The 5 Best Mafia Movies Are Too Good to Miss

Come on, we all knew this was going to be number one. And if you didn’t, it’s probably because you haven’t seen this Coppola classic yet. Pinkvilla sings the praises of “The Godfather,” calling it the best when it comes to mafia movies. This cinematic masterpiece isn’t just any movie; it’s practically the godfather of all gangster stories, inspiring countless imitators but never quite dethroning it. From the quotable lines to the stunning visuals, this film has more layers than your Nonna’s lasagna. And if you’re even remotely interested in crime stories, consider this your official invitation to the family.

But hold on to your cannolis, because StudioBinder is laying out the facts behind why this film reigns supreme among gangster movies. We’re talking scenes so iconic they’re etched into our collective consciousness faster than you can say “fuggedaboutit.” Don Vito’s feline friend, that unforgettable horse surprise, Michael’s life-changing door closing—these moments aren’t just scenes, they’re cinematic history. And let’s not forget the screenplay—a masterpiece dreamed up by Puzo and Coppola that’s sweeter than your favorite tiramisu. The only problem anyone could possibly have with this film? That we had to wait for a sequel to get the full story.

What really makes “The Godfather” a made man in the movie business? While it has the big, bold moments that have become as familiar as your favorite leather jacket, The Guardian says it’s the little things that keep us coming back for more. Like Michael’s steady hand with a cigarette, or that blink-and-you-miss-it look from a bodyguard. These little details are like the secret ingredients in your family’s sauce recipe — subtle, but oh-so-crucial. And like a good Italian dinner, no matter how many times you’ve tried it, “The Godfather” never gets old. It’s a cinematic feast that keeps on giving long after the credits have rolled.

Of course, we couldn’t leave “The Godfather” out of the running for number one. Sometimes, “The Godfather Part II” is even considered better than the original, and it delves deeper into the story of the Corleone family. The sequel proved that lightning can strike twice in the world of mob movies. Ranker lays down the law on “The Godfather: Part II,” and let me tell you, this film doesn’t just piggyback on the successes of its predecessor. It’s a storytelling heavyweight that takes on Michael Corleone’s growing empire while also giving us a glimpse into Papa Corleone’s origin story. Talk about a family album worth flipping through! This sequel doesn’t just keep up with the family business—it takes it to a whole new level.

Collider says “The Godfather: Part II” pulls off the impossible. It’s the mafia movie equivalent of capturing lightning in a bottle twice. We’re talking about a sequel that not only lives up to the original — some might even say it’s better. I mean, when Pacino and De Niro deliver performances that should be illegal, you know you’re getting a cinematic offer you can’t refuse.

Imagine this: a film with more timeline jumps than a time traveler’s diary, taking us on a rollercoaster ride from Little Italy to 1950s America. On one hand, we have young Vito Corleone, who goes from wide-eyed immigrant to the don we all know and fear. On the other, we have Michael, who proves that absolute power corrupts absolutely as he builds his empire on the ruins of his family ties. It’s like Shakespeare decided to write a mafia drama, and let me tell you, the result is nothing short of epic (The guard).

Admit it; you can almost hear Ray Liotta saying, “For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a gangster.” “Goodfellas” combines everything that makes a good mob movie: Scorsese, DeNiro and, of course, a good Italian-American accent. Collider sings the praises of “Goodfellas,” and let me tell you, this isn’t just any mafia movie — it’s the Mafia movie. As our boy Henry soon learns, the gangster life isn’t all fancy suits and pasta dinners. It’s a grim, dirty world where danger lurks around every corner, and Scorsese serves it up with a dash of style that will have you saying “fuhgeddaboudit!”

According to The Guardian, Ray Liotta’s voice-over leads us through this criminal underbelly like a deranged tour guide, showing us the ins and outs of a world where extortion and murder are just part of the daily grind. And let’s talk about the dynamic duo of Pesci and De Niro. Pesci plays the loose cannon like it’s going out of style, but De Niro is the real silent killer. Picture him sitting at the bar, cool as a cucumber, plotting to overthrow his friends. It’s enough to make you think twice about your next happy hour invite!

Why is “Goodfellas” the gift that keeps on giving? This film is like a fine wine – it just gets better with every viewing. Scorsese took Nicholas Pileggi’s “Wiseguy” and turned it into a cinematic feast that will keep you coming back for second, third and fourth helpings. On the surface, it’s all glitz, glamour and men doing it big. But by the time the credits roll, Scorsese pulls the rug out from under us and exposes the ugly truth behind the swanky facade. And the final blow? He turns our protagonist into the one thing every gangster fears more than death itself – a rat (StudioBinder).