Top 15 Mafia Movies Ever Ranked

Movies have long captivated audiences with the allure of gunslingers, bank robbers, and mobsters, glorifying those who live beyond the law. The fascination with crime stories dates back even before the advent of film, making it a natural fit for early cinema. For those intrigued by a world where tough individuals forge their own paths and abide by their own codes, we present a curated list of the top mafia movies of all time.

Organized crime, a hallmark of the 20th century, has been a rich subject for filmmakers. As mob syndicates grew across the nation, cinema followed suit, exploring this dark world with fervor. Legendary directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese have become synonymous with the genre, while other acclaimed filmmakers have also delved into mafia narratives, yielding remarkable results.

Our list encompasses a range of films, from those depicting historical mobsters and the law enforcement agents pursuing them to fictional tales crafted to entertain and inspire. Here, we highlight 15 of the best mafia movies ever made, presented 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

We start with Martin Scorsese's iconic Goodfellas, a film that has been hailed as one of the best mob movies ever made (or at least the best outside of The Godfather series). This gritty tale follows the rise and fall of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a mob associate, over several decades. With powerhouse performances from Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, Goodfellas is a masterclass in storytelling. Adapted from Nicholas Pileggi's biography Wise Guy, the film showcases the best of Scorsese's craft and elevates Liotta and Pesci to iconic status.

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 offers a gripping true story, directed by Mike Newell, known for Four Weddings and a Funeral and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The film follows FBI agent Joe Pistone (Johnny Depp), who goes undercover as "Donnie Brasco" within the Bonanno crime family. Al Pacino delivers a compelling performance as Lefty, a seasoned enforcer who unwittingly mentors Pistone. Based on Pistone's autobiography Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia, this film provides a unique and engaging perspective on the mafia world.

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 more contemporary addition to the genre, A Most Violent Year is a hidden gem starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain. The film follows Abel Morales (Isaac), a trucking company owner striving to maintain his integrity amidst the chaos and corruption of 1981 New York City, the most crime-ridden year in the city's history. With a strong supporting cast including David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks, this thriller offers a thought-provoking look at morality in a corrupt environment.

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

The same year that Goodfellas was released, the Coen brothers delivered their unique take on organized crime with Miller's Crossing. Set during the Prohibition era, this film noir-inspired story follows Tom (Gabriel Byrne), a lieutenant caught between rival factions of the Irish mob. With its stylized dialogue and compelling performances, Miller's Crossing not only boosted Byrne's career but also introduced audiences to the talents of John Turturro, who would later star in the Coens' Barton Fink.

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 masterpiece, Casino reunites Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, this time in a story inspired by the real-life figures of Lefty Rosenthal and Tony Spilotro. Adapted from Nicholas Pileggi's book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas, the film chronicles the tumultuous relationship between casino owner Ace (De Niro) and enforcer Nicky (Pesci). Sharon Stone's portrayal of a former dancer who drives a wedge between them earned her an Oscar nomination. Despite comparisons to Goodfellas, Casino stands as a formidable film in its own right.

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

Venturing beyond American cinema, City of God is a powerful Brazilian crime drama that chronicles the rise of organized crime in the Cidade De Deus suburb of Rio de Janeiro from the 1960s to the 1980s. Based on real events, the film uses non-professional actors from low-income neighborhoods to deliver an authentic portrayal of the era's violence. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, City of God also inspired a TV series, City of Men.

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 thrilling, slightly exaggerated take on the battle between Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) and Al Capone (Robert De Niro) in 1930s Chicago. As Ness forms his team of incorruptible "untouchables," the film delivers a dramatic and action-packed narrative. Sean Connery's portrayal of a veteran cop earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, adding to the film's appeal.

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

A remake of the Hong Kong thriller Infernal Affairs, The Departed adapts the story to the backdrop of Boston and the notorious crime boss Whitey Bulger. The film follows two moles: one in the police force (Matt Damon) and one infiltrating Bulger's gang (Leonardo DiCaprio). With a stellar cast including Jack Nicholson, Vera Farmiga, and Mark Wahlberg, The Departed is a tense, engaging crime drama that earned Scorsese an Oscar for Best Director.

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, known for his role as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings, teamed up with director David Cronenberg for Eastern Promises, a gripping crime film set in London. Mortensen plays a Russian mob enforcer caught between his boss (Armin Mueller-Stahl), his boss's volatile son (Vincent Cassel), and a midwife (Naomi Watts) trying to protect a baby. The film is notable for its intense action sequences, including a memorable bathhouse fight.

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.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, The Godfather revolutionized the mafia genre. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel, the film follows the Corleone family, led by patriarch Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), and the transformation of his youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino), from an outsider to a ruthless mob boss. With its iconic performances and groundbreaking storytelling, The Godfather set the standard for mafia films.

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 sequel to The Godfather, The Godfather Part 2 is equally acclaimed, serving as both a continuation and a prequel. The film follows Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as he consolidates his power while flashbacks explore the early life of his father, Vito (Robert De Niro). This dual narrative weaves a compelling story of family, power, and betrayal, cementing the film's place as a masterpiece.

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, blends the elements of a mobster film with a father-son road trip. Tom Hanks stars as Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer who goes on the run with his son (Tyler Hoechlin) after a betrayal leads to the murder of his family. Directed by Sam Mendes, the film features a strong cast including Paul Newman and Jude Law, delivering a visually stunning and emotionally powerful story.

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 the rise of Al Capone. Despite facing censorship challenges, the film tells the story of Tony Camonte (Paul Muni), a gangster who ascends through the ranks of the Chicago mob. With its stylish visuals and intense violence, Scarface remains a significant work in early cinema and the mafia genre.

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

Martin Scorsese's The Irishman is a Netflix original that reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. The film follows Frank Sheeran (De Niro), a truck driver turned hitman, and his involvement with the Bufalino crime family and Teamster leader Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). Based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses, The Irishman offers a poignant look at the cost of a life in organized crime, focusing on themes of regret and isolation.

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 stars Denzel Washington as Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, who uses the Vietnam War to smuggle heroin into the U.S. Russell Crowe plays Detective Richie Roberts, tasked with bringing Lucas down. With its intelligent storytelling and strong performances, the film provides a compelling look at the drug trade and law enforcement's battle against it.