Top 15 Mafia Movies Ever Ranked

Movies have long captivated audiences with their portrayals of charismatic outlaws, from gunslingers to bank robbers and wise guys, tapping into our intrigue with those who defy the law. The allure of crime stories dates back to before the advent of cinema, making them a staple genre as soon as films began. For enthusiasts eager to dive into a world where tough individuals forge their own paths and live 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, naturally became a prominent theme in cinema, evolving alongside the expansion of mob syndicates across the nation. Iconic filmmakers such as Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese have become synonymous with the genre due to their masterful storytelling, while other renowned directors have also ventured into mafia narratives, delivering exceptional cinematic experiences.

Our list below encompasses a range of films, from those depicting real-life mobsters and the law enforcement officers pursuing them to purely fictional tales designed to entertain and thrill. Here are our selections for the 15 best mafia movies ever, 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

Kicking off our list is Martin Scorsese's masterpiece, "Goodfellas," which has been hailed as one of the greatest mob movies ever since its release over 30 years ago. This film chronicles the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill, portrayed by Ray Liotta, alongside iconic performances by Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, who won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. Based on the biography "Wise Guy" by Nicholas Pileggi, "Goodfellas" showcases the best of everyone involved, cementing Scorsese and De Niro's legendary status while launching Liotta and Pesci into the spotlight.

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

Next, we have "Donnie Brasco," another film rooted in real events, directed by the acclaimed Mike Newell. Johnny Depp stars as FBI agent Joe Pistone, who goes deep undercover as "Donnie Brasco" within the Bonanno crime family. Al Pacino delivers a captivating performance as Lefty, an aging enforcer who unwittingly mentors Pistone. Based on Pistone's autobiography, "Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia," this film offers a unique and compelling perspective on mob life.

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 more contemporary entry, featuring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain. The film focuses on Abel Morales, a trucking company owner in 1981 New York City, navigating a world rife with corruption and violence. Isaac's character strives to maintain his integrity amidst chaos, making "A Most Violent Year" a gripping and thought-provoking thriller. The film also stars David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks, creating a vivid snapshot of a tumultuous 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

Also released in 1990, the Coen brothers' "Miller's Crossing" offers a stylized, film noir take on organized crime during the Prohibition era. Gabriel Byrne stars as Tom, a conflicted lieutenant navigating a mafia war within the Irish mob. The film's distinctive dialogue, visual flair, and strong performances, particularly from Byrne, helped elevate his profile in the U.S. and set the stage for future collaborations with the Coens. Albert Finney, Marcia Gay Harden, and Steve Buscemi round out the cast.

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 plays Ace, inspired by real-life casino owner Lefty Rosenthal, while Pesci portrays Nicky, based on enforcer Tony Spilotro. The film traces their journey from allies to adversaries, with Sharon Stone's Oscar-nominated performance as a former dancer driving a wedge between them. Despite comparisons to "Goodfellas," "Casino" stands firmly on its own as a compelling and epic portrayal of mob life.

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 Rio de Janeiro's Cidade De Deus suburb from the 1960s to the 1980s. Loosely based on real events, the film uses non-professional actors from local low-income neighborhoods to deliver an authentic and visceral depiction of the era's violence. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, "City of God" inspired a spin-off TV series and film, "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

"The Untouchables" is a crowd-pleasing, action-packed film set in 1930s Chicago, where Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) leads a team of incorruptible lawmen against Al Capone (Robert De Niro). Brian De Palma's direction, combined with David Mamet's script, creates a thrilling narrative with memorable scenes. Sean Connery won an Oscar for his role as a seasoned cop who joins Ness' crusade despite widespread corruption.

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 film "Infernal Affairs," is set in Boston and revolves around a crime boss, Whitey Bulger (Jack Nicholson), and two cops on opposite sides of the law. Leonardo DiCaprio plays an undercover cop infiltrating Bulger's gang, while Matt Damon is a police officer secretly working for Bulger. This complex, thrilling film features a strong ensemble cast, including Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, and Ray Winstone.

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 gripping crime drama set in London's Russian mafia underworld. Mortensen plays a mob enforcer caught between his boss, his boss's volatile son, and a midwife trying to protect a baby. The film is notable for its intense scenes, including a memorable bathhouse fight, and showcases Cronenberg's ability to delve into the darker aspects of human nature.

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.

Considered by many to be the pinnacle of mafia films, "The Godfather" revolutionized the genre upon its release. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel, the film follows the Corleone family under the leadership of Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) and his son Michael's (Al Pacino) transformation from a reluctant outsider to a ruthless mob boss. With a stellar cast including James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton, "The Godfather" remains a landmark in cinema.

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 both a sequel and prequel, continuing Michael Corleone's story while exploring his father Vito's rise from immigrant to mob boss. Al Pacino's portrayal of Michael navigating internal family betrayal is paralleled with Robert De Niro's depiction of young Vito's journey from Sicily to New York. This film, also directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is often cited as a companion piece to the original, further cementing the saga's place in cinematic history.

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" blends elements of a mobster film with a father-son road trip narrative, based on a graphic novel. Tom Hanks plays Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer who, along with his son (Tyler Hoechlin), goes on the run after their family is killed. Directed by Sam Mendes, the film features standout performances from Paul Newman and Jude Law, and its visual storytelling captures the essence of the source material beautifully.

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

"Scarface," directed by Howard Hawks, is a seminal film inspired by Al Capone's rise in Chicago. Starring Paul Muni as Tony Camonte, the movie faced censorship battles but ultimately became a landmark in gangster cinema. Its stylish visuals and intense portrayal of mob life have ensured its enduring legacy, 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

Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman," a Netflix production, reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci in a film that explores the later years of mob life with themes of regret and loneliness. Based on the book "I Heard You Paint Houses" by Charles Brandt, the film follows a truck driver turned hitman and his involvement with the mob and Jimmy Hoffa. "The Irishman" offers a sobering look at the cost of a life in organized 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" tells the story of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) and his battle with Newark Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe). The film, which delves into the complexities of the drug trade and law enforcement, features compelling performances and a gripping narrative. Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ruby Dee, Ted Levine, and Cuba Gooding Jr. also star in this intelligent and stirring spectacle.