Movies have long romanticized the allure of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, tapping into our fascination with those who live beyond the law. Crime stories have captivated audiences long before the advent of cinema, and as soon as films emerged, they became a staple genre. For those eager to dive into a world where tough characters forge their own paths and live by their own codes, we present a curated list of the best mafia movies of all time.

Organized crime, a hallmark of the 20th century, naturally became a rich subject for filmmakers. As mob syndicates grew across the country, movies mirrored this expansion. Directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese became synonymous with the genre due to their iconic contributions, while other acclaimed filmmakers ventured into mafia storytelling, often with remarkable results.

Our list includes a diverse range of films, from those depicting real-life mobsters and the law enforcement pursuing them to purely fictional tales crafted to entertain and enthrall. Here, in no particular order, are our top 15 mafia movies.

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 kick off with Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas," a perennial favorite for the best mob movie ever (or at least the best non-Godfather entry). With Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci (who won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar), the film chronicles the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill over decades. Based on the biography "Wise Guy" by Nicholas Pileggi, "Goodfellas" showcases some of the finest work from its creators, leveraging Scorsese and De Niro's iconic status to elevate Liotta and Pesci to "made men" status.

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 another gripping true story, this time directed by Mike Newell. Johnny Depp plays FBI agent Joe Pistone, known in the underworld as "Donnie Brasco," who infiltrates the Bonanno crime family. Al Pacino delivers a standout performance as Lefty, a seasoned but fading enforcer who unwittingly mentors Pistone. Based on Pistone's autobiography, "Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia," the film presents a cool, compelling narrative distinct from typical mob films.

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 entry that often flies under the radar. Starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain, the film follows Abel Morales, a trucking company owner navigating the corruption and chaos of 1981 New York City. Morales strives to remain ethical in an unethical world, and the film, also featuring David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks, serves as a thought-provoking thriller and a vivid snapshot of a turbulent time.

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' "Miller's Crossing" offers a unique take on organized crime set during the Prohibition era. With its film noir style, the movie follows Tom (Gabriel Byrne), an Irish mob lieutenant caught between rival factions. Its sharp dialogue, stylish sequences, and strong performances helped elevate Byrne's profile and launch John Turturro into the spotlight. Albert Finney, Marcia Gay Harden, and Steve Buscemi also star.

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 Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, this time in a story based on Nicholas Pileggi's book "Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas." De Niro's character, Ace, is inspired by real-life casino owner Lefty Rosenthal, while Pesci's Nicky is modeled after enforcer Tony Spilotro. This epic tale charts their journey from partners to adversaries, with Sharon Stone's compelling performance as a former dancer earning her an Oscar nomination. "Casino" stands tall on its own merits, even amidst comparisons to "Goodfellas."

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

"City of God" is a Brazilian crime drama that spans decades, depicting the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade De Deus from the 1960s to the 1980s. Loosely based on real events, the film offers an authentic and shocking portrayal of the era's violence, enhanced by the casting of local residents from Rio's low-income neighborhoods. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, the film inspired a spin-off TV series, "City of Men," and its own film adaptation.

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" is a crowd-pleasing, action-packed take on 1930s Chicago, where Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) wages a fierce battle against Al Capone (Robert De Niro). This film doesn't shy away from its comic-book style, as Ness assembles a team of incorruptible lawmen to take down the seemingly untouchable Capone. Sean Connery's portrayal of a veteran police officer, who joins the fight despite widespread corruption, earned him a Best Supporting Actor Oscar.

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

"The Departed," a remake of the Hong Kong thriller "Infernal Affairs," is set in Boston and revolves around crime boss Whitey Bulger and two cops on opposite sides of the law. Leonardo DiCaprio plays an undercover cop infiltrating Bulger's ranks, while Matt Damon is a police officer secretly working for Bulger. As they race to uncover each other's identities, Jack Nicholson's Bulger remains steps ahead. This ensemble film, also featuring Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, and Ray Winstone, is both thrilling and darkly humorous.

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 as Aragorn, teamed up with David Cronenberg for two back-to-back crime films, both of which could have made this list. "Eastern Promises," set in London, follows a Russian mob enforcer (Mortensen) as he navigates tensions between his boss (Armin Mueller-Stahl), the boss's volatile son (Vincent Cassel), and a midwife (Naomi Watts) trying to protect a baby. The film is notable for its intense bathhouse fight scene.

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.

"The Godfather," often hailed as the best mob movie ever, transformed the genre. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel, it stars Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton. The film broke box office records in 1972, offering a stunning and influential portrayal of the Corleone family. It follows Vito Corleone (Brando) and his son Michael's (Pacino) reluctant rise to power.

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.

"The Godfather Part 2" not only competes with its predecessor but also serves as a prequel. It follows Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as he navigates treachery within his ranks, while a parallel storyline traces Vito Corleone's (Robert De Niro) journey from Sicily to founding his empire in New York. This film, also starring Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, and John Cazale, is equally celebrated for its storytelling and depth.

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 to create a unique mobster tale. Tom Hanks plays Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer who flees with his son (Tyler Hoechlin) after a family tragedy. Directed by Sam Mendes, the film also stars Paul Newman and Jude Law, offering a visually stunning and emotionally charged narrative that unfolds 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

While Brian De Palma's 1983 remake is well-known, Howard Hawks' original "Scarface" is inspired by Al Capone's rise in Chicago. Starring Paul Muni as Tony Camonte, the film navigated censorship to showcase gripping violence and stylish visuals. Its historical significance and genre excellence endure, with Capone himself reportedly approving of the film.

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

"The Irishman," Scorsese's fourth entry on our list, is a Netflix epic that delves into themes of regret and loneliness. Robert De Niro plays a truck driver turned hitman for a mobster (Joe Pesci) and their dealings with Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino). Based on the book "I Heard You Paint Houses," the film offers a sobering look at the cost of mafia life, showing the grim fate of aging mobsters. Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin, Jesse Plemons, and Harvey Keitel also star.

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. The film follows Lucas's innovative smuggling methods during the Vietnam War and Roberts's efforts to bring him down. With strong performances and a compelling narrative, the film also features Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ruby Dee, Ted Levine, and Cuba Gooding Jr.