Top 10 Best Mafia/Gangster Movies Ever Made

In the history of cinema, numerous films have focused on the themes of mafia and gangsters. But who are the kings of this genre? Below is a list of the 10 most successful mafia and gangster films ever produced, many of which have become iconic in film history and are highly regarded as the best works of modern cinema:

Note: The order below is based solely on significance and not a ranking of the films.

1. The Godfather Series

Release Year: 1972, 1974, 1990

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

Cast: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan

“The Godfather” is a crime film produced in 1972, based on the novel of the same name by Mario Puzo and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The film revolves around the events of the Corleone mafia family from 1945 to 1955. It is considered one of the greatest films in cinema history, frequently topping lists of the best films ever made, and has spawned two sequels released in 1974 and 1990.

2. Goodfellas

Release Year: 1990

Director: Martin Scorsese

Cast: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci

The story follows the life of a notorious mafia member and is listed as one of Total Film’s “Best Films of All Time.” The U.S. National Film Registry deemed it “a culturally significant work.” “Goodfellas” received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film, and Best Director.

3. Casino

Release Year: 1995

Director: Martin Scorsese

Cast: Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci

“Casino” shares a similar style with “Goodfellas,” depicting violence and the harsh realities of life in organized crime. The film features a captivating narrative involving two mafia associates competing for power, intertwined with themes of greed and betrayal.

4. Gomorrah

Release Year: 2008

Director: Matteo Garrone

Cast: Gianfelice Imparato, Salvatore Abbruzzese, Toni Servillo

This film portrays the harsh realities of life in Naples, depicting the influence of organized crime on everyday people. It tells the story of individuals caught in the web of the Camorra, illustrating how crime infiltrates all aspects of life.

5. Scarface

Release Year: 1983

Director: Brian De Palma

Cast: Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer

<pAlongside "The Godfather," "Scarface" is another iconic film featuring Al Pacino that has left a lasting impact on popular culture. Upon its release, the film faced criticism for its violence and graphic content, yet it developed a significant following and became a staple of 1980s cinema.

6. Donnie Brasco

Release Year: 1997

Director: Mike Newell

Cast: Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen

This film chronicles the real-life undercover operation of FBI agent Joe Pistone, who infiltrates the mafia under the alias Donnie Brasco. Over nearly a decade, he gathers intelligence on organized crime in New York, ultimately leading to significant arrests.

7. The Departed

Release Year: 2006

Director: Martin Scorsese

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson

“The Departed” is a remake of the Hong Kong film “Infernal Affairs” and is set in Boston, Massachusetts. It tells the story of the conflict between an undercover cop and a mole in the police department, both trying to uncover each other’s identities. The film became a major success, winning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

8. Mean Streets

Release Year: 1973

Director: Martin Scorsese

Cast: Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel, David Proval

This film is about crime in New York City, directed by Martin Scorsese. It features two prominent Hollywood stars, Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro. In 1997, it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry, recognized for its cultural significance.

9. Once Upon a Time in America

Release Year: 1984

Director: Sergio Leone

Cast: Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern

“Once Upon a Time in America” is a historical crime film directed by Sergio Leone, featuring Robert De Niro and James Woods. The film explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the dark side of the American Dream, spanning several decades from the early 1900s to the 1960s.

10. The Untouchables

Release Year: 1987

Director: Brian de Palma

Cast: Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro

The film is set in Chicago during the early 20th century, depicting the rampant crime and organized groups that dominated the streets. Al Capone, the infamous crime lord, creates a powerful crime syndicate, prompting the government to form a special task force to combat corruption and crime. The story revolves around the intense struggle between law enforcement and dangerous criminals.

Source: Moviepilot