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30 Best Mafia Series to Watch on Netflix
*Originally published by Vanessa R. in January 2023 and updated by Kenneth K. in February 2024.
Nothing gets the creative juices flowing quite like crime, huh? A burglary, some trafficking in firearms, and perhaps some arson? Big criminal organisations like street gangs, the mafia (Italian, Irish, Japanese, or whatever), mobs, and drug cartels are typically what come to mind when we think of organised crime. There are many criminal organisations out there, whether they operate on a local or global level.
We may not have first-hand contact with criminal groups like these in real life (at least, I certainly hope not! ), but most of us have probably seen them in action in films or television series. We at least know enough about them to be scared of them, to stay out of their way, and to never become involved.
But how much do we truly understand about the nature of organised crime when it comes down to it? They may be well-known, but it appears that a large part of their “success” stems from their discretion. To enforce the structure they have set up and preserve their reputation鈥攁s well as their business鈥攖hey deploy undercover contacts. At the very least, we may infer this from the media that we watch and read about it.
Here are the best Mafia series to watch on Netflix.
1. Narcos
Pablo Escobar, a well-known name in the world of organised crime, is featured prominently in the Netflix original series Narcos, which is also based on true facts.
From the 1970s to the early 1990s, Escobar is renowned for producing large amounts of cocaine and smuggling it into the United States, which helped him establish his vast empire. He was in a position to influence the government and law enforcement because of his riches and power, which only served to help him expand his business.
Beginning with his early days as an illicit goods dealer, Narcos continues to follow his ascent to the position of the drug lord, all the way up to his capture and final demise. With the DEA going after Escobar’s former rival cartel, the Cali Cartel, in the third and final season, the story continues after his passing.
2. Ozark
It’s always a pleasant surprise to watch Jason Bateman (Arrested Development) in more sombre roles because he’s become a recognised face when it comes to funny roles. In the crime drama Ozark, a Netflix original, Bateman plays a family guy named Marty Byrde, a self-employed financial counsellor who is hiding a sinister secret: he and his business partner have been using it to launder money for a Mexican drug cartel.
He offers to build up a larger operation for them at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri when things go wrong with their operations and his family’s lives are in danger. His entire family is swiftly relocated, and they quickly come into contact with the neighbourhood gangs and even the Kansas City Mafia.
3. American Vandal
The high school where two horrible crimes have occurred is the setting for this mockumentary-style comedic series. In the first season, several cars in the parking lot have obscene paintings on them.
In the second season, someone tampers with the cafeteria food, causing scores of pupils to experience bowel incontinence. Both seasons are amusing as the riddles are solved and we discover more about these high kids, their relationships, and their propensity for mischief via the lenses of a few students trying to capture their quest for the truth.
4. Breaking Bad
In Breaking Bad, a single character who is involved with methamphetamines is examined from pretty much every perspective imaginable. Bryan Cranston plays the mild-mannered chemistry instructor Walter White in the television series, who turns to making and selling meth to pay for his cancer treatments and ensure that his family will always have money.
The DEA is after him, including his brother-in-law, and Walter’s desire for power pushes him to associate with increasingly hazardous traffickers, cartels, and gangs for multiple seasons. The cast as a whole, the New Mexican environment, the narrative, and the photography are all top-notch.
6. How to Get Away with Murder
The television programme How to Get Away with Murder combines complex plots with everyday pleasures. The story’s concept, which centres on a law professor and five students who become involved in a high-profile murder investigation, is ripe for a series of head-spinning turns. But you can consistently bank on the series for increasingly ludicrous plot twists, a purposefully campy tone, a super-sexy ensemble, and, most importantly, a stunning performance by Viola Davis that turns it into something truly exceptional.
7. Mindhunter
Mindhunter is a disturbing meditation on violent crime that is based on actual reports of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit, a now-defunct division of the 1970s credited with developing many modern criminal profiling techniques. Although the majority of the series is centred on the search for Dennis Rader (also known as “BTK”), Mindhunter isn’t a police drama in the traditional sense.
Instead, it takes viewers on a horrifying meet-and-greet with some of the most prolific serial killers of the 20th century and explores why they committed their crimes. Although it is quite grim, it presents a nuanced portrayal of criminologist history and is well worth watching for true crime enthusiasts.
8. Peaky Blinders
The extremely compelling British crime drama Peaky Blinders is partially based on real individuals and historical events. After World War I, Birmingham, England serves as the setting for Steven Knight’s drama series, which centres on war hero Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy), a cunning gangster and family patriarch. The 1920s are expertly brought to life for viewers as they watch Tommy battle to control his family’s criminal enterprise, adversaries, and enemies while also battling with severe PTSD.
