15 Films Every Godfather Fan Will Love

After watching The Godfather, it’s hard not to become obsessed with the world of organized syndicates, betrayal, and power struggles. But what do you watch after you’ve already memorized every scene? These 15 movies will give you more of the mafia intrigue, moral dilemmas, and unforgettable characters that The Godfather made so iconic.

Goodfellas (1990)

Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece takes a raw, frenetic look at existence in the mob following Henry Hill’s rise and fall over 25 years. Featuring unforgettable performances by Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci, it captures the allure, aggression, and brutal realities of illegal activity in a way that never feels glamorized.

Scarface (1983)

Get to know Tony Montana, the Cuban immigrant who claws his way to the top of Miami’s narcotics empire. Al Pacino’s iconic portrayal of Montana is both larger-than-life and tragically human, showing how ambition can lead to downfall. With intense conflict and bold visuals, it redefined underworld films forever.

The Departed (2006)

In this gripping action thriller, an undercover cop (Leonardo DiCaprio) infiltrates the Irish mafia while a mole (Matt Damon) hides within the law enforcement. As their paths collide, tension mounts and leads to shocking twists. Featuring Scorsese’s masterful direction and a stellar cast, it’s a gripping tale of deception and loyalty.

Casino (1995)

Set in the glittering world of 1970s Las Vegas, Casino showcases the brutal power struggles behind the scenes of a mob-run gaming house. De Niro’s portrayal of Ace Rothstein, paired with Joe Pesci’s unhinged enforcer and Sharon Stone’s tragic turn as Ace’s wife, adds depth to mob control’s violent rise and fall.

Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

This grand epic tells the story of Jewish underworld figures in New York City, spanning from the early 1900s to the 1960s. Directed by Sergio Leone, the film weaves a complex narrative that explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the repercussions of a life steeped in lawlessness and shows powerful performances by Robert De Niro and James Woods.

A Bronx Tale (1993)

Directed by Robert De Niro, this coming-of-age movie tells the tale of Calogero, a young boy torn between his father’s working-class values and the temptations of illicit living. Chazz Palminteri’s portrayal of the neighborhood boss is charismatic yet menacing, making this a story about tough choices and loyalty.

Donnie Brasco (1997)

Johnny Depp plays an undercover FBI agent who infiltrated the mafia. He develops a complicated relationship with a low-level associate, portrayed by Al Pacino. As the lines blur between his real life and his covert persona, the film shows the emotional toll of living a double existence in the dangerous world of illicit enterprises.

The Untouchables (1987)

This thrilling take on the Prohibition era follows federal agents trying to bring down Al Capone. With Kevin Costner as the determined Eliot Ness and Sean Connery’s Oscar-winning role as an Irish cop, the movie mixes historical drama with exciting action scenes and offers a different perspective on the underworld.

The Irishman (2019)

In this contemplative mob saga, Robert De Niro plays Frank Sheeran, a hitman reflecting on his long career in organized mob activity. Under the direction of Martin Scorsese, the film masterfully explores themes of loyalty, regret, and mortality across decades. With an ensemble cast including Al Pacino and Joe Pesci, it’s a slow-burn epic.

The Long Good Friday (1980)

This British film stars Bob Hoskins as Harold Shand, a London mob boss looking to expand his empire. When mysterious attacks compromise his plans, he must figure out who is betraying him. Gritty, intense, and sharply written, this motion picture is a riveting exploration of loyalty, paranoia, and power.

Carlito’s Way (1993)

Al Pacino shines as Carlito Brigante, a former drug lord trying to go straight after a correctional facility sentence. But escaping his unlawful past proves difficult. With Brian De Palma’s stylish direction and an unforgettable supporting performance by Sean Penn, it’s a tale of redemption, betrayal, and the inevitability of fate.

Miller’s Crossing (1990)

Set during Prohibition, this Coen Brothers film tells the story of Tom Reagan, an advisor to a mob boss caught in a web of deceit and double-crosses. This film blends noir with underworld tropes, creating a richly textured world of flawed characters, sharp dialogue, and stunningly crafted action sequences.

Road to Perdition (2002)

This beautifully shot production, starring Tom Hanks and Paul Newman, follows a syndicate enforcer and his son as they run after a betrayal within the faction. It’s a narrative of fathers and sons, loyalty, and revenge, with stunning visuals that enhance its emotional weight and powerful storytelling.

Heat (1995)

Michael Mann’s action thriller stars Al Pacino as a relentless detective and Robert De Niro as an expert mastermind. The epic scope includes a cast of complex characters, intense battle scenes, and one of the most outstanding face-offs between Pacino and De Niro in movie history—a perfect blend of tension and style.

American Gangster (2007)

In American Gangster, Denzel Washington’s role is Frank Lucas, a cunning opioid kingpin ruling 1970s Harlem. Russell Crowe portrays Richie Roberts, a relentless detective on Lucas’s trail. Their electrifying cat-and-mouse chase exposes the gripping dark side of ambition and the perilous world of the drug trade.