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 outside the law. Crime stories, predating cinema itself, were among the first genres to be explored on the silver screen. For those eager to dive into a world ruled by the steely resolve of individuals who create and adhere to their own codes, here's a curated list of the best mafia movies of all time.

Organized crime, a hallmark of the 20th century, naturally became a compelling subject for filmmakers. Legends like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese became synonymous with the genre due to their masterful storytelling, while other esteemed directors also ventured into mafia narratives, delivering exceptional results.

Below, you'll find a mix of films depicting historical mobsters and their relentless pursuers, alongside captivating works of fiction designed to entertain and enthrall. Here are our top 15 mafia movies, 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

We begin with Martin Scorsese's masterpiece, Goodfellas, which has been hailed as one of the greatest mob movies ever made for over 30 years. This gripping narrative follows the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), masterfully portrayed by Robert De Niro, Liotta, and Joe Pesci, the latter winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Based on the biography Wise Guy by Nicholas Pileggi, Goodfellas showcases some of the finest work from everyone involved, leveraging the iconic status of Scorsese and De Niro to elevate Liotta and Pesci into mob legends.

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 a compelling true story, directed by Mike Newell, about an FBI agent, Joe Pistone (Johnny Depp), who goes undercover as "Donnie Brasco" within the Bonanno crime family. Al Pacino delivers a nuanced performance as Lefty, the seasoned enforcer who unwittingly mentors Pistone. Adapted from Pistone's autobiography, the film provides a fresh perspective on mob life, distinct from the usual narratives.

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 modern gem starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain. This film portrays Abel Morales (Isaac), a trucking company owner navigating the treacherous landscape of 1981 New York City, the year marked by its highest crime rate. Abel's struggle to maintain his integrity in an unethical environment makes for a gripping thriller, encapsulating the era's turmoil with a stellar supporting cast including David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks.

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 unique take on organized crime set during the Prohibition era. This film noir-inspired story follows Tom (Gabriel Byrne), an Irish mob lieutenant caught between rival factions. The film's stylized dialogue, captivating sequences, and strong performances helped elevate Byrne's career and launched the Coens' next project, Barton Fink, with supporting roles from Albert Finney, Marcia Gay Harden, and Steve Buscemi.

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 Goodfellas stars Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. Based on Nicholas Pileggi's book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas, this epic follows characters loosely based on real-life figures, with De Niro playing casino owner Ace Rothstein and Pesci as enforcer Nicky Santoro. Sharon Stone's powerful performance as the divisive Ginger McKenna earned her an Oscar nomination. Though often compared to Goodfellas, Casino stands as a formidable film in its own right.

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

Venturing outside American cinema, City of God is a Brazilian crime drama that charts the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade De Deus from the 1960s to the 1980s. This film, loosely based on real events, features non-professional actors from Rio's low-income neighborhoods, lending an authentic edge to the narrative. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, it spawned a spin-off TV series, 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, directed by Brian De Palma, transports us to 1930s Chicago, where Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) leads a crusade against Al Capone (Robert De Niro). This action-packed film, with its slightly comic-book style, showcases Ness assembling his team of incorruptible lawmen. Sean Connery's portrayal of a veteran police officer won him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

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

Martin Scorsese's The Departed, a remake of the Hong Kong thriller Infernal Affairs, delves into Boston's criminal underworld, loosely inspired by Whitey Bulger. The film follows a mole within the police force (Matt Damon) and an undercover cop infiltrating the mob (Leonardo DiCaprio), both trying to uncover each other's identities. Jack Nicholson's chilling portrayal of the mob boss adds depth to this thrilling ensemble, which also features Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, and Ray Winstone.

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, known for his role in The Lord of the Rings, collaborated with David Cronenberg on two crime films, with Eastern Promises making our list. This film follows a Russian mob enforcer in London (Mortensen) navigating the complexities of his boss (Armin Mueller-Stahl), his boss's volatile son (Vincent Cassel), and a midwife (Naomi Watts) determined to protect a baby. The film's highlight is an intense bathhouse knife fight, 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.

Often hailed as the best mob movie ever made, Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather revolutionized the genre. Based on Mario Puzo's novel, the film broke box office records and became the top-grossing movie of 1972. With an iconic cast including Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton, it follows the Corleone family's trials under Vito Corleone (Brando) and the transformation of his son, Michael (Pacino), into a ruthless leader.

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, The Godfather Part 2 is equally revered. This sequel/prequel follows Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as the new Don, dealing with betrayal, while also exploring his father Vito's (Robert De Niro) rise from a young Sicilian immigrant to a mafia kingpin. With an outstanding cast including Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, and John Cazale, this film deepens the Corleone saga.

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, combines unlikely elements in a gripping narrative. Directed by Sam Mendes, it stars Tom Hanks as Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer on the run with his son (Tyler Hoechlin) after a family tragedy. With Paul Newman, Jude Law, and Daniel Craig, this film blends beauty and brutality, unfolding like a comic book.

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

Inspired by Al Capone's rise, Howard Hawks' original Scarface battled censors to reach audiences. Paul Muni stars as Tony Camonte, a gangster ascending the Chicago mob ranks and falling in love with his boss's mistress. With its stylish visuals and gripping violence, Scarface remains a timeless classic, even earning praise from Capone himself.

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 genre heavyweights Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. This epic follows a truck driver (De Niro) turned hitman for a mobster (Pesci) and their involvement with Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). Based on Charles Brandt's book I Heard You Paint Houses, the film explores the unglamorous side of mafia life, portraying the characters as lonely and regretful in their later years.

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 and Russell Crowe as Detective Richie Roberts, tasked with bringing him down. Using the Vietnam War to smuggle heroin, Lucas's story is brought to life with intelligent storytelling and stellar performances. The film also features Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ruby Dee, Ted Levine, and Cuba Gooding Jr.