15 Best Mob Movies (That Aren't The Godfather) (2024)

Organized crime has been a focal point of American culture and entertainment for decades, with the likes of the Italian Mafia, Irish mob and Russian gangsters making for some of cinema's best villains. The films range from stories centered around undercover agents getting close to the mob to arrest its leaders to epic dramas that follow the lives of gangsters. Regardless of the story, audiences have shown they can't get enough of films centered around organized crime.

From movies that delve into the inner workings of the mob lifestyle to gritty revenge stories, the mob continues to make for a good trope in crime, drama, thrillers and even comedy movies. From TV to cinema, gangsters are an easy go-to for good stories, and a range of eras, such as the Great Depression and modern times, provide the backdrop for these brilliant films. While Francis Ford Coppola may have set the standard with his Godfather trilogy, there are countless brilliant mob movies outside his gangster epic.

Updated on October 4, 2024, by Florencia Aberastury: Mob movies are incredibly popular. Some of them focus on real-life mobsters and events, while others are fictional stories, sometimes inspired by real members of the Mafia or events in history. Mob movies are captivating and intriguing thanks to the mix of mystery, crime and interpersonal drama, that makes the genre unique among crime movies. This article has been updated to include a few more of the best mob movies, as well as to bring the article up to current CBR standards.

15 Casino Is One of Sharon Stone’s Best Movies

Casino Was the Eighth Scorcese Film Starring Robert De Niro

Casino follows the story of Sam "Ace" Rothstein, a gambling expert who goes to oversee a casino and hotel operation in Las Vegas. The film is based on the nonfiction book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas, written by Nicholas Pileggi, and features a star-studded cast that includes Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone. And while Casino didn't receive as much critical acclaim as other Scorcese films, it is still one of the best and most grounded in reality mob movies by the talented director.

Casino's biggest pull relies on its solid cast, with an outstanding performance by Sharon Stone. Stone received multiple accolades for the film, including a Best Actress nomination at the Academy Award, the only Academy Award nomination for the film. Casino isn't exactly a biographical film, but the movie still takes inspiration from real-life people, making the film even more compelling. De Niro's character is based on sports gambler turned FBI informant Frank Rosenthal and Pesci's Nicky is based on a high-ranking member of the Chicago Outfit, Anthony Spilotro. Sharon Stone's Ginger is based on the life of Geri McGee, a model and showgirl working in Las Vegas, and Frank Rosenthal's wife.

Casino

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Studio

Universal Pictures

14 American Gangster Tells the True Story of One of Harlem’s Most Notorious Drug Overlords

American Gangster Receieved Twenty One Award Nominations

Frank Lucas was one of the most notorious drug overlords in Harlem during the '60s and '70s, who worked for mob boss Bumpy Johnson. Lucas' early life was influenced by the murder of his 12-year-old cousin by the Ku Klux Klan, which is said drove Lucas to a life of crime. In American Gangster, Denzel Washington gives life to Frank Lucas. The film depicts Lucas' later years under Bumpy Johnson before Johnson's death, and Lucas' rise as a drug overload after.

American Gangster might not be the most historically-accurate portrayal of Frank Lucas' life and career as a criminal, but the film is still a highly entertaining mob movie. Denzel Washington's performance as Lucas, as well as Russell Crowe's portrayal of attorney Richie Roberts, are enough to make American Gangster one of the best mob movies. American Gangster was released in 2007, but the gritty and violent atmosphere puts the film next to classic '80s and '90s mob movies, when many agree the genre was at its best. Washington's portrayal of Frank Lucas earned Washington a nomination for Best Actor at the Golden Globe Awards.

American Gangster

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Biography

Crime

Drama

Director

Ridley Scott

Release Date

November 2, 2007

Cast

Denzel Washington , Russell Crowe , Chiwetel Ejiofor , Josh Brolin

Writers

Steven Zaillian , Mark Jacobson

Runtime

157 minutes

Main Genre

Biography

13 Scarface Is One of the Most Quoted Gangster Movies

Scarface Is a Remake of a 1932 Film of the Same Name

Everyone's heard the quote "Say hello to my little friend!" even if they don't know where it's from. Scarface is a popular gangster movie about a Cuban refugee turned drug overlord, Tony Montana, who arrives in Miami and gets involved with a mobster and drug lord. Scarface sees Montana grow in power as he takes over the drug operation and makes deals with Colombian cartels, until his greed soon backfires.

