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The allure of the criminal underworld has long captivated audiences, with movies romanticizing the lives of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys. This fascination predates cinema itself, and as soon as films emerged, crime stories became a staple genre. For those drawn to the gritty world of organized crime, where 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 found its way into the cinematic world, paralleling the rise of mob syndicates across the nation. Legendary filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese have become synonymous with the genre, while other distinguished directors have also left their mark on mafia cinema, delivering unforgettable narratives.

Our list encompasses a range of stories, from the historical accounts of real-life mobsters and the law enforcement officers pursuing them to purely fictional tales designed to entertain and enthrall. Below, you'll find our selection of the 15 best mafia movies ever, presented in no particular order.

The 15 Best Mafia Movies

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Goodfellas (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

Kicking off our list is Martin Scorsese's iconic "Goodfellas," which has been a favorite for over 30 years, often hailed as the best mob movie ever made (or at least the best non-Godfather mob movie). This film follows the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) over several decades, offering a gritty, blood-soaked look at the criminal underworld. Based on the biography "Wise Guy" by Nicholas Pileggi, "Goodfellas" showcases the best work from its cast and crew, cementing Scorsese and De Niro's status as legends while making stars of Liotta and Pesci.

Donnie Brasco (1997)

Image credit: Sony Pictures

"Donnie Brasco," directed by Mike Newell, offers another gripping true story of an FBI agent, Joe Pistone (Johnny Depp), who goes undercover within the Bonanno crime family. The film features a compelling performance by Al Pacino as Lefty, an aging enforcer who unwittingly welcomes Pistone into the fold. Based on Pistone's autobiography, "Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia," the movie provides a unique perspective on the mob world, distinct from other films in the genre.

A Most Violent Year (2014)

Image credit: A24

Director: 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 more contemporary entry, "A Most Violent Year," stars Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain in a tale set during 1981, New York City's most crime-ridden year. Isaac plays Abel Morales, a trucking company owner trying to navigate the corrupt environment while maintaining his moral integrity. This thought-provoking thriller, also featuring David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks, offers a compelling snapshot of a tumultuous time.

Miller's Crossing (1990)

Image credit: 20th Century Fox

Director: 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 stylized, film noir-inspired exploration of the Irish mob during the Prohibition era. The film follows Tom (Gabriel Byrne), a lieutenant caught between two warring factions. Its sharp dialogue, distinctive style, and strong performances helped launch Byrne's career in the U.S. and set the stage for the Coens' subsequent work.

Casino (1995)

Image credit: Universal Pictures

Director: 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 masterpiece, "Casino" reunites Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in a story based on the non-fiction book "Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas" by Nicholas Pileggi. De Niro plays Ace, inspired by casino owner Lefty Rosenthal, while Pesci portrays Nicky, based on enforcer Tony Spilotro. This epic tale of partnership turning into rivalry features standout performances, including an Oscar-nominated turn by Sharon Stone. Though often compared to "Goodfellas," "Casino" stands firmly on its own as a cinematic achievement.

City of God (2002)

Image credit: Miramax

Director: 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 outside of American cinema, "City of God" is a Brazilian crime drama that captures 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's raw authenticity is enhanced by its cast of non-professional actors from Rio's low-income neighborhoods. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, it also inspired a spin-off TV series and film.

The Untouchables (1987)

Image credit: Paramount Pictures

Director: 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. It follows Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) and his team of incorruptible lawmen as they battle to bring down Al Capone (Robert De Niro). With its larger-than-life approach, the movie features memorable performances, including Sean Connery's Oscar-winning role as a veteran police officer.

The Departed (2006)

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

A remake of the Hong Kong thriller "Infernal Affairs," "The Departed" is set in Boston and follows two cops—one a mole for crime boss Whitey Bulger (Matt Damon), the other an undercover agent within Bulger's organization (Leonardo DiCaprio). With a complex plot and standout performances, including Jack Nicholson as Bulger, this film is a gripping addition to the genre.

Eastern Promises (2007)

Image credit: Focus Features

In the 2000s, Viggo Mortensen starred in two crime films directed by David Cronenberg, both of which could have made this list. We've chosen "Eastern Promises," where Mortensen plays a Russian mob enforcer in London caught between his boss, his boss's volatile son, and a midwife trying to protect a baby. The film's intense bathhouse knife fight is particularly memorable.

The Godfather (1972)

Image credit: Paramount Pictures

Director: 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 to be the greatest mob movie ever made, "The Godfather" revolutionized the genre. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel, it follows the Corleone family led by patriarch Vito (Marlon Brando) and the transformation of his son Michael (Al Pacino) into a ruthless leader. This film broke box office records and remains a landmark in cinema history.

The Godfather Part 2 (1974)

Image credit: Paramount Pictures

Director: 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 sequel to "The Godfather," "The Godfather Part 2," is often considered its equal or even superior. It continues Michael Corleone's story as he becomes the new Don, while also exploring the origins of his father, Vito (Robert De Niro), from his Sicilian childhood to building his empire in America. This dual narrative is a testament to Coppola's storytelling prowess.

Road to Perdition (2002)

Image credit: DreamWorks Pictures

"Road to Perdition," based on a graphic novel, blends elements of a mobster film with a father-son road trip. Tom Hanks plays Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer who goes on the run with his son after a betrayal leads to tragedy. Directed by Sam Mendes, the film features stunning visuals and performances, unfolding like a beautifully crafted comic.

Scarface (1932)

Image credit: United Artists

Director: 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 inspired by the life of Al Capone. Starring Paul Muni as Tony Camonte, the film chronicles his rise through the Chicago mob and his tumultuous personal life. Despite facing censorship challenges, "Scarface" remains a significant and influential work in the genre.

The Irishman (2019)

Image credit: Netflix

Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman" reunites him with Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for a Netflix original. The film follows a truck driver turned hitman (De Niro) and his involvement with a mobster (Pesci) and Teamster Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). Exploring themes of regret and isolation, "The Irishman" offers a sobering look at the later years of a life in the mafia.

American Gangster (2007)

Image credit: Universal Pictures

Director: 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 the detective determined to stop him. The film smartly navigates the complexities of Lucas's criminal empire and the efforts to dismantle it, featuring strong performances from its lead actors and a compelling narrative.

What's the best mafia movie of all time? ---------------------------------------- The GodfatherThe DepartedAmerican GangsterThe Godfather Part 2The IrishmanCasinoDonnie BrascoGoodfellasA Most Violent YearEastern PromisesMiller's CrossingCity of GodScarface (1932)The Untouchables (1987)Road to PerditionSomething else (let us know in the comments!)

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These are our picks for the best mafia movies ever – in no particular order. Did your favorite make the cut? If not, let us know your top picks in the comments.