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Gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise men have frequently been glorified in movies, appealing to our interest in law-abiding people. Actually, crime fiction predates cinema, and it was one of the first popular genres when motion pictures first appeared. We have compiled a list of the top mafia movies for those who want to immerse themselves in a sinister world where steely people make their own rules and follow their own code.
Since organized crime was largely created in the 20th century, it makes sense that films about the subject would follow the rise of mob syndicates across the nation. While other renowned directors attempted to direct mafia projects with some remarkable outcomes, a few filmmakers, such as Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese, became synonymous with the subject due to their legendary handling of the genre.
The list below includes everything from fantastic works of fiction that are meant to astonish and delight to historical mobsters and the real-life police officers who are chasing them. In addition to Scorsese and Coppola, other directors include Brian De Palma, Ridley Scott, David Cronenberg, the Coens, and others. Take a look at the top 15 mafia films ever made!
#1. Goodfellas (1990) by Martin Scorsese
Henry grows up idolising mobsters in his impoverished neighbourhood. Things take a turn for the worse when he along with his friends Jimmy and Tommy decide to make their way up the mob hierarchy.
Where to watch: PRIME VIDEO
#2. The Godfather Part I & Il (1974) by Francis Ford Coppola
Don Vito Corleone, head of a mafia family, decides to hand over his empire to his youngest son, Michael. However, his decision unintentionally puts the lives of his loved ones in grave danger.
Where to watch: NETFLIX
#3. Casino (1995) by Martin Scorsese
Ace, a resourceful mafia associate, is asked to run casinos in Las Vegas and rises to power. However, his altercations with Nicky, his friend, and Ginger, his love interest, creates complications.
#4. Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Noodles, who was a gangster during the Prohibition Era, returns to New York after a self-imposed exile to confront his past and make amends for his mistakes.
#5. The Departed (2006) by Martin Scorsese
An undercover agent and a spy constantly try to counter-attack each other in order to save themselves from being exposed in front of the authorities. Meanwhile, both try to infiltrate an Irish gang.
#6. Scarface (1983) by Brian De Palma
Tony Montana and his close friend Manny, build a strong drug empire in Miami. However as his power begins to grow, so does his ego and his enemies, and his own paranoia begins to plague his empire.
#7. Carlito’s Way (1993) by Brian De Palma
A former convict vows to leave drugs and violence behind and live a better life. However, circumstances begin to push him towards the same activities that put him in prison in the first place.
#8. Eastern Promises (2007) by David Cronenberg
Anna Khitrova, a midwife, finds a diary of Tatiana, a teenage pregnant girl who died during her childbirth. Anna senses a mystery attached to Tatiana’s death and that prompts her to read the diary.
#9. American Gangster (2007) by Ridley Scott
Frank is a powerful drug lord whose booming drug trade is being undermined by crooked law enforcement officers and smaller street crews. Detective Roberts is the only cop who is willing to tackle him.
#10. Legend (2015) by Brian Helgeland
Frank is a powerful drug lord whose booming drug trade is being undermined by crooked law enforcement officers and smaller street crews. Detective Roberts is the only cop who is willing to tackle him.
#11. A Bronx Tale (1993) by Robert De Niro
Calogero, a teenager from the Bronx, befriends Sonny, a local mobster who initiates him into the gangster ways. His life takes a turn for the worse when he falls in love with his classmate Jane.
#12. Donnie Brasco (1997) by Mike Newell
An undercover FBI agent infiltrates one of the five crime families in New York and rises through the ranks quickly in order to bring it down for good.
#13. Road to Perdition (2002) by Sam Mendes
A hit man is on the run after his son witnesses a murder committed by his boss. On one side is his loyalty while on the other he must save his son and also bring to task those who wronged him.
#14. Gomorrah (2008) by Matteo Garrone
The Camorra criminal syndicate relies on cocaine, corruption and chemical waste to acquire wealth and power in Campania. Some try to defeat the network while others seek to survive with its blessings.
#15. The Irishman (2019) by Martin Scorsese
In the 1950s, truck driver Frank Sheeran gets involved with Russell Bufalino and his Pennsylvania crime family. As Sheeran climbs the ranks to become a top hit man, he also goes to work for Jimmy Hoffa — a powerful Teamster tied to organized crime.
#16. Miller’s Crossing (1990) by Joel and Ethan Coen
In the 1950s, truck driver Frank Sheeran gets involved with Russell Bufalino and his Pennsylvania crime family. As Sheeran climbs the ranks to become a top hit man, he also goes to work for Jimmy Hoffa — a powerful Teamster tied to organized crime.
#17. The Untouchables (1987) by Brian De Palma
During Prohibition, Treasury agent Eliot Ness sets out to stop ruthless Chicago gangster Al Capone, and assembles a small, incorruptible team to help him.
#18. Mean Streets (1973) by Martin Scorsese
Charlie wants to climb atop the ladder of the mafia but is torn between his guilt over his crimes, his faith, his responsibility towards his friend Johnny and his love for Teresa, who is epileptic.
#19. The Yakuza (1974) by Sydney Pollack
Harry Kilmer returns to Japan in order to save his friend’s daughter. Things take a turn when he learns that she has been kidnapped by the Yakuza, the notorious Japanese mafia.
#20. King of New York (1990) by Abel Ferrara
Frank White, a former drug lord, returns to New York to destroy his competitors and steal from them. The money he acquires, he intends to distribute among the poor of the city.
