The 90+ Best Mafia Movies Of All Time
If you love movies about the mafia, you're in for a treat. Mafia movies have a special way of pulling us into a world of crime and drama, where loyalty and danger meet. The best Mafia movies on this list, like Goodfellas and The Godfather, show us what life is like in the mafia, with all its ups and downs.
This list was put together with the expertise of true aficionados of gangster cinema, those who have dedicated hours to exploring the best tales of the mafia and family loyalty. But we didn't stop at just creating a list; we took it a step further by involving you, the audience, in the process. Through your votes, we have compiled a ranking that reflects the collective opinion on the greatest mafia movies ever made.
- 1Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci
This crime epic follows the rise and fall of gangster Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) over three decades, painting a vivid portrait of organized crime from within while showcasing Martin Scorsese's masterful direction. Alongside memorable performances by Joe Pesci, Robert De Niro, and Lorraine Bracco, Goodfellas offers an unflinching look at life in a New York mob family and leaves audiences with an unforgettable cinematic experience.
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- 2Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
A masterpiece of storytelling, this sequel to the iconic The Godfather delves deeper into the life and psyche of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), as he continues to expand and protect his family's empire. The film also explores the early life of Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) in a series of compelling flashbacks, showcasing how he built his criminal empire from the ground up. With its layered narrative structure and stellar performances, this movie stands tall as one of the greatest mafia films ever made.
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- 3Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan
Francis Ford Coppola's magnum opus changed cinema forever with its gripping portrayal of mafia life through the eyes of patriarch Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) and his son Michael (Al Pacino). This legendary film weaves a web of power struggles, betrayal, and familial loyalty that leaves viewers captivated until its final moments. A powerful study in human nature under extreme circumstances makes The Godfather an essential entry on any list about mafia films.
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- 4Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci
Martin Scorsese's sprawling epic focuses on mob-controlled Las Vegas during its heyday in the 1970s and '80s. With outstanding performances by Robert De Niro as casino operator Sam Rothstein and Joe Pesci as his volatile enforcer Nicky Santoro, this film unravels the complex relationships and power struggles within the mob. Sharon Stone's portrayal of Ginger, Sam's troubled wife, adds another layer to this intricate tale of greed, loyalty, betrayal, and violence.
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- 5Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson
This intense crime thriller directed by Martin Scorsese revolves around a cat-and-mouse game between an undercover cop (Leonardo DiCaprio) infiltrating a Boston mob organization and a mob mole (Matt Damon) embedded in the police department. With a stellar supporting cast including Jack Nicholson as the ruthless gangster Frank Costello and Mark Wahlberg as an unrelenting detective, The Departed delivers twists and turns that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
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- 6Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen
Based on a true story, this gripping film follows FBI agent Joseph Pistone (Johnny Depp) as he infiltrates New York's Bonanno crime family under the alias "Donnie Brasco." As his relationship with aging hitman Lefty Ruggiero (Al Pacino) deepens, Pistone finds himself becoming more immersed in mob life than he ever intended. This complex character study showcases how blurred lines between good and evil can become when dealing with organized crime.
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- 7Robert De Niro, Chazz Palminteri, Lillo Brancato
Robert De Niro makes his directorial debut with this coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of organized crime in 1960s New York City. Young Calogero Anello is torn between loyalty to his hardworking father (played by De Niro) and the allure of local mobster Sonny LoSpecchio (Chazz Palminteri). With a strong focus on family values and personal integrity, A Bronx Tale offers a unique perspective on life within a mafia-ruled community.
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- 8Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer
In Brian De Palma's stylish remake of the 1930s classic, Al Pacino stars as Tony Montana – an ambitious Cuban immigrant who rises through Miami's criminal underworld to become a powerful drug lord. Fueled by greed and ambition, Tony's journey is marked by explosive violence and unforgettable dialogue that has since become iconic in popular culture. This cautionary tale remains essential viewing for its superb performances and gritty depiction of ambition gone awry.
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- 9Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Ridley Scott's biographical crime drama chronicles the rise and fall of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), who built an empire by smuggling heroin from Southeast Asia in the coffins of fallen soldiers during the Vietnam War. Russell Crowe co-stars as Richie Roberts, the honest detective determined to bring down Lucas' operation. Audiences are treated to captivating performances, action-packed sequences, and an intriguing exploration of morality within both law enforcement and criminal organizations.
