Top 15 Mafia Movies Ever Made

Movies have long romanticized the lives of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, captivating audiences with tales of those who live outside the law. Crime stories are as old as storytelling itself, and when cinema emerged, they became one of the earliest and most enduring genres. For those eager to delve into a world ruled by cunning and daring individuals who forge their own paths and adhere to a unique code, here's our curated list of the best mafia movies of all time.

Organized crime, a phenomenon largely born in the 20th Century, has been a rich vein for filmmakers to explore, mirroring the rise of mob syndicates across the country. Directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese have become synonymous with the genre, delivering legendary works that have defined it. Other acclaimed directors have also ventured into this territory, producing remarkable films that add to the rich tapestry of mafia cinema.

Below, you'll discover a mix of historical portrayals of real-life mobsters and their law enforcement adversaries, alongside captivating works of fiction designed to entertain and inspire. Here are our picks for the top 15 mafia movies ever, presented in no particular order.

The 15 Best Mafia Movies

16 ImagesLooking for more great movies? Check out more lists like this:

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, a film that has been hailed as one of the greatest mob movies for over three decades. This gripping narrative follows the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill, portrayed by Ray Liotta, alongside Robert De Niro and the Oscar-winning Joe Pesci. Based on Nicholas Pileggi's biography Wise Guy, Goodfellas showcases some of the finest work from its cast and crew, leveraging Scorsese and De Niro's iconic partnership to elevate 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 a compelling glimpse into the life of an FBI agent, played by Johnny Depp, who goes deep undercover within the Bonanno crime family. Directed by Mike Newell, this film features a standout performance from Al Pacino as Lefty, a seasoned enforcer who unwittingly mentors the agent. Adapted from Joseph D. Pistone's autobiography, Donnie Brasco brings a fresh perspective to the genre, blending authenticity with a gripping 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, featuring Oscar Isaac as Abel Morales, a trucking company owner navigating the corrupt and chaotic environment of 1981 New York City. Directed by J. C. Chandor, this film explores the moral dilemmas faced by Morales as he strives to remain ethical in a world rife with crime. With standout performances from Isaac, Jessica Chastain, and David Oyelowo, A Most Violent Year offers a thought-provoking look at integrity amidst corruption.

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, film noir-inspired take on the Irish mob. Gabriel Byrne stars as Tom, a lieutenant caught between rival factions, delivering a performance that helped cement his status in Hollywood. With its sharp dialogue and compelling visuals, Miller's Crossing showcases the Coens' unique storytelling flair, featuring a strong supporting cast including Marcia Gay Harden and John Turturro.

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 gem, Casino reunites Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in a narrative inspired by Nicholas Pileggi's book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas. De Niro plays Ace, a casino manager based on real-life figure Lefty Rosenthal, while Pesci portrays Nicky, an enforcer modeled after Tony Spilotro. Sharon Stone delivers an Oscar-nominated performance as the woman who comes between them. Casino is an epic tale of ambition, betrayal, and the high stakes of 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, a Brazilian crime drama, offers a raw and powerful look at the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade De Deus suburb from the 1960s to the 1980s. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, this film uses a non-professional cast to deliver an authentic portrayal of the era's brutality. Its impact was significant enough to spawn a TV series and a film adaptation, solidifying its place in the genre.

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 crusade against Al Capone in 1930s Chicago. Kevin Costner stars as Ness, leading a team of incorruptible agents to bring down Capone, played by Robert De Niro. With its dynamic storytelling and memorable performances, including Sean Connery's Oscar-winning role, The Untouchables remains a standout in the genre.

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 a cop infiltrating the mob and a mobster infiltrating the police. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film boasts a stellar cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson. Its complex narrative and intense performances earned it widespread acclaim and an Oscar for Best Picture.

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 showcases the talents of Viggo Mortensen and director David Cronenberg in a tale of Russian mob dynamics in London. Mortensen plays a mob enforcer navigating the treacherous waters between his boss, his boss's volatile son, and a midwife trying to protect a baby. The film's intense action sequences, including a now-iconic bathhouse fight, make it a memorable addition to 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 to be the quintessential mob movie, The Godfather revolutionized the genre. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel, this film follows the Corleone family under the leadership of Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando. The narrative traces the transformation of Michael Corleone, portrayed by Al Pacino, from an outsider to a ruthless mob boss. With its iconic scenes and unforgettable performances, The Godfather remains a landmark in cinema.

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, with Al Pacino's Michael Corleone navigating new challenges as the head of the family. The film also delves into the past, tracing Vito Corleone's journey from Sicily to America, portrayed by Robert De Niro. This dual narrative explores themes of power, betrayal, and family, 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 is a visually stunning film that blends elements of the mob genre with a poignant father-son story. Tom Hanks stars as Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer who goes on the run with his son after a betrayal within the family. Directed by Sam Mendes, this film features powerful performances and a narrative that unfolds like a graphic novel, making it a unique entry in 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

The original Scarface, directed by Howard Hawks, is a seminal work inspired by the rise of Al Capone. Paul Muni stars as Tony Camonte, a gangster who climbs the ranks of the Chicago mob. Despite facing censorship challenges, Scarface stands out for its stylish visuals and gripping storytelling, marking a significant moment in the history of mob cinema.

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 sweeping tale of a truck driver turned hitman. Based on Charles Brandt's book I Heard You Paint Houses, this film examines the darker, less glamorous side of mafia life, focusing on themes of regret and isolation. Its epic scope and reflective tone make it a compelling addition to Scorsese's oeuvre.

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 tells the story of Frank Lucas, a Harlem drug lord portrayed by Denzel Washington, and his pursuit by Detective Richie Roberts, played by Russell Crowe. This film blends historical drama with intense storytelling, showcasing the intelligence and charisma of its leads. With a strong supporting cast and a compelling narrative, American Gangster stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of crime stories.