A Look Back at the Best Mafia Movies in Film History

The mafia movie is a classic genre in cinema and has been since the early days of film. The stories of organized crime have captivated audiences for decades, and some of the best mafia movies have become iconic classics. From The Godfather to Goodfellas to The Irishman, these films tell stories of loyalty, betrayal, power, and violence that resonate with viewers worldwide. Here’s a look at some of the greatest mafia movies ever made.

The Godfather (1972)

The Godfather is a paradigmatic film in the annals of cinema. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo’s eponymous novel, it follows the narrative of Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), the leader of a formidable New York City mafia family. His son Michael (Al Pacino) takes up the mantle as he traverses a labyrinthine tangle of violence and intrigue to safeguard his kin from opposing gangs.

Goodfellas (1990)

Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas is an adaptation of Nicholas Pileggi’s non-fiction book about mob associate Henry Hill (Ray Liotta). The movie follows Henry’s rise in the mob from a young street hustler to an important member of Paulie Cicero’s (Paul Sorvino) gang. Goodfellas was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is considered one of Scorsese’s best works. Its iconic scenes—like Joe Pesci’s “Funny how?” speech—have become part of movie history.

The Departed (2006)

The Departed is a reimagining of the 2002 Chinese production Infernal Affairs, helmed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg. This film chronicles the efforts of an undercover policeman (DiCaprio) and a secret Mafiosi (Damon) to outsmart each other in a mental duel.

The Untouchables (1987)

Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables tells the story of Elliot Ness (Kevin Costner), an incorruptible Prohibition agent determined to bring down notorious mobster Al Capone (Robert De Niro). With the help of his team of “untouchables,” Ness sets out to take down Capone and end his reign of terror.

The Irishman (2019)

The Irishman is Martin Scorsese’s latest mafia movie, starring Robert De Niro as Frank Sheeran, a mob hitman who claims to have been involved in the disappearance of union leader Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino). The movie follows Sheeran’s rise in the mob and his alleged role in Hoffa’s disappearance.

A handful of notable mafia films have always entertained viewers for generations. From The Godfather to The Irishman, these classic organized crime stories continue to enthrall spectators. Whether you’re a fan of classic mob movies or more modern offerings, there’s something for everyone in this genre.