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- 10Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer
In this high-stakes crime thriller directed by Michael Mann, master thief Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) orchestrates a series of daring heists while being pursued by relentless LAPD detective Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino). As these two professionals engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse, their personal lives become intertwined with their professional pursuits. The film's tense atmosphere and stunning set pieces make for riveting entertainment that remains timeless.
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- 11Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern
Sergio Leone's epic tale spans several decades in the lives of Jewish gangsters in New York City. Robert De Niro stars as David "Noodles" Aaronson, whose journey begins as a young street hustler during Prohibition before he rises through the ranks alongside his childhood friends-turned-partners-in-crime—Max (James Woods), Cockeye (William Forsythe), and Patsy (James Hayden). This sprawling saga is rich with memorable characters, unforgettable scenes, and haunting themes that resonate long after viewing.
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- 12Al Pacino, Sean Penn, Penelope Ann Miller
Brian De Palma reunites with Al Pacino in this gritty crime drama about ex-convict Carlito Brigante's efforts to leave his criminal past behind and make a fresh start. Along the way, he contends with old enemies, new threats, and troubled relationships—particularly with his former love Gail (Penelope Ann Miller) and lawyer David Kleinfeld (Sean Penn). This compelling character study offers a window into loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle for redemption in a life of crime.
More Carlito's Way - 13Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen
Quentin Tarantino's directorial debut is an adrenaline-fueled tale of a botched diamond heist that spirals out of control within the confines of an abandoned warehouse. As paranoia mounts among surviving criminals, they begin to suspect one of them is an undercover cop. With memorable dialogue, stylish direction, and career-defining performances by Tim Roth, Harvey Keitel, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen – Reservoir Dogs is a must-watch addition to any list of mafia films.
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- 14Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro
Brian De Palma directs this stylized account of famed lawman Eliot Ness' fight against Al Capone during Prohibition-era Chicago. Kevin Costner leads an all-star ensemble cast as Ness who forms an unlikely team known as "The Untouchables," which includes Sean Connery's seasoned beat cop, Andy Garcia's rookie sharpshooter, and Charles Martin Smith's nerdy accountant. Their relentless pursuit of Capone (played by Robert De Niro) delivers thrilling action sequences and a gripping story that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats.
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- 15John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman
Tarantino's groundbreaking masterpiece interweaves several connected storylines revolving around Los Angeles mobsters Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson), as well as hitman Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis), gangster Marsellus Wallace (Ving Rhames), Vincent's wife Mia (Uma Thurman), and other colorful characters caught up in the world of crime. Bursting with unforgettable dialogue, innovative storytelling techniques, and standout performances across the board – this film has earned its place as a modern classic.
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- 16Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron Diaz
Martin Scorsese returns to his roots with this epic tale set in 19th century New York City amidst violent clashes between rival gangs vying for control over the city's underworld. At its center is the blood feud between Leonardo DiCaprio's Amsterdam Vallon and Daniel Day-Lewis' menacing Bill "The Butcher" Cutting—a brilliant performance that earned him an Oscar nomination. This sprawling historical drama offers a unique look at how organized crime evolved in America.
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- 17Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law
Sam Mendes directs this atmospheric adaptation of the graphic novel by Max Allan Collins about hitman Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) seeking revenge against those who murdered his wife and son. In the process, he must navigate a treacherous criminal underworld while protecting his surviving child. This beautifully shot film explores themes of fatherhood, loyalty, and redemption in a world where violence begets violence.
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- 18Benicio Del Toro, Dennis Farina, Brad Pitt
Guy Ritchie's kinetic crime comedy follows an intricate web of characters entangled in London's underground criminal world, including unscrupulous boxing promoters (Jason Statham), gypsy bare-knuckle fighters (Brad Pitt), Russian mobsters, and a stolen diamond that brings them all together. The film boasts a fast-paced narrative, snappy dialogue, and memorable performances from an ensemble cast that makes for an entertaining ride through the seedy underbelly of organized crime.
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- 19Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci
Scorsese reunites with Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in this epic gangster saga spanning decades based on real-life hitman Frank Sheeran's confessions regarding his involvement with American labor leader Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino). With masterful storytelling techniques such as de-aging technology to allow the actors to portray their characters throughout various stages in life—the film is both a technical marvel and poignant meditation on loyalty, betrayal, and mortality within mafia circles.
- 20Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran
In Guy Ritchie's directorial debut, four friends find themselves immersed in London's seedy underworld after becoming indebted to a dangerous mobster (P.H. Moriarty) following a botched card game. The ensuing chaos involves competing gangs, drug dealers, loan sharks, and two antique shotguns. The film's sharp wit, frenetic pacing, and memorable performances from the likes of Jason Statham and Vinnie Jones make it a standout entry in the gangster genre.
