Top 15 Mafia Movies Ever Made

Movies have long been captivated by the allure of gunslingers, bank robbers, and mobsters, weaving tales that explore the lives of those who operate beyond the boundaries of the law. The fascination with crime stories is as old as cinema itself, with the mafia genre emerging as one of the earliest and most enduring. For those drawn to narratives filled with gritty characters forging their own paths and adhering to their own codes, we present a curated list of the best mafia movies ever made.

Organized crime, a hallmark of the 20th century, naturally became a staple in film, evolving alongside the real-world expansion of mob syndicates across the nation. Iconic filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese have become synonymous with the genre, delivering masterful works that have set the standard. Other renowned directors have also ventured into the realm of mafia storytelling, producing films that have left an indelible mark on cinema.

Below, you'll discover a diverse collection of mafia films, ranging from historical accounts of notorious gangsters and the law enforcement chasing them, to imaginative fictions designed to captivate and entertain. Here are our selections of the 15 best mafia movies, listed without a specific ranking:

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 been a perennial favorite among mafia films for over three decades, often hailed as the best non-Godfather mob movie. This riveting tale follows the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill, portrayed by Ray Liotta, over several decades. With powerhouse performances from Robert De Niro and an Oscar-winning turn by Joe Pesci, Goodfellas is based on Nicholas Pileggi's biography Wise Guy. Scorsese and De Niro's iconic collaboration elevates Liotta and Pesci, cementing their status as "made men" in cinematic lore.

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, directed by Mike Newell, offers a gripping true story of an FBI agent's deep undercover operation within the Bonanno crime family. Johnny Depp stars as Agent Pistone, alias "Donnie Brasco," while Al Pacino delivers a nuanced performance as the aging enforcer Lefty, who unwittingly mentors Pistone. Based on Pistone's autobiography, the film stands out with its cool, compelling narrative and a distinct atmosphere that sets it apart from other mob movies.

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 entry that subtly explores the mafia-adjacent world. Starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain, the film follows Abel Morales, a trucking company owner navigating the corrupt and violent landscape of 1981 New York City. Abel's struggle to maintain his integrity in an immoral environment creates a thought-provoking thriller that serves as a vivid time-capsule of an 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

In the same year as Goodfellas, the Coen brothers delivered a unique take on organized crime with Miller's Crossing. Set during the Prohibition era, this film noir-inspired story follows Tom, an Irish mob lieutenant (Gabriel Byrne), navigating a mafia war. Its stylized dialogue, visual flair, and compelling performances helped launch Byrne's career in the U.S. and introduced audiences to the Coens' distinctive storytelling.

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 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's Ace is inspired by casino owner Lefty Rosenthal, and Pesci's Nicky by enforcer Tony Spilotro. This epic film traces the duo's journey from partnership to rivalry, with Sharon Stone's Oscar-nominated performance as a pivotal element in their downfall. Casino stands tall as a worthy successor to Goodfellas.

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 ventures beyond American cinema to deliver a powerful Brazilian crime drama. Spanning from the 1960s to the 1980s, it chronicles the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade De Deus suburb. Loosely based on real events, the film's authenticity is heightened by its cast of non-professional actors from local neighborhoods. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, it also inspired a successful TV series and film adaptation.

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 crowd-pleasing, action-packed take on the legendary battle between Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) and Al Capone (Robert De Niro) in 1930s Chicago. With its comic-book style and slick action sequences, the film follows Ness and his team of incorruptible lawmen as they take on Capone. Sean Connery's Oscar-winning performance as a seasoned cop adds depth to this thrilling 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

The Departed, a remake of the Hong Kong thriller Infernal Affairs, is set in Boston and inspired by the real-life crime boss Whitey Bulger. Martin Scorsese weaves a complex tale of two cops (Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon) on opposite sides of the law, each trying to uncover the other's identity. With Jack Nicholson's chilling portrayal of Bulger and a strong supporting cast, the film delivers a gripping, multi-layered story.

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

Viggo Mortensen stars in David Cronenberg's Eastern Promises, a tale of a Russian mob enforcer in London navigating the treacherous dynamics between his boss, the boss's volatile son, and a midwife seeking to protect a baby. Known for its intense and memorable bathhouse fight scene, the film showcases Cronenberg's ability to blend crime and psychological drama.

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.

The Godfather is often considered the pinnacle of mafia cinema, revolutionizing the genre. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel, the film follows the Corleone family under Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) and his son Michael's (Al Pacino) transformation from outsider to ruthless leader. With its stellar cast and groundbreaking storytelling, The Godfather remains a cinematic landmark.

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 not just a sequel but also a prequel, exploring both Michael Corleone's (Al Pacino) reign as Don and his father Vito's (Robert De Niro) rise from Sicily to New York. This ambitious film delves into the complexities of family and power, earning its place alongside its predecessor as a masterpiece of the genre.

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, based on a graphic novel, combines unlikely elements into a unique mobster narrative. Tom Hanks plays Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer on a revenge odyssey with his son after their family is murdered. Directed by Sam Mendes, the film blends beauty and brutality, unfolding like a vivid comic book.

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, draws inspiration from Al Capone's rise in Chicago. Starring Paul Muni as Tony Camonte, the film navigates the gangster's ascent through the mob ranks and his tumultuous love life. Its stylish visuals and intense violence have cemented its place in cinematic history, even earning praise from Capone himself.

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, Martin Scorsese's epic Netflix film, reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci to tell the story of a truck driver turned hitman for the mob, and his involvement with Teamster Jimmy Hoffa. Exploring themes of regret and the unglamorous side of mafia life, the film offers a poignant look at the consequences of a life in crime.

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 focuses on the criminal career of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, portrayed by Denzel Washington, and the efforts of Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) to bring him down. With its intelligent storytelling and powerful performances, the film offers a compelling look at the intersection of crime and law enforcement.