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Organized crime has fascinated filmmakers and audiences alike for decades, and now, mob movies have carved out their own permanent place in pop culture. From smoky bars in New York City to the sun-drenched streets of Miami, there's just something so intriguing about the tense, violent, and risky mobster double-life.
Of course, Hollywood has had no problem immortalizing (and sometimes romanticizing) this lifestyle, either, which is why viewers have been given plenty of epic storylines in this genre over the years. That's why we're here to help you cut through all the noise with the best flicks.
Here are the 7 best mob movies of all time that you can stream right now.
1. Goodfellas
Warner Bros.
Released in 1990 and directed by Martin Scorsese, Goodfellas follows Mafia associate Henry Hill, played by Ray Liotta, as he becomes infatuated with the organized crime presence in Brooklyn in 1955. So, Henry starts working for the mob, rising through the ranks and taking on more serious crimes until "the good times turn sour," and he's forced to put his loyalties aside to make it out alive.
Starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Paul Sorvino, and Lorraine Bracco, Goodfellas is undeniably one of the greatest gangster movies out there. Based on the 1985 nonfiction book Wiseguy, it has an undeniably stacked cast and a classic mobster plot that couldn't be more gripping. You can stream it on Max now.
2. The Godfather
Paramount Pictures
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The Godfather gave us one of the most quotable lines in pop culture: "I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse." And today, no one can deny that this film is iconic in the gangster genre.
Inspired by Mario Puzo's 1969 novel of the same name, it centers on Don Vito Corleone's Italian-American crime family. His youngest son, Michael, was an outsider among his relatives, since he wanted to stay away from the family business. Yet, he got roped into the Mafia anyway, transforming into a mafia boss in his own right.
The Godfather is the first of the legendary trilogy, starring Marlon Brando, James Caan, Al Pacino, Richard Castellano, Sterling Hayden, Robert Duvall, Richard Conte, Diane Keaton, and John Marley. It's available to stream on Paramount+.
3. The Godfather Part II
Paramount Pictures
It only makes sense to discuss The Godfather Part II next, which debuted in 1974, just two years after the original. Also directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this installment shows side-by-side storylines that act as a prequel and a sequel to The Godfather.
Audiences get to watch Vito Corleone's journey from being a kid in Sicily to becoming the patriarch of his family business in New York City. At the same time, we get a fresh look at Michael Corleone in 1958 and what happens after an attempt is made on his life.
Returning cast members include Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, and Robert De Niro, joined by Talia Shire, John Cazale, Morgana King, and more. The best part? Just like the OG film, The Godfather Part II is also streaming on Paramount+.
4. Casino
Universal Pictures
Adapted from Nicholas Pileggi's book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas, the main characters in Casino are actually based on real people, which makes the tale that much more compelling.
The plot centers on a gambling expert named Sam "Ace" Rothstein, played by Robert De Niro, who's sent to keep an eye on the day-to-day operations at the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas by the Chicago Outfit, an Italian-American crime syndicate. At first, Sam is wildly successful, managing to increase the casino's profits by 200% while redirecting extra cash to Mafia bosses.
However, things don't stay all sunshine and rainbows forever. Issues with his childhood friend and enforcer, Nicky, as well as his con artist wife, Ginger, and some corrupt politicians, threaten the whole operation.
Casino features classic stars in the mob movie genre, like Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Don Rickles, Kevin Pollak, Sharon Stone, Frank Vincent, and James Woods. You can stream it now on Max.
5. A Bronx Tale
Savoy Pictures
Is it even a good gangster film if it doesn't star Robert De Niro? Apparently not, since he's in nearly every production on this list, including A Bronx Tale. Plus, he even directed it!
Based on the 1989 one-man play written by Chazz Palminteri, this coming-of-age tale follows Calogero, a young Italian-American boy from the Bronx who witnesses a murder and comes face-to-face with the allure of organized crime against his straight-edged father's wishes.
A Bronx Tale features Francis Capra, Lillo Brancato Jr., Chazz Palminteri, Taral Hicks, Kathrine Narducci, and more. In addition to the temptations of mob life, it also confronts racial tensions in 1960s New York. You can stream it on AMC+.
6. King of New York
Seven Arts
Christopher Walken took on yet another dark role in King of New York, directed by Abel Ferrara and released in 1990. He portrays Frank White, a drug kingpin who gets released from prison with a fresh lease on life. His new purpose? Get control of the "criminal underworld" to give back to his community.
The only problem is that Frank wants to finance a Bronx children's hospital, and he winds up getting his hands dirty again in the quest to do good. Walken is joined by a stellar ensemble cast, including David Caruso, Laurence Fishburne, Victor Argo, Wesley Snipes, and Janet Julian. King of New York can be streamed on Prime Video.
7. Scarface
Universal Pictures
Finally, we couldn't forget about Scarface, the 1983 crime drama that remains a cult classic today. Directed by Brian De Palma, it features Al Pacino as Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee who's able to get a green card after assassinating a Cuban government official.
Then, he decides to cash in on the Miami drug trade, taking out anyone who gets in his way. Tony ultimately turns into the biggest drug smuggler in Florida, but police pressure and his own drug addiction lead to his inevitable demise.
Al Pacino is joined by Steven Bauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Robert Loggia, and more in this action-packed, gruesome film. Those who enjoy a healthy dose of violence in their mob movies should stream Scarface on Hulu or Prime Video.
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