Scarface is one of the most well-known gangster movies, and one of Al Pacino's best performances. However, it wasn't well received at first. When it was first released, Scarface was criticized for its heavy dose of violence and profanity, but these very elements are exactly what drove fans to turn this De Palma film into a cult classic. Scarface pulls no punches and the violent nature of the film makes the story even more realistic, making Scarface a mob movie unlike any other.

Scarface

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Crime

Drama

Director

Brian De Palma

Release Date

December 9, 1983

Cast

Al Pacino , Michelle Pfeiffer , Robert Loggia , Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio , F. Murray Abraham , Miriam Colon

Writers

Oliver Stone , Howard Hawks , Ben Hecht

Runtime

170 minutes

Main Genre

Crime

Budget

$25 million

Studio(s)

Universal Pictures

Distributor(s)

Universal Pictures

12 The Many Saints of Newark Brought Back a Popular Fictional Crime Family

Tony Soprano Is Portrayed by James Gandolfini’s Son

The Sopranos is one of the best TV shows of all time, and one of the best mob shows ever. The story of a mob boss going to therapy as he deals with the stress of balancing his criminal and personal lives became a groundbreaking HBO show. And The Many Saints of Newark expands on The Sopranos' story, this time shedding light on Tony Soprano's life as a teenager.

The Many Saints of Newark is a must-watch for any Sopranos fan. But even for those who've never seen the iconic HBO show, The Many Saints of Newark will be a captivating and intriguing mob movie. The Sopranos' prequel film centers on Tony Soprano during his teenage years, and his mobster uncle Dickie Moltisanti. The Many Saints of Newark is a great Mafia movie that takes elements from classic films of the genre and with links to an iconic Mafia TV show that any fan of the genre should watch.

The Many Saints of Newark

11 Bugsy Details the Final Years of an Infamous Hitman

Bugsy Received Ten Academy Award Nominations

Bugsy follows the final years of Bugsy Siegel, a real-life notorious mobster and hitman. Bugsy Siegel's beginnings date back to the Prohibition era, where he became involved with fellow mobsters Meyer Lansky and Lucky Luciano. Siegel, alongside Meyer Lansky, created Murder, Inc., an organized crime group of fellow enforcers for the National Crime Syndicate. Siegel was also one of the mobsters credited with the creation of the Las Vegas Strip.

In Bugsy, Warren Beatty plays Bugsy Siegel during the mobster's final years in the 1940s, when Bugsy meets and falls in love with Virginia Hill. Bugsy also sees Siegel's influence in Las Vegas as he takes over the creation of the Flamingo Las Vegas, a now iconic hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Bugsy is a captivating tale of a unique real-life mobster with a vision that has turned a desert city into one of the world's most iconic tourist destinations.

Bugsy

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Biography

Crime

Drama

History

Director

Barry Levinson

Release Date

December 10, 1991

Cast

Warren Beatty , Annette Bening , Harvey Keitel , Ben Kingsley , Elliott Gould , Joe Mantegna , Bebe Neuwirth , Bill Graham , Lewis van Bergen , Wendy Phillips , Richard C. Sarafian , Karen Russell , Robert Beltran , Stefanie Mason , Kimberly McCullough , Andy Romano , Bryan Smith , Eric Christmas

Writers

Dean Jennings , James Toback

Runtime

134 minutes

Main Genre

Biography

Character(s)

Ben Bugsy Siegel , Virginia Hill , Mickey Cohen , Meyer Lansky , Harry Greenberg , George Raft , Countess di Frasso , Charles Lucky Luciano , Joe Adonis , Esta Siegel , Jack Dragna , Dancer , Alejandro , Millicent Siegel , Barbara Siegel , Del Webb , Chick Hill , Ronald the Butler

10 Analyze This Is a Hilarious Take on the Godfather

Analyze This Was Followed By a Sequel Film, Analyze That

Analyze This tells the story of Paul Vitti, the head of a Mafia crime family who, after the assassination of one of his close friends, begins suffering from panic attacks. He approaches a private therapist, Ben Sobel, and forces him to work as his psychiatrist. However, the hotheaded gangster repeatedly misunderstands and ignores Sobel's advice, leading to the two clashing as Vitti pleads for help getting his life back on track.

The comedy duo of Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal in Analyze This made for one of the best gangster movies of its era, and is a brilliant parody of The Godfather and other gangster classics. Unlike many mob movies, Analyze This is a comedy, but retains the best parts of the genre. In fact, the movie was released the same year as The Sopranos, serving as a comedy counterpart to the hit show due to the similiar concept.

