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40 Best Mafia Documentaries to Watch

Originally published by Kenneth K on September 2022 and Updated by Beatrice J on May 2024

Organized crime, with its shadowy networks and enigmatic figures, has long been a haunting presence in the annals of American history. For over a century, the United States has been entangled in a complex dance with the mafia, a term synonymous with power, wealth, and crime.

From the notorious days of Al Capone‘s Chicago Outfit to the Five Families in New York City, the mafia and its legendary names have captivated our collective imagination. Today, people are curious and fascinated with the inner workings of these criminal empires.

As a result of this, a niche of documentary filmmaking has emerged to satisfy the insatiable appetite of modern audiences eager to unravel the mysteries of how these groups were formed, how they functioned, and what drove their rise and fall.

In this article, we embark on a journey to identify the 40 best mafia documentaries to watch. Each offers a riveting glimpse into the clandestine world of organized crime that has left an indelible mark on not only American but global history and culture.

1. Fear City: New York Vs The Mafia (2020)

Fear City: New York vs. the Mafia is a 2020 American true crime docuseries directed by Sam Green, produced by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, and narrated by Jeff Daniels. It was released on Netflix on July 22, 2020.

The docuseries tells the story of how the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) used wiretaps to bring down the Five Mafia Families in New York City in the 1970s and 1980s.

The story is narrated from the point of view of the FBI agents who were involved in the investigation. It features interviews with former FBI agents, as well as with mobsters who turned informant.

It also includes archival footage of news reports and interviews with key figures in the case, such as former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

2. The Iceman Confesses: Secrets of a Mafia Hitman (2001)

The Iceman Confesses: Secrets of a Mafia Hitman is a 2001 American documentary film directed by Arthur Ginsberg. It is a follow-up to Ginsberg’s 1992 film The Iceman Tapes: Conversations with a Killer, and features interviews with convicted hitman Richard Kuklinski.

Kuklinski, also known as “The Iceman,” was a notorious contract killer who is alleged to have murdered at least 250 people. He was affiliated with the Gambino crime family and was known for his ability to kill his victims without emotion and to dispose of their bodies in a way that made them difficult to find.

In The Iceman Confesses, Kuklinski provides new insights into his life and his crimes. He discusses his childhood, his early involvement in organized crime, and his methods for carrying out murders.

He also talks about his family life and his relationship with his wife and children.

The Iceman Confesses is a fascinating and disturbing film. It provides a rare glimpse into the mind of a serial killer.

The Iceman Confesses is 1 hour and 30 minutes long. It has not won any awards, but it has been praised by critics for its unflinching look at the life of a contract killer.

3. Goodfellas: The Real Story (1990)

Goodfellas: The Real Story is a 1990 American documentary film produced and directed by Nicholas Pileggi and Martin Scorsese. The film is based on Pileggi’s book Wiseguy, which tells the story of Henry Hill, a mob associate who turned informant.

The documentary was released on September 21, 1990, to critical acclaim. It was praised for its realism, its insights into the mafia, and its performances.

The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. The documentary runs for one and a half hours.

Interesting fact, the documentary was released just three months after the theatrical release of the feature film Goodfellas, which is also based on Pileggi’s book Wiseguy.

4. Inside the American Mob (2013)

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Inside the American Mob is a 2013 American documentary series that tells the story of the American Mafia.

It was released on the National Geographic Channel on July 28, 2013. The series has two seasons each with six episodes, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the Mafia.

With a runtime of approximately 360 minutes, it immerses viewers in the tumultuous history of legendary mobsters such as Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, and Meyer Lansky.

The series combines riveting interviews with former mobsters, law enforcement officials, and historians, offering a comprehensive look at the Mafia’s influence on American society.

5. Mafia’s Greatest Hits (2013)

Mafia’s Greatest Hits is a 2013 documentary series that uncovers the extraordinary truth behind some of the Mafia’s most notorious outlaws. It reveals how the FBI and law enforcement developed the techniques to crack the organization and bring it to justice.

The series is produced by American Heroes Channel and is directed by Michael Epstein and Mark Harrison. It was released on September 23, 2013, and consists of 4 episodes, each running for approximately 43 minutes.