The show is filled with wit, alcohol, firearms, violence, mishandled emotions, and seduction. It has a strong cast and has twists and turns that will surprise even the most devoted viewers (including Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, and Tom Hardy)
9. The Sinner
It may seem apparent to say that there are many crime shows available, yet there are moments when it seems like the genre has reached saturation point.
In the anthology series, which focuses on a different case each season, disturbed Detective Harry Ambrose (Bill Pullman) looks into situations in which improbable persons have allegedly committed awful crimes. The Sinner never holds back and always puts its well-drawn characters at the centre, despite the fact that I’d say the earlier seasons are the strongest.
10. Riverdale
Is it odd that a TV show based on the often sappy Archie comics is actually about murder, sex, and drugs? Yes. Is any of the craziness in Riverdale even somewhat detrimental?
No. Not at all. Riverdale begins with the unexplained death of Jason Blossom and develops into a clever, unashamedly wacky CW classic that isn’t afraid to go ugly. Riverdale lives up to its catchphrase, “No one’s innocent in criminal town,” with occasional musical numbers and the Gargoyle King hypnotising hordes of children with hallucinogenic Pixy Stix.
11. Sacred Games
The 2006 novel by Vikram Chandra, Sacred Games, was adapted for the screen. It is primarily about the Mumbai underworld and a prominent mobster named Ganesh Gaitonde (Nawazuddin Siddiqui). Gaitonde gives Sartaj Singh (Said Ali Khan) a 25-day deadline in a letter to save his city from destruction.
With poor casting, the show would have fallen apart entirely, but Siddiqui’s performance is unforgettable from beginning to end. Even though Season 1 (Opens in a new window) (opens in a new tab) is significantly superior to Season 2, Gaitonde’s every glance, movement, and profanity spit creates a dramatic anchor for this frightening plot as it develops.
12. Unbelievable
Unbelievable is unquestionably among the top shows of 2019, as it is a cerebral crime drama that emphasises the victims rather than the offenders. Viewers will never forget the authentic people behind the gruesome headlines because of Kaitlyn Dever’s unforgettable, tragic portrayal.
A man breaks into a teen’s home in this true-crime adaptation and rapes her, but he doesn’t leave any evidence, and the police don’t believe her. However, after similar crimes start happening all over, two determined detectives (Toni Collette and Marritt Weaver) team up to finally bring these women to justice.
13. Good Girls
Three of your favourite television actors鈥擟hristina Hendricks from Mad Men, Retta from Parks and Recreation, and Mae Whitman from Arrested Development鈥攑lay three suburban moms who rob a grocery store to pay their bills. They soon realise they are in much over their heads, which should come as no surprise to anyone who has ever watched a crime drama. Good Girls is a delightful time that is both exciting and humorous with unexpected emotional undertones and fantastic cast chemistry.
14. Death Note
The wonderful anime series Death Note, which is based on the same-named manga, combines the paranormal with psychological suspense and mystery. Young genius Light Yagami discovers a book called “Death Note” that has a shinigami (demon) named Ryuk tied to it. The Death Note lets whoever uses it kill anyone by writing down their name, and Light starts killing lots of people he considers bad, starting a manhunt led by a detective known as L to track him and stop him. It’s strange, sinister, occasionally absurd, and chock-full of tension and moral ambiguity.
15. Lilyhammer
After a bit of a difficult start, Lilyhammer rapidly won us over, despite the dialogue being initially clunky and the performances being better than originally thought.
It’s all about Frank Tagliano learning about a strange, new culture, but it does it with enough humour and action sprinkled throughout to make for a very enjoyable journey. This is worth watching if you enjoy mob-related television like The Sopranos or don’t mind subtitles.
Best Mafia Series to Watch on Netflix
16. Griselda
鈥�Griselda鈥�, as the name suggests, is a 2024 Netflix original that tells the story of the rise and fall of Colombia’s most notorious drug queen, Griselda Blanco.
Starring Sof铆a Vergara in a captivating performance, “Griselda” chronicles the ruthless ambition and cunning strategies that propelled Blanco from a humble Medell铆n housewife to the leader of a powerful drug cartel.
The series delves into the brutal realities of the Medellin drug wars, showcasing the violent clashes with rival cartels, the intricate networks of corruption, and the devastating consequences of Blanco’s actions.
While not directly based on a single book or documentary, the show draws inspiration from various sources to paint a compelling portrait of a complex and controversial figure, leaving viewers to grapple with the complexities of her legacy.
