The 10 best films about the mafia

Some of the most acclaimed films by audiences and critics in the history of cinema are those that place the mafia or gangsters at the center of the stories.

Films of the mafia subgenre, like those of the gangster subgenre, explore the underworld of organized crime. The plots generally depict the rise and fall of criminals, their power struggles, betrayals, and moral conflicts.

Having said that, we have decided to list the 10 best mafia and gangster films. Check it out below!

Directed by the famous Italian director Marco Bellocchio, “The Traitor” is based on true events. The film tells the story of Tommaso Buscetta, a Cosa Nostra mafioso who later becomes a collaborator with the justice system.

Actor Pierfrancesco Favino plays Tommaso, and the film also stars Brazilian actress Maria Fernanda Cândido. “The Traitor” also has scenes in Brazil.

Acclaimed mafia film directed by Martin Scorsese, “Goodfellas” is based on the book “Wiseguy” by Nicholas Pileggi. The film tells the story of gangster Henry Hill, a real-life figure who was involved in the New York mafia and later became an informant.

Ray Liotta plays Henry Hill and the film also features acclaimed performances from Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco and Paul Sorvino. The film was nominated for six Oscars and Pesci won best supporting actor.

Featuring a large cast, “The Bosses” is a drama directed by cult favorite Abel Ferrara. The film stars Christopher Walken, Vincent Gallo, Chris Penn, Annabella Sciorra, Isabella Rossellini, Benicio del Toro and Gretchen Mol.

Set in the 1930s, the film follows the funeral of one of three brothers (Gallo) from a New York mobster family. As the surviving brothers (Walken and Penn) go on a quest for revenge that could lead to war with rival gangs, the film also deals with the pasts of the main characters.

Directed by cult Canadian director David Cronenberg, “Crime Lords” is a mafia film praised for its dark atmosphere, grittiness and one action scene in particular that takes place in a sauna.

Set in London, the plot follows a nurse (Naomi Watts) who, after helping a Ukrainian teenager who died in childbirth, decides to investigate her past and find her family.

When she discovers that the teenager has been forced into prostitution by a network of Russian mafia traffickers, the nurse comes into contact with a mysterious and dangerous man (Viggo Mortensen).

Written and directed by brothers Joel and Ethan Coen, “Final Adjustment” is a gangster film set during Prohibition in the United States. In the plot, two rival gangs fight for control of the city.

The protagonist is Tom Reagan (Gabriel Byrne), right-hand man of one of these bosses, a politically influential Irish mafioso (Albert Finney).

However, Tom’s loyalty is questioned as he becomes involved with his boss’s wife (Marcia Gay Harden) and tries to best address both sides of the dispute. The film’s cast also includes Turturro, Jon Polito, JE Freeman and Steve Buscemi.

This film is based on the true story of FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone, who infiltrated an Italian-American family in the 1970s under the alias Donnie Brasco.

The film is directed by Mike Newell. Johnny Depp stars in the film as Pistone/Donnie Brasco alongside Al Pacino, who plays Bonanno family mobster Lefty Ruggiero.

The film also stars Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby, James Russo and Anne Heche.

One of the most influential mafia/gangster films in the history of cinema, “Scarface” is a classic directed by the master Howard Hawks. “Scarface” from 1983, directed by Brian De Palma and starring Al Pacino, is a remake of this film.

Inspired by the life of Al Capone, the plot revolves around gangster Tony Camonte (Paul Muni), an Italian immigrant. Ambitious and violent, Tony rises to power in the Chicago underworld through organized crime in a brutal and ruthless way.

Another film directed by Abel Ferrara for the list. “King of New York” is a feature film about the mafia with a dark, terrifying and magnetic style and atmosphere.

The film stars Christopher Walken, who plays a former New York drug kingpin recently released from prison. Now he will try to rebuild his criminal empire with the intention of distributing the profits of his business to the city’s poorest.

The film also stars Laurence Fishburne, David Caruso, Victor Argo, Wesley Snipes, Giancarlo Esposito, Steve Buscemi, Paul Calderón, Janet Julian and Theresa Randle.

Written by David Koepp and directed by maestro Brian De Palma, “The Final Payment” is based on the novels Carlito’s Way (1975) and After Hours (1979) by judge and writer Edwin Torres.

Al Pacino plays gangster Carlito, just released from prison thanks to his lawyer and friend (Sean Penn) who exploited a loophole in the law. Carlito promises that he will get in line and put an end to his life of crime, yet it is impossible to escape the external pressures and his past.

The cast also includes Penelope Ann Miller, Luis Guzmán, John Leguizamo, Jorge Porcel, Joseph Siravo and Viggo Mortensen.

The “Godfather” trilogy cannot be missing from the list of films about the mafia. Inspired by the 1969 novel of the same name by Mario Puzo, the three films are directed by Francis Ford Coppola.

The saga chronicles the rise and fall of the Corleone mafia family, following the transition of power from Vito (Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro) to his son Michael (Al Pacino). The three films are acclaimed by audiences and critics, and both Parts 1 and 2 won the Oscar for Best Picture.

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Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.