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 beyond the law. Crime stories have been a cornerstone of storytelling long before the advent of cinema, and as soon as films were created, crime genres quickly emerged as a staple. For those eager to dive into a world where individuals craft their own codes and rules, here's a curated list of the top mafia movies of all time.

Organized crime, largely a phenomenon of the 20th century, naturally became a popular subject in film, mirroring the expansion of mob syndicates across the country. Iconic filmmakers such as Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese have become synonymous with the genre due to their masterful storytelling, while other renowned directors have also ventured into mafia narratives, producing remarkable films.

Below, you'll discover a range of films, from those inspired by real-life mobsters and the law enforcement chasing them to entirely fictional creations meant to entertain and amaze. Here are our selections for the 15 best mafia movies ever, listed without a specific ranking.

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 kick off this list with Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas, which has been a top contender for the best mob movie for over three decades. This film follows the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) across several decades, featuring powerhouse performances by Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and the Oscar-winning Joe Pesci. 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 spotlight.

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 mafia tale, directed by British filmmaker Mike Newell. This film delves into the life of FBI agent Joe Pistone (Johnny Depp), who goes undercover as "Donnie Brasco" within the Bonanno crime family. Al Pacino plays Lefty, a seasoned yet declining enforcer who unwittingly introduces Pistone into the mafia world. Based on Pistone's own autobiography, Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia, the movie provides a cool, compelling narrative distinct 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 recent addition to the genre, often considered an underappreciated gem. Starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain, the film follows Abel Morales (Isaac), a trucking company owner navigating the corrupt and chaotic landscape of New York City in 1981, its most violent year. Abel strives to maintain his integrity in a cutthroat business, making A Most Violent Year a thought-provoking thriller and a vivid snapshot of a tumultuous time.

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, the film blends film noir aesthetics with a story about the Irish mob, centered on Tom (Gabriel Byrne), a lieutenant caught between rival factions. The film's stylized dialogue and performances helped launch Gabriel Byrne's career in the U.S. and kickstarted the rise of John Turturro, who would star in the Coens' next 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 classic, Casino, reunites Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, this time based on Nicholas Pileggi's book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas. De Niro plays Ace, inspired by real-life casino owner Lefty Rosenthal, while Pesci's character, Nicky, mirrors enforcer Tony Spilotro. Casino is an epic tale of their journey from partnership to rivalry, with Sharon Stone's performance as a former dancer earning her an Oscar nomination. Despite comparisons to Goodfellas, Casino stands firmly on its own as a compelling mob saga.

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 outside of American cinema with its gripping Brazilian crime drama. This film spans decades, tracing the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade de Deus from the 1960s to the 1980s. Based loosely on real events, it features a cast primarily made up of non-professional actors from Rio's low-income neighborhoods, adding a raw authenticity to the portrayal of violence and struggle. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, City of God also inspired a related TV series and film.

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 brings us to 1930s Chicago, where Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) wages a fierce battle against Al Capone (Robert De Niro). This action-packed film, with its comic-book-like style, showcases Ness assembling a team of incorruptible lawmen to bring down Capone. Sean Connery's portrayal of a seasoned cop joining the fight earned him a Best Supporting Actor Oscar, adding to the film's allure.

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, was adapted by Martin Scorsese to reflect the story of Boston crime boss Whitey Bulger. The film follows two cops from opposite sides: one (Matt Damon) rising in the police force as a mole for Bulger, and the other (Leonardo DiCaprio) infiltrating Bulger's organization. Jack Nicholson's portrayal of Bulger adds depth to this intricate and thrilling narrative, which also stars Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, and others.

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

Eastern Promises showcases the collaboration between Viggo Mortensen and director David Cronenberg, following their previous work on A History of Violence. Here, Mortensen plays a Russian mob enforcer in London navigating the treacherous dynamics between his boss, the boss's volatile son, and a midwife protecting a baby. The film's highlight includes a notorious bathhouse fight scene, adding to its gritty appeal.

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.

Considered by many as the pinnacle of mob movies, The Godfather revolutionized the genre. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel, the film follows the Corleone family under patriarch Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) and the transformation of his son Michael (Al Pacino) into a ruthless mob leader. With a stellar cast including James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton, The Godfather broke box office records and remains a cinematic masterpiece.

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 best mob movie, The Godfather Part 2 expands on the Corleone saga. It follows Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as he consolidates power while also exploring Vito Corleone's (Robert De Niro) early life and rise in America. This dual narrative enriches the family's story, making The Godfather Part 2 a profound and influential sequel.

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, brings together Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, and Jude Law under the direction of Sam Mendes. Set in 1931, the film follows Irish mob enforcer Michael Sullivan (Hanks) and his son as they flee after a family tragedy. This poignant story of revenge and redemption is both visually stunning and emotionally gripping, showcasing the talents of its cast in unexpected roles.

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, draws inspiration from Al Capone's rise in Chicago. This pre-Hays Code film features Paul Muni as Tony Camonte, a gangster ascending the ranks and falling for his boss's mistress. Its stylish visuals and intense violence have made Scarface a timeless classic, blending historical significance 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 production, reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for an epic tale based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses. The film follows truck driver Frank Sheeran (De Niro) as he becomes a hitman for mobster Russell Bufalino (Pesci) and gets entangled with Teamster Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). The Irishman explores the darker, less glamorous side of mafia life, focusing on themes of regret and isolation.

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.

Directed by Ridley Scott, American Gangster stars Denzel Washington as Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas and Russell Crowe as Detective Richie Roberts, who leads the effort to bring him down. The film's intelligent storytelling and the dynamic performances of its leads make it a compelling entry into the crime genre, also featuring a strong supporting cast including Josh Brolin and Chiwetel Ejiofor.