Mob movies have been a part of American cinema ever since movies were invented. They are one of the most popular genres in cinema. There's an attraction we have towards these films. We love seeing the lives of these men and how they act. We wonder how they can do the things they do and not be affected. There's a mystery surrounding the mafia and what it's really like. I remember watching a mafia film for the first time when I was a boy and being mesmerized by the characters. Seeing them wear the fancy clothes, being surrounded by women, and having all the money in the world seemed like a good life to me. But as the movie went on, I saw the horrors of the mafia life and what it does to families. My love for mob movies has grown since that day so I decided it would be a good idea to rank them. Here's my top 10 mom movies of all time:
10. American Gangster (2007)
Courtesy of Universal Pictures
American Gangster is a film that doesn't get the attention deserves. The film stars Denzel Washington as Harlem kingpin Frank Lucas. This film showcases the life of Lucas as he rises to the top in Harlem, surpassing families in the mob in the 1970s. Washington gives one of his best performances as Frank Lucas. The film has a great supporting cast as well, most notably Russell Crowe as Richie Roberts the attorney trying to take Lucas down. The film is directed by the legendary Ridley Scott, so you know it will be a good and interesting film.
9. Donnie Brasco (1997)
Courtesy of TriStar Pictures
Donnie Brasco is an interesting mob film. The film shows the perspective from an FBI agent undercover in the mafia. The film is about FBI agent Joe Pistone infiltrating the Bonnano crime family. He befriends associate Lefty Ruggiero and gets introduced to everything in the mob world. Johnny Depp stars as Joe Pistone and Al Pacino costars as Lefty Ruggiero. Usually mob films focus on the actual mobsters, but it is cool to see an outsider infiltrating that world. The films shows what Pistone's life was like in the mafia and how that life affected his family.
8. The Irishman (2019)
Courtesy of Netflix
The Irishman follows the true story of Frank Sheeran through multiple decades and his links with the Buffalino crime family and Jimmy Hoffa. The film stars the dream team for mafia films: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. The film is director by Martin Scorsese, who knows a thing or two about making a great mob film. At a whopping 3 hours and 29 minutes runtime, The Irishman runs the risk of being boring in some scenes, but it never does. The combination of great acting, a good story, and great direction puts The Irishman on this list even if the de-aging of all of the stars looked silly.
7. Scarface (1983)
Courtesy of Universal Pictures
"SAY HELLO TO MY LITTLE FRIEND." Those iconic six words are known to everyone on planet Earth. Scarface stars Al Pacino as Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant looking for wealth and power in America. Scarface is the most violent mafia film of all time. That might turn some people off, but it shouldn't. The film shows what greed can do to a man and the lengths Tony goes through to achieve his goal. There are many iconic scenes that will be always remembered but my favorite scene is Manny trying to pick up girls. If you haven't seen that scene, look it up on YouTube, it's hysterical. Scarface will go down as one of the best mafia movies of all time with a great performance from Al Pacino.
6. A Bronx Tale (1993)
Courtesy of Savoy Pictures
A Bronx Tale holds a special place in my heart. It was the first mob film I have ever seen and it introduced me to this world. The film is about Bronx in the 1950s and 60s and follows a boy named Calogero. Calogero gets mixed up with mob boss Sonny, with disapproval from his hard working father Lorenzo. The film stars Chazz Palminteri, Lillo Brancato, and Robert De Niro. The film was also directed by Robert De Niro. A Bronx Tale keeps things simple, but what makes this film great is the lessons it has to offer the viewer. "The saddest thing in life is wasted talent."
5. The Departed (2006)
Courtesy of Warner Brothers Pictures
The Departed is not just an amazing mob film, it's an amazing film in general. The film has one of the best casts of all time: Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, and Vera Farmiga. The film is directed by Martin Scorsese, who you have already seen on this list and will see again. Like Donnie Brasco, a man infiltrates a mob crew but this time, the head of the family has a cop looking out for him. Drama and action ensues to figure out who's the rat in Nicholson's crew. If you haven't seen this film, check it out. You won't regret it.
4. Casino (1995)
Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Again a Martin Scorsese film makes the list. This time it's the 1995 critically acclaimed film Casino starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone. Like other mob films, Casino is violent and dramatic with great performances, but in this film a female presence is seen. Sharon Stone gives the best performance of her career as Ginger McKenna. Based on a true story, Casino shows the life of Sam 'Ace' Rothstein (Robert De Niro) as the owner of the Tangiers Casino run by the Chicago mob. The Chicago mob brings enforcer Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci) to help Rothstein in Vegas and as you can guess, chaos ensues. Casino is another Scorsese mob classic.
3. The Godfather: Part II (1974)
Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
The Godfather and The Godfather: Part II are seen as the greatest original to sequel films of all time. This was hard to choose but The Godfather: Part II is number 3 on my list. Following The Godfather, in Part II we take a look at Michael taking over the family business. We also see how young Vito was introduced to the mob life. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The Godfather Part II is the quintessential mob film. Al Pacino continues to shine as Michael Corleone and Robert De Niro did a great job replacing Brando as a young Vito Corleone. The Godfather: Part II will go down as one of the best films of all time.
2. The Godfather (1972)
Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
The Godfather beats out The Godfather: Part II on my list because it is more iconic. The opening scene, you hear the Italian music, you realize you are going to be transformed into another world. The Godfather has so many iconic moments, it's hard to choose which one to highlight. Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone gives his best performance and a performance that only he can give. His iconic line "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse" every person on Earth knows. The Godfather is one of only a few films I consider perfect, but it is not number 1 on my list.
1. Goodfellas (1990)
Courtesy of Warner Brothers Pictures
Goodfellas is the best mob film of all time. The true story of mobster Henry Hill is told perfectly on the big screen. Throughout its 2 hours 25 minutes runtime, there is not one dull moment. The film starts with a bang and continues through the whole runtime. From one of the first lines in the film, "As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster" the film throws you in for a ride. The film is violent. The direction is awesome , especially the one shot iconic scene where Henry takes Karen through the kitchen of The Copacabana. The iconic scene with Pesci and Liotta in the restaurant is one of the best scenes in movie history. Goodfellas is the perfect mob film and a perfect film in general.
What do you think of our list? Leave it in the comments below.