Movies have long romanticized the allure of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, tapping into our fascination with those who live outside the law. Crime stories have been captivating audiences since before the advent of cinema, and as soon as moving pictures emerged, they became one of the earliest and most enduring genres. For those eager to dive into a world where steely individuals forge their own paths and adhere to their unique 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 compelling subject for filmmakers. As mob syndicates grew across the country, movies paralleled this expansion, exploring the dark underbelly of society. Iconic directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese became synonymous with the genre, delivering legendary works that have defined it. Other esteemed filmmakers have also ventured into this territory, often with remarkable results.

Our list encompasses a range of narratives, from historical accounts of real-life mobsters and the law enforcement officers pursuing them to purely fictional tales designed to entertain and enthrall. Here are our selections for the 15 best mafia movies ever, 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 kick off our list with Martin Scorsese's masterpiece, Goodfellas, which has been hailed as one of the greatest mob movies for over three decades. This film chronicles the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill, portrayed by Ray Liotta, over several decades. With standout performances from Robert De Niro and Oscar-winner Joe Pesci, Goodfellas is a gripping, blood-soaked journey based on Nicholas Pileggi's biography, Wise Guy. Scorsese and De Niro's iconic collaboration elevates Liotta and Pesci to "made men" status in the annals of cinema.

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 true story of the mafia, directed by British filmmaker 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 unwittingly mentors Pistone. Based on Pistone's autobiography, this film provides a cool and compelling look at the mafia from an insider's perspective, setting it apart from other mob movies.

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 take on the mafia genre, starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain. Set during 1981, New York City's most crime-ridden year, the film follows Abel Morales, a trucking company owner trying to navigate a corrupt and chaotic environment while maintaining his moral compass. This thought-provoking thriller, also featuring David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks, captures the essence of a tumultuous era.

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. This film noir-inspired story follows Tom, an Irish mob lieutenant played by Gabriel Byrne, as he navigates a mafia war. With its stylized dialogue and compelling performances, Miller's Crossing not only launched Byrne's career in the U.S. but also set the stage for future Coen brothers' successes.

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 based on Nicholas Pileggi's book, Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas. De Niro plays Ace, inspired by real-life casino owner Lefty Rosenthal, while Pesci portrays Nicky, based on enforcer Tony Spilotro. This epic tale of partnership turning into rivalry features a standout performance from Sharon Stone, earning her an Oscar nomination. Despite comparisons to Goodfellas, Casino stands tall as a powerful narrative 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

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 suburb. Loosely based on real events, the film's authenticity is enhanced by its cast of non-professional actors from Rio's low-income neighborhoods. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, City of God is a raw and powerful portrayal of violence and survival, spawning a successful spin-off TV series and film.

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 film set in 1930s Chicago. Kevin Costner stars as Eliot Ness, leading a team of incorruptible lawmen against Al Capone, played by Robert De Niro. With its comic-book style and intense action sequences, the film earned Sean Connery an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as a seasoned cop joining Ness's fight against Capone's corrupt influence.

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. Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon play cops on opposite sides of the law, each trying to uncover the other's identity while Jack Nicholson's Bulger remains one step ahead. This ensemble film, also featuring Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, and Ray Winstone, is a gripping tale of deception and loyalty.

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 stars in David Cronenberg's Eastern Promises, a film about a Russian mob enforcer in London navigating the dangerous dynamics between his boss, his boss's volatile son, and a midwife trying to protect a baby. Known for its intense bathhouse fight scene, Eastern Promises is a compelling addition to the crime genre, showcasing Mortensen's versatility as an actor.

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, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is often considered the pinnacle of mafia movies. Based on Mario Puzo's novel, this film broke box office records and became the highest-grossing film of 1972. With iconic performances from Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton, The Godfather chronicles the Corleone family's power struggles and Michael Corleone's transformation into a ruthless mob boss.

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 continues the story of Michael Corleone but also delves into the early life of his father, Vito. This dual narrative, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, explores Michael's struggles as the new Don and Vito's rise from a Sicilian immigrant to a mafia kingpin in New York. With a stellar cast including Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, and John Cazale, this film is often debated as the best in the series.

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 into a compelling mobster tale. Tom Hanks plays Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer, who goes on the run with his son after a family tragedy. Directed by Sam Mendes, this film features standout performances from Paul Newman and Jude Law, unfolding like a beautifully brutal 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

Scarface, directed by Howard Hawks, is an early cinematic exploration of the mob genre, inspired by Al Capone's rise in Chicago. Paul Muni stars as Tony Camonte, a gangster who ascends the ranks and falls in love with his boss's mistress. Despite battling censors, Scarface remains a timeless blend of historical significance and genre excellence, 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 original, reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for an epic tale of regret and loneliness. Based on Charles Brandt's book I Heard You Paint Houses, the film follows a truck driver turned hitman and his involvement with the mob and Jimmy Hoffa. The Irishman offers a sobering look at the unglamorous side of mafia life, showcasing the characters' eventual isolation and decline.

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, who uses the Vietnam War to smuggle heroin into the U.S. Russell Crowe plays Detective Richie Roberts, leading a task force to bring Lucas down. With exceptional performances and a gripping narrative, American Gangster is a compelling addition to the crime genre, also featuring Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ruby Dee, Ted Levine, and Cuba Gooding Jr.