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If you enjoy watching crime shows and being immersed in the gritty world of organized crime, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ve put together a list of the best Mafia movies of all time, and we’ve ranked them based on their IMDB ratings.
These films offer an exciting and captivating journey into the world of mobsters, making it easy for you to choose your next movie night selection. So, let’s dive right in and discover some cinematic gems that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Why These Are the 10 Best Mafia Movies of All Time?
We consider these movies the best in the genre because they have received high ratings on IMDb, a popular platform for movie enthusiasts to rate and review films. IMDb provides a valuable gauge of a movie’s overall reception and popularity among viewers.
With that said, let’s explore why these Mafia movies have earned their esteemed positions on our list.
1. The Godfather (1972)
| Release Date | March 24, 1972 |
| Lead Cast | Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan |
| IMDb Rating | 9.2/10 |
Where to Watch: Tubi (w/ ads), or rentable on most platforms.
The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is a crime drama film that recounts the narrative of the Corleone family, a prominent mafia dynasty in New York City. Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard S. Castellano, and Robert Duvall play key roles. The film is widely regarded as one of the best films of all time.
The Godfather follows Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), the leader of a wealthy mafia family, and his son Michael (Al Pacino), who unwillingly takes over the family business when his father is assassinated. The film covers themes of family, loyalty, power, and brutality, and it has some of cinema’s most memorable sequences, such as the horse’s head in the bed and the baptism scene.
2. The Godfather Part II (1974)
| Release Date | December 18, 1974 |
| Lead Cast | Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall |
| IMDb Rating | 9/10 |
Where to Watch: Paramount+, or rentable on most platforms.
The Godfather Part II, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is the sequel to The Godfather and follows the story of the Corleone family in two parallel narratives. One plotline follows young Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) as he climbs to prominence in New York City, while the other follows Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as he struggles to maintain his family’s empire.
“The Godfather Part II” is largely considered to be one of the finest sequels in film history, winning six Academy Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor for Robert De Niro. The film is an epic tale of power, corruption, and the American ideal, with some of cinema’s most memorable sequences, including the “I knew it was you, Fredo” scene.
3. GoodFellas (1990)
| Release Date | September 21, 1990 |
| Lead Cast | Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci |
| IMDb Rating | 8.7/10 |
Where to Watch: Tubi (w/ ads), or rentable on most platforms.
GoodFellas, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a crime drama based on the actual tale of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a gangster who becomes an FBI informant. The film also features lead performances by Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Lorraine Bracco.
The film “GoodFellas” is famous for its fast-paced editing, distinctive music, and unforgettable performances. The film examines the dark side of the American ideal and provides a disturbing depiction of the life of a gangster. The film also has some of the most iconic cinematic sequences, like the “Funny how?” scene and the “Layla” montage.
4. The Departed (2006)
| Release Date | October 6, 2006 |
| Lead Cast | Leonardo Di Caprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson |
| IMDb Rating | 8.5/10 |
Where to Watch: Rentable on most platforms.
The Departed, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a crime thriller about two individuals, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), who infiltrate opposite factions of the Boston mafia. In supporting parts, the film also features Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, and Martin Sheen.
The Departed is a gripping criminal film about devotion, betrayal, and corruption. The film is notable for its snappy language, strong action sequences, and outstanding performances. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.
5. Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
| Release Date | June 1, 1984 |
| Lead Cast | Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern |
| IMDb Rating | 8.3/10 |
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Once Upon a Time in America, directed by Sergio Leone, is an epic crime drama that tells the narrative of a group of Jewish criminals in New York City in the early twentieth century. The film’s principal actors are Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, and Tuesday Weld.
“Once Once a Time in America” is famous for its expansive plot, spectacular graphics, and Ennio Morricone’s magnificent soundtrack. The film offers a stunning exploration of the American ideal, with themes of friendship, betrayal, and redemption.
The performances in “Once Upon a Time in America” is outstanding, with Robert De Niro and James Woods giving some of their greatest performances. Sergio Leone’s film directing demonstrates his expertise as a filmmaker.
