Movies have long romanticized the lives of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, tapping into our fascination with those who live outside the law. Crime stories predate cinema itself, and as soon as moving pictures emerged, they became one of the earliest and most popular genres. If you're eager to delve into a world filled with steely characters who operate by their own rules, we've curated a list of the top mafia movies of all time.
Organized crime, a hallmark of the 20th century, naturally became a compelling subject for filmmakers. As mob syndicates grew across the country, so did the movies that chronicled their rise and fall. Directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese became synonymous with the genre, thanks to their legendary works, while other acclaimed filmmakers also took a shot at mafia-themed projects, often with extraordinary results.
Below, you'll discover a mix of films featuring historical mobsters and the law enforcement officers on their trail, alongside captivating works of fiction designed to entertain and enthrall. Here's 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)
Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas" kicks off our list as a perennial favorite for the best mob movie ever made (or at least the best non-Godfather mob movie). This masterpiece, 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 Nicholas Pileggi's biography "Wise Guy," "Goodfellas" showcases the finest work from its cast and crew, leveraging Scorsese and De Niro's iconic status to elevate Liotta and Pesci into "made men."
Donnie Brasco (1997)
"Donnie Brasco," directed by Mike Newell, offers another true mafia tale. Johnny Depp stars as FBI agent Joe Pistone, who goes undercover as "Donnie Brasco" within the Bonanno crime family. Al Pacino delivers a nuanced performance as Lefty, a seasoned enforcer who unwittingly mentors Pistone. Based on Pistone's autobiography, "Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia," the film provides a cool and compelling narrative that sets it apart from other mob movies.
A Most Violent Year (2014)
"A Most Violent Year," a more contemporary entry, stars 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 navigating a corrupt environment while striving to maintain his integrity. This thought-provoking thriller, also featuring David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks, captures the essence of a tumultuous era.
Miller's Crossing (1990)
The Coen brothers' "Miller's Crossing," released the same year as "Goodfellas," offers a unique take on organized crime. Set during Prohibition, this film noir-inspired story follows Tom (Gabriel Byrne), an Irish mob lieutenant caught between rival factions. With its stylized dialogue and compelling performances, "Miller's Crossing" helped launch Byrne's career in the U.S. and set the stage for the Coens' next project, "Barton Fink."
Casino (1995)
Another Scorsese classic, "Casino," reunites Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, this time based on Nicholas Pileggi's book "Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas." De Niro plays Ace, inspired by casino owner Lefty Rosenthal, while Pesci portrays Nicky, based on enforcer Tony Spilotro. This epic tale of partnership turning into rivalry features standout performances, including an Oscar-nominated turn by Sharon Stone. Despite comparisons to "Goodfellas," "Casino" stands tall on its own merits.
City of God (2002)
"City of God," a Brazilian crime drama, takes us outside American cinema to explore 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, the film's authenticity is enhanced by its cast of non-professional actors from Rio's low-income neighborhoods. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, "City of God" also inspired a spin-off TV series and film.
The Untouchables (1987)
Brian De Palma's "The Untouchables" transports us to 1930s Chicago, where Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) leads a crusade against Al Capone (Robert De Niro). This action-packed film, with its comic-book flair, showcases Ness assembling his team of incorruptible "untouchables" to take down the notorious gangster. Sean Connery's Oscar-winning performance as a veteran cop adds depth to this thrilling narrative.
The Departed (2006)
Martin Scorsese's "The Departed," a remake of the Hong Kong thriller "Infernal Affairs," is set in Boston and loosely based on the life of crime boss Whitey Bulger. The film follows two cops: one rising in the force as a mole for Bulger (Matt Damon), and the other infiltrating Bulger's ranks (Leonardo DiCaprio). With Jack Nicholson as Bulger, this complex and gripping film also stars Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, and Ray Winstone.
Eastern Promises (2007)
Viggo Mortensen, known for his role as Aragorn in "The Lord of the Rings," teamed up with director David Cronenberg for two crime films, "A History of Violence" and "Eastern Promises." The latter, set in London, follows a Russian mob enforcer (Mortensen) navigating tensions between his boss (Armin Mueller-Stahl), his boss's volatile son (Vincent Cassel), and a midwife (Naomi Watts) trying to protect a baby. "Eastern Promises" is memorable for its intense bathhouse fight scene.
The Godfather (1972)
Considered by many to be the greatest mob movie ever made, Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather" revolutionized the genre. Based on Mario Puzo's novel, the film broke box office records and became the top-grossing film of 1972. Starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton, "The Godfather" follows the Corleone family under patriarch Vito Corleone (Brando) and the transformation of his son Michael (Pacino) into a ruthless mob boss.
The Godfather Part 2 (1974)
"The Godfather Part 2" continues the saga, with Al Pacino's Michael Corleone now the head of the family, facing betrayal and threats. The film also delves into the past, tracing the journey of his father, Vito (Robert De Niro), from his childhood in Sicily to his rise as a mafia boss in New York. This dual narrative, also starring Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, and John Cazale, is often considered a masterpiece in its own right.
Road to Perdition (2002)
"Road to Perdition," based on a graphic novel, combines unlikely elements into a compelling mobster tale. Tom Hanks plays Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer who goes on the run with his son (Tyler Hoechlin) after his boss's son (Daniel Craig) murders their family. Directed by Sam Mendes, this film blends revenge and a father-son road trip, featuring standout performances from Hanks, Paul Newman, and Jude Law.
Scarface (1932)
While the 1983 remake with Al Pacino is well-known, the original "Scarface" directed by Howard Hawks is a landmark film inspired by Al Capone's rise in Chicago. Paul Muni stars as Tony Camonte, a gangster who ascends the mob ranks and falls in love with his boss's mistress. Despite battling censors, "Scarface" remains a timeless blend of historical significance and genre excellence.
The Irishman (2019)
Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman," a Netflix original, reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for an epic tale of regret and loneliness. Based on Charles Brandt's book "I Heard You Paint Houses," the film follows a truck driver (De Niro) who becomes a hitman for a mobster (Pesci) and works for Teamster Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). "The Irishman" offers a sobering look at the cost of mafia life, showing the characters' decline into sad old age.
American Gangster (2007)
Ridley Scott's "American Gangster" stars Denzel Washington as Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, who uses the Vietnam War to smuggle heroin into the U.S. Russell Crowe plays Newark Detective Richie Roberts, tasked with bringing Lucas down. With exceptional performances from its leads, the film is a smart and stirring spectacle, also featuring 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.
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