Top 15 Mafia Movies 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 long before the advent of cinema, and as soon as moving pictures became a reality, they quickly emerged as one of the most compelling genres. For those drawn to the gritty world of organized crime, where individuals forge their own paths and adhere to their unique codes, we present a curated list of the best mafia movies of all time.

Organized crime, largely a phenomenon of the 20th century, naturally became a popular subject in film, mirroring the rise of mob syndicates across the country. Directors such as Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese have become synonymous with the genre, crafting legendary works that have set the standard for mafia films. Other esteemed filmmakers have also ventured into this territory, often yielding remarkable results.

Our list below encompasses everything from films inspired by real-life mobsters and the law enforcement officers who pursued them, to entirely fictional narratives designed to entertain and enthrall. Here are our selections 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

We begin with Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas, a film that has been hailed as one of the greatest mob movies ever made. Over three decades, it has remained a favorite, often considered the best non-Godfather mob film. Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci, the latter earning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, star in this gripping tale of the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill (Liotta) across several decades. Based on the biography Wise Guy by Nicholas Pileggi, Goodfellas showcases some of the finest work from its cast and crew, leveraging Scorsese and De Niro's iconic status to elevate Liotta and Pesci into the ranks 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

Donnie Brasco is another true story brought to the screen, this time directed by British filmmaker Mike Newell. The film delves into the chaotic life of an FBI agent, Joe Pistone (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 seasoned but fading enforcer who unknowingly brings Pistone into the fold. Based on Pistone's autobiography, Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia, the film offers a cool and engaging narrative that stands out from typical mob films.

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 into the genre and somewhat of a sleeper hit, starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain. The film follows Abel Morales (Isaac), a trucking company owner navigating the corrupt and tumultuous landscape of 1981 New York City, one of the most crime-ridden years in the city's history. Abel strives to maintain his integrity in a morally ambiguous world. This thought-provoking thriller, also featuring David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks, 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

In the same year as Goodfellas, the Coen brothers offered a unique take on organized crime with Miller's Crossing. Set during Prohibition, this film noir-inspired tale follows Tom (Gabriel Byrne), a lieutenant caught between two factions of the Irish mob. The film's stylized dialogue, cinematic sequences, and powerful performances helped elevate Byrne's profile in the U.S. and launched the career of John Turturro. Also starring Albert Finney, Marcia Gay Harden, and Steve Buscemi, Miller's Crossing is a standout in the genre.

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 masterpiece from Martin Scorsese, Casino reunites Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in a film based on Nicholas Pileggi's non-fiction book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas. De Niro's character, Ace, is inspired by real-life casino owner Lefty Rosenthal, while Pesci's Nicky is based on enforcer Tony Spilotro. This epic film traces their journey from partnership to rivalry, with Sharon Stone's performance as a former dancer driving a wedge between them earning her an Oscar nomination. Though often compared to Goodfellas, Casino stands on its own as a compelling and powerful narrative.

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 is a powerful Brazilian crime drama that takes us through decades of organized crime growth in the Cidade de Deus suburb of Rio de Janeiro, from the 1960s to the 1980s. Loosely based on real events, the film's raw and authentic portrayal of violence is enhanced by its cast, many of whom were 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 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

Brian De Palma's The Untouchables transports us to 1930s Chicago, where Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) wages a relentless war against Al Capone (Robert De Niro). This action-packed film, with its slightly comic-book style, showcases Ness assembling his team of incorruptible officers to take down Capone. Sean Connery's portrayal of a seasoned cop who joins the fight despite widespread corruption among his peers 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

A remake of the 2002 Hong Kong thriller Infernal Affairs, Martin Scorsese's The Departed is set in Boston and loosely inspired by real-life crime boss Whitey Bulger. The film follows two cops: one (Matt Damon) rising through the ranks as a mole for Bulger, and the other (Leonardo DiCaprio) infiltrating Bulger's organization. As they both strive to uncover each other's identities, Jack Nicholson's portrayal of Bulger adds depth and intrigue. This ensemble film, also starring Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, and Ray Winstone, is a gripping and humorous take on the genre.

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, known for his role as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings, teamed up with director David Cronenberg for two consecutive crime films, A History of Violence and Eastern Promises. We've selected Eastern Promises for this list, where Mortensen plays a Russian mob enforcer in London navigating the dangerous dynamics between his boss, his boss's volatile son, and a midwife protecting a baby. The film is memorable not only for its intense storytelling but also for its iconic bathhouse knife fight scene.

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 mob movies, Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather revolutionized the genre. Based on Mario Puzo's novel, the film broke box office records and became the biggest 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 chilling transformation of his son Michael (Pacino) into a ruthless mob boss.

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.

Competing with its predecessor for the title of the best mob movie, The Godfather Part 2 continues the story of the Corleone family. It follows Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as he navigates threats to his leadership, while a parallel storyline traces the early life of his father, Vito (Robert De Niro), from his childhood in Sicily to his rise as a mafia kingpin in New York. Also starring Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, and John Cazale, this film is a masterful blend of sequel and prequel.

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, combines unlikely elements into a unique mobster narrative. Directed by Sam Mendes, the film stars Tom Hanks as Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer who, along with his son, goes on the run after their family is killed. This revenge-driven road trip also features Paul Newman, Jude Law, Daniel Craig, and a young Tyler Hoechlin. Road to Perdition is both visually stunning and emotionally compelling, reminiscent of a graphic novel come to life.

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

While Brian De Palma's 1983 remake with Al Pacino is well-known, the original Scarface directed by Howard Hawks is a landmark in early cinema, inspired by Al Capone's rise in Chicago. The film, which battled censors to reach the screen, features Paul Muni as Tony Camonte, a gangster who ascends through the ranks and falls in love with his boss's mistress. Scarface remains a timeless blend of historical significance and 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 genre icons Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for an epic tale of a truck driver turned hitman (De Niro) and his involvement with a mobster (Pesci) and Teamster Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). Based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt, The Irishman offers a sobering look at the unglamorous side of mafia life, focusing on themes of regret and isolation. With a cast that also includes Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin, Jesse Plemons, and Harvey Keitel, the film is a poignant reflection on the cost of a life in 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 features Denzel Washington as Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, who exploits the Vietnam War to smuggle heroin into the U.S. Russell Crowe stars as Newark Detective Richie Roberts, tasked with bringing Lucas down. The film showcases two powerhouse performances, delivering an intelligent and engaging crime saga. Also starring Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ruby Dee, Ted Levine, and Cuba Gooding Jr., American Gangster is a stirring portrayal of the criminal underworld.