Looking for Mafia Movies on Netflix? If you have an interest in organized crime and the dark world of the mafia, then you’re in luck! Netflix is home to a wide selection of gripping and captivating mafia movies that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The mafia has long been a subject of fascination for moviegoers, with its complex characters, intricate plots, and gritty storytelling. From classic films to modern masterpieces, there is no shortage of mafia movies available on Netflix to satisfy your craving for suspenseful and suspenseful cinema. I have covered a comprehensive guide on how to watch American Netflix in UK, I’d suggest checking it out if you are facing any geo-restrictions.
So, whether you’re in the mood for a gripping tale of loyalty and betrayal or a gritty portrayal of the criminal underworld, Netflix has got you covered. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best mafia movies currently streaming on Netflix so you can dive into the thrilling world of organized crime from the comfort of your own home. Moreover, if you are a fan of animated movies, I would recommend you to watch Elf.
10 Best Mafia Movies That You Won’t Want to Miss
We have picked the 10 best Mafia movies that are currently available on Netflix. In the table below, these movies are arranged as per their IMDb ratings:
| S. No | Movie Title | IMDb Rating |
| 1 | The Godfather (1972) | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | The Dark Knight (2008) | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Goodfellas (1990) | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | Once Upon a Time in America (1984) | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Batman Begins (2005) | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Carlito’s Way (1993) | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Donnie Brasco (1997) | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | Eastern Promises (2007) | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | The Outfit (1973) | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | Black Mass (2015) | 6.9/10 |
The Godfather (1972)
Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather,” which was released in 1972, is a masterpiece of film. The movie, which is based on Mario Puzo’s novel of the same name, has earned a place in cinema history as a result of its outstanding performances, compelling narrative, and investigation of morality, family, and power.
With an emphasis on the Corleone family, led by patriarch Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando, and set in the 1940s New York setting, “The Godfather” explores the world of the Italian-American mafia. The movie is both a character-driven narrative and a crime drama, offering a profound look into the lives of its rich and multifaceted individuals.
- Director: Francis Ford Coppola
- Writer: Mario Puzo (novel and screenplay)
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall
- Release Date: March 24, 1972 (USA)
- Runtime: 175 minutes
The Dark Knight (2008)
The breakthrough superhero movie “The Dark Knight,” which Christopher Nolan directed and came out in 2008, pushes the limits of its genre. The second film in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy has had a lasting impression on culture thanks to its compelling portrayal of the legendary DC Comics character Batman as well as its complex characters and morally dubious themes.
“The Dark Knight” goes into a corrupt and chaotic world set in the made-up city of Gotham. The movie recounts Bruce Wayne’s journey as he battles crime and injustice in his role as the vigilante Batman, played by Christian Bale. But Heath Ledger’s masterful portrayal of the mysterious and erratic Joker, who serves as the story’s central figure, captures the story’s essence.
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Writer: Christopher Nolan, Jonathan Nolan
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
- Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart
- Release Date: July 18, 2008 (USA)
- Runtime: 152 minutes
Goodfellas (1990)
“Goodfellas” is a 1990 criminal drama film directed by Martin Scorsese that provides an unvarnished glimpse at the world of organized crime and its effects on those engaged. The movie, which is widely recognized as one of the best in its category and is based on Nicholas Pileggi’s book “Wiseguy,” is renowned for its gripping narrative, captivating setting, and outstanding performances.
The main character of the narrative is Henry Hill, played by Ray Liotta, who struggles to survive in New York City’s dangerous underworld. The opening of the movie immerses viewers in Henry’s obsession with the glamorous side of mafia life while showcasing the appeal of wealth, power, and respect in the criminal underworld.
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Writer: Nicholas Pileggi, Martin Scorsese
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Starring: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco
- Release Date: September 21, 1990 (USA)
- Runtime: 146 minutes
Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
The 1984 film “Once Upon a Time in America,” which Sergio Leone directed, is a sweeping epic that combines themes of drama, crime, and nostalgia. With this picture, Sergio Leone departs from his early spaghetti westerns and demonstrates his ability to weave a multi-decade complicated story that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and time passing.
The early 20th-century storyline centers on the lives of two Jewish boyhood pals, James Woods’s Maximilian “Max” Bercovicz and Robert De Niro’s David “Noodles” Aaronson. The story is told in a non-linear way, weaving together their early years as homeless children in New York City’s Lower East Side with their later life as associates of a criminal organization.
- Director: Sergio Leone
- Writers: Leonardo Benvenuti, Piero De Bernardi
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Starring: Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern
- Release Date: June 1, 1984 (USA)
- Runtime: 229 minutes
Batman Begins (2005)
Christopher Nolan’s 2005 film “Batman Begins,” which acts as a dynamic reboot of the Batman film series, was directed by Nolan. This movie adopts a fresh approach to the Dark Knight by focusing on the character’s psychological complexities, motivations, and historical context.
The narrative depicts Bruce Wayne’s development into the vigilante superhero known as Batman from a disillusioned young man.
Bruce Wayne is represented by Christian Bale. The first part of the movie explores Bruce’s tragic early life events, which force him to deal with Gotham City’s criminal underworld.
