Top 15 Mafia Movies Ever Made

Movies have long romanticized the lives of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, fueling our fascination with those who live outside the law. The allure of crime stories is as old as cinema itself, with the genre being one of the earliest to capture audiences' imaginations. For those eager to dive into a world where individuals forge their own paths and abide by their own codes, we've compiled a list of the best mafia movies of all time.

Organized crime, a hallmark of the 20th century, has naturally been a rich subject for filmmakers. The growth of mob syndicates across the country paralleled the rise of cinematic explorations of this underworld. Directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese have become legends in the genre, while other acclaimed filmmakers have also ventured into the world of the mafia with remarkable results.

Our list includes a diverse array of films, from those depicting real-life mobsters and the law enforcement agents pursuing them, to purely fictional tales designed to captivate and entertain. 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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Goodfellas (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" kicks off our list, a film that has been a top contender for the best mob movie for over 30 years, often cited as the best non-Godfather mafia film. With stellar performances from Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci, who won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar, this film offers a gripping, blood-soaked journey through the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill. Based on the biography "Wise Guy" by Nicholas Pileggi, "Goodfellas" showcases some of the finest work from its cast and crew, leveraging Scorsese and De Niro's iconic status to elevate Liotta and Pesci to "made men" status in cinema.

Donnie Brasco (1997)

Image credit: Sony Pictures
Director: 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" delves into another true mafia story, directed by Mike Newell. Johnny Depp plays FBI agent Joe Pistone, known in the underworld as "Donnie Brasco," who infiltrates the Bonanno crime family. Al Pacino delivers a nuanced performance as Lefty, a seasoned but fading enforcer who unwittingly mentors Pistone. Based on Pistone's autobiography, the film offers a cool and compelling narrative that stands out among other mob films for its unique perspective.

A Most Violent Year (2014)

Image credit: A24
Director: 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," a more recent entry, is a sleeper hit featuring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain. Set in 1981, during New York City's most violent year, the film follows trucking company owner Abel Morales as he navigates the corrupt and chaotic world around him. Abel strives to maintain his integrity in a morally compromised business, creating a thought-provoking thriller that captures the essence of a turbulent era.

Miller's Crossing (1990)

Image credit: 20th Century Fox
Director: 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 offered a distinct take on organized crime with "Miller's Crossing." Set during Prohibition, this film noir-inspired story follows Tom, an Irish mob lieutenant played by Gabriel Byrne, as he navigates a mafia war. The film's stylized dialogue and performances helped cement Byrne's reputation in the U.S. and launched the career of John Turturro, who would star in the Coens' next film, "Barton Fink."

Casino (1995)

Image credit: Universal Pictures
Director: 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 non-fiction book "Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas." De Niro's character, Ace, is inspired by casino owner Lefty Rosenthal, while Pesci's Nicky is based on enforcer Tony Spilotro. The film is an epic tale of the rise and fall of their partnership, with Sharon Stone's performance as a former dancer earning her an Oscar nomination. Despite following "Goodfellas," "Casino" holds its own as a powerful and enduring mob film.

City of God (2002)

Image credit: Miramax
Director: 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 takes us outside American cinema, exploring the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade De Deus suburb from the 1960s to the 1980s. Based on real events, the film's raw authenticity is enhanced by casting residents from low-income neighborhoods near Rio. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, it also inspired a spin-off TV series, "City of Men."

The Untouchables (1987)

Image credit: Paramount Pictures
Director: 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" transports us to 1930s Chicago, where Eliot Ness, played by Kevin Costner, wages a violent campaign against Al Capone, portrayed by Robert De Niro. This crowd-pleasing, action-packed film showcases Ness assembling his team of incorruptible "untouchables" to take down Capone. Sean Connery's portrayal of a veteran police officer earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

The Departed (2006)

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: 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 cops: one rising in the police force as a mole for crime boss Whitey Bulger (Matt Damon), and the other working undercover in Bulger's ranks (Leonardo DiCaprio). Directed by Martin Scorsese, this complex and thrilling film also stars Jack Nicholson as Bulger, with a supporting cast including Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, and Martin Sheen.

Eastern Promises (2007)

Image credit: Focus Features
Director: 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 stars in David Cronenberg's "Eastern Promises," playing a Russian mob enforcer in London navigating the dangerous dynamics between his boss, his boss's volatile son, and a midwife trying to protect a baby. The film is notable for its intense scenes, including a memorable bathhouse knife fight, and showcases Mortensen's versatility as an actor.

The Godfather (1972)

Image credit: Paramount Pictures
Director: 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 considered one of the best mob movies ever, "The Godfather" revolutionized the genre. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel, the film follows the Corleone family under patriarch Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) and his son Michael's (Al Pacino) transformation from an outsider to a ruthless mob boss. With a stellar cast including James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton, "The Godfather" broke box office records and remains a cinematic landmark.

The Godfather Part 2 (1974)

Image credit: Paramount Pictures
Director: 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, exploring Michael Corleone's (Al Pacino) reign as the new Don while delving into his father Vito's (Robert De Niro) early life and rise to power. This sequel, which intertwines past and present, is often considered a masterpiece in its own right, further solidifying the Godfather trilogy's place in cinema history.

Road to Perdition (2002)

Image credit: DreamWorks Pictures
Director: 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" blends elements of the mobster genre with a poignant father-son road trip narrative. Directed by Sam Mendes and based on a graphic novel, the film follows Irish mob enforcer Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) and his son as they seek revenge after their family is killed. With stunning visuals and powerful performances, this film offers a unique take on the genre.

Scarface (1932)

Image credit: United Artists
Director: 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 the rise of Al Capone and stars Paul Muni as Tony Camonte. This pre-Hays Code film battled censors to reach audiences and remains a significant work in both historical and genre contexts, with its stylish visuals and gripping narrative.

The Irishman (2019)

Image credit: Netflix
Director: 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 film. This epic explores the life of a truck driver turned hitman (De Niro) and his involvement with a mobster (Pesci) and the disappearance of Teamster Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). Reflecting on themes of regret and loneliness, "The Irishman" offers a mature and reflective look at the mafia life.

American Gangster (2007)

Image credit: Universal Pictures
Director: 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 Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) and the detective (Russell Crowe) determined to bring him down. With intelligent storytelling and exceptional performances, the film offers a compelling look at crime and corruption in 1970s New York.