9 Miller's Crossing Remains One of the Coen Brothers' Best Films

Miller’s Crossing Quotes and References Many Iconic Mob Movies

Miller's Crossing tells the story of Tom Reagan, a lieutenant of a Prohibition-era mob boss, Leo. After secretly sleeping with Leo's girlfriend, Verna, Tom gets ousted from Leo's organization when he reveals the affair in an attempt to stop his boss from escalating a mob war with their Italian rival, Johnny Caspar. Left with no other option, Tom turns to Caspar for work. In order to prove himself, Tom is ordered to kill Verna's bookie brother, Bernie, who has been skimming from the Italians' activities. However, when the ousted advisor fakes Bernie's death, he gets roped into a plot of changing loyalties and distrust.

Miller's Crossing remains one of the Coen Brothers' best projects, immersing viewers in the era of Prohibition as they follow Tom trying to stay alive. The film is a great dark comedy, one that keeps audiences surprised at every turn, with a slew of great actors like Gabriel Byrne, Steve Buscemi and John Turturro starring. The movie follows the Coen Brothers' signature style of twist-heavy dark comedy and is mandatory viewing for their fans.

Miller's Crossing

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Crime

Drama

Thriller

Where to Watch

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Not available

*Availability in US

Director

Joel Coen , Ethan Coen

Release Date

September 21, 1990

Cast

Gabriel Byrne , Albert Finney , John Turturro , Marcia Gay Harden , Jon Polito , Steve Buscemi

Writers

Runtime

115 Minutes

Main Genre

Crime

Producer

Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Production Company

Circle Films, Twentieth Century Fox

8 Donnie Brasco Follows an Undercover Cop in the Mob

Donnie Brasco Popularized the Iconic Mafia Phrase “Forget About It”

Donnie Brasco follows an undercover FBI agent, Joe Pistone, who adopts the persona of Donnie Brasco in order to infiltrate the Mafia. After meeting a seasoned but aging mob hitman, Lefty Ruggiero, Joe becomes embroiled in the lifestyle of being a wiseguy, using his guise as a jewel thief to gain the confidence of the Bonanno crime family. At the same time, the agent tries to keep his family together, all the while trying to maintain his cover in the mob.

Donnie Brasco follows Joe as he befriends Lefty, leaving him in a personal dilemma, knowing arrests are inevitable. The film is a good look at several layers of life inside the Mafia as an undercover cop, exploring the inner workings and politics of a crime family. Based on a true story, the film is worth a watch for its brilliant performances, let alone its tense plot.

Donnie Brasco

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Crime

Biography

Drama

Where to Watch

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Not available

*Availability in US

Director

Mike Newell

Release Date

February 28, 1997

Cast

Al Pacino , Johnny Depp , Michael Madsen , Bruno Kirby

Writers

Joseph D. Pistone , Richard Woodley , Paul Attanasio

Runtime

127 minutes

Main Genre

Crime

7 Once Upon A Time in America Is a Gangster Epic

Once Upon a Time in America Is Based on Harry Grey’s Book, The Hoods

Once Upon A Time In America begins when a group of gangsters search for a man, David "Noodles" Aaronson, torturing and killing anyone they suspect of protecting him. Audiences are then shown Noodles, intoxicated in an opium den, as he flees his pursuers. The film then initiates a flashback showing the man in his youth as he and his friends navigate lives of crime in the 1920s and '30s.

One of Sergio Leone's best films, Once Upon A Time In America, is a gangster epic that rivals The Godfather movies, surpassing Coppola's film in its scale and timeline. The film earns the status of "epic" in every sense of the word, and showcases the life of violence and scandal of its shady protagonist. The film is worth a watch for people who enjoy the era and stands out as some of Robert De Niro's best acting, as he takes on the role of Noodles.