The documentary features interviews with former FBI agents, Mafia informants, and other experts, as well as dramatic reconstructions and archive footage. It tells the stories of some of the most infamous Mafia gangsters of all time, including Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, Carlo Gambino, and John Gotti.

6. The Definitive Guide to the Mob (2008)

The Definitive Guide to the Mob (2008) is a two-hour documentary that explores the history and culture of the American mafia. It is hosted by former Colombo crime family captain Michael Franzese, who provides a unique insider’s perspective on the world of organized crime.

The documentary covers a wide range of topics, including the origins of the mafia, the different mafia families, and the mafia’s involvement in various criminal activities. It also features interviews with other former mobsters, law enforcement officials, and experts on organized crime.

The Definitive Guide to the Mob was produced by Investigation Discovery and was released in 2008. Franzese’s insights are invaluable, and he does a masterful job of explaining the mafia’s lore, history, structure, and operations.

7. The Mob: From Hollywood to Vegas (2010)

The Mob: From Hollywood to Vegas (2010) is a two-part, twenty-hour (Yes, 20!) documentary that chronicles the rise and fall of the Mafia in Hollywood and Las Vegas. The documentary was produced by Mill Creek Entertainment and directed by David Scott Smith.

It was first released on DVD in 2010. The documentary features interviews with several former mobsters, law enforcement officials, and historians. It also includes rare footage and archival photos.

The first part of the documentary, Hollywood vs. the Mob, focuses on the Mafia’s infiltration of Hollywood in the Golden Age of Cinema. The documentary discusses how mobsters used their influence to control the movie industry and to launder money.

It also discusses the Mafia’s involvement in the deaths of several Hollywood stars, including Bugsy Siegel and Marilyn Monroe. The second part of the documentary, Vegas: The City the Mob Made, focuses on the Mafia’s control of Las Vegas in the mid-20th century.

The documentary discusses how mobsters built and operated some of the most famous casinos in Las Vegas, including the Flamingo, the Riviera, and the Sands. It also discusses the Mafia’s involvement in organized crime in Las Vegas, including skimming, extortion, and prostitution.

8. The Real Godfather (2007)

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The Real Godfather (2007) is a British documentary film directed by Benito Montorio and produced by Giovanni Bienne, Tony Resta, and Salvatore Stella. It was released on October 22, 2007, and is 50 minutes long.

The documentary tells the story of Bernardo Provenzano, the Sicilian Mafia boss who was known as “The Tractor” for his ruthlessness. Provenzano was on the run for 43 years before he was finally arrested in 2006.

The Real Godfather features interviews with Provenzano’s former associates, law enforcement officials, and journalists. It also includes rare footage of Provenzano, including a police surveillance video of his arrest.

The documentary was nominated for a BAFTA TV Award for Best Single Documentary in 2008. It has also been praised for its comprehensive and insightful account of Provenzano’s life and career.

The Real Godfather is an engaging and captivating documentary that provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Sicilian Mafia.

9. The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre (2006)

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The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre (2006) is a 44-minute documentary film directed by James Ellroy and produced by HBO. It tells the story of the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, which took place in Chicago on February 14, 1929.

The massacre was ordered by Al Capone, the boss of the Chicago Outfit, and was carried out by his men posing as police officers. The victims were seven members of the North Side Gang, led by Bugs Moran.

The documentary features interviews with historians, journalists, and former mobsters, who provide insights into the events leading up to the massacre and its aftermath. It also includes rare archival footage of Capone and his gang.

10. The Making of the Mob: New York (2015)

The Making of the Mob: New York (2015) is an eight-part American documentary miniseries that chronicles the rise and fall of the Five Families of New York City. These families are the Bonanno, Colombo, Gambino, Genovese, and Lucchese crime families.

The series was produced by Stephen David and premiered on AMC on June 15, 2015. It was directed by Mark Rydell, James Moll, and David Gelb.

The Making of the Mob: New York is a comprehensive and engaging look at the history of the New York City mafia. The series features interviews with historians, authors, law enforcement officials, and former mobsters.

It also uses archival footage and reenactments to tell the story of the mafia in a vivid and informative way. The series begins in 1905 with the arrival of Charles “Lucky” Luciano in New York City. It also explores the mafia’s involvement in Prohibition, World War II, and the drug trade among other issues.

