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 establishing themselves as one of the first and most enduring genres. For those eager to delve into a world ruled by steely individuals who forge their own paths and adhere to their unique codes, we've compiled a list of the best mafia movies of all time.
Organized crime, a phenomenon largely of the 20th century, naturally became a rich subject for filmmakers to explore, paralleling the rise of mob syndicates across the nation. Legendary directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese have become synonymous with the genre, delivering iconic portrayals of the criminal underworld. Other esteemed filmmakers have also ventured into the mafia realm, yielding remarkable results.
Our curated list includes a mix of films featuring historical mobsters and the real-life law enforcement officers who pursued them, as well as purely fictional narratives designed to entertain and thrill. Below, you'll find our selection 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
Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas has long been hailed as one of the greatest mob movies ever made, often cited as the best non-Godfather mafia film. This gripping narrative follows the rise and fall of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a mob associate, over several decades. With powerhouse performances from Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, Goodfellas is a masterful blend of violence and charisma, based on Nicholas Pileggi's biography, Wise Guy.
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 tells the true story of an FBI agent, Joe Pistone (Johnny Depp), who goes deep undercover within the Bonanno crime family. Directed by Mike Newell, the film provides an intense look at the life of an undercover agent. Al Pacino delivers a compelling performance as Lefty, a seasoned but fading enforcer who unwittingly mentors Pistone. Based on Pistone's autobiography, the film stands out for its cool yet tense atmosphere.
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 mafia genre, focusing on Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac), a trucking company owner navigating the corrupt and chaotic landscape of 1981 New York City. J.C. Chandor's film is a thoughtful thriller that examines the struggle to maintain integrity in an immoral environment. With strong performances from Jessica Chastain and David Oyelowo, it 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
The Coen brothers' Miller's Crossing transports viewers to the Prohibition era, offering a stylized, film noir-inspired take on organized crime. Gabriel Byrne stars as Tom, an Irish mob lieutenant navigating a mafia war while playing both sides. With its sharp dialogue and distinctive style, the film not only launched Byrne's career in the U.S. but also set the stage for future Coen brothers' classics.
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 masterpiece, Casino, reunites Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, this time based on Nicholas Pileggi's book about the Las Vegas casino scene. De Niro's character, Ace, is inspired by real-life figure Lefty Rosenthal, while Pesci's Nicky mirrors enforcer Tony Spilotro. The film charts the epic journey from partnership to rivalry, with Sharon Stone's Oscar-nominated performance as a key catalyst.
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 powerful Brazilian crime drama that chronicles 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, the film uses non-professional actors from local communities to deliver an authentic portrayal of the era's violence. Its impact was so profound that it inspired a subsequent TV series and film.
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 brings us to 1930s Chicago, where Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) forms a team of incorruptible lawmen to take down Al Capone (Robert De Niro). This action-packed film, with its comic-book-like style, showcases the intense battle between good and evil. Sean Connery's Oscar-winning performance as a veteran cop adds depth to the narrative.
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 centers on the cat-and-mouse game between two moles: one a cop working for crime boss Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson), and the other an undercover cop infiltrating Costello's crew. With a stellar cast including Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon, the film is a gripping, complex thriller.
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 caught between his boss and the boss's volatile son, while a midwife (Naomi Watts) fights to protect a baby. The film is notable for its intense scenes, including a now-iconic bathhouse fight, and its exploration of loyalty and morality within the criminal world.
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.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, The Godfather revolutionized the mafia genre. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel, it follows the Corleone family, led by Vito (Marlon Brando), and his son Michael's (Al Pacino) transformation from reluctant outsider to ruthless leader. The film's impact on cinema and popular culture is immeasurable.
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 while also exploring Vito's rise from Sicily to New York. This ambitious narrative, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, delves deeper into the themes of family, power, and betrayal, cementing its place as a masterpiece alongside its predecessor.
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 and based on a graphic novel, follows Irish mob enforcer Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) and his son on a vengeful journey after their family is killed. The film blends elements of a father-son road trip with a brutal revenge story, highlighted by stunning visuals and powerful performances from Hanks and Paul Newman.
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 inspired by Al Capone's rise in Chicago. Starring Paul Muni as Tony Camonte, the film broke ground with its depiction of mob violence and ambition, despite facing censorship challenges. Its influence on the genre is evident in its enduring legacy and the famous 1983 remake.
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, available on Netflix, reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for a sweeping epic about a truck driver turned hitman and his involvement with the mob and Jimmy Hoffa. The film, based on Charles Brandt's book, offers a poignant look at the costs of a life in organized crime, 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 follows the rise of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) and the efforts of Newark Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) to bring him down. This intelligent and gripping film showcases the complexities of crime and justice, bolstered by exceptional performances from its leads and a strong supporting cast.
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.