17. The Brothers Sun
Having premiered on January 4th, 2024, 鈥�The Brothers Sun鈥� is a fictional American action comedy-drama television series. A Netflix original, the series tells the story of two brothers, Bruce Sun and Charles Sun.
The Sun brothers as the children of 罢补颈辫别颈鈥檚 most renowned gangster family and were separated in childhood. Bruce went to America with his mother while Charles remained in Taipei growing up to become his father鈥檚 enforcer.
The two are reunited when an attempt on their father鈥檚 life takes Charles to LA, where Bruce is. The events to follow turn Bruce鈥檚 life upside down in both comical and at times catastrophic fashion.
18. Better Call Saul
Before he became Saul Goodman, the flamboyant lawyer we know from “Breaking Bad,” he was Jimmy McGill, a struggling attorney fighting to make ends meet.
“Better Call Saul” serves as a prequel, delving into Jimmy’s transformation from a morally ambiguous lawyer into the unscrupulous criminal defense attorney we encounter later.
Bob Odenkirk delivers a phenomenal performance as Jimmy, showcasing his wit, desperation, and gradual descent into morally gray territory.
The series masterfully weaves in connections to the “Breaking Bad” universe while maintaining its own distinct identity, exploring themes of ambition, consequence, and the ever-thinning line between good and bad.
19. Narcos: Mexico
Narcos: Mexico (2018-2021) is a riveting crime drama series chronicling the explosive rise of Mexico’s Guadalajara drug cartel in the 1980s led by the ambitious kingpin Miguel 脕ngel F茅lix Gallardo.
Across 3 seasons, this thrilling Netflix original series dramatizes how Gallardo strategically united plazas under the cartel’s umbrella and built a sprawling narcotics empire funneling cocaine through the Mexican-American border, making him the DEA’s top target.
It parallels the real efforts of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena and his team to finally dismantle his powerful and far-reaching drug operation, culminating in shocking betrayals.
Showcasing both sides of the law, Narcos: Mexico provides an immersive glimpse into the brutal narco wars that laid the groundwork for Mexico’s ongoing cartel violence.
20. El Chapo
El Chapo (2017-2020) intensely dramatizes the real-life story of Joaqu铆n “El Chapo” Guzm谩n across 3 seasons, widely regarded as Mexico’s most infamous drug kingpin.
Drawing heavily on recent Mexican history, this biopic covers his humble beginnings in the 1980s through his meteoric rise as leader of the Sinaloa Cartel to becoming Mexico’s most wanted fugitive.
It shows his cunning border smuggling tactics, ruthless violence against rivals, and repeated escapes from maximum security prisons through bribery and tunneling.
Through flashy reenactments, detailed plot twists, and location filming in Colombia, El Chapo provides a sprawling portrait of Guzm谩n鈥檚 decades-long criminal career at the height of Mexico鈥檚 drug wars.
21. Queen of The South
Queen of the South (2016-present) is a binge-worthy crime drama following Teresa Mendoza’s rags-to-riches rise from money changer to powerful drug cartel leader.
Based on a fictional novel rather than historical figures, it portrays her fleeing Mexico and then boldly building her own narcotics empire in America for 5 seasons.
With strong female leads and high tension, this series subverts traditionally male-centric narco stories. Viewers are invested in Teresa鈥檚 ambition and survival against threats as she proves she can outsmart cartel leaders and corrupt officials through strength and smarts.
22. The Cartel of Snitches
The Cartel of Snitches (2008 – 2010) offers a dramatic look into the Cali Cartel through the lens of fiction.
Based on the 2008 Spanish novel La Par谩bola de Pablo by former Cali Cartel member Andr茅s L贸pez L贸pez writing under the alias “Florecita”, it follows the cartel’s inner workings in the 1990s at the height of its power.
The series spans two seasons of tension and betrayal as it chronicles the brutal life inside the notorious drug trafficking organization through the eyes of Manuel, a young money launderer seeking power.
Without glorifying the violence, The Cartel of Snitches provides gritty insight into the backstabbing and danger lurking within the Cali Cartel leading to its collapse. Though fictionalized, it draws on details only an insider like author Florecita could know.
23. Suburra: Blood on Rome
Suburra: Blood on Rome (2017-2020) is an engrossing Italian-language crime drama series set on the gritty streets of Rome involving the Vatican, politicians, and warring mafia families.
Spanning 30 tension-filled episodes over 3 seasons, it centers on power struggles, political corruption, and organized crime as rival gangs and crime families compete over lucrative coastal land in Ostia.
With stunning cinematography, multilayered plots, and compelling character studies, this groundbreaking Netflix original series provides an immersive glimpse into the Roman mob underworld that melds politics, religion, and criminality into a dangerous mix.