Once Upon a Time in America

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Crime

Drama

Where to Watch

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Not available

*Availability in US

Director

Sergio Leone

Release Date

June 1, 1984

Cast

Robert De Niro , James Woods , Elizabeth McGovern , Treat Williams , Tuesday Weld , Burt Young , Joe Pesci , Danny Aiello

Writers

Harry Grey , Leonardo Benvenuti , Piero De Bernardi , Enrico Medioli , Franco Arcalli , Franco Ferrini , Stuart Kaminsky , Sergio Leone

Runtime

229 Minutes

Main Genre

Crime

Budget

$30 million

Studio(s)

Warner Bros. Pictures

Distributor(s)

Warner Bros. Pictures

6 The Departed Is One of Scorsese's Best Works

Matt Damon’s Character in the Departed Is Based on the Infamous FBI Agent John Connolly

The Departed takes place in Boston and tells the story of several different characters, all of whom are connected to Irish mob boss Frank Costello. Ranging from Colin, a corrupt cop member of Costello's gang, to Billy, a rookie state trooper turned undercover cop in the mob, the movie explores the effort to bring down the gangster and oust the department's mole. As the Boston Police Department teams up with the FBI, Billy is left in the dark when one of the few honest cops who knew his undercover status is killed.

The Departed is among Martin Scorsese's best films and is actually an adaptation of the Hong Kong thriller Mou Gaan Dou. The story explores the ethical dilemmas that come from being an undercover cop, the impact corruption has on law enforcement and the inner workings of the Irish mob. The film is at its best when it focuses on the mirror image lives of Billy and Colin as they become inadvertently intertwined, culminating in a final stand-off and a shocking ending.

The Departed

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Crime

Thriller

Where to Watch

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Not available

*Availability in US

Director

Martin Scorsese

Release Date

September 6, 2006

Cast

Leonardo DiCaprio , Matt Damon , Mark Wahlberg , Vera Farmiga , Jack Nicholson , Alec Baldwin , Martin Sheen

Runtime

2 hours 31 minutes

Main Genre

Drama

Studio

Warner Bros

5 John Wick Tells the Story of a Hitman's Revenge

John Wick Has Three Sequel Films, the Latter of Which Was Released in 2023

John Wick begins with the titular protagonist tragically losing his wife to cancer. After her death, a puppy arrives at his doorstep, sent by his wife so he wouldn't be left to grieve alone. However, after a run-in with the son of a Russian mob boss, Wick is attacked, his car stolen and his dog brutally killed. When he recovers, Wick heads out to figure out who did it, leading to the revelation that the mobster is the son of his old employer — back when Wick was an assassin. With revenge in his heart, the widower retrieves his old weapons and begins to wage a one-man war on the mob.

John Wick isn't a traditional mafia movie, spending relatively little time exploring the lifestyle or politics of life in the mob. Instead, it deals with the fictional lore around its elite society of assassins, but the mob, and various other criminal enterprises, are a key fixture in the plot. The first movie was almost entirely centered around Wick bringing down the mob, who had a veritable army at their disposal. The outsider-type of look at the mob in John Wick makes for a refreshing change in the genre, and Keanu Reeves' performance makes the film one of the best of its genre.

John Wick

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Action

Crime

Where to Watch

• stream
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*Availability in US

Director

Chad Stahelski , David Leitch

Release Date

September 19, 2014

Cast

Keanu Reeves , Michael Nyqvist , Alfie Allen , Willem Dafoe , Dean Winters

Writers

Derek Kolstad

Runtime

1 hour 41 minutes

Main Genre

Thriller

Production Company

Summit Entertainment, Thunder Road Pictures, 87Eleven, MJW Films, DefyNite Films

4 Midnight Run Is a Cross-Country Comedy

Midnight Run Is One of De Niro’s Highest-Rated Films

Midnight Run focuses on Jack Walsh, a Los Angeles bounty hunter who is charged with tracking down a mob accountant, Jonathan "the Duke" Mardukas, who has embezzled from his crooked employer. When he finds him in New York, Walsh goes through hell and high water to get him across the country, with mob hitmen, the FBI and a competitor always one step behind. After getting kicked off a train, the duo use cars, trains and coaches to make their way back to Los Angeles.

Midnight Run may not be a deep look at the inner workings of the Mafia, but the mob is a key player in the story, with the film's two main characters constantly being pursued by two bumbling hitmen.Midnight Run's mob elements are enough to put this film in the mob movie genre, while the comedy elements are what make the story highly entertaining. De Niro and Grodin's comedic chemistry are the driving force behind Midnight Run, and the film proved De Niro's talents went beyond dramatic mob movies.

3 Goodfellas Is a Look at Life in The Mafia

Goodfellas Is Based on the Non-Fiction Book Wiseguy

Goodfellas follows the story of Henry Hill as he climbs the ladder of the Italian Mafia, beginning as a young boy selling stolen goods, later ascending with his friends, Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito. Inspired by true events, the movie follows Henry's direct and indirect involvement in events like the Lufthansa Heist and later testimony against the mob. The film follows Hill through all the key chapters in his life, from time in prison to meeting his wife and having kids.

