Top 15 Mafia Movies Ever Made
Author: Bella
Apr 26,2025
Movies have long romanticized the allure of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, tapping into our fascination with those who live outside the law. Crime stories have been around since before the dawn of cinema, and they were among the earliest genres to captivate audiences on the silver screen. For those eager to immerse themselves in a world governed by steel-willed individuals who make their own rules and follow their own code, we present our curated list of the best mafia movies of all time.
Organized crime emerged as a prominent force in the 20th century, and it's no surprise that filmmakers quickly seized on this theme, paralleling the rise of mob syndicates across the country. Visionaries like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese became synonymous with the genre, crafting legendary works, while other acclaimed directors ventured into mafia narratives, yielding remarkable results.
Our list encompasses a diverse range of films, from those based on real-life mobsters and the law enforcement officers on their trail, to purely fictional tales designed to enthrall and entertain. Here are our picks for the 15 best mafia movies ever—no particular order:
The 15 Best Mafia Movies
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Best Spy MoviesBest Thriller MoviesBest Netflix MoviesGoodfellas (1990)
Kicking off our list is Martin Scorsese's iconic "Goodfellas," which has been hailed as the best mob movie of all time for over three decades (or at least the best non-Godfather mob movie). This film stars Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci, who won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role. "Goodfellas" offers a gripping, blood-soaked portrayal of the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill (Liotta) over the years. Adapted from Nicholas Pileggi's biography "Wise Guy," the film showcases some of the finest work from everyone involved, leveraging Scorsese and De Niro's established status to elevate Liotta and Pesci to iconic heights.
Donnie Brasco (1997)
Next up is "Donnie Brasco," a true mafia story directed by Mike Newell. This film delves into the chaotic life of an FBI agent, portrayed by Johnny Depp, who goes deep undercover within the Bonanno crime family under the alias "Donnie Brasco." Al Pacino delivers a compelling performance as Lefty, a low-level enforcer who unwittingly introduces Pistone into the mob. Based on Pistone's autobiography, "Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia," the movie offers a cool and engaging perspective, distinct from many other mob films.
A Most Violent Year (2014)
A more contemporary entry, "A Most Violent Year" is a sleeper hit starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain. Like "Donnie Brasco," it features a protagonist who is mob-adjacent. Isaac plays Abel Morales, a trucking company owner navigating the corrupt environment of 1981 New York City, the most violent year in its history. Abel strives to maintain his integrity in a morally compromised world. This thought-provoking thriller, also starring David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks, serves as a compelling time capsule of an era rife with turmoil.
Miller's Crossing (1990)
In the same year as "Goodfellas," the Coen brothers delivered "Miller's Crossing," a distinct take on organized crime set during the Prohibition era. This film noir masterpiece follows the Irish mob and its conflicted lieutenant, Tom (Gabriel Byrne), who navigates a mafia war. With its stylized dialogue, striking sequences, and powerful performances, "Miller's Crossing" launched Gabriel Byrne's career in the U.S. and set the stage for the Coens' next film, "Barton Fink." Albert Finney, Marcia Gay Harden, and Steve Buscemi also star.
Casino (1995)
Another Scorsese classic, "Casino" reunites Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, based on Nicholas Pileggi's non-fiction book "Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas." De Niro's character, Ace, is inspired by casino owner Lefty Rosenthal, and Pesci's Nicky by enforcer Tony Spilotro. This epic film chronicles their journey from partners to adversaries, with Sharon Stone's Oscar-nominated performance as a former dancer driving a wedge between them. Following "Goodfellas," "Casino" was inevitably compared to its predecessor but stands firmly on its own merits.
City of God (2002)
Venturing outside American cinema, "City of God" is a Brazilian crime drama that spans decades, chronicling 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, this film offers a raw and authentic look at the violence of the time, with most of the cast being non-professional actors from low-income neighborhoods near Rio. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, "City of God" inspired a spin-off TV series, "City Of Men," and its film adaptation.
