Top 15 Mafia Movies Ever Made
Movies have long captivated audiences with tales of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, fueling our fascination with those who live outside the law. The allure of crime stories predates cinema, and as soon as films emerged, the genre quickly became a staple. For those eager to delve into a world governed by its own ruthless rules and codes, we present a curated list of the best mafia movies of all time.
Organized crime, largely a 20th-century phenomenon, naturally became a compelling subject for filmmakers. The growth of mob syndicates across the country paralleled the rise of movies on this topic. Iconic directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese became synonymous with the genre, while other notable filmmakers have also ventured into the world of the mafia, often with remarkable results.
Our list spans from historical accounts of mobsters and the law enforcement officers pursuing them to captivating works of fiction designed to entertain and engage. Here, we present our selection of the 15 best mafia movies ever, listed in no particular order.
The 15 Best Mafia Movies
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Best Spy MoviesBest Thriller MoviesBest Netflix MoviesGoodfellas (1990)
Kicking off our list is Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas, widely regarded as one of the greatest mob movies of all time, often mentioned alongside The Godfather. This film follows the tumultuous journey of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) as he rises and falls within the mob. With powerhouse performances from Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, Goodfellas is a gritty and compelling adaptation of Nicholas Pileggi's biography Wise Guy. Scorsese and De Niro's iconic collaboration elevates the film, cementing the status of Liotta and Pesci as "made men" in the eyes of cinema.
Donnie Brasco (1997)
Next up is Donnie Brasco, a gripping true story directed by Mike Newell. Johnny Depp stars as FBI agent Joe Pistone, who goes undercover as "Donnie Brasco" within the Bonanno crime family. Al Pacino delivers a nuanced performance as Lefty, a seasoned enforcer who unknowingly takes Pistone under his wing. Based on Pistone's autobiography, Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia, this film offers a cool and compelling look at life inside the mob, setting itself apart from other mafia movies.
A Most Violent Year (2014)
A Most Violent Year, a more recent and somewhat underappreciated film, stars Oscar Isaac as Abel Morales, a trucking company owner navigating the corrupt and violent landscape of 1981 New York City. Alongside Jessica Chastain and David Oyelowo, Isaac delivers a compelling performance as a man striving to maintain his moral compass in an immoral world. This film is a thought-provoking thriller that captures the chaos and corruption of its setting.
Miller's Crossing (1990)
In the same year as Goodfellas, the Coen brothers delivered Miller's Crossing, a unique and stylized take on organized crime set during the Prohibition era. The film follows Tom (Gabriel Byrne), a conflicted lieutenant caught between two rival factions of the Irish mob. With its sharp dialogue, stylish sequences, and strong performances, Miller's Crossing not only launched Gabriel Byrne's career in the US but also showcased the talents of John Turturro, Marcia Gay Harden, and Albert Finney.
Casino (1995)
Another Scorsese masterpiece, 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 mogul Lefty Rosenthal, while Pesci portrays Nicky, based on enforcer Tony Spilotro. The film traces their journey from partnership to rivalry, with Sharon Stone delivering an Oscar-nominated performance as the woman who drives them apart. Despite being compared to Goodfellas, Casino stands tall as a powerful and epic tale of the mob's reach into Las Vegas.
City of God (2002)
Venturing outside American cinema, City of God is a Brazilian crime drama that spans decades, chronicling the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade de Deus neighborhood. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, the film is based on real events and features mostly non-professional actors from Rio's low-income communities, lending it an authentic edge. This shocking portrayal of violence and crime led to the creation of a spin-off TV series, City of Men.
The Untouchables (1987)
Brian De Palma's The Untouchables takes us to 1930s Chicago, where Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) forms a team of incorruptible lawmen to bring down Al Capone (Robert De Niro). This crowd-pleasing film combines action and drama, with Sean Connery winning an Oscar for his portrayal of a seasoned cop joining Ness's fight. The film's bold style and memorable scenes make it a standout in the genre.
The Departed (2006)
The Departed, a remake of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, is set in Boston and follows two cops on opposite sides of the law: one (Matt Damon) working for crime boss Whitey Bulger (Jack Nicholson), and the other (Leonardo DiCaprio) infiltrating Bulger's organization. This labyrinthine thriller, filled with tension, humor, and stellar performances from an ensemble cast including Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, and Martin Sheen, showcases Scorsese's mastery of the genre.
Eastern Promises (2007)
During the 2000s, Viggo Mortensen starred in two David Cronenberg crime films, A History of Violence and Eastern Promises. The latter, set in London, follows a Russian mob enforcer (Mortensen) navigating a complex web of loyalties and betrayals. Alongside Naomi Watts and Vincent Cassel, Mortensen delivers a powerful performance, highlighted by a now-iconic bathhouse fight scene. Eastern Promises is a testament to Cronenberg's ability to craft intense and gripping narratives.
The Godfather (1972)
Considered by many to be the pinnacle of mafia movies, The Godfather transformed the genre when it was released in 1972. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel, the film stars Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton. It chronicles the Corleone family's saga, focusing on the transformation of Michael Corleone (Pacino) from a reluctant outsider to a ruthless mob boss. A landmark in cinema, The Godfather broke box office records and remains a cultural touchstone.
The Godfather Part 2 (1974)
The Godfather Part 2 is not just a sequel but also a prequel, exploring the rise of Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) alongside the challenges faced by his son, Michael (Al Pacino), as the new Don. This ambitious film weaves together two parallel stories, delving into the origins of the Corleone family and the struggles of maintaining power. With its sweeping narrative and unforgettable performances, it stands as a worthy successor to the original.
Road to Perdition (2002)
Road to Perdition, based on a graphic novel, stars Tom Hanks as Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer on the run with his son after a family tragedy. Directed by Sam Mendes, the film blends elements of a revenge story with a poignant father-son journey. With strong performances from Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law, and a young Tyler Hoechlin, Road to Perdition stands out for its visual style and emotional depth.
Scarface (1932)
The original Scarface, directed by Howard Hawks and inspired by Al Capone's rise, is a landmark in early cinema. Paul Muni stars as Tony Camonte, a ruthless gangster climbing the ranks in Chicago. Despite facing censorship challenges, the film's stylish visuals and gripping narrative have stood the test of time, blending historical significance with genre excellence.
The Irishman (2019)
Martin Scorsese's The Irishman, released on Netflix, reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci in an epic tale of regret and isolation. The film follows Frank Sheeran (De Niro), a truck driver turned hitman, and his involvement with mobster Russell Bufalino (Pesci) and Teamster leader Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). Based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses, The Irishman offers a sobering look at the true cost of a life in the mafia, contrasting sharply with the often-glorified depictions in other films.
American Gangster (2007)
Ridley Scott's American Gangster tells the story of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) and the detective, Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), tasked with bringing him down. The film explores Lucas's innovative smuggling methods during the Vietnam War and the cat-and-mouse game with law enforcement. With strong performances and a compelling narrative, American Gangster is a gripping addition to the genre.
AnswerSee ResultsThese are our picks for the best mafia movies of all time, presented in no particular order. Did your favorite make the list? If not, instead of resorting to mob tactics, share your top choices in the comments section.Trending Games
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