The Best Mafia Films Of All Time
Here is a list of the greatest mob movies that Hollywood has to offer. The Russian, Irish, and Italian mafias have been a source of some of the best stories in film history for filmmakers. The drama, action, and moral dilemmas the characters face always keep viewers on the edge of their seats wanting more. Want to know the best mafia movies ever made? Here is a list of possibly the greatest mob movies in cinema and gangster films involving the mafia, or organized crime. These mafia movies are known for their plots, their special effects, and their amazingly memorable casts.
This list of famous mob and gangster movies can be sorted by cast, director, year, and more. It can even be reranked to create your own list of the best mafia movies. If you want to know more about any individual mafia movie, click on the movie titles to learn more about each film.
The best mobster movies are full of action, crime, violence, and of course, memorable mobsters and mafia bosses. These top mafia movies are films any good mafia movie fan will enjoy. From old classics like The Godfather and Casino to newer gangster movies, your crime loving side will be glued to the screen, enjoying the fast-paced, high-drama, action-packed worlds of these awesome fictional mobsters in these best mafia movies.
- 1Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci
- Released: 1990
- Directed by: Martin Scorsese
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.
- 2Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
- Released: 1974
- Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
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.
- 3Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan
- Released: 1972
- Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
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.
- 4Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci
- Released: 1995
- Directed by: Martin Scorsese
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.
- 5Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson
- Released: 2006
- Directed by: Martin Scorsese
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.
- 6Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen
- Released: 1997
- Directed by: Mike Newell
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.
