Mafia movies captivate audiences with their complex characters, gripping storylines, and intricate worlds of organized crime. To determine which films truly stand out, this list of the best mafia movies of all time was crowdsourced and compiled based on votes from nearly 20,000 film buffs. These engaged fans poured over the nuances of depictions of mafia life, family loyalty, and the moral dilemmas faced by crime figures. The top picks emphasize films that not only entertain but also offer profound insights into the underworld, the mobster lifestyle, and Italian crime family culture.Â
Praised for its raw and authentic portrayal, Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas takes audiences on an inside look at gangster Henry Hill's life. The Godfather Part II, another fan favorite, delves into the complicated dynamics of crime families while exploring the rise of Vito Corleone and the struggles of his son, Michael. The Godfather, often heralded as the classic epitome of mafia movies, weaves a complex narrative of power, betrayal, and family ties. Other notable mentions include Robert De Niro's A Bronx Tale, which showcases a coming-of-age story adapted from Chazz Palminteri's 1989 play, and Departed, a thrilling game of cat-and-mouse between an undercover cop and a mole. Other great mafia movies include Donnie Brasco, Scarface, The Irishman, and Once Upon a Time in America. From old films to new favorites, each movie brings something distinctive to the table, whether it's through deep character studies, historical settings, or twists that keep viewers on the edge their seats.
Now it’s your turn to weigh in on which mafia movies top the charts by diving into this curated list. Vote up the greatest films that masterfully depict organized crime and evoke the gritty yet captivating world of the mafia. Your votes will help create a definitive that celebrates the best mafia movies ever made.
- 1
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.
- Released: 1990
- Directed by: Martin Scorsese
- 1Casino102 Votes
- 2The Godfather107 Votes
- 3The Sopranos92 Votes
- 2
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.
- Released: 1972
- Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
- 3
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.
- Released: 1974
- Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
- 4
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.
- Released: 1995
- Directed by: Martin Scorsese
- 5
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.
- Released: 2006
- Directed by: Martin Scorsese
- 1Heat55 Votes
- 2Goodfellas54 Votes
- 3Reservoir Dogs14 Votes
- 6
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.
- Released: 1997
- Directed by: Mike Newell
