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 are as old as storytelling itself, and when cinema emerged, they quickly became a staple genre. For those drawn to the gritty world of individuals who 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, has been a rich subject for filmmakers. As mob syndicates grew across the country, so too did the cinematic exploration of this underworld. Iconic directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese have become synonymous with the genre, delivering masterpieces that define it. Other esteemed directors have also ventured into this territory, often with remarkable results.

Our list includes a diverse array of films, from those depicting historical mobsters and the law enforcement officers pursuing them to purely fictional narratives crafted to entertain and inspire. 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 start with Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas, a film widely regarded as one of the greatest mob movies ever made. Over the decades, it has retained its status as a favorite, rivaling even The Godfather series. The film follows the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill, portrayed brilliantly by Ray Liotta, alongside Robert De Niro and Oscar-winning Joe Pesci. Based on Nicholas Pileggi's biography of Hill, Wise Guy, Goodfellas showcases some of the finest work from its cast and crew, leveraging the iconic status of Scorsese and De Niro to elevate Liotta and Pesci to "made men" in the eyes of cinema lovers.

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 British filmmaker Mike Newell. The film dives into the tumultuous life of FBI agent Joe Pistone, played by 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, Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia, the movie stands out for its cool, compelling narrative and distinctive tone within the genre.

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 provides a more contemporary take on the genre, starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain. Set during New York City's most crime-ridden year in 1981, the film follows Abel Morales, a trucking company owner played by Isaac, as he navigates the corrupt and chaotic world around him while striving to maintain his integrity. This thought-provoking thriller, also featuring David Oyelowo and Alessandro Nivola, captures the essence of a tumultuous era and offers a fresh perspective on the moral dilemmas faced by those entangled with organized crime.

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 and stylized take on organized crime set during the Prohibition era. The film follows Tom, an Irish mob lieutenant played by Gabriel Byrne, as he navigates a mafia war with wit and cunning. Known for its sharp dialogue, stylish sequences, and compelling performances, Miller's Crossing helped launch the careers of Byrne and others like John Turturro, who would later star in the Coens' subsequent film, Barton Fink.

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. The film loosely follows the lives of casino owner Lefty Rosenthal and enforcer Tony Spilotro, portrayed by De Niro and Pesci respectively. An epic tale of partnership turning to rivalry, Casino features standout performances, including an Oscar-nominated turn by Sharon Stone. While it followed Goodfellas, Casino holds its own as a powerful and enduring work in the genre.

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 beyond American cinema, City of God is a Brazilian crime drama that chronicles the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade De Deus suburb from the 1960s to the 1980s. Loosely based on real events, the film is notable for its raw authenticity, achieved by casting local residents rather than professional actors. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, City of God not only shocked audiences with its portrayal of violence but also spawned 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 depiction of Eliot Ness's battle against Al Capone in 1930s Chicago. Kevin Costner stars as the determined crime-fighter, while Robert De Niro portrays the notorious gangster. With a script by David Mamet, the film's dramatic flair and memorable performances, including Sean Connery's Oscar-winning role as a seasoned cop, make it a standout in the genre.

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, is set in Boston and loosely based on the life of crime boss Whitey Bulger. The film follows two moles, one within the police force (Matt Damon) and the other within Bulger's organization (Leonardo DiCaprio), as they try to uncover each other's identities. With a stellar cast including Jack Nicholson, Vera Farmiga, and Mark Wahlberg, The Departed is a gripping, multi-layered thriller that won Scorsese his first Best Director Oscar.

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

Eastern Promises marks David Cronenberg's second collaboration with Viggo Mortensen in the crime genre, following A History of Violence. In this film, Mortensen plays 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 newborn. The film's intense action, including a memorable bathhouse fight scene, adds to its gripping narrative and solidifies its place among the best mafia movies.

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.

Considered by many as the pinnacle of mafia movies, The Godfather revolutionized the genre when it was released in 1972. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel, the film follows the Corleone family under the leadership of Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) and the transformation of his son Michael (Al Pacino) from a reluctant outsider to a ruthless leader. With its iconic performances and groundbreaking storytelling, The Godfather remains a landmark in cinema.

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 saga of the Corleone family but also serves as a prequel, detailing the early life of Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) alongside the struggles of Michael (Al Pacino) as the new Don. This dual narrative weaves together the past and present, offering a deeper understanding of the family's dynamics and the consequences of their actions. The film's ambitious storytelling and powerful performances make it a worthy successor to the original.

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 compelling mobster narrative. Tom Hanks plays Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer, who goes on the run with his son after their family is targeted by a jealous rival (Daniel Craig). Directed by Sam Mendes, the film is a visually stunning and emotionally charged journey of revenge and redemption, showcasing the talents of its cast in unexpected roles.

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

The original Scarface, directed by Howard Hawks, is a landmark film inspired by the rise of Al Capone. Paul Muni stars as Tony Camonte, a gangster who climbs the ranks of the Chicago mob while falling for his boss's mistress. The film's bold visuals and intense violence were groundbreaking for its time, and it remains a significant piece of cinema history. While Brian De Palma's 1983 remake is more widely known, the original Scarface holds its own as a classic in the genre.

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 reunites Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for a Netflix epic that delves into the life of Frank Sheeran, a truck driver turned hitman (De Niro), and his ties to the mob and Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). Based on Charles Brandt's book I Heard You Paint Houses, the film explores the darker, less glorified aspects of mafia life, focusing on themes of regret and isolation. The Irishman offers a mature and reflective take on the genre, highlighting the human cost of a life in organized crime.

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 the determined Newark detective Richie Roberts, tasked with bringing Lucas down. With its intelligent script and powerful performances, the film provides a gripping look at the rise and fall of a criminal empire. The ensemble cast, including Josh Brolin and Chiwetel Ejiofor, further enhances the film's impact.