Top 15 Mafia Films Ever Made
Author: Violet
Apr 27,2025
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 captivating audiences since before the dawn of cinema, and as soon as moving pictures became a reality, they quickly became a staple genre. For those eager to delve into a thrilling world where tough characters forge their own paths and adhere to a personal code, we've curated a list of the top mafia movies of all time.
Organized crime, largely a 20th-century phenomenon, naturally became a popular subject for films, evolving alongside the rise of mob syndicates across the nation. Legendary filmmakers such as Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese became synonymous with the genre due to their masterful storytelling, while other acclaimed directors also ventured into the world of mafia cinema, delivering remarkable results.
Our list below encompasses everything from historical accounts of mobsters and the law enforcement officials hot on their trail to imaginative works of fiction designed to entertain and inspire. 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)
Martin Scorsese's masterpiece, Goodfellas, kicks off our list as a perennial favorite among mafia movies, often considered the top non-Godfather film in the genre. Spanning decades, this blood-soaked epic follows the rise and fall of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a mob associate. Anchored by powerhouse performances from Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci (who took home an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor), Goodfellas is a tour de force. Adapted from Nicholas Pileggi's biography Wise Guy, the film showcases some of the finest work from its entire cast and crew, leveraging Scorsese and De Niro's iconic status to cement Liotta and Pesci as legends in their own right.
Donnie Brasco (1997)
Donnie Brasco offers another gripping true story, this time directed by the talented Mike Newell (known for Four Weddings and a Funeral and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire). Johnny Depp stars as FBI agent Joe Pistone, who goes deep undercover within the Bonanno crime family under the alias "Donnie Brasco." 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 stands out with its cool, compelling narrative and a unique perspective that sets it apart from typical mob movies.
A Most Violent Year (2014)
A Most Violent Year is a modern gem that might have flown under the radar but deserves recognition. Starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain, the film follows Abel Morales (Isaac), a trucking company owner navigating the corrupt and chaotic landscape of 1981 New York City, its most crime-ridden year. Abel strives to maintain his integrity in an immoral business environment. With a stellar supporting cast including David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks, this thought-provoking thriller offers a vivid snapshot of a turbulent time.
Miller's Crossing (1990)
The same year Goodfellas was released, the Coen brothers offered their unique take on organized crime with Miller's Crossing. Set during the Prohibition era, this film noir-inspired tale follows Tom (Gabriel Byrne), an Irish mob lieutenant caught between rival factions. With its stylized dialogue and sequences, Miller's Crossing not only elevated Byrne's career but also launched John Turturro into the spotlight. The film also stars Albert Finney, Marcia Gay Harden, and Steve Buscemi, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Casino (1995)
Another Scorsese classic graces our list with Casino, reuniting Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci from Goodfellas. Based on Nicholas Pileggi's non-fiction book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas, the film loosely portrays real-life figures, with De Niro playing Ace, inspired by casino owner Lefty Rosenthal, and Pesci as Nicky, based on enforcer Tony Spilotro. An epic tale of partnership turning into rivalry, Casino showcases peak performances from its leads. Sharon Stone's portrayal of a former dancer who drives a wedge between them earned her an Oscar nomination. Though initially compared to Goodfellas, Casino has since established itself as a formidable standalone masterpiece.
City of God (2002)
Venturing beyond 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 neighborhood from the 1960s to the 1980s. Loosely based on real events, the film provides a raw and authentic portrayal, largely due to its cast of non-professional actors from local low-income communities. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, City of God not only shocked audiences but also inspired a spin-off TV series, City of Men, and its subsequent film adaptation.
The Untouchables (1987)
Brian De Palma's The Untouchables is a crowd-pleaser with a comic book flair, set in 1930s Chicago. It follows Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) in his crusade against notorious gangster Al Capone (Robert De Niro). The film's slick, action-packed narrative sees Ness assembling a team of incorruptible lawmen to challenge Capone's seemingly invincible empire. Sean Connery's portrayal of a seasoned cop joining the fight earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, adding depth and intensity to this thrilling saga.