6. Casino (1995)
| Release Date | November 22, 1995 |
| Lead Cast | Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci |
| IMDb Rating | 8.2/10 |
Where to Watch: Peacock, or rentable on most platforms.
Casino, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a crime drama film about Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Robert De Niro), a Jewish-American gambling specialist entrusted with directing the operations of a Las Vegas casino for the Italian mafia. Joe Pesci and Sharon Stone both play important parts in the film.
“Casino” is well-known for its fast-paced plot, elegant directing, and outstanding acting. The film examines themes of power, greed, and treachery, and it depicts the evil side of the gambling business harshly and realistically.
7. American Gangster (2007)
| Release Date | November 2, 2007 |
| Lead Cast | Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor |
| IMDb Rating | 7.8/10 |
Where to Watch: Peacock, or rentable on most platforms.
American Gangster, directed by Ridley Scott, is a crime drama film based on the actual life of Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), a drug lord who trafficked heroin into the United States in the 1970s. Russell Crowe and Josh Brolin both play important parts in the film.
“American Gangster” is noted for its strong acting, captivating plot, and elegant directing. The film tackles themes of power, corruption, and redemption, and it provides an intriguing glimpse inside New York City’s criminal underbelly.
The performances in “American Gangster” are exceptional, with Denzel Washington enthralling as Frank Lucas and Russell Crowe as a nuanced and sophisticated investigator desperate to bring Lucas to justice.
8. The Irishman (2019)
| Release Date | November 27, 2019 |
| Lead Cast | Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci |
| IMDb Rating | 7.8/10 |
Where to Watch: Netflix
The Irishman, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a crime drama film about Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro), a mafia hitman who claims to have been implicated in the abduction of Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino), a strong labour union leader. Joe Pesci also plays a significant part in the film.
“The Irishman” is well-known for its expansive plot, outstanding acting, and great direction. The film examines the mafia’s impact on American culture via themes of loyalty, remorse, and mortality.
9. A Bronx Tale (1993)
| Release Date | October 1, 1993 |
| Lead Cast | Robert De Niro, Chazz Palminteri, Lillo Brancato |
| IMDb Rating | 7.8/10 |
Where to Watch: Prime Video
A Bronx Tale, directed by Robert De Niro, is a crime drama film about Calogero Anello (Lillo Brancato), a young child who grows up in the Bronx in the 1960s and becomes associated with a local mafia leader named Sonny (Chazz Palminteri). Robert De Niro also plays an important part in the film.
“A Bronx Tale” is well-known for its outstanding performances, captivating plot, and accurate depiction of Italian-American culture. The film delves into issues such as loyalty, fatherhood, and the conflict between good and evil.
10. Donnie Brasco (1997)
| Release Date | February 28, 1997 |
| Lead Cast | Al Pacino, Johny Depp, Michael Madsen |
| IMDb Rating | 7.7/10 |
Where to Watch: Netflix, Fubo, or rentable on most platforms.
Donnie Brasco, directed by Mike Newell, is a crime drama film based on the actual tale of Joseph D. Pistone (Johnny Depp), an FBI agent who infiltrates the Bonanno crime family in New York City using the identity “Donnie Brasco.” Al Pacino also plays a significant part in the film.
“Donnie Brasco” is well-known for its dramatic performances, a riveting plot, and realistic depiction of the mafia society. The film delves into themes of loyalty and trust, as well as the blurred borders between police enforcement and criminal activities.
The performances in ‘Donnie Brasco’ are remarkable, with Johnny Depp as Pistone/Brasco delivering a captivating performance and Al Pacino as a veteran mobster named Lefty Ruggiero in a subtle and complicated representation.
Wrap Up!
The enduring appeal of Mafia movies lies in their ability to captivate audiences with tales of power, loyalty, and betrayal within the world of organized crime. These top-rated films, ranked based on IMDb ratings, have left an indelible mark on cinema and have garnered a dedicated following in UK.
For any film enthusiast in the UK, these cinematic classics are a must-watch, offering hours of suspense, drama, and unforgettable storytelling.