24. Broadwalk Empire
Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014) vividly brought the lavish yet violent Prohibition-era Atlantic City under the control of political boss and mobster Enoch “Nucky” Thompson to life.
Based on the real-life Enoch “Nucky” Johnson, it follows Thompson as he builds a bootlegging empire benefitting from the illegal alcohol trade during the 1920s and 30s across 5 critically acclaimed seasons.
With stunning visuals recreating the Boardwalk Empire era in detail and strong performances from Steve Buscemi as Thompson, this meticulously crafted period crime drama series details the power dynamics, brutal rivalries, glamor, and grit that defined the early days of organized crime.
25. The Sopranos
The Sopranos (1999-2007) is the groundbreaking, award-winning HBO drama series widely considered one of the greatest television shows ever made.
It follows New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano, portrayed by James Gandolfini, as he struggles to balance his stressful criminal life running the DiMeo crime family with the demands of his own family and suburban life over 6 riveting seasons.
More than just a mob drama, The Sopranos examines the violent power dynamics and ethical dilemmas of organized crime through relatable character studies and thoughtful writing that subverts stereotypes.
26. El Dragon: Return of A Warrior
El Drag贸n: Return of a Warrior (2019-2020) is an action-packed Spanish-language crime series.
It follows Miguel Garza, a finance executive enjoying a comfortable life who discovers his true heritage as a descendant and heir of a notorious Yakuza boss.
Forced to embrace his violent legacy, Miguel takes control of his feared grandfather’s powerful Sinaloa cartel activities in Mexico to protect his family from enemies across 2 seasons and counting.
This Netflix original combines melodrama with gritty cartel warfare as Miguel transforms from an unassuming family man to a ruthless cartel leader.
27. Drug Lords
Drug Lords (2018-) is an immersive true crime documentary series from Netflix profiling real-life notorious drug kingpins and traffickers at the height of their power and wealth running sophisticated criminal empires.
Through dramatic reenactments and interviews with experts, each self-contained episode provides an in-depth look at infamous traffickers like Pablo Escobar, Frank Lucas, and Amado Carrillo Fuentes among others.
Spanning 2 seasons, Drug Lords gives intimate insights into how cartel leaders amassed and maintained their power through any means necessary while evading authorities.
28. Dope
, , via Wikimedia Commons
While the title “Dope” might initially suggest a connection to the mafia world, this American documentary series tackles the very issue of drug trafficking from a unique perspective.
Spanning three seasons, the series follows both law enforcement and individuals involved in various aspects of the drug trade, offering a nuanced and often shocking look at the realities of the drug war in the United States.
From undercover operations to interviews with users, dealers, and law enforcement officials, “Dope” aims to shed light on the complex social, economic, and personal factors that contribute to the ongoing issue of drug trafficking.
Be prepared for a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of a complex societal problem, presented through the lens of both personal stories and a broader exploration of the system itself.
29. Mafia Dolls
Mafia Dolls (2009-2010) is an Italian crime drama series providing a fictionalized inside look at the dangerous lives of women involved with the Calabrian ‘Ndrangheta syndicate over two seasons.
Following three female protagonists across multiple generations beginning in the 1970s, it portrays the harsh realities they face as mothers, daughters, and wives of prominent mobsters in the tight-knit 鈥楴drangheta families.
From arranged marriages to vengeance, these women navigate worlds of crime, loyalty, and violence while bound to the merciless mob life.
Though not based on specific figures, Mafia Dolls insightfully explores gender dynamics and sacrifices through an emotionally resonant lens beyond typical male mob stories.
30. American Vandal
While not directly related to the mafia, “American Vandal” (2017-2018) offers a mockumentary-style investigation into a high school incident that bears some interesting parallels to the world of organized crime.
The series follows Dylan Maxwell (Tyler Alvarez), a disgraced student tasked with filming a documentary about the school’s vandalized faculty parking lot.
Through his investigation, Dylan uncovers a web of potential suspects, hidden motives, and comedically absurd situations. The series cleverly parodies the true crime genre, offering a humorous yet thought-provoking exploration of social dynamics, high school politics, and the complexities of teenage life.
While not a traditional mafia series, “American Vandal” provides a unique and entertaining experience through its exploration of power struggles, social hierarchies, and the pursuit of truth.
Though you can watch anything and everything on Netflix, including comedies, thrillers, horror shows, Cop shows, suspense, classics, cartoons, action, romance, stand-up shows, sci-fi, reality cooking shows, detective shows, emotional dramas, Marvel shows, documentaries, it’s time to enjoy the top cartel shows on the service. It would be accurate to state that these are the ideal times for everyone who wants a crime series.
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