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- 21Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp delivers a chilling performance as notorious Irish-American mob boss James "Whitey" Bulger in this biographical crime drama. The film delves into the complex relationship between Bulger and the FBI, particularly agent John Connolly (Joel Edgerton), who uses Bulger as an informant to bring down rival Italian mobsters. This compelling story explores themes of corruption, betrayal, and loyalty within both law enforcement and organized crime circles.
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- 22Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard
Michael Mann directs this stylish account of the final years of notorious bank robber John Dillinger (Johnny Depp) during America's crime wave of the 1930s. As he evades capture by FBI agent Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale), Dillinger remains a constant thorn in the side of J. Edgar Hoover's fledgling Bureau of Investigation. The film provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of Depression-era gangsters and their battle against law enforcement.
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- 23Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts, Vincent Cassel
David Cronenberg directs this gritty thriller about London midwife Anna Khitrova (Naomi Watts), who uncovers evidence of illegal activities within a Russian mafia family while trying to find relatives of an orphaned baby girl. Viggo Mortensen delivers an Oscar-nominated performance as Nikolai Luzhin, a mysterious Russian mob enforcer caught up in Anna's search for the truth. The film offers a gripping portrayal of organized crime's intricate web of deception, violence, and power struggles.
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- 24Willem Dafoe, Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus
This cult classic follows two Irish brothers (Norman Reedus and Sean Patrick Flanery) who embark on a vigilante mission to take down Boston's mafia after receiving what they believe to be divine inspiration. Aided by their friend Rocco (David Della Rocco) and pursued by eccentric FBI agent Paul Smecker (Willem Dafoe), their bloody crusade questions where the line between justice and vengeance lies.
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- 25Joe Pesci, Marisa Tomei, Ralph Macchio
While not primarily focused on organized crime, this beloved comedy stars Joe Pesci as Vincent LaGuardia Gambini—a fast-talking lawyer with dubious credentials defending his cousin Bill (Ralph Macchio) against murder charges in a small Southern town. Marisa Tomei's Oscar-winning performance as Vinny's fierce and intelligent fiancée Mona Lisa Vito serves to elevate the film, which offers both laughs and suspense in equal measure.
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- 26Ray Stevenson, Vincent D'Onofrio, Val Kilmer
Based on real-life events, this crime biopic recounts the violent turf war between Cleveland mobster Danny Greene (Ray Stevenson) and Italian mafia boss John Nardi (Vincent D'Onofrio). Set against a backdrop of corruption within labor unions and local government, their bloody feud escalates into an all-out war that ultimately leads to their downfall. This gripping story offers insight into one man's crusade against organized crime throughout 1970s America.
- 27Christopher Walken, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne
Christopher Walken stars as Frank White—a charismatic drug lord released from prison with plans to unite New York City's criminal underworld under his rule while using illicit profits for philanthropic purposes. With intense performances from Laurence Fishburne, David Caruso, and Wesley Snipes, this stylish crime drama directed by Abel Ferrara is a fascinating study of ambition and morality within the mafia hierarchy.
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- 28Jack Nicholson, Danny DeVito, Armand Assante
Jack Nicholson stars as legendary American labor leader Jimmy Hoffa, who became embroiled in organized crime while leading the Teamsters union during its heyday in the mid-20th century. Directed by Danny DeVito, who also co-stars as Hoffa's loyal friend Bobby Ciaro, this biographical drama chronicles Hoffa's tumultuous career – from his rise to power to his mysterious disappearance in 1975.
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- 29Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, James Franco
Michael Shannon delivers a chilling performance as real-life hitman Richard Kuklinski—a family man who secretly carried out over 100 contract killings for various mobsters throughout his career. This gripping biographical crime thriller delves into Kuklinski's double life while examining the psychological toll it took on him and those around him.
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- 30Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce
Curtis Hanson's neo-noir masterpiece takes viewers on a thrilling ride through 1950s Los Angeles as three LAPD officers (Kevin Spacey, Guy Pearce, and Russell Crowe) investigate a series of murders connected to corruption within both the police force and organized crime. With a star-studded ensemble cast that also includes Kim Basinger in an Oscar-winning role, L.A. Confidential offers a captivating exploration of power dynamics and hidden agendas in both law enforcement circles and the criminal underworld.
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