Movies have long romanticized the world of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, tapping into our fascination with those who live outside the law. The allure of crime stories isn't new; they've been captivating audiences since before the advent of cinema. For those eager to dive into a world where individuals craft their own rules and adhere to a unique code, we've curated a list of the top mafia movies of all time.

Organized crime is a hallmark of the 20th Century, and it's no surprise that filmmakers have been drawn to this subject, mirroring the rise of mob syndicates across the nation. Directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese have become synonymous with the genre due to their iconic portrayals, while other renowned filmmakers have also ventured into this territory with remarkable results.

Our list includes a mix of films inspired by real-life mobsters and the law enforcement officers who pursued them, as well as purely fictional tales designed to entertain and thrill. 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 kick off our list with Martin Scorsese's masterpiece, "Goodfellas," a film that has been hailed for over three decades as one of the best mob movies ever made. Starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, this film delves into the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill over several decades. Adapted from Nicholas Pileggi's biography "Wise Guy," "Goodfellas" showcases some of the finest work from everyone involved, leveraging the iconic status of Scorsese and De Niro to elevate Liotta and Pesci into the pantheon of "made men."

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," directed by British filmmaker Mike Newell, offers a gripping true story of an FBI agent who goes deep undercover within the Bonanno crime family. Johnny Depp plays the agent, known in the underworld as Donnie Brasco, while Al Pacino delivers a compelling performance as Lefty, a seasoned but fading enforcer who unwittingly brings Brasco into the fold. Based on the autobiography of agent Joseph Pistone, the film provides a cool and engaging narrative that sets it apart from typical mob films.

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," a more contemporary entry, stars Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain in a gripping tale set during 1981, New York City's most crime-ridden year. Isaac plays Abel Morales, a trucking company owner navigating the treacherous waters of a corrupt environment while trying to maintain his integrity. This thought-provoking thriller, featuring performances from David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks, offers a vivid snapshot of a turbulent era.

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 distinct take on organized crime set during the Prohibition era. This film noir-inspired story follows Tom, an Irish mob lieutenant (played by Gabriel Byrne), as he navigates a mob war, playing both sides. With its stylized dialogue, visually striking sequences, and strong performances, "Miller's Crossing" helped launch Byrne's career in the U.S. and set the stage for future Coen brothers' successes.

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 characters are inspired by real-life figures, with De Niro's Ace reflecting casino owner Lefty Rosenthal and Pesci's Nicky echoing enforcer Tony Spilotro. This epic film traces the journey from partnership to rivalry, with Sharon Stone's Oscar-nominated performance as the catalyst for their downfall. "Casino" stands tall on its own merit, despite being compared to "Goodfellas."

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

"City of God" takes us outside American cinema to Brazil, where this powerful crime drama spans decades, tracing the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade De Deus neighborhood from the 1960s to the 1980s. Loosely based on true events, the film's authenticity is enhanced by its cast of non-professional actors from Rio's low-income areas. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, "City of God" also inspired a TV series and a subsequent 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" transports us to 1930s Chicago, where Eliot Ness (played by Kevin Costner) leads a crusade against notorious gangster Al Capone (Robert De Niro). This action-packed film blends drama with comic-book flair as Ness assembles his team of incorruptible "untouchables" to take down Capone. Sean Connery's Oscar-winning performance as a seasoned cop adds depth to this thrilling narrative.

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

A remake of the Hong Kong thriller "Infernal Affairs," Martin Scorsese's "The Departed" focuses on Boston crime boss Whitey Bulger and two cops on opposite sides—one rising in the police force as Bulger's mole (Matt Damon), and the other undercover within Bulger's ranks (Leonardo DiCaprio). With a stellar cast including Jack Nicholson, Vera Farmiga, and Mark Wahlberg, this complex and engaging film earned Scorsese an Oscar for Best Director.

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

During the 2000s, Viggo Mortensen starred in two David Cronenberg crime films, "A History of Violence" and "Eastern Promises." The latter, which we've included here, features Mortensen as a Russian mob enforcer in London navigating the dangerous dynamics between his boss, his boss's volatile son, and a midwife protecting a baby. "Eastern Promises" is notable for its intense bathhouse fight scene, which has become iconic.

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.

"The Godfather," directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is often considered the pinnacle of mafia cinema. Based on Mario Puzo's novel, this film shattered box office records in 1972 and introduced audiences to the Corleone family. Starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and James Caan, it follows the transformation of Michael Corleone from a reluctant outsider to a ruthless mob boss, cementing its place as a cultural landmark.

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" is both a sequel and prequel, continuing the story of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as he navigates treachery within his family, while also tracing the early life of his father, Vito (Robert De Niro), from Sicily to New York. This film is often debated as being equal to, if not better than, the original, showcasing the depth and complexity of the Corleone saga.

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," directed by Sam Mendes, is a visually stunning adaptation of a graphic novel. Tom Hanks stars as Michael Sullivan, an Irish mob enforcer who goes on the run with his son after a family tragedy. Featuring a cast that includes Paul Newman and Jude Law, this film blends revenge and family dynamics in a unique and compelling way.

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

"Scarface," directed by Howard Hawks, is an early cinema classic inspired by Al Capone's rise. Paul Muni stars as Tony Camonte, a gangster climbing the ranks in Chicago, battling censors to bring this gripping tale to the screen. This pre-Hays Code film blends historical significance with genre excellence, earning praise even from Capone himself.

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," a Netflix production, brings together genre icons Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci for an epic tale of regret and loneliness. Based on the book "I Heard You Paint Houses," this film explores the life of a hitman (De Niro) and his involvement with the mob and Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). "The Irishman" offers a sobering look at the cost of a life in the mafia, presenting its characters as fading, regretful figures.

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., and Russell Crowe as the detective tasked with bringing him down. This intelligent and engaging film features standout performances from its leads, supported by a strong cast including Josh Brolin and Chiwetel Ejiofor.