Bruce runs into the enigmatic League of Shadows, which is commanded by Ra’s al Ghul (Liam Neeson), after touring the globe in pursuit of instruction and enlightenment.
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Writer: Christopher Nolan, David S. Goyer (screenplay)
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime
- Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson,
- Release Date: June 15, 2005 (USA)
- Runtime: 140 minutes
Carlito’s Way (1993)
The 1993 film “Carlito’s Way,” directed by Brian De Palma, is a suspenseful crime thriller that follows the life of Carlito Brigante, a former criminal looking for forgiveness and a second chance. The movie explores themes of loyalty, temptation, and the difficulties of escaping a life of crime while taking place in 1970s New York City.
Carlito Brigante, played by Al Pacino, is the main character and gets freed from jail after serving a five-year sentence for drug trafficking. Carlito has aspirations of starting a legal business and moving on from his criminal background because he is determined to follow the law and stay away from the attraction of his former colleagues. However, the pull of his previous life and the current situation he is in, makes it difficult for him to escape his criminal roots.
- Director: Brian De Palma
- Writer: David Koepp
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Starring: Al Pacino, Sean Penn, Penelope Ann Miller
- Release Date: November 10, 1993 (USA)
- Runtime: 144 minutes
Donnie Brasco (1997)
“Donnie Brasco” is a riveting criminal thriller that was published in 1997 and was directed by Mike Newell. It provides a window into the world of undercover work and the difficulties of loyalty. The movie explores the ethical quandaries and personal sacrifices involved in such a mission and is based on the true account of FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone, who worked as Donnie Brasco while operating secretly.
The movie tracks Johnny Depp’s character, Joseph Pistone as he infiltrates the Bonanno mafia organization in New York City. Pistone joins the criminal underworld under the guise of Donnie Brasco and develops a strong friendship with low-level mobster Lefty Ruggiero (Al Pacino). Pistone discovers secrets, avoids peril, and makes genuine connections as he earns the mob’s trust.
- Director: Mike Newell
- Writer: Paul Attanasio (screenplay); Joseph D. Pistone
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Starring: Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby
- Release Date: February 28, 1997 (USA)
- Runtime: 127 minutes
Eastern Promises (2007)
“Eastern Promises” is a gripping criminal thriller that was published in 2007 and was directed by David Cronenberg. It explores the murky and intricate world of the Russian mafia in London. The movie presents a vivid investigation of the criminal underworld, highlighting the points where devotion, power, and brutality converge.
The narrative centers on British midwife Anna Khitrova (Naomi Watts), who stumbles onto the journal of a young woman who passed away after childbirth and is caught up in a web of intrigue. Anna meets Nikolai Luzhin (Viggo Mortensen), a driver and enforcer for the Vory V Zakone, the Russian criminal organization, as she works to learn the truth about the woman’s death.
- Director: David Cronenberg
- Writer: Steven Knight
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts, Vincent Cassel
- Release Date: September 21, 2007 (USA)
- Runtime: 100 minutes
The Outfit (1973)
“The Outfit” is a grim crime thriller that was released in 1973 and was directed by John Flynn. It examines the world of organized crime and the need for vengeance. The movie, which is based on the novel of the same-named novel by Richard Stark (a pseudonym name for Donald E. Westlake), provides an unvarnished view of the criminal underworld.
The protagonist of the tale is career criminal Earl Macklin (Robert Duvall), who is out to avenge the death of his brother by overthrowing the notorious “The Outfit.” Earl’s pursuit of justice sends him on a risky trip through an environment of robberies, betrayals, and conflicts with the violent mafia.
- Director: John Flynn
- Writer: John Flynn (screenplay), Richard Stark (novel)
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Starring: Robert Duvall, Karen Black, Joe Don Baker, Robert Ryan
- Release Date: October 16, 1973 (USA)
- Runtime: 103 minutes
Black Mass (2015)
“Black Mass,” a riveting crime thriller starring Scott Cooper that was released in 2015, gives a terrifying portrait of one of the most notorious villains in the history of organized crime. The movie is based on the real-life exploits of James “Whitey” Bulger, an egregious Irish-American mobster whose connections to the police sowed the seeds of corruption and violence.
The focus of the narrative is the rise to power of James “Whitey” Bulger, played by Johnny Depp, as the leader of the Winter Hill Gang in South Boston. The movie focuses on the complicated relationships that Bulger has, such as his association with FBI agent and childhood buddy John Connolly (Joel Edgerton), who becomes involved in Bulger’s illicit activities.
- Director: Scott Cooper
- Writer: Mark Mallouk, Jez Butterworth
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Starring: Johnny Depp, Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch
- Release Date: September 4, 2015 (USA)
- Runtime: 122 minutes
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Ending Notes
Netflix offers a wide selection of the best mafia movies for viewers to enjoy. These movies provide audiences with gripping storylines, complex characters, and intense action that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Whether you are a fan of the genre or simply looking for some thrilling entertainment, Netflix’s collection of mafia movies is sure to satisfy your cravings. Moreover, I have covered a detailed guide on Netflix subscription costs, just in case you are confused about which plan to choose. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to dive into the world of crime with these top-notch films.
