Top 15 Mafia Movies Ever Ranked

Movies have long captivated audiences with tales of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, feeding into our fascination with those living beyond the law. Crime stories have been a staple of storytelling long before cinema existed, and as soon as films emerged, they quickly became one of the first genres to explore. For those eager to delve into a world where individuals craft their own rules and live by a unique code, we present a curated list of the best mafia movies of all time.

Organized crime, a hallmark of the 20th century, naturally found its way into cinema, mirroring the rise of mob syndicates across the nation. Filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese became synonymous with the genre, delivering iconic portrayals of the mafia, while other acclaimed directors also ventured into this territory with remarkable success.

Below, you'll find a diverse collection that spans real-life mobsters and the law enforcement agents pursuing them, as well as captivating works of fiction designed to entertain and enthrall. Here's our selection of 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 "Goodfellas," widely regarded as one of the best mob movies ever made. Over three decades, it has remained a favorite, offering a raw and riveting look at the life of mob associate Henry Hill, played by Ray Liotta. Alongside Robert De Niro and Oscar-winning Joe Pesci, this film chronicles Hill's rise and fall across decades, inspired by Nicholas Pileggi's biography "Wise Guy." Scorsese and De Niro's iconic collaboration elevates the performances of Liotta and Pesci, making "Goodfellas" a must-watch masterpiece.

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" offers another true tale of the mafia, directed by the acclaimed Mike Newell. The film follows FBI agent Joe Pistone, portrayed by Johnny Depp, who goes undercover as "Donnie Brasco" within the Bonanno crime family. Al Pacino delivers a nuanced performance as Lefty, an aging enforcer who unwittingly brings Pistone into the fold. Based on Pistone's autobiography, "Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia," the film provides a unique and engaging perspective on the mob world.

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 recent entry into the genre, starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain. Set in 1981, the film captures the chaos and corruption of New York City's most crime-ridden year. Isaac plays Abel Morales, a trucking company owner striving to maintain his integrity amidst a criminal landscape. This thought-provoking thriller, also featuring David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks, paints a vivid picture of a man's struggle to remain moral in an immoral world.

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 delivered "Miller's Crossing," a stylish and distinct take on organized crime set during the Prohibition era. The film follows Tom, an Irish mob lieutenant played by Gabriel Byrne, who navigates the dangerous waters of a mafia war. With its sharp dialogue and atmospheric visuals, "Miller's Crossing" not only solidified Byrne's career in the U.S. but also launched the trajectory of John Turturro, who would star in the Coens' subsequent film, "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 gem, "Casino" reunites Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, who portray characters loosely based on real-life figures from Las Vegas. De Niro plays Ace Rothstein, inspired by casino owner Lefty Rosenthal, while Pesci embodies the volatile Nicky Santoro, reminiscent of enforcer Tony Spilotro. The film traces their journey from allies to adversaries, with Sharon Stone's captivating performance as Ginger earning her an Oscar nomination. "Casino" stands tall as a compelling and epic tale, despite inevitable comparisons to "Goodfellas."

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" offers a powerful look at the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade de Deus suburb from the 1960s to the 1980s. This Brazilian crime drama, loosely based on real events, features a largely non-professional cast drawn from the city's low-income neighborhoods, adding authenticity to its gritty portrayal of violence and survival. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, the film inspired a subsequent TV series and film adaptation, "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 Brian De Palma's engaging, action-packed portrayal of Eliot Ness's crusade against Al Capone in 1930s Chicago. Kevin Costner stars as Ness, forming a team of incorruptible lawmen to tackle Capone, played by Robert De Niro. With its dramatic flair and Sean Connery's Oscar-winning performance as a veteran cop, the film offers a thrilling and somewhat theatrical take on the battle between law and crime.

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 thriller "Infernal Affairs," delves into the Boston underworld with Martin Scorsese's signature intensity. The film follows two moles: one within the police force (Matt Damon) and the other within the mob (Leonardo DiCaprio), both trying to uncover each other's identities. Jack Nicholson delivers a chilling performance as the crime boss, while the ensemble cast, including Vera Farmiga and Mark Wahlberg, adds depth to this 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, fresh from his role in "The Lord of the Rings," teamed up with David Cronenberg for "Eastern Promises," a gritty crime drama set in London. Mortensen plays a Russian mob enforcer navigating the complexities of his role, caught between his boss and his boss's volatile son, while trying to protect a midwife and her newborn. The film is renowned for its intense action sequences, including a memorable bathhouse fight, making 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.

"The Godfather" is often hailed as the pinnacle of mafia movies, and for good reason. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel, the film broke box office records and became a cultural phenomenon. Starring Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone and Al Pacino as his son Michael, the film follows the Corleone family's trials and tribulations, culminating in Michael's transformation into a ruthless leader. It remains a landmark in cinema history.

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 saga of the Corleone family but also delves into the past, tracing Vito Corleone's journey from Sicily to America. Al Pacino reprises his role as Michael, now the head of the family, dealing with betrayal and power struggles. Robert De Niro's portrayal of young Vito adds depth to the narrative, making the film a worthy successor to its predecessor and a masterpiece in its own right.

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" combines unlikely elements in a unique mobster story, based on a graphic novel. Tom Hanks plays Michael Sullivan, an enforcer for the Irish mob, who goes on the run with his son after a tragic betrayal. The film, directed by Sam Mendes, explores themes of family, revenge, and redemption, with standout performances from Paul Newman and Jude Law. Its visual style and emotional depth make it a compelling addition to 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

"Scarface," directed by Howard Hawks, is an early classic inspired by Al Capone's rise in Chicago. Paul Muni stars as Tony Camonte, a gangster who ascends the mob ranks and falls in love with his boss's mistress. The film, which battled censors to reach audiences, remains a landmark for its bold storytelling and stylish visuals. While the 1983 remake with Al Pacino is well-known, the original "Scarface" offers a fascinating look at early cinema's take on the mafia.

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

"The Irishman," another Martin Scorsese masterpiece, reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for a poignant exploration of mafia life. Based on Charles Brandt's book "I Heard You Paint Houses," the film follows Frank Sheeran, a truck driver turned hitman, and his involvement with the mob and Jimmy Hoffa. With its themes of regret and loneliness, "The Irishman" offers a mature and reflective take on the genre, showcasing the unglamorous side of 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" stars Denzel Washington as Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, who uses the Vietnam War to smuggle heroin into the U.S. Russell Crowe plays Detective Richie Roberts, tasked with bringing Lucas down. The film offers a gripping and intelligent look at the drug trade and law enforcement, with exceptional performances from its leads and a strong supporting cast, including Josh Brolin and Chiwetel Ejiofor.