Top 15 Mafia Films: All-Time Classics

Movies have long celebrated the allure of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, tapping into our fascination with those who live outside the law. Crime narratives existed long before cinema, and as soon as films started rolling, crime stories became one of the earliest and most compelling genres. For those eager to delve into a world where tough characters forge their own paths and live by their own rules, we present a curated list of the best mafia movies of all time.

Organized crime, a phenomenon largely of the 20th century, naturally captured the attention of filmmakers. As mob syndicates expanded across the nation, so did cinematic explorations of this underworld. Directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese became synonymous with the genre, crafting legendary works that set the standard. Other renowned filmmakers also ventured into mafia storytelling, producing remarkable results.

Our list below spans from historical accounts of real-life mobsters and the law enforcement chasing them to imaginative tales designed to captivate and entertain. Here are our selections for the top 15 mafia movies, presented without a specific ranking:

The 15 Best Mafia Movies

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Goodfellas (1990)

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 stands as a towering achievement in the mob genre, often cited as the best since The Godfather. This film chronicles the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill (played by Ray Liotta) over decades. With standout performances from Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, Goodfellas offers an unfiltered look at the life of organized crime. Based on Nicholas Pileggi's biography Wise Guy, it showcases the finest work from all involved, cementing Scorsese and De Niro's legendary status while making stars of Liotta and Pesci.

Donnie Brasco (1997)

Director: 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 tale of an FBI agent, Joe Pistone (Johnny Depp), who goes deep undercover within the Bonanno crime family. Known in the underworld as "Donnie Brasco," Pistone navigates the treacherous world of the mob with the help of an aging enforcer, Lefty (Al Pacino), who unwittingly becomes his mentor. This film, adapted from Pistone's autobiography Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia, delivers a cool and compelling narrative that stands out in the genre.

A Most Violent Year (2014)

Director: 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, directed by J. C. Chandor, presents a modern take on the mafia genre. Starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain, the film follows Abel Morales (Isaac), a trucking company owner striving to maintain his integrity amidst the rampant corruption and violence of 1981 New York City. This thought-provoking thriller offers a unique perspective on the struggle to remain moral in an immoral world, featuring a strong supporting cast including David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks.

Miller's Crossing (1990)

Director: 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, released the same year as Goodfellas, offers a distinctive take on organized crime. Set during the Prohibition era, this film noir-inspired movie follows Tom Reagan (Gabriel Byrne), an Irish mob lieutenant caught in the middle of a mafia war. With its stylized dialogue and captivating performances, Miller's Crossing helped launch the careers of Byrne and John Turturro, also featuring notable roles by Albert Finney, Marcia Gay Harden, and Steve Buscemi.

Casino (1995)

Director: 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 exploring the world of Las Vegas casinos. Based on Nicholas Pileggi's book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas, the film follows De Niro's character, Ace, inspired by real-life casino owner Lefty Rosenthal, and Pesci's Nicky, based on enforcer Tony Spilotro. Sharon Stone delivers a compelling performance as the woman who drives a wedge between them, earning an Oscar nomination. Casino stands tall as a powerful follow-up to Goodfellas, showcasing the epic journey from partnership to rivalry.

City of God (2002)

Director: 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 directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, offers a raw and authentic portrayal of organized crime in the Cidade De Deus suburb of Rio de Janeiro. Spanning from the 1960s to the 1980s, this film, loosely based on real events, features a cast of non-professional actors from low-income neighborhoods, adding to its gritty realism. The success of City of God also led to a spin-off TV series, City Of Men, and its subsequent film adaptation.

The Untouchables (1987)

Director: 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 stylized take on the battle between crime-buster Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) and notorious gangster Al Capone (Robert De Niro) in 1930s Chicago. With its dynamic action and memorable performances, particularly Sean Connery's Oscar-winning turn as a veteran cop, this film captures the essence of the era's law enforcement challenges against the backdrop of Capone's seemingly untouchable empire.

The Departed (2006)

Director: 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, is a gripping tale set in Boston. It follows two moles: one within the police force (Matt Damon) and another within the mob (Leonardo DiCaprio), both trying to uncover each other's identities. With a stellar cast including Jack Nicholson, Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, and Ray Winstone, The Departed weaves a complex, thrilling narrative that earned Scorsese his first Best Director Oscar.

Eastern Promises (2007)

Director: 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

David Cronenberg's Eastern Promises stars Viggo Mortensen as a Russian mob enforcer in London, navigating the dangerous dynamics between his boss, his boss's volatile son (Vincent Cassel), and a midwife (Naomi Watts) trying to protect a baby. This film, known for its intense and memorable bathhouse fight scene, showcases Mortensen's versatility and Cronenberg's ability to blend crime with visceral intensity.

The Godfather (1972)

Director: 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.

Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather is often hailed as the pinnacle of mafia cinema. Based on Mario Puzo's novel, the film broke box office records and became the top-grossing movie of 1972. Featuring iconic performances by Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton, The Godfather chronicles the Corleone family's saga, focusing on the transformation of Michael Corleone (Pacino) from a reluctant outsider to a ruthless mafia boss.

The Godfather Part 2 (1974)

Director: 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) struggles as the new Don and the early life of his father, Vito (Robert De Niro), from his Sicilian roots to his rise in New York. This film, also directed by Francis Ford Coppola and co-written with Mario Puzo, delves deep into the complexities of family, power, and betrayal, often considered as masterful as its predecessor.

Road to Perdition (2002)

Director: 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, features Tom Hanks as Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer forced to go on the run with his son after a family tragedy. This film blends elements of revenge and father-son bonding, with standout performances by Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law, and a young Tyler Hoechlin. Road to Perdition is both visually stunning and emotionally gripping, delivering a unique take on the mob genre.

Scarface (1932)

Director: 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, offers a gritty portrayal of the rise and fall of gangster Tony Camonte (Paul Muni), inspired by Al Capone. This pre-Hays Code film battled censors but ultimately delivered a stylish and violent narrative that has stood the test of time. Even Capone himself reportedly enjoyed the film, making it a significant entry in the early days of mafia cinema.

The Irishman (2019)

Director: 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 production, reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for an epic tale of a truck driver turned hitman (De Niro) working for a mobster (Pesci) and involved with Teamster Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). Based on Charles Brandt's book I Heard You Paint Houses, the film explores the darker, more reflective side of mafia life, presenting a sobering look at the consequences of a life in crime.

American Gangster (2007)

Director: 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., and Russell Crowe as the detective determined to bring him down. With strong performances and a compelling narrative, this film offers a detailed look at the drug trade and law enforcement's efforts to combat it, featuring a robust supporting cast including Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Ruby Dee.

What's the best mafia movie of all time? ----------------------------------------

The GodfatherThe DepartedAmerican GangsterThe Godfather Part 2The IrishmanCasinoDonnie BrascoGoodfellasA Most Violent YearEastern PromisesMiller's CrossingCity of GodScarface (1932)The Untouchables (1987)Road to PerditionSomething else (let us know in the comments!)

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.