The Departed (2006)
A remake of the 2002 Hong Kong thriller Infernal Affairs, Martin Scorsese's The Departed is set against the backdrop of Boston's criminal underworld, loosely inspired by real-life crime boss Whitey Bulger. The film intricately weaves the stories of two cops: one (Matt Damon) rising in the ranks while secretly working for Bulger, and the other (Leonardo DiCaprio) infiltrating Bulger's gang. As both try to uncover each other's identities, Bulger (Jack Nicholson) remains one step ahead. With a stellar ensemble cast including Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, and Ray Winstone, The Departed is a gripping, humorous, and heartfelt thriller.
Eastern Promises (2007)
During the 2000s, Viggo Mortensen not only captivated audiences as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings but also collaborated with director David Cronenberg on two consecutive crime films: A History of Violence and Eastern Promises. While both could have made this list, we've chosen Eastern Promises for its standout elements. Mortensen plays a Russian mob enforcer in London, navigating the dangerous dynamics between his boss (Armin Mueller-Stahl), his volatile son (Vincent Cassel), and a determined midwife (Naomi Watts) trying to protect a baby. The film's intense and iconic bathhouse fight scene is unforgettable.
The Godfather (1972)
Often hailed as the greatest mafia movie ever made, Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather revolutionized the genre. Based on Mario Puzo's novel, the film shattered box office records and became the top-grossing film of 1972. With an iconic cast including Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton, The Godfather chronicles the Corleone family's saga under patriarch Vito Corleone (Brando) and the chilling transformation of his youngest son, Michael (Pacino), from a reluctant outsider to a ruthless mob boss.
The Godfather Part 2 (1974)
Not to be outdone by its predecessor, The Godfather Part 2 is often considered equally, if not more, masterful. This sequel, which also serves as a prequel, follows Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as he navigates treachery within his family while parallel narratives trace his father Vito's (Robert De Niro) journey from a traumatic childhood in Sicily to establishing 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 power of the Godfather saga.
Road to Perdition (2002)
Road to Perdition is a unique blend of elements, based on a graphic novel by Max Allan Collins and Richard Piers Rayner. Directed by Sam Mendes, the film stars Tom Hanks as Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer, who goes on the run with his son (Tyler Hoechlin) after their family is targeted by their boss's jealous son (Daniel Craig). This poignant father-son road trip is both a revenge tale and a visually stunning narrative that unfolds like a comic book, featuring compelling performances from Paul Newman and Jude Law.
Scarface (1932)
While Brian De Palma's 1983 remake with Al Pacino is widely known, the original Scarface directed by Howard Hawks offers a fascinating look at early cinema. Inspired by Al Capone's rise in Chicago, the film follows Tony Camonte (Paul Muni) as he climbs the mob ranks and falls in love with his boss's mistress. Despite battling censors, Scarface stands as a landmark in mob cinema, blending historical significance with gripping storytelling and stylish visuals.
The Irishman (2019)
Martin Scorsese's The Irishman, a Netflix production, is a monumental achievement, often likened to Unforgiven for its themes of regret, exile, and loneliness. Featuring genre legends Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, the film explores the life of a truck driver (De Niro) who becomes a hitman for a mobster (Pesci) and his crime family, including their association with Teamster Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). Based on Charles Brandt's book I Heard You Paint Houses, The Irishman offers a sobering look at the cost of mafia life, showcasing the often-ignored end of mobsters as lonely old men. The cast also includes Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin, Jesse Plemons, and Harvey Keitel.
American Gangster (2007)
Ridley Scott's American Gangster features powerhouse performances from Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. The film follows the criminal ascent of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas (Washington), who uses the Vietnam War to smuggle heroin into the U.S., and the efforts of Newark Detective Richie Roberts (Crowe) to bring him down. With intelligent storytelling and stirring visuals, American Gangster is a gripping spectacle. The cast also includes Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ruby Dee, Ted Levine, and Cuba Gooding Jr.
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.Latest Articles
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