Movies have long captivated audiences with the allure of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, fueling our fascination with those who live outside the law. Crime stories have been a staple of storytelling since long before the advent of cinema, and as soon as moving pictures emerged, crime became one of the first and most enduring genres. For those eager to explore a world ruled by hardened individuals who live by their own codes, we present a curated list of the best mafia movies of all time.
The rise of organized crime in the 20th century provided a rich backdrop for filmmakers to explore, paralleling the expansion of mob syndicates across the country. Iconic directors such as Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese have become synonymous with the genre, crafting masterpieces that have defined it. Other esteemed filmmakers have also ventured into this territory, delivering remarkable contributions to the mafia movie canon.
Our list encompasses a range of stories, from real-life mobsters and the law enforcement officers pursuing them to captivating works of fiction designed to entertain and inspire. 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
Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas stands as a towering achievement in the mafia genre, often hailed as the best mob movie ever made (or at least the best non-Godfather mob movie). This gripping narrative follows the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill, portrayed by Ray Liotta, over several decades. With standout performances from Robert De Niro and Oscar-winner Joe Pesci, Goodfellas is a masterclass in storytelling, drawing from Nicholas Pileggi's biography Wise Guy to deliver a visceral and unforgettable experience.
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 Mike Newell, offers a compelling true story of an FBI agent, played by Johnny Depp, who goes deep undercover within the Bonanno crime family. Al Pacino delivers a nuanced performance as Lefty, the seasoned enforcer who unwittingly mentors the agent. Based on Joseph D. Pistone's autobiography, this film provides a fresh perspective on the mob world, blending tension and authenticity in equal measure.
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, as he navigates the corrupt and chaotic world around him. This thought-provoking thriller, also featuring David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks, captures the essence of a man striving to maintain his integrity in a morally compromised environment.
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 transports viewers to the Prohibition era, offering a stylized and noir-inspired look at the Irish mob. Gabriel Byrne stars as Tom, a lieutenant caught between rival factions, delivering a performance that helped cement his status in American cinema. With its sharp dialogue and memorable sequences, this film also launched the career of John Turturro, who would later star in the Coens' 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 Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, this time exploring the world of Las Vegas casinos. Based on Nicholas Pileggi's book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas, the film follows the tumultuous relationship between casino owner Ace Rothstein (De Niro) and enforcer Nicky Santoro (Pesci). Sharon Stone's captivating performance as Ginger McKenna earned her an Oscar nomination, making Casino 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 is a Brazilian crime drama that offers a raw and powerful look at the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade de Deus suburb. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, the film spans decades and features a cast of non-professional actors from the area, lending authenticity to its portrayal of violence and struggle. Its impact was so significant that it 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 thrilling depiction of Eliot Ness's (Kevin Costner) crusade against Al Capone (Robert De Niro) in 1930s Chicago. With its blend of action and drama, the film showcases Ness's formation of the "untouchables," a team of incorruptible lawmen. Sean Connery's portrayal of a seasoned cop earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, adding to the film's legacy.
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 follows two moles: one within the police force (Matt Damon) and one within the mob (Leonardo DiCaprio). Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film weaves a complex narrative of deception and loyalty, featuring standout performances from Jack Nicholson, Vera Farmiga, and Mark Wahlberg, who received an Oscar nomination.
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, directed by David Cronenberg, features Viggo Mortensen as a Russian mob enforcer in London. The film delves into the complexities of loyalty and betrayal as Mortensen's character navigates the dangerous dynamics between his boss and his boss's son, all while protecting a midwife (Naomi Watts). The film's intense action sequences, including a memorable bathhouse fight, make it 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.
The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is often considered the pinnacle of mafia cinema. 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) into a ruthless mob boss. With its iconic performances and groundbreaking storytelling, The Godfather set a new standard for the genre.
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 continues the saga, focusing on Michael Corleone's (Al Pacino) struggles as the new Don while also exploring the early life of his father, Vito (Robert De Niro). This dual narrative, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, delves into themes of power, family, and legacy, cementing 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, directed by Sam Mendes, is a visually stunning and emotionally charged tale of an Irish mob enforcer, Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks), and his son on the run after a betrayal. Based on a graphic novel, the film combines elements of a revenge story with a poignant father-son journey, featuring powerful performances from Paul Newman and Jude Law.
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 a seminal gangster film inspired by the rise of Al Capone. Starring Paul Muni as Tony Camonte, the film navigates the treacherous world of Chicago's mob scene with stylish visuals and gripping violence. Its historical significance and enduring appeal make it a must-watch for fans of 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
Martin Scorsese's The Irishman is a reflective and somber look at the life of a mob hitman (Robert De Niro) and his involvement with the Teamsters and Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino). With its themes of regret and loneliness, the film offers a mature perspective on the mafia world, featuring a stellar cast that includes Joe Pesci, Bobby Cannavale, and Anna Paquin.
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.
American Gangster, directed by Ridley Scott, tells the story of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) and the detective (Russell Crowe) determined to bring him down. With its intelligent storytelling and powerful performances, the film offers a compelling look at the intersection of crime and law enforcement, featuring a strong supporting cast including Josh Brolin and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
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.
