Top 15 Mafia Films Ever Made

Movies have long been fascinated with the allure of gunslingers, bank robbers, and charismatic criminals, drawing audiences into the shadowy worlds where individuals live beyond the law. Crime dramas predate the advent of cinema and quickly became a staple genre as soon as moving pictures emerged. For those intrigued by tales of steely individuals forging their own paths and adhering to their own moral codes, we’ve curated a list of the finest mafia films ever made.

Organized crime flourished throughout the 20th century, making it a natural subject for filmmakers who wanted to explore the rise and fall of mob syndicates. Renowned directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese became synonymous with the genre thanks to their masterful storytelling, while others dabbled in mafia-themed projects with remarkable success.

In the list below, you'll encounter a mix of biographical accounts of real-life mobsters and their pursuers, along with fictional narratives crafted to captivate and entertain. From gritty depictions of historical figures to modern thrillers, here are our picks for the 15 best mafia movies—presented in no particular order!

The 15 Best Mafia Movies

16 ImagesLooking for more great movies? Check out more lists like this:

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

Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas remains a heavyweight contender for the best mob movie of all time. Over three decades later, it continues to captivate audiences with its raw portrayal of the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), played alongside a stellar cast including Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci (who won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar). Based on Nicholas Pileggi’s book Wise Guy, Goodfellas showcases Scorsese and De Niro’s iconic partnership, elevating Liotta and Pesci to unforgettable roles.

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 Donnie Brasco review | Where to watch: Rent from Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and more

Another true-story gem, Donnie Brasco delves into the life of an FBI agent (Johnny Depp) who goes undercover as "Donnie Brasco" within the Bonanno crime family. Al Pacino delivers a nuanced performance as a grizzled enforcer named Lefty, who unwittingly recruits the agent. Based on Joseph D. Pistone’s autobiography, this film offers a unique perspective on the inner workings of organized crime.

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

Set in 1981, New York City’s most violent year, A Most Violent Year follows trucking company owner Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac) as he navigates the chaos of a crime-ridden environment while trying to maintain his integrity. The film’s tense atmosphere and strong performances make it a standout in the genre.

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

The Coen brothers deliver a stylish, noir-inspired take on the Irish mob in Miller's Crossing. Set during Prohibition, the film follows Tom Reagan (Gabriel Byrne), an ambitious lieutenant embroiled in a high-stakes conflict. With its sharp dialogue and memorable performances, Miller's Crossing is a classic example of the genre.

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

Scorsese reunites with Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci for Casino, based on Nicholas Pileggi’s nonfiction book. This epic tale follows casino mogul Ace Rothstein (De Niro) and enforcer Nicky Santoro (Pesci) as they navigate the dangerous world of Las Vegas. Sharon Stone’s performance as De Niro’s wife earned her an Oscar nomination.

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

This Brazilian crime drama spans decades, chronicling the rise of organized crime in the Cidade De Deus suburb of Rio de Janeiro. Featuring a largely non-professional cast, City of God offers a raw and authentic portrayal of urban violence.

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 pits FBI agent Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) against notorious gangster Al Capone (Robert De Niro) in 1930s Chicago. With its larger-than-life action sequences and memorable performances, the film remains a fan favorite.

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

Based on the Hong Kong thriller Infernal Affairs, The Departed follows two moles—one an undercover cop infiltrating a crime syndicate, the other a mobster working within the police department. With a stellar cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson, Scorsese delivers a gripping psychological thriller.

Eastern Promises (2007)

![](/uploads/63/67f4f3