Goodfellas is thought of by many as the quintessential gangster film, following Henry, Jimmy and Tommy as they live it up, enjoying all the perks of being a mobster. Goodfella's opening scene and Ray Liotta's narration are now an iconic piece of pop culture, referenced in multiple movies and TV shows. Goodfella's unique style influenced many films of the genre, making the Scorcese film a staple of mob movies and a must-watch.

Goodfellas

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Crime

Where to Watch

• stream
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Not available

*Availability in US

Director

Martin Scorsese

Release Date

September 21, 1990

Cast

Robert De Niro , Ray Liotta , Joe Pesci , Lorraine Bracco

Writers

Nicholas Pileggi , Martin Scorsese

Main Genre

Drama

Production Company

Warner Bros.

Studio

2 Road to Perdition Is a Gangster Revenge Story

Road to Perdition Adapts the First Volume of the Graphic Novel Series of the Same Name

Road to Perdition focuses on Michael Sullivan, the adopted son of an Irish mob boss, John Rooney. When Michael's son witnesses a hit, the Sullivan family becomes the target of the boss' sociopathic son, Connor, who kills Sullivan's wife and youngest son. After narrowly escaping, Michael and his son hit the road and begin a mission of revenge against the crime family, with the father using his knowledge of their finances to rob their bank savings.

Road to Perdition is a heartfelt, tragic gangster movie with a fixation on the bond between father and son, with Michael Sr doing his best to keep his boy away from the cycle of violence that defined his own life. The film features Tom Hanks at his best, with the actor himself thinking of this 2002 revenge story as one of his best films. Alongside Daniel Craig, Paul Newman, Jude Law and Stanley Tucci, audiences have one of the greatest mob stories of all time.

Road to Perdition

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Drama

Crime

Thriller

Road to Perdition is a 2002 crime film starring Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, and Jude Law. Based on a comic book series by Max Allan Collins, it is set during the Great Depression. Filmed in Chicago, this film features bank robberies, tragedy, and revenge. But it is, perhaps, most alluring due to the historical realism that is incorporated in the film. The plot draws from historical figures like John Patrick Looney.

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
• buy

*Availability in US

Director

Sam Mendes

Release Date

July 12, 2002

Cast

Tom Hanks , Tyler Hoechlin , Stanley Tucci , Daniel Craig , Jude Law , Jennifer Jason Leigh , Dylan Baker , Paul Newman

Writers

David Self

Runtime

117 minutes

Main Genre

Crime

Budget

$80 million

Studio(s)

DreamWorks Distribution

Distributor(s)

20th Century , DreamWorks Distribution

1 The Untouchables Explores the Downfall of Capone

The Untouchables Takes Inspiration From Eliot Ness’ Memoir of the Same Name

Set in Prohibition Era Chicago, The Untouchables tells the story of Eliot Ness, a by-the-book Treasury agent who recruits a small team of honest cops to target Al Capone's criminal empire. Beginning with a local liquor bust, the four cops become heroes and attract the attention of Capone, who targets the men and their families. The film follows the squad as they escalate their war against the crook, foiling his smuggling operations. However, in the process, they force a deadly confrontation between them.

The Untouchables is one of the greatest gangster movies of all time, and takes viewers to the heart of Capone's organization, showing how he used violence to maintain control of the city. Al Capone is one of the most notorious mobsters, while Eliot Ness' work during the Prohibition Era is part of American legend. The Untouchables is a success on virtually every level, including an all-star cast who turn in great performances, an iconic score by Ennio Morricone, and Brian De Palma's best work in the director's chair.

The Untouchables

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Crime

History

Thriller

Young Treasury Agent Eliot Ness arrives in Chicago and is determined to take down Al Capone, but it's not going to be easy because Capone has the police in his pocket. Ness meets Jim Malone, a veteran patrolman and probably the most honorable one on the force. He asks Malone to help him get Capone, but Malone warns him that if he goes after Capone, he is going to war.

Director

Brian De Palma

Release Date

June 3, 1987

Cast

Kevin Costner , Sean Connery , Charles Martin Smith , Andy Garcia , Robert De Niro , Richard Bradford , Jack Kehoe , Brad Sullivan

Writers

David Mamet

Runtime

1h 59m

Main Genre

Crime

Studio(s)

Paramount Pictures

Distributor(s)

Paramount Pictures