Top 15 Mafia Movies Ever Ranked

Movies have long romanticized the lives of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, tapping into our fascination with those who live outside the law. The allure of crime stories dates back before the advent of cinema, and as soon as films became a medium, the genre quickly took root. For those eager to dive into a world where tough individuals craft their own rules and live by a personal code, we present a curated list of the best mafia movies of all time.

Organized crime, largely a 20th-century phenomenon, naturally became a popular subject in films, mirroring the rise of mob syndicates across the nation. Directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese became synonymous with the genre, their works setting the gold standard. Other acclaimed filmmakers also ventured into the world of mafia storytelling, often producing remarkable results.

Below, you'll discover a diverse selection of films, from those depicting historical mobsters and the law enforcement officers pursuing them to captivating fictional tales designed to entertain and thrill. Here are our top picks for 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)

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 made. This film charts the tumultuous journey of mob associate Henry Hill (played by Ray Liotta) through decades of rise and fall within the mafia. With stellar performances by Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, Goodfellas is a gripping portrayal of the allure and dangers of the mob life. Adapted from Nicholas Pileggi's biography Wise Guy, the film showcases the pinnacle of Scorsese's and De Niro's work, cementing the careers of Liotta and Pesci as icons in the genre.

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 tells the true story of FBI agent Joe Pistone, portrayed by Johnny Depp, who goes undercover as "Donnie Brasco" within the Bonanno crime family. Directed by Mike Newell, the film offers a fresh perspective on the mob genre with Al Pacino's nuanced performance as Lefty, a seasoned but fading enforcer who unwittingly mentors Pistone. Based on Pistone's own memoir, Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia, this film provides a compelling and stylish look at the complexities of undercover work and the human connections forged in the world of organized crime.

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 offers a contemporary take on the mob-adjacent narrative, focusing on Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac), a trucking company owner striving to remain ethical in the corrupt environment of 1981 New York City. Directed and written by J. C. Chandor, the film also stars Jessica Chastain and David Oyelowo, delivering a thought-provoking thriller that captures the tension and moral dilemmas of navigating a world steeped in crime.

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 Coen brothers' Miller's Crossing transports viewers to the Prohibition era, offering a stylized and noir-infused exploration of the Irish mob. Gabriel Byrne plays Tom, a lieutenant caught between rival factions, delivering a performance that helped cement his status in American cinema. With its sharp dialogue and distinctive style, this film also launched the career 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 classic, Casino reunites Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in a tale inspired by real-life figures Lefty Rosenthal and Tony Spilotro. Set against the backdrop of Las Vegas, this epic film traces the journey of casino owner Ace (De Niro) and enforcer Nicky (Pesci) from partnership to enmity. Sharon Stone's portrayal of a former dancer who drives a wedge between them earned her an Oscar nomination. While often compared to Goodfellas, Casino stands on its own as a powerful exploration of the mob's reach into the gambling world.

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

City of God ventures beyond American cinema to offer a gritty portrayal of the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade de Deus suburb. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, this Brazilian crime drama uses non-professional actors from local neighborhoods to deliver an authentic and visceral depiction of the era's violence. The film's success also led to a spin-off 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 brings the iconic battle between Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) and Al Capone (Robert De Niro) to life with a blend of action and humor. This film, set in 1930s Chicago, follows Ness and his team of incorruptible lawmen as they take on Capone's criminal empire. Sean Connery's performance as a seasoned cop earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, adding depth to this thrilling narrative.

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

Martin Scorsese's The Departed reimagines the Hong Kong thriller Infernal Affairs in a Boston setting, focusing on the cat-and-mouse game between a mob infiltrator in the police force (Matt Damon) and an undercover cop within the mob (Leonardo DiCaprio). With Jack Nicholson's chilling portrayal of crime boss Frank Costello, the film weaves a complex and thrilling tale of loyalty and betrayal. The ensemble cast, including Vera Farmiga and Mark Wahlberg, adds layers to this gripping narrative.

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

Eastern Promises marks the second collaboration between David Cronenberg and Viggo Mortensen, following A History of Violence. In this film, Mortensen plays a Russian mob enforcer in London navigating the dangerous dynamics between his boss, his boss's volatile son, and a determined midwife. The film's intense action sequences, including a now-iconic bathhouse fight, make it a standout in the genre.

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.

Often hailed as the greatest mob movie of all time, The Godfather revolutionized the genre. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and adapted from Mario Puzo's novel, this film follows the Corleone family, led by patriarch Vito (Marlon Brando), and the transformation of his son Michael (Al Pacino) from outsider to ruthless leader. With a stellar cast including James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton, The Godfather set a new standard for cinematic storytelling.

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 not only continues the story of Michael Corleone but also delves into the past of his father, Vito. This dual narrative, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, explores Michael's struggles as the new Don and Vito's rise from a young immigrant to a powerful mobster. With Robert De Niro's Oscar-winning performance as young Vito, this film is often considered a masterpiece that rivals its predecessor.

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 the mob genre with a poignant father-son story. Directed by Sam Mendes and based on a graphic novel, the film follows Irish mob enforcer Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) and his son as they flee after a betrayal within the family. With stunning visuals and powerful performances from Hanks, Paul Newman, and Jude Law, this film offers a unique and emotionally charged take on the genre.

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, is a landmark film inspired by the rise of Al Capone. Featuring Paul Muni as Tony Camonte, this pre-Hays Code classic navigates the gritty world of Chicago's mob scene with stylish visuals and intense drama. Its historical significance and enduring influence make it a must-watch for fans of the 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 reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for an epic tale based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses. The film follows truck driver Frank Sheeran (De Niro) as he becomes a hitman for the mob and navigates his relationship with union leader Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). With its focus on themes of regret and the cost of a life in crime, The Irishman offers a reflective and somber look at the mob world.

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 chronicles the rise of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) and the efforts of Newark Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) to bring him down. With strong performances and a compelling narrative, this film explores the complexities of crime and law enforcement in the 1970s, making it a standout in the genre.