law, and Daniel Craig under the direction of Sam Mendes. Set in 1931, the film follows Irish mob enforcer Michael Sullivan (Hanks) and his son (Tyler Hoechlin) as they go on the run after a family tragedy orchestrated by Sullivan's boss's son (Craig). This visually stunning and emotionally charged film explores themes of revenge and redemption, blending elements of a father-son road trip with a gritty mobster tale.
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 many are familiar with the 1983 remake starring Al Pacino, the original "Scarface" from 1932, directed by Howard Hawks, is a landmark film inspired by the rise of Al Capone. Paul Muni stars as Tony Camonte, a gangster who ascends through the Chicago mob ranks and falls in love with his boss's mistress. Despite battling censors, "Scarface" delivers stylish visuals and gripping violence, standing as a testament to the mob genre's early days.
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" marks his fourth entry on this list, and for good reason. This Netflix film, featuring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, is an epic tale of a truck driver turned hitman (De Niro) who becomes entangled with a mobster (Pesci) and their dealings with Teamster Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). Based on the book "I Heard You Paint Houses" by Charles Brandt, "The Irishman" offers a sobering look at the cost of a life in the mafia, 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" brings the story of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) to the screen. As Lucas uses the Vietnam War to smuggle heroin into the U.S., Newark Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) leads a task force to take him down. With exceptional performances from its leads, the film is a compelling and intelligent portrayal of the drug trade's impact on American society. The cast also includes Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ruby Dee, Ted Levine, and Cuba Gooding Jr.
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.
