by Sadie Apr 10,2025
Movies have long captivated audiences with their portrayals of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, tapping into our fascination with those who live beyond the law. The allure of crime stories predates cinema itself, and as soon as films emerged, they quickly became a staple genre. For those eager to delve into a world ruled by steely individuals who forge their own paths and abide by their unique codes, we present a curated list of the best mafia movies of all time.
Organized crime, a hallmark of the 20th century, has been a rich vein for filmmakers to explore. The evolution of mob syndicates across the country has been mirrored in cinema, with legendary directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese becoming synonymous with the genre. Other esteemed filmmakers have also ventured into the world of the mafia, often yielding extraordinary results.
Our list below spans a range of narratives, from historical accounts of real-life mobsters and the law enforcement officers pursuing them to imaginative fictional tales designed to entertain and enthrall. Discover our selection of the 15 best mafia movies ever, presented in no particular order.
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Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas has been hailed as one of the finest mob movies ever made, often rivaling even the iconic Godfather series. This film chronicles the tumultuous journey of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a mob associate whose life unfolds over decades. With powerhouse performances from Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci (who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor), Goodfellas is a gripping portrayal of the mob's allure and its brutal realities, inspired by Nicholas Pileggi's biography Wise Guy.
Donnie Brasco, directed by Mike Newell, offers a compelling narrative based on the true story of FBI agent Joseph Pistone, portrayed by Johnny Depp. Under the alias "Donnie Brasco," Pistone infiltrates the Bonanno crime family, gaining the trust of Lefty Ruggiero, played by Al Pacino. This film provides a nuanced look at the life of an undercover agent, drawing from Pistone's autobiography Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia, and stands out for its unique perspective within the genre.
In A Most Violent Year, Oscar Isaac delivers a captivating performance as Abel Morales, a trucking company owner striving to maintain integrity amidst the chaos of 1981 New York City, a period known for its high crime rates. Directed by J. C. Chandor, the film also stars Jessica Chastain and David Oyelowo, offering a modern take on the mob genre that focuses on the moral dilemmas faced by those on the fringes of organized crime.
The Coen brothers' Miller's Crossing transports viewers to the Prohibition era, delivering a stylized and noir-inspired take on the Irish mob. Gabriel Byrne stars as Tom Reagan, a lieutenant caught in a mafia war, navigating treacherous alliances with flair and wit. With its distinctive dialogue and memorable performances, this film showcases the Coens' unique storytelling prowess.
Martin Scorsese's Casino reunites Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, following up on the success of Goodfellas. Based on Nicholas Pileggi's book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas, the film delves into the lives of casino owner Sam "Ace" Rothstein (De Niro) and mob enforcer Nicky Santoro (Pesci). Sharon Stone's portrayal of Ginger McKenna, a former dancer whose actions drive a wedge between the protagonists, earned her an Oscar nomination. Casino stands tall as a testament to Scorsese's mastery of the genre.
City of God, a Brazilian crime drama directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, spans several decades, chronicling the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade de Deus suburb. Loosely based on real events, the film's authenticity is enhanced by casting residents from low-income neighborhoods. This gripping narrative, which inspired a TV series and a subsequent film, offers a raw and powerful look at the impact of violence on a community.
Brian De Palma's The Untouchables brings the story of Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) to life, as he leads a team of incorruptible agents against the notorious Al Capone (Robert De Niro) in 1930s Chicago. With a blend of action and drama, and a standout performance by Sean Connery, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, the film captures the intensity of the battle between law and crime.
Martin Scorsese's The Departed, a remake of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, follows the parallel lives of two men: a police officer (Leonardo DiCaprio) working undercover within the mob and a mobster (Matt Damon) infiltrating the police. With a stellar cast including Jack Nicholson, the film weaves a complex web of loyalty and betrayal, culminating in a gripping narrative that earned Scorsese an Academy Award for Best Director.
Eastern Promises, directed by David Cronenberg, features Viggo Mortensen as a Russian mob enforcer in London, entangled in a web of family loyalty and violence. Alongside Naomi Watts and Vincent Cassel, the film delivers a tense and visceral experience, highlighted by a memorable bathhouse fight scene. This collaboration between Cronenberg and Mortensen, following A History of Violence, showcases their ability to delve into the darker aspects of crime.
The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is often hailed as the quintessential mafia movie. Based on Mario Puzo's novel, the film follows the Corleone family, led by Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), and the transformation of his son Michael (Al Pacino) into the family's new leader. With its iconic scenes and powerful performances, The Godfather set a new standard for the genre and remains a landmark in cinematic history.
The Godfather Part 2 continues the saga of the Corleone family, juxtaposing Michael Corleone's (Al Pacino) struggle to maintain power with the early life of his father, Vito (Robert De Niro). This sequel/prequel delves deeper into the themes of family, loyalty, and the American Dream, solidifying its place as a masterpiece alongside its predecessor.
Road to Perdition, directed by Sam Mendes, adapts the graphic novel by Max Allan Collins and Richard Piers Rayner into a poignant tale of revenge and redemption. Tom Hanks plays Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer on the run with his son (Tyler Hoechlin) after a betrayal within the family. With stunning visuals and powerful performances, including Paul Newman and Jude Law, the film explores the complexities of family bonds in a criminal world.
Howard Hawks' Scarface, inspired by the life of Al Capone, is a landmark in early cinema. Paul Muni stars as Tony Camonte, a ruthless gangster rising through the ranks of the Chicago mob. Despite battling censors, the film's bold style and gripping narrative have cemented its place in film history, with the 1983 remake by Brian De Palma also becoming iconic.
Martin Scorsese's The Irishman, a Netflix original, reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci in a reflective exploration of the mafia life. Based on Charles Brandt's book I Heard You Paint Houses, the film follows Frank Sheeran (De Niro), a hitman for the Bufalino crime family, and his involvement with Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). The Irishman offers a sobering look at the cost of a life in organized crime, focusing on themes of regret and loneliness.
Ridley Scott's American Gangster showcases the rise of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) and the detective (Russell Crowe) determined to bring him down. With its intelligent storytelling and strong performances, the film offers a compelling look at the intersection of crime and law enforcement, exploring themes of ambition and justice.
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.CD Projekt Confirms Witcher 4's Protagonist Shift
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