The 15 Best Mafia Movies of All Time
Movies have long romanticized the world of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, fueling our fascination with those who live outside the law. Crime stories have been a staple of storytelling long before cinema existed, and as soon as films emerged, they became one of the first popular genres. For fans eager to dive into a world ruled by tough characters who make their own rules, we present our list of the top mafia movies of all time.
Organized crime, a hallmark of the 20th century, naturally became a focal point for filmmakers. As mob syndicates grew across the country, movies followed suit, exploring the intricate world of the mafia. Directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese became synonymous with the genre due to their masterful storytelling, while other notable filmmakers also ventured into mafia narratives, delivering exceptional results.
Our curated list below encompasses both historical accounts of mobsters and the law enforcement officers pursuing them, as well as fictional tales designed to captivate and entertain. 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)
We kick off our list with Martin Scorsese's iconic Goodfellas, hailed for over three decades as one of the greatest mob movies ever made. Starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, this film provides a gritty, blood-soaked chronicle of Henry Hill's (Liotta) rise and fall within the mob. 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 film world.
Donnie Brasco (1997)
Donnie Brasco, directed by British filmmaker Mike Newell, immerses viewers in the turbulent life of an FBI agent going deep undercover within the Bonanno crime family. Johnny Depp plays Agent Pistone, alias "Donnie Brasco," while Al Pacino delivers a nuanced performance as Lefty, a seasoned but aging enforcer who unknowingly brings Pistone into the fold. Based on Pistone's own autobiography, this film offers a cool, compelling take on the mob world that stands out from the typical mafia narrative.
A Most Violent Year (2014)
A Most Violent Year, a more contemporary entry in the mafia genre, stars Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain. This film follows Abel Morales (Isaac), a trucking company owner navigating the corrupt and chaotic landscape of New York City during its most violent year, 1981. Struggling to maintain his integrity in an unethical environment, Abel's journey is both a thrilling and thought-provoking exploration of morality amidst corruption. The film also features strong performances from David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks.
Miller's Crossing (1990)
In the same year as Goodfellas, the Coen brothers offered a unique take on organized crime with Miller's Crossing. This film transports viewers to the Prohibition era, delivering a stylized, film noir-inspired depiction of the Irish mob. Gabriel Byrne stars as Tom, a conflicted lieutenant caught between rival factions. The film's sharp dialogue, distinctive style, and compelling performances not only made Byrne a household name but also launched the career of John Turturro, who later starred in the Coens' next film, Barton Fink. Albert Finney, Marcia Gay Harden, and Steve Buscemi also shine in this classic.
Casino (1995)
Another Scorsese masterpiece, Casino, reunites Goodfellas stars Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in a tale inspired by Nicholas Pileggi's book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas. Here, De Niro plays Ace, a character based on casino owner Lefty Rosenthal, and Pesci portrays Nicky, inspired by enforcer Tony Spilotro. This epic narrative tracks their journey from partnership to rivalry, with Sharon Stone delivering an Oscar-nominated performance as the dancer who drives them apart. While it followed Goodfellas, Casino holds its own as a powerful exploration of mob dynamics in Las Vegas.
City of God (2002)
City of God offers a compelling departure from American cinema, presenting a Brazilian crime drama that spans decades and showcases the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade De Deus suburb. Loosely based on real events, this film provides a raw and authentic portrayal of the era's violence, thanks to 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 TV series, City of Men, and a subsequent film adaptation.
The Untouchables (1987)
Brian De Palma's The Untouchables transports audiences to 1930s Chicago, where crime-fighter Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) wages a fierce battle against notorious gangster Al Capone (Robert De Niro). This film blends action with a comic book flair, chronicling Ness's formation of the "untouchables," a team of incorruptible lawmen determined to bring down Capone. Sean Connery's portrayal of a seasoned police officer joining the fight earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, adding depth to this dynamic narrative.
The Departed (2006)
A remake of the 2002 Hong Kong thriller Infernal Affairs, Martin Scorsese's The Departed is set in Boston and draws inspiration from real-life crime boss Whitey Bulger. The film follows two cops from different sides of the city: one rising in the police force as a mole for Bulger (Matt Damon), and the other infiltrating Bulger's ranks (Leonardo DiCaprio). With Jack Nicholson playing Bulger, this film weaves a complex, thrilling narrative filled with tension, humor, and heart. The ensemble cast also includes Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, and Ray Winstone.
Eastern Promises (2007)
In the 2000s, Viggo Mortensen not only played Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings but also became a muse for director David Cronenberg in two consecutive crime films: A History of Violence and Eastern Promises. The latter, set in London, features Mortensen as a Russian mob enforcer navigating the treacherous dynamics between his boss (Armin Mueller-Stahl), his boss's volatile son (Vincent Cassel), and a midwife (Naomi Watts) determined to protect a baby. Eastern Promises is notable for its gripping, brutal bathhouse knife fight scene.
The Godfather (1972)
Regarded by many as the pinnacle of mob cinema, Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather revolutionized the genre. Based on Mario Puzo's novel, this film broke box office records and became the highest-grossing movie of 1972. Starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton, The Godfather chronicles the Corleone family's saga under patriarch Vito Corleone (Brando) and his son Michael's (Pacino) transformation from outsider to ruthless leader.
The Godfather Part 2 (1974)
Competing with its predecessor for the title of best mob movie, The Godfather Part 2 continues the Corleone family's story while also serving as a prequel. Al Pacino returns as Michael Corleone, now the head of the family, navigating betrayal and threats. Simultaneously, the film traces Vito Corleone's (Robert De Niro) journey from his Sicilian roots to establishing the family's criminal empire in New York. This sequel, also starring Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, and John Cazale, is a masterful blend of past and present.
Road to Perdition (2002)
Road to Perdition, based on the graphic novel by Max Allan Collins and Richard Piers Rayner, is a unique entry in the mob genre. Directed by Sam Mendes, this film stars Tom Hanks as Irish mob enforcer Michael Sullivan, who goes on the run with his son (Tyler Hoechlin) after a rival's betrayal results in the murder of their family. Featuring standout performances from Paul Newman and Jude Law, Road to Perdition is a visually stunning and emotionally charged journey of revenge and redemption.
Scarface (1932)
While the 1983 remake starring Al Pacino is well-known, the original Scarface directed by Howard Hawks is a seminal work in early cinema, inspired by Al Capone's rise in Chicago. The film, which battled censors to reach the screen, stars Paul Muni as Tony Camonte, a gangster ascending the ranks of the Chicago mob. With its stylish visuals and intense violence, Scarface remains a landmark in the genre, blending historical significance with cinematic excellence.
The Irishman (2019)
Martin Scorsese's The Irishman, produced by Netflix, is a monumental achievement in the genre, often compared to Unforgiven for its exploration of regret, exile, and loneliness. The film reunites genre icons Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci in a story about a truck driver (De Niro) turned hitman for the mob (Pesci) and their involvement with Teamster leader Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). Based on Charles Brandt's book I Heard You Paint Houses, The Irishman delves into the unglamorous realities of mafia life, showcasing the characters' eventual isolation and decline.
American Gangster (2007)
Ridley Scott's American Gangster explores the criminal empire of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), who uses the Vietnam War to smuggle heroin into the U.S. Newark Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) leads the effort to bring him down. With powerful performances from its leads, the film is a gripping, intelligent portrayal of crime and law enforcement. The cast also includes 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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