Movies have long captivated audiences with the allure of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, tapping into our fascination with those who live beyond the law. The genre of crime stories predates cinema itself, and when films emerged, these narratives became some of the earliest and most popular subjects. For those eager to dive into a world where characters forge their own paths and abide by their own codes, we've curated a 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. As mob syndicates grew across the country, cinema followed suit, with directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese becoming synonymous with the genre due to their masterful storytelling. Other acclaimed directors have also ventured into this territory, delivering exceptional cinematic experiences.
Below, you'll find a diverse selection spanning from historical accounts of real-life mobsters and the law enforcement officers pursuing them to imaginative works of fiction designed to entertain and thrill. 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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Goodfellas (1990)
Kicking off our list is Martin Scorsese's iconic "Goodfellas," a film that has been revered for over three decades as one of the greatest mob movies ever made. This gripping tale follows the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill, portrayed by Ray Liotta, over the course of decades. Based on the biography "Wise Guy" by Nicholas Pileggi, "Goodfellas" showcases some of the finest work from its cast and crew, leveraging the legendary status of Scorsese and De Niro to elevate Liotta and Pesci to "made men" in the cinematic world.
Donnie Brasco (1997)
"Donnie Brasco," directed by Mike Newell, offers a compelling look at the life of an FBI agent, played by Johnny Depp, who goes deep undercover within the Bonanno crime family. As "Donnie Brasco," he navigates the treacherous waters of organized crime with the help of a seasoned enforcer, portrayed by Al Pacino. This film, based on the autobiography "Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia" by Joe Pistone, stands out for its cool and compelling narrative and its distinct departure from typical mob movie tropes.
A Most Violent Year (2014)
A modern entry in the mafia genre, "A Most Violent Year," stars Oscar Isaac as Abel Morales, a trucking company owner striving to maintain his integrity in the corrupt and chaotic environment of 1981 New York City. This film, also featuring Jessica Chastain and David Oyelowo, is a thought-provoking thriller that captures the essence of a tumultuous time, offering a unique perspective on the struggle to remain moral in an immoral world.
Miller's Crossing (1990)
In the same year as "Goodfellas," the Coen brothers delivered "Miller's Crossing," a stylized and noir-inspired exploration of the Irish mob during the Prohibition era. This film follows the journey of Tom, played by Gabriel Byrne, as he navigates the complexities of a mafia war. With its distinctive dialogue, stylish sequences, and powerful performances, "Miller's Crossing" helped establish Byrne as a notable figure in American cinema and launched the career of John Turturro.
Casino (1995)
Another Scorsese masterpiece, "Casino," reunites Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in a tale inspired by real-life figures Lefty Rosenthal and Tony Spilotro. Set in the glittering world of Las Vegas, this epic narrative follows the characters as they transition from partners to adversaries. Sharon Stone's captivating performance as a former dancer who drives a wedge between them earned her an Oscar nomination. "Casino" stands tall as a formidable successor to "Goodfellas," showcasing the evolution of Scorsese's storytelling prowess.
City of God (2002)
Venturing beyond American cinema, "City of God" is a Brazilian crime drama that chronicles the rise of organized crime in the Cidade De Deus suburb of Rio de Janeiro from the 1960s to the 1980s. This raw and visceral film, loosely based on real events, features a cast primarily composed of non-professional actors from Rio's low-income neighborhoods. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, "City of God" not only shocked audiences with its portrayal of violence but also spawned a successful spin-off TV series, "City of Men."
The Untouchables (1987)
"The Untouchables," directed by Brian De Palma and penned by David Mamet, transports viewers to 1930s Chicago, where Eliot Ness, played by Kevin Costner, leads a relentless campaign against the notorious Al Capone, portrayed by Robert De Niro. This film, with its comic-book style and intense action sequences, showcases Ness's formation of the incorruptible "untouchables" to take down Capone. Sean Connery's portrayal of a veteran cop earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
The Departed (2006)
Martin Scorsese's "The Departed," a remake of the Hong Kong thriller "Infernal Affairs," delves into the world of Boston crime boss Whitey Bulger and two cops on opposite sides of the law. Leonardo DiCaprio plays an undercover cop infiltrating Bulger's gang, while Matt Damon portrays a mole within the police force. With Jack Nicholson delivering a chilling performance as Bulger, "The Departed" weaves a complex and thrilling narrative that earned Scorsese an Oscar for Best Director.
Eastern Promises (2007)
Viggo Mortensen stars in David Cronenberg's "Eastern Promises," a gripping tale of a Russian mob enforcer in London caught between his boss, his boss's volatile son, and a midwife determined to protect a baby. This film, which could be paired with Cronenberg's "A History of Violence," stands out for its intense narrative and unforgettable scenes, including a notorious bathhouse fight.
The Godfather (1972)
"The Godfather," directed by Francis Ford Coppola and adapted from Mario Puzo's novel, is often hailed as the quintessential mob movie. Starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and James Caan, this film broke box office records and became the highest-grossing film of 1972. It chronicles the Corleone family's saga under the leadership of Vito Corleone and his son Michael's transformation from reluctant outsider to ruthless mob boss.
The Godfather Part 2 (1974)
"The Godfather Part 2" not only continues the story of the Corleone family but also delves into Vito Corleone's early life. Al Pacino's Michael navigates a treacherous landscape as the new Don, while parallel flashbacks trace Vito's rise from a Sicilian orphan to a mafia kingpin in New York. This film, also directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is often debated as the equal or superior to its predecessor in the eyes of many fans.
Road to Perdition (2002)
"Road to Perdition," directed by Sam Mendes and based on a graphic novel, features Tom Hanks as an Irish mob enforcer seeking revenge after his family's murder. Alongside Paul Newman and Jude Law, this film unfolds as a poignant father-son road trip through the world of organized crime, beautifully blending brutality with the aesthetics of comic book storytelling.
Scarface (1932)
"Scarface," directed by Howard Hawks, is a seminal gangster film inspired by Al Capone's rise in Chicago. This pre-Hays Code classic features Paul Muni as Tony Camonte, a gangster who ascends the mob ranks and falls in love with his boss's mistress. With its stylish visuals and gripping narrative, "Scarface" remains a timeless piece of cinema that even Capone himself reportedly enjoyed.
The Irishman (2019)
Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman," a Netflix original, reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci in a poignant exploration of the mafia life's unglorified end. This epic tale follows a truck driver turned hitman as he works for a mobster and his family, including their ties to the infamous Teamster Jimmy Hoffa. "The Irishman" offers a reflective look at the cost of a life in organized crime, highlighting themes of regret and loneliness.
American Gangster (2007)
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 the determined Newark detective tasked with bringing him down. This film, with its stellar performances and intelligent storytelling, provides a compelling look at the criminal underworld and the law enforcement efforts to dismantle it.
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.
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