The Untouchables (1987)
"The Untouchables," a crowd-pleasing film by Brian De Palma, transports us to 1930s Chicago, where Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) leads a violent campaign against Al Capone (Robert De Niro). This slick, action-packed film follows Ness as he assembles his team of incorruptible lawmen to take down the seemingly invincible Capone. Sean Connery earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as a veteran cop joining the fight despite widespread corruption among his peers.
The Departed (2006)
A remake of the 2002 Hong Kong thriller "Infernal Affairs," Martin Scorsese's "The Departed" is set in Boston and loosely based on the life of crime boss Whitey Bulger. The film follows two cops, one a rising star in the force and a mole for Bulger (Matt Damon), and the other an undercover operative within Bulger's ranks (Leonardo DiCaprio). As they each try to uncover the other's identity, Bulger (Jack Nicholson) remains two steps ahead. This ensemble film is gripping, heartfelt, and humorous, featuring standout performances from Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, and Ray Winstone.
Eastern Promises (2007)
In the 2000s, Viggo Mortensen starred in two consecutive crime films directed by David Cronenberg: "A History of Violence" and "Eastern Promises," both of which could have made this list. We've chosen "Eastern Promises," where Mortensen plays a Russian mob enforcer in London navigating the treacherous dynamics between his boss (Armin Mueller-Stahl), his boss's volatile son (Vincent Cassel), and a midwife (Naomi Watts) trying to protect a baby. This film is notable for its intense bathhouse knife fight scene.
The Godfather (1972)
Considered by many to be the pinnacle of mob movies, "The Godfather" directed by Francis Ford Coppola, revolutionized the genre. Based on Mario Puzo's novel, this film broke box office records and became the highest-grossing film of 1972. Starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton, "The Godfather" chronicles the Corleone family's saga under the leadership of Vito Corleone (Brando) and the transformation of his youngest son, Michael (Pacino), into a ruthless mob boss.
The Godfather Part 2 (1974)
Competing for the title of the best mob movie, "The Godfather Part 2" continues the saga, serving both as a sequel and prequel. It follows Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as the new Don dealing with internal betrayal and a parallel story of his father, Vito (Robert De Niro), tracing his journey from Sicily to founding the Corleone crime syndicate in New York. Also starring Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, and John Cazale, this film is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Corleone family.
Road to Perdition (2002)
"Road to Perdition," based on a graphic novel, combines unlikely elements for a unique mobster tale. Directed by Sam Mendes, this film follows Irish mob enforcer Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) and his son (Tyler Hoechlin) on the run after a family tragedy. With a cast including Paul Newman, Jude Law, and Daniel Craig, "Road to Perdition" is a visually stunning and emotionally charged story of revenge and redemption.
Scarface (1932)
While the 1983 remake with Al Pacino is well-known, the original "Scarface" directed by Howard Hawks, inspired by Al Capone's rise, is a landmark film. Starring Paul Muni as Tony Camonte, this pre-Hays Code film battled censorship to bring its story of a gangster's ascent and romantic entanglements to the screen. With its stylish visuals and gripping violence, "Scarface" remains a significant and enduring work in the mob genre.
The Irishman (2019)
"The Irishman," another masterpiece from Martin Scorsese, is a Netflix original that delves into the themes of regret, exile, and loneliness. Starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, the film follows a truck driver turned hitman (De Niro) and his involvement with the mob and Teamster leader Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). Based on Charles Brandt's book "I Heard You Paint Houses," "The Irishman" offers a sobering look at the true cost of a life in the mafia. Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin, Jesse Plemons, and Harvey Keitel also star.
American Gangster (2007)
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 Detective Richie Roberts, who leads the effort to bring him down. With exceptional performances from its leads, this film is an intelligent and stirring portrayal of crime and justice. Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ruby Dee, Ted Levine, and Cuba Gooding Jr. also star.
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.
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