Mob movies have long held a special place in cinema, especially to fans like us, for offering a blend of intense drama, complex characters, and often a glimpse into the dark and brutal realities of society. We all know what the best mob related TV series of all time is, but taste in movies differs from person to person. So we went to the most trustworthy source for movie ratings, IMDb, to take you on an entertaining journey through the top 5 rated mob movies on IMDb, ranked from lowest to highest.
*we did our best to only use films that fall under mob movies in the crime genre*
5. The Untouchables (1987) - IMDb Rating: 7.9
Director: Brian De Palma
Stars: Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro
Kicking off our list is Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables, a gripping tale set during the Prohibition era. The film follows Federal Agent Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) as he forms an elite team to bring down the notorious gangster Al Capone (Robert De Niro). Sean Connery's Oscar-winning performance as Jim Malone adds depth and gravitas to the story. With its compelling narrative and memorable lines, The Untouchables stands as a classic in the mob genre.
Why It's a Must-Watch:
Intense cat-and-mouse chase between law enforcement and gangsters.
Iconic performances, particularly De Niro's chilling portrayal of Al Capone.
Masterful direction by Brian De Palma that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
4. Casino (1995) - IMDb Rating: 8.2
Director: Martin Scorsese
Stars: Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci
Casino takes us into the heart of Las Vegas, exploring the Mafia's control over casinos in the 1970s. Robert De Niro stars as Sam "Ace" Rothstein, a gambling expert managing a casino for the mob, while Joe Pesci plays his violent enforcer, Nicky Santoro. Sharon Stone's performance as Ace's troubled wife, Ginger, adds depth to this tale of power, greed, and betrayal.
Why It's a Must-Watch:
Detailed portrayal of the casino industry's dark side.
Stellar performances by De Niro, Pesci, and Stone.
Scorsese’s meticulous direction and attention to detail.
3. Goodfellas (1990) - IMDb Rating: 8.7
Director: Martin Scorsese
Stars: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci
Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas is often hailed as one of the greatest films ever made, not just in the mob genre but in cinema history. The film is based on the true story of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) and his life in the mob. With stellar performances from De Niro, Liotta, and an Oscar-winning Joe Pesci, Goodfellas offers an unflinching look at the highs and lows of mob life.
Why It's a Must-Watch:
Scorsese's brilliant direction and storytelling.
A deep dive into the intricacies of mob life and loyalty.
Joe Pesci’s iconic and terrifying performance as Tommy DeVito.
2. The Godfather: Part II (1974) - IMDb Rating: 9.0
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Stars: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall
The Godfather: Part II is a rare sequel that many consider superior to the original. Francis Ford Coppola continues the saga of the Corleone family, with Al Pacino reprising his role as Michael Corleone. The film also features Robert De Niro as a young Vito Corleone, providing a rich backstory to the character. The film’s complex narrative and powerful performances make it a cornerstone of cinema.
Why It's a Must-Watch:
A masterful continuation of the Corleone family saga.
Dual storylines that enrich the characters and the plot.
Outstanding performances, particularly De Niro’s portrayal of young Vito Corleone.
1. The Godfather (1972) - IMDb Rating: 9.2
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Stars: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan
Topping our list is The Godfather, the film that redefined the mob genre. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this epic tale of the Corleone family stars Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone and Al Pacino as Michael Corleone. The film’s impeccable storytelling, powerful performances, and memorable scenes have made it a cinematic masterpiece beloved by audiences and critics alike.
Why It's a Must-Watch:
Marlon Brando’s legendary performance as Vito Corleone.
A gripping narrative that spans generations.
The film’s profound impact on filmmaking and pop culture.
I'm fine with the Top 3. You can reasonably place those 3 in any order, depending on your criteria. I don't see Casino as even top 5. I think the tone of De Niro's and Pesci's roles are too similar to Goodfellas. I think we can all attest to mixing up scenes in our early days of watching those Scorcese films, like mistaking "eff you pay me" for being a line from Casino. Anyway, I would actually put Donnie Brasco in place of Casino. Aside from the movies cheesy 90s music and production, Al Pacino takes on an entirely new character role and really nailed how much of a pain in the ass Lefty Ruggiero was. I would also conside…