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 when the medium of film emerged, they quickly became one of the first genres to captivate audiences. For those eager to immerse themselves in a world where tough individuals forge their own paths and live by their own codes, we've curated a list of the 15 best mafia movies of all time.
Organized crime, largely a 20th-century phenomenon, naturally became a focal point for filmmakers as it grew alongside the expansion of mob syndicates across the country. Directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese became synonymous with the genre, crafting legendary films that delved deep into the mafia world. Other acclaimed directors also ventured into this territory, often with remarkable results.
Our list includes a mix of films featuring historical mobsters and the law enforcement officers pursuing them, as well as purely fictional narratives designed to entertain and thrill. Here's our selection of the top 15 mafia movies, presented in no particular order.
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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 is a cornerstone of mafia cinema, celebrated as one of the best mob movies for over three decades. This film follows the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill, portrayed by Ray Liotta, across several decades. Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, who won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar, deliver powerhouse performances in this gripping, blood-soaked narrative. Based on Nicholas Pileggi's biography Wise Guy, 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" in the eyes of audiences.
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, played by Johnny Depp, who goes deep undercover within the Bonanno crime family. Known as "Donnie Brasco" in the underworld, Depp's character navigates the dangerous world of organized crime while befriending a seasoned enforcer, Lefty, portrayed by Al Pacino. Based on the autobiography Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia by Joseph D. Pistone, the film provides a cool and compelling look at mafia life, distinct from other films in the genre.
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 fresh take on the genre, focusing on Abel Morales, a trucking company owner played by Oscar Isaac, who strives to maintain his integrity amidst the chaos of 1981 New York City. With Jessica Chastain and David Oyelowo also starring, this film is a thought-provoking thriller that captures the essence of a turbulent time, exploring the moral dilemmas faced by those on the periphery of the mob world.
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 us to the Prohibition era, offering a stylized and noir-inspired take on the Irish mob. Gabriel Byrne plays Tom, a lieutenant caught between warring factions, delivering a performance that helped cement his status in American cinema. With its sharp dialogue and striking sequences, the film also showcases the talents of Albert Finney, Marcia Gay Harden, and Steve Buscemi.
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, who portray characters inspired by real-life figures Lefty Rosenthal and Tony Spilotro. Set in Las Vegas, the film chronicles their journey from partners to adversaries, with Sharon Stone delivering an Oscar-nominated performance as the catalyst for their rift. Casino stands tall on its own merits, despite inevitable comparisons to Goodfellas, showcasing Scorsese's unparalleled ability to depict the mafia world.
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, a Brazilian crime drama, offers a raw and authentic look at 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's power is amplified by its use of non-professional actors from Rio's low-income neighborhoods. This gripping narrative, loosely based on real events, spawned a successful spin-off TV series, City of Men.
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 portrayal of Eliot Ness's (Kevin Costner) battle against Al Capone (Robert De Niro) in 1930s Chicago. With its larger-than-life characters and intense action sequences, the film is a thrilling depiction of the struggle between law enforcement and organized crime. Sean Connery's Oscar-winning performance as a seasoned cop adds depth to this iconic story.
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 thriller Infernal Affairs, delves into the complex dynamics between Boston crime boss Whitey Bulger (Jack Nicholson) and two cops on opposite sides of the law (Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon). This labyrinthine film is filled with tension, humor, and standout performances from an ensemble cast that includes Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, and Ray Winstone.
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 navigating the treacherous waters of London's underworld. Alongside Naomi Watts and Vincent Cassel, Mortensen delivers a riveting performance, culminating in a memorable bathhouse fight scene. This film, along with A History of Violence, showcases Cronenberg's ability to explore the darker aspects of human nature within the crime genre.
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.
Considered by many to be the pinnacle of mafia cinema, The Godfather revolutionized the genre. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel, the film follows the Corleone family's struggles and transformations, with Marlon Brando and Al Pacino delivering iconic performances. Its impact on cinema and popular culture is undeniable, making it a must-watch for any fan of the genre.
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 not only continues the saga of the Corleone family but also delves into the past of Vito Corleone, portrayed by Robert De Niro. This dual narrative, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is a masterful exploration of family, power, and legacy, cementing its place as one of the greatest sequels in cinematic history.
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, tells the story of an Irish mob enforcer, Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks), and his son as they seek revenge and redemption after a tragic betrayal. With its beautiful cinematography and compelling performances, including those by Paul Newman and Jude Law, the film offers a unique and poignant take on the mafia genre.
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
Howard Hawks' Scarface, inspired by the rise of Al Capone, is a landmark film in the gangster genre. Starring Paul Muni as Tony Camonte, the film battles censorship to deliver a gripping portrayal of a gangster's rise and fall. Its stylish visuals and intense violence have ensured its enduring legacy, making it a classic that stands the test of time.
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, a Netflix original, reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for a poignant exploration of the mafia life's unglorified realities. Based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses, the film follows a truck driver turned hitman and his involvement with the Teamsters and Jimmy Hoffa. With its themes of regret and loneliness, The Irishman offers a mature and reflective take on the genre.
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 empire of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, portrayed by Denzel Washington, and the efforts of Newark Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) to bring him down. With its intelligent script and powerful performances, the film offers a compelling look at the complexities of organized crime and law enforcement.
AnswerSee ResultsThese are our selections for the best mafia movies of all time, presented without ranking. Did your favorite make the list? If not, instead of taking drastic measures, share your top picks in the comments section.
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