Movies have long captivated audiences with their romanticized portrayals of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, fueling our fascination with those who live outside the law. Crime stories have been a staple since before the advent of cinema, quickly becoming one of the first popular genres when films emerged. For those eager to dive into a world where individuals forge their own paths and follow their own codes, we present a curated list of the best mafia movies of all time.
Organized crime, a hallmark of the 20th century, naturally found its way into films, mirroring the rise of mob syndicates across the nation. Iconic filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese have become synonymous with the genre, crafting legendary works that define it. Other esteemed directors have also ventured into mafia storytelling, yielding remarkable results.
Our list encompasses a broad spectrum, from films about historical mobsters and the law enforcement chasing them, to purely fictional narratives designed to entertain and amaze. Here are our selections of the top 15 mafia movies, presented without a specific ranking.
The 15 Best Mafia Movies
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Best Spy MoviesBest Thriller MoviesBest Netflix MoviesGoodfellas (1990)
Kickstarting our list is Martin Scorsese's masterpiece, Goodfellas, which has been hailed as one of the greatest mob movies ever made (or at least the best non-Godfather mob movie). With standout performances from Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Oscar-winning Joe Pesci, this film offers an unflinching look at the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill (Liotta) over decades. Based on the biography Wise Guy by Nicholas Pileggi, Goodfellas showcases some of the finest work from its cast and crew, cementing Scorsese and De Niro's legendary status while making stars of Liotta and Pesci.
Donnie Brasco (1997)
Next up is the true crime saga Donnie Brasco, directed by Mike Newell. This film delves into the life of FBI agent Joe Pistone, portrayed by Johnny Depp, who goes undercover as "Donnie Brasco" within 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, Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia, the film offers a gripping and stylish take on the genre, distinct from typical mob movies.
A Most Violent Year (2014)
A Most Violent Year is a more contemporary addition to the genre, featuring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain. Set during 1981, New York's most crime-ridden year, the film follows Abel Morales (Isaac), a trucking company owner striving to maintain his integrity amidst rampant corruption. With a strong supporting cast including David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks, A Most Violent Year is a compelling thriller that captures the tension and moral dilemmas of its time.
Miller's Crossing (1990)
The Coen brothers' Miller's Crossing offers a unique, stylized take on organized crime, set during the Prohibition era. With its film noir aesthetic and sharp dialogue, the film follows Tom (Gabriel Byrne), an Irish mob lieutenant navigating a dangerous mob war. The performances, particularly from Byrne, helped cement his reputation in the U.S., while launching the career of John Turturro. Also starring Albert Finney, Marcia Gay Harden, and Steve Buscemi, Miller's Crossing stands out for its distinctive style and compelling storytelling.
Casino (1995)
Martin Scorsese's Casino reunites Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci for another gripping mob tale, this time set in Las Vegas. Based on Nicholas Pileggi's book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas, the film follows Ace (De Niro), inspired by real-life casino owner Lefty Rosenthal, and Nicky (Pesci), based on enforcer Tony Spilotro. As their partnership deteriorates into rivalry, Sharon Stone's portrayal of a former dancer adds complexity to the narrative, earning her an Oscar nomination. Despite inevitable comparisons to Goodfellas, Casino stands tall as a monumental work in its own right.
City of God (2002)
Venturing beyond American cinema, City of God is a powerful Brazilian crime drama that charts the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade de Deus neighborhood from the 1960s to the 1980s. Loosely based on real events, the film is notable for its authentic cast, many of whom were residents from low-income areas near Rio. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, City of God not only shocked audiences with its depiction of violence but also inspired a spin-off TV series and film, City of Men.
The Untouchables (1987)
Brian De Palma's The Untouchables transports us to 1930s Chicago, where Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) leads a relentless campaign against Al Capone (Robert De Niro). This action-packed film, with its comic book flair, showcases Ness assembling a team of incorruptible lawmen to take down the notorious gangster. Sean Connery's performance as a seasoned cop earned him an Oscar, adding depth to this thrilling narrative of law versus crime.
The Departed (2006)
Martin Scorsese's The Departed, a remake of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, reimagines the story around Boston crime boss Whitey Bulger. The film follows two cops: one (Matt Damon) rising in the force as a mole for Bulger, and the other (Leonardo DiCaprio) infiltrating Bulger's organization. With Jack Nicholson delivering a menacing performance as Bulger, The Departed is a tense, thrilling ensemble piece that also features standout performances from Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, and Ray Winstone.
Eastern Promises (2007)
Eastern Promises, directed by David Cronenberg, features Viggo Mortensen as a Russian mob enforcer in London navigating a complex web of loyalties and betrayals. Alongside Naomi Watts and Vincent Cassel, Mortensen delivers a powerful performance, highlighted by a now-iconic bathhouse knife fight. This film, paired with A History of Violence, showcases Cronenberg's ability to delve into the gritty world of crime with style and substance.
The Godfather (1972)
Considered by many to be the pinnacle of mob movies, Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather revolutionized the genre. Based on Mario Puzo's novel, the film broke box office records and dominated 1972. With unforgettable performances from Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton, The Godfather follows the Corleone family under patriarch Vito (Brando) and the transformation of his son Michael (Pacino) into a ruthless mob leader.
The Godfather Part 2 (1974)
Competing fiercely with its predecessor, The Godfather Part 2 continues the saga, blending sequel and prequel elements. As Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) navigates betrayal and power struggles, a parallel storyline traces the early life of his father, Vito (Robert De Niro), from Sicily to New York. Also starring Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, and John Cazale, this film is often debated as the best in the series, if not the genre.
Road to Perdition (2002)
Road to Perdition, directed by Sam Mendes and based on a graphic novel, combines unlikely elements into a compelling mobster narrative. Tom Hanks stars as Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer, who goes on the run with his son (Tyler Hoechlin) after a betrayal by his boss's son (Daniel Craig). With a stellar cast including Paul Newman and Jude Law, the film offers a visually stunning and emotionally resonant tale of revenge and redemption.
Scarface (1932)
While many may know the 1983 remake with Al Pacino, the original Scarface by Howard Hawks is a seminal work inspired by Al Capone's rise in Chicago. Featuring Paul Muni as Tony Camonte, the film battled censorship to reach audiences, offering a stylish and violent portrayal of mob life that has stood the test of time. Even Capone himself reportedly enjoyed the film.
The Irishman (2019)
Martin Scorsese's The Irishman, a Netflix production, reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for a poignant exploration of mafia life. Based on Charles Brandt's book I Heard You Paint Houses, the film follows a truck driver (De Niro) turned hitman and his involvement with mobster Russell Bufalino (Pesci) and Teamster Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). The Irishman offers a sobering look at the consequences of a life in organized crime, focusing on themes of regret and isolation.
American Gangster (2007)
Ridley Scott's American Gangster delves into the criminal empire of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), who uses the Vietnam War to smuggle heroin into the U.S. As Lucas rises, Newark Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) leads the charge to bring him down. With strong performances from its leads and a supporting cast including Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Ruby Dee, American Gangster is a smart and thrilling addition to the genre.
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.
