8 Recommendations for the Most Exciting Mafia Movies, Have You Watched Them?

The world of Hollywood filmmaking never runs out of ways to present thrilling yet complex stories, especially when discussing the world of organized crime or the mafia.

This genre has produced a number of iconic films that not only capture the audience's attention but also receive acclaim from critics. Stories about criminal families, betrayal, ambition, and honor continue to be enticing themes to bring to the big screen.

Great directors like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola have been the architects behind some of the most influential mafia masterpieces of all time. Through sharp storytelling, strong characters, and intricate plots, they are able to portray the dark side of mafia life.

From the legendary saga of The Godfather to modern thrillers like The Departed, the following eight selected mafia films are a must-watch for fans of crime drama. Check out more detailed information summarized on Sunday (4/6/2025).

1. Goodfellas (1990)

Recommendations for the Most Exciting Mafia Films (Source: imdb)

Among the series of mafia-themed films ever made, Goodfellas directed by Martin Scorsese is often regarded as one of the most authentic and profound in depicting life in the world of organized crime. This film tells the true story of Henry Hill, a man who was involved in the mafia world from a young age and eventually became an FBI informant. The story in Goodfellas focuses on the ups and downs of a criminal group trying to rise in the mafia hierarchy.

The film features stunning performances from veteran actors such as Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci—the latter even won an Oscar for his intense and explosive role. With a runtime of nearly two and a half hours, Goodfellas not only offers action but also presents sharp characterizations and deep social criticism against the glamorization of the mafia world.

2. The Godfather (1972)

Recommendations for the Most Exciting Mafia Films (Source: imdb)

No discussion of mafia films is complete without mentioning The Godfather, the legendary work of Francis Ford Coppola that laid the foundation for this genre. This film follows the journey of the Corleone family—a powerful Italian-American mafia family with strong influence in politics, business, and even law enforcement.

Through the character of Don Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando, the film showcases how power is exercised through loyalty, honor, and of course, violence. Since its release more than five decades ago, The Godfather has not only set the standard for gangster films but has also been recognized as one of the greatest films of all time.

Although it has occasionally ranked below Goodfellas in various polls, it is undeniable that the cultural impact of The Godfather is immense, even to this day.

3. The Godfather Part II (1974)

Recommendations for the Most Exciting Mafia Movies (Source: imdb)

As a continuation of the epic story of the Corleone family, The Godfather Part II presents a narrative that is just as powerful as the first film. On one side, the film showcases the story of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), who now takes over the family business and struggles to maintain power amidst betrayal and pressure from both within and outside his organization.

On the other hand, the film also presents a flashback of the young life of Vito Corleone, played by Robert De Niro, showing how the head of the family built his power from scratch. This film not only matches the achievements of the first film but also became the only sequel to win the Oscar for Best Picture. The dual narrative and brilliant direction make Part II a highly influential cinematic work.

4. Casino (1995)

Recommendations for the Most Exciting Mafia Movies (Source: imdb)

Still from Martin Scorsese, Casino becomes a deep exploration of the mafia world in the Las Vegas gambling industry in the 1970s. Robert De Niro plays Sam "Ace" Rothstein, a professional gambler appointed by the mafia to manage a casino.

Together with Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci, the film depicts how illegal operations are systematically run and the impact of greed and betrayal within the mafia network. Unlike Goodfellas, which focuses more on the streets of New York, Casino showcases a more glamorous, glittering, yet equally deadly side of the crime world. The dramatic atmosphere and Scorsese's signature visuals are the main strengths of this film.

5. The Departed (2006)

The Most Exciting Mafia Movie Recommendations (Source: imdb)

This Academy Award-winning film for Best Picture takes a different approach to the mafia theme. The Departed is an adaptation of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs and places the story amid the fierce conflict between the Irish mafia in Boston and the police. Leonardo DiCaprio plays an undercover cop in a criminal group, while Matt Damon plays a dual role as a mafia member infiltrating the police.

Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film is not only filled with tension but also raises moral dilemmas and psychological pressures experienced by its characters. The surprise at the end of the story is one of the reasons why The Departed is so memorable and often recommended as one of the best modern mafia films.

6. Donnie Brasco (1997)

The Most Exciting Mafia Movie Recommendations (Source: imdb)

Based on a true story, Donnie Brasco is a film that tells the tale of an FBI agent named Joseph D. Pistone who goes undercover as Donnie to infiltrate a mafia network. In the process of his disguise, he forms a close relationship with Lefty Ruggiero, an experienced mafia member brilliantly portrayed by Al Pacino.

Johnny Depp as Donnie successfully showcases the inner dilemma of an agent who begins to feel sympathy for the people he is supposed to entrap. This film is not just about infiltration and investigation, but also demonstrates how human relationships can become complex, even in the midst of a criminal world.

7. A Bronx Tale (1993)

The Most Exciting Mafia Movie Recommendations (Source: imdb)

This film directed by Robert De Niro tells the story of the moral choices faced by a teenager named Calogero in the Bronx, New York. Growing up in a tough and violent environment, he becomes fascinated with Sonny, a charismatic yet dangerous local mafia leader.

Calogero's father, an honest bus driver, tries to steer his son away from a life of crime. A Bronx Tale is a touching film because it not only discusses the gangster world but also the conflict between family values and the temptations of power offered by the dark world.

8. Scarface (1983)

The Most Exciting Mafia Movie Recommendations (Source: imdb)

Scarface is a legendary mafia film often regarded as a symbol of limitless ambition and moral decay. Starring Al Pacino, the film follows the journey of Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who ambitiously builds a drug empire in Miami.

The story is filled with violence, intrigue, and blinding luxury. Although the film received criticism upon its release for its graphic violence, Scarface has since been recognized as one of the most influential classic films and holds a special place in popular culture, especially in the mafia and crime genres.

(kpl/ses)