Mafia films aren’t just a ride to the secretive world of organized crime, but they’re like old friends who’ll teach you all about deceit, loyalty, and the dangerous underworld that used to exist before all of us.
If you’re keen to know how much power is too much power, here are the best mafia films for you to savor this weekend.
Casino (1995)
Martin Scorsese’s one of best works, “Casino,” takes us to the 1970s Las Vegas, zooming on the story of Ace (Robert De Niro), the genius casino boss. Ace Rothstein is put in charge of the Tangiers Casino for the Chicago Outfit, but trouble brews when Nicky (Joe Pesci), Ace’s childhood friend with a taste for trouble, enters his life and casino.
Their team-up brings millions of dollars, but it also leads to their downfall. Casino is hands down one of the best films on organized crime, showing how power blurs the line between what’s rights and what’s not.
Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Once Upon a Time In America is a personal favorite when it comes to mafia films. This Sergio Leone film parachutes us into the life of childhood friends David “Noodles” Aaronson (Robert De Niro) and Maximilian “Max” Bercovicz (James Woods) as they install themselves into organized crime in New York City from the 1920’s to the 1960’s.
The film cleverly jumps back and forth in time, painting a picture of their rise in the criminal world, complicated relationships, and the by-product of their choices on themselves and those around them.
The Departed (2006)
In Martin Scorsese’s The Departed, we’re taken to the gritty streets of Boston. At the center of the story are two moles: Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio), an undercover cop working in an Irish mob, and Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), a mole in the police working for the mob.
As tensions rise in the city plagued by organized crime, both moles race to find each other’s identity. The Departed got heaps of praise and nabbed four Academy Awards, including the Best Picture and Best Director.
Mean Streets (1973)
In Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets, we learn about the tough world of Little Italy, New York. The story tracks Charlie (Harvey Keitel), a guy mixed up with the local mafia, and his unpredictable friend Johnny Boy (Robert De Niro). As Charlie tries to protect Johnny Boy from trouble, things get tense, and their choices lead to serious consequences.
What is best about “Mean Streets” is its realistic and raw portrayal of city life, moral dilemmas, and the challenges faced by its characters and protagonists. It’s officially one of the top-notch crime dramas of the 21st century.
Eastern Promises (2007)
In David Cronenberg’s “Eastern Promises,” London becomes the scene of an intense crime thriller. Midwife Anna Khitrova (Naomi Watts) is drawn into the risky world of the Russian mafia after delivering a baby for a dead teenage girl. As Anna digs into the girl’s past, she crosses paths with Nikolai Luzhin (Viggo Mortensen), a member of the Russian mob dealing, who has his own set of issues and problems.
“Eastern Promises” is David Cronenberg’s best work so far and is praised for showing the harsh realities of the criminal underworld.
Goodfellas (1990)
Goodfellas is another of Scorsese’s masterpieces that set the benchmarks for mafia films and those dealing with organized crime. Here, we follow the true story of Henry Hill, played by Ray Liotta, in the mob. With his friends Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) and Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci), Henry rises through the ranks of the Italian-American Mafia.
The film is all about their criminal adventures, from heist and smuggling to drug trafficking, while balancing the bonds and betrayals that are common within the mob. As Henry gets more into the life of crime, he faces the deadly decision to choose between loyalty and jail time.
The Outlaws (2017)
The heart of the story beats around Detective Ma Seok-do (Ma Dong-Seok) in Kang Yoon-sung’s South Korean crime action film “The Outlaws.” Seok-do is sent to the Garibong district, which is known for its high crime rate, to spearhead a special task force. The enemy he encounters there is Jang Chen (Yoon Kye-sang), a ruthless Chinese-Korean gangster.
The clash between the honest detective and the deranged criminal turns Garibong into a battlefield, building up to an exciting climax. If you’re a die-hard fan of Korean action thrillers, this one is a must-watch.
Mesrine (2008)
In the second part of the French crime film Mesrine, directed by Jean-François Richet, we follow the later exploits of the notorious criminal Jacques Mesrine, played by Vincent Cassel in the 1970s. Mesrine sees his daring prison escapes, bank robberies, and his rise to becoming Public Enemy No. 1 in France.
The film doesn’t just show his run-ins with the law, but along the way, it scours his relationships, both personal and criminal, as he tries to hide from the cops. This film derails the all-time existing stereotype that French cinema is exclusively about romance.
Pépé le Moko (1937)
Despite what people say, Julien Duvivier’s Pépé le Moko is by far the most interesting mafia film ever made after Capolla’s Godfather. In this masterpiece, we find ourselves in the winding streets of the Casbah in Algiers, where Pépé le Moko (Jean Gabin), a charming outlaw, hides from the French police.
Pépé’s life spirals out of control when he falls for Gaby Gould (Mireille Balin), a tourist visiting the country. As the police draw near, Pépé faces two choices: either choose his love for Gaby or the safety of his illegal hideout.
Gangs of Wasseypur 1 & 2 (2012)
Gangs of Wasseypur is the only Bollywood gem on our list and for good reasons. It has everything you’d expect from a mafia movie: personal vendettas, betrayals, and whatnot! This Anurag Kashyap magnum opus truly captures the essence of a brilliant mafia film.
The film takes us to the small town of Wasseypur in Jharkhand, India, spanning generations, exploring power struggles, rivalries, and criminal gangs within the feared Khan family. Even after a decade, this film has managed to hold its own and has become a cult classic.
So, this was our top picks for movies about the mafia. Did your favorite make the cut? Leave a comment below and let us know!