Best Italian Mafia Movies

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather is an iconic American crime drama based on Mario Puzo's 1969 novel of the same name. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the film stars Marlon Brando and Al Pacino as Don Vito Corleone, the aging patriarch of the Corleone crime family. After an assassination attempt on Don Corleone's life, his son Michael (Pacino) reluctantly takes up the mantle of leadership. As Michael assumes control of the family business, he must navigate a treacherous terrain of alliances and betrayals that put both his family and his own life at risk. With its stunning cinematography, iconic performances, and powerful themes of loyalty and power, The Godfather is widely recognized as one of the best films ever made.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather Part II is the 1974 sequel to the 1972 classic The Godfather. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the film follows the original story, continuing the saga of the Corleone crime family. Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) is now the head of the family and is struggling to keep the business running while living in exile in Lake Tahoe. Meanwhile, a prequel plotline follows the early life of his father, Don Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro), as he builds his empire in 1930's New York City and deals with the pressures of power and loyalty. The film features some of the most iconic scenes in cinematic history, including Michael's famous line: "I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse." The film also won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco
Rated R

Goodfellas (1990) is a crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese and features an all-star cast including Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Ray Liotta. The story follows Henry Hill, a mob associate, as he works his way up the ranks of the mafia in 1950s New York. As his success grows, so does his ego and reckless behavior, ultimately leading to his downfall. Through the rise and fall of Hill’s criminal career, Goodfellas examines the dark side of organized crime and provides an in-depth look into the world of the American mafia.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, James Woods
Rated R

Casino is a 1995 American crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone. The film is based on the nonfiction book of the same name about the rise and fall of the mob in Las Vegas during the 1970s and 1980s, as told through the eyes of the mobsters and casino operators. The story follows Sam "Ace" Rothstein, a Jewish American gambling expert recruited by the mob to run the Tangiers Casino. Ace falls in love with a hustler named Ginger and together they attempt to build a life in Las Vegas, but their success soon draws the attention of the mob who try to control the casino and use it to launder money. Ace and Ginger must fight to keep their dream alive as the mob looks to take over the casino, and their lives. Despite the danger, Ace and Ginger form a bond that will last forever, as they battle to survive in the glamorous and dangerous world of Las Vegas.

From Brian De Palma, starring Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro, Charles Martin Smith
Rated R

The Untouchables (1987) is a crime drama directed by Brian De Palma and starring Kevin Costner, Robert De Niro, and Sean Connery. The movie follows the exploits of Eliot Ness, an ambitious federal agent in prohibition-era Chicago who is determined to bring down mobster Al Capone and end his reign of terror. With the help of agent George Stone and veteran policeman Jim Malone, Ness forms a special team to take down Capone and his associates. The Untouchables is a story of relentless determination, justice, and honor – as Ness and his team risk their lives to bring down one of America's most notorious criminals.

From Robert De Niro, starring Robert De Niro, Chazz Palminteri, Lillo Brancato, Francis Capra
Rated R

A Bronx Tale is a 1993 American drama film directed by Robert De Niro and co-written by De Niro and Chazz Palminteri. The film tells the story of an Italian-American teenager, Calogero Anello (played by Lillo Brancato Jr.), who is torn between the temptations of organized crime and the values of his hardworking father Lorenzo (played by De Niro). After witnessing a murder, Calogero is mentored by a local mob boss, Sonny LoSpecchio (Palminteri). As Calogero grows older, he finds himself in the middle of a turf war between the two men, while trying to live his own life and find his own identity. The film also stars Robert De Niro, Chazz Palminteri, Joe Pesci, and Paul Sorvino.

From Mike Newell, starring Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby
Rated R

Donnie Brasco is a 1997 crime drama directed by Mike Newell and starring Johnny Depp and Al Pacino. The film follows an undercover FBI agent, Joseph D. Pistone (Depp) as he infiltrates one of the Five Families of the Mafia in New York City. In his new identity as "Donnie Brasco", Pistone quickly rises in the ranks of the family, gaining the trust of its leader, Lefty Ruggiero (Pacino). While Pistone's personal and professional lives are in conflict, he and Lefty become close friends, until Pistone's identity is finally revealed and their relationship is put to the ultimate test. The film is based on the true story of Joseph D. Pistone, and highlights the reality of the dangers of undercover work and the personal and professional costs it can have.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Andy Garcia, Talia Shire
Rated R

The Godfather Part III is the third installment in the epic Godfather trilogy. The film follows Michael Corleone, now an aging don, as he attempts to find a balance between the family business and his own personal desires. This time, the Corleone family must battle a powerful enemy, the Vatican Bank, in order to protect their business and legacy. Michael faces a moral dilemma when he must decide between his family and his own ambitions. The film features Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Andy Garcia, and Eli Wallach. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won two, Best Original Song and Best Cinematography. The Godfather Part III is an intense, emotional, and powerful crime drama that will remain one of the most acclaimed films of all time.