Top 15 Mafia Movies Ever Ranked

Movies have long captivated audiences with tales 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 since before the advent of cinema, and as soon as moving pictures emerged, crime became one of the earliest and most compelling genres. For those eager to dive into a world ruled by cunning individuals who operate by their own codes, here is our curated list of the best mafia movies of all time.

Organized crime, largely a 20th-century phenomenon, has been a rich subject for filmmakers. As mob syndicates grew across the country, movies closely followed, exploring the complexities and allure of the underworld. Legendary directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese became synonymous with the genre, crafting unforgettable narratives, while other esteemed filmmakers also ventured into the mafia world, producing remarkable films.

Below, you'll discover a mix of films featuring real-life mobsters and the law enforcement officers pursuing them, as well as captivating works of fiction. Here are our selections of the 15 best mafia movies ever made, 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

We start with Martin Scorsese's masterpiece, Goodfellas, which for over three decades has been hailed as one of the best mob movies ever made. With standout performances from Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and the Oscar-winning Joe Pesci, the film chronicles the rise and fall of Henry Hill, a mob associate, over several decades. Based on Hill's biography, Wise Guy, by Nicholas Pileggi, Goodfellas showcases the pinnacle of talent from everyone involved, leveraging Scorsese and De Niro's iconic status to elevate Liotta and Pesci into the pantheon of "made men."

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

Another true story from the mafia world, Donnie Brasco is directed by Mike Newell and immerses viewers in the life of an FBI agent deep undercover within the Bonanno crime family. Johnny Depp stars as Agent Pistone, alias "Donnie Brasco," while Al Pacino delivers a nuanced performance as Lefty, a seasoned enforcer who unwittingly introduces Pistone to the mob. Adapted from Pistone's autobiography, Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia, the film offers a compelling and unique perspective on the mob genre.

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 our list, A Most Violent Year stars Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain in a gripping tale set during 1981, one of New York City's most crime-ridden years. Isaac plays Abel Morales, a trucking company owner navigating the corrupt and chaotic environment while striving to remain ethical. This thought-provoking thriller, also featuring David Oyelowo and Alessandro Nivola, captures the essence of a turbulent 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

The same year as Goodfellas, the Coen brothers delivered Miller's Crossing, a stylized take on organized crime set during Prohibition. The film follows Tom, an Irish mob lieutenant played by Gabriel Byrne, as he navigates a mafia war. With its sharp dialogue, striking visuals, and strong performances, Miller's Crossing not only established Byrne in the American film scene but also launched the career of John Turturro.

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 gem, Casino reunites Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, this time portraying characters loosely based on real-life figures Lefty Rosenthal and Tony Spilotro. Set in Las Vegas, the film explores the complex dynamics between casino owner Ace and enforcer Nicky, as their partnership devolves into rivalry. Sharon Stone's riveting performance as a former dancer who drives a wedge between them earned her an Oscar nomination. Though often compared to Goodfellas, Casino stands on its own as a powerful epic.

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 takes us beyond American cinema to Brazil, offering a raw and intense look at the rise of organized crime in the Cidade De Deus suburb of Rio de Janeiro from the 1960s to the 1980s. Based on true events, the film's authenticity is enhanced by 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 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 transports us to 1930s Chicago, where Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) leads a crusade against Al Capone (Robert De Niro). This action-packed film, with its comic-book flair, showcases Ness assembling his team of incorruptible lawmen to take down the notorious gangster. Sean Connery's portrayal of a seasoned cop joining the fight earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

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, a remake of the Hong Kong thriller Infernal Affairs, is set in Boston and revolves around two moles: one in the police force (Matt Damon) and one in the mob (Leonardo DiCaprio). As each tries to uncover the other, crime boss Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson) stays one step ahead. This ensemble film, also featuring Vera Farmiga and Mark Wahlberg, is a gripping tale of deception and loyalty.

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, portraying a Russian mob enforcer in London caught between his boss, his boss's volatile son, and a midwife trying to protect a baby. This film, also featuring Naomi Watts and Vincent Cassel, is known for its intense and memorable bathhouse fight scene, solidifying its place in the crime 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 considered the pinnacle of mafia movies, Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather revolutionized the genre. 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 reluctant outsider to ruthless mob boss. With a stellar cast including James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton, The Godfather set a new standard for storytelling and filmmaking.

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.

Following the success of The Godfather, its sequel, The Godfather Part 2, not only continued the story of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as he navigates threats and betrayals but also explored the origins of his father, Vito (Robert De Niro), from his childhood in Sicily to his rise in New York. This dual narrative, also featuring Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, and Talia Shire, is often debated as the best of the trilogy.

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 mob genre with elements of a father-son road trip. Tom Hanks plays Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer, who goes on the run with his son after a tragic betrayal. Directed by Sam Mendes, the film features standout performances from Paul Newman and Jude Law, delivering a visually stunning and emotionally charged narrative.

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 and inspired by Al Capone's rise, is a seminal film in the gangster genre. Paul Muni stars as Tony Camonte, a ruthless gangster navigating the Chicago underworld. Despite battles with censors, Scarface remains a gripping and influential portrayal of mob life, blending historical context with genre excellence.

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 original, reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for an epic tale of regret and the cost of mafia life. The film follows Frank Sheeran (De Niro), a truck driver turned hitman, and his involvement with mobster Russell Bufalino (Pesci) and union leader Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). The Irishman offers a somber reflection on the consequences of a life in organized crime, showcasing the loneliness and regret that often follow.

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 delves into the life of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), who uses the Vietnam War to smuggle heroin into the U.S. Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) leads the effort to bring him down. With powerful performances and a compelling narrative, American Gangster is a gripping exploration of crime and justice, also featuring Josh Brolin and Chiwetel Ejiofor.