11. Gangsters: America’s Most Evil (2012)

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Gangsters: America’s Most Evil is a 2012 American documentary television series that premiered on Reelz on July 20, 2012. The series is produced by The Mob Doctor creator Joshua Rof茅 and directed by Tom O’Connor.

The series focuses on the most notorious and dangerous gangsters in American history, from Al Capone to Richard Kuklinski and John Gotti. Each episode tells the story of a different gangster, from their rise to power to their eventual downfall.

Also included are some details and plots of some of the most famous and gruesome murders by mafia affiliates. The series is 10 episodes long and each episode is approximately 45 minutes long.

12. The Real Goodfella (2006)

The Real Goodfella (2006) is a documentary film about the life and crimes of Henry Hill, a former associate of the Lucchese crime family. The film was produced by Simon George and directed by Nick Broomfield.

It was released in 2006 and has a runtime of 47 minutes. The documentary begins with Hill’s arrest for drug trafficking in 1980.

He agrees to cooperate with the FBI and testify against his former associates, which leads to the downfall of the Lucchese family. The film then follows Hill’s life after he enters the Witness Protection Program.

The film features interviews with Hill, his family, and former associates, as well as footage of Hill’s testimony in court. The film also includes archival footage of the Lucchese family and other mafia figures.

13. Gangster Empire: Rise of the Mob (2013)

Gangster Empire: Rise of the Mob is a 2013 six-episode documentary series that explores the history of organized crime in America, from the American Revolution to the Prohibition era. The series was produced by National Geographic Television and directed by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard.

It features interviews with historians, experts, and former mobsters, as well as dramatic reenactments of key events in mafia history. The riveting documentary tells the stories of some of the most notorious gangsters in American history, including Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, and Meyer Lansky.

Gangster Empire: Rise of the Mob was a critical and commercial success. It won several awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series.

14. Killing Jimmy Hoffa (2014)

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Killing Jimmy Hoffa is a 2014 American documentary film directed by James Hoffa Jr., the son of the titular figure. It was produced by Hoffa Jr., Daniel Voll, and David Zander.

It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 19, 2014, and was released in the United States on July 30, 2014. The documentary investigates the disappearance and presumed murder of Jimmy Hoffa, the former president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), in 1975.

The film features interviews with Hoffa’s family and friends, as well as with law enforcement officials and journalists who were involved in the case.

The film also features interviews with several people who were suspected of being involved in Hoffa’s murder, including Frank Sheeran, a former Teamsters official who claimed to have killed Hoffa on the orders of Russell Bufalino, a Mafia boss.

15. Mobsters (2007)

Mobsters is a 2007 American documentary television series that profiles the lives of infamous individuals in history. The series puts the spotlight on some of history’s most infamous gangsters and all that went on during their reigns.

It was produced by Biography Channel and ran for four seasons, with a total of 49 episodes. Mobsters feature interviews with former associates, law enforcement officials, and others, as well as reenactments of the gangsters’ criminal activities.

The show covers a wide range of mafia figures, including Al Capone, Bugsy Siegel, Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky, and John Gotti.

The show is well-paced and engaging, and the reenactments are well done. The interviews with former associates and law enforcement officials are insightful and provide valuable perspectives on the gangsters’ lives and crimes.

16. Momo: The Sam Giancana Story (2011)

Momo: The Sam Giancana Story is a 2011 documentary film directed by Dimitri Logothetis. The film tells the story of Sam Giancana, a notorious Chicago mobster who was known as “Momo.”

Giancana was born in Chicago in 1908. He began his criminal career at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks to become the boss of the Chicago Outfit, one of the most powerful mafia families in the United States.

This documentary is a comprehensive and well-made production. It features interviews with Giancana’s family, friends, and associates.

The film also includes archival footage and interviews with experts on the mafia. Running for 1 hour and 49 minutes, it was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.

17. Taking Down The Mob (2013)

Taking Down the Mob is a 2013 American documentary film directed by Jeff Feuerzeig, who is known for his work on other documentaries such as The War on Drugs (2007) and Last Days Here (2011). The documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2013 and was released theatrically in the United States on October 25, 2013.

It tells the story of how the United States government took down the Mafia in the 1980s and 1990s. It features interviews with key figures in the investigation, including former FBI agents, prosecutors, and Mafia members.

The documentary is 83 minutes long and has won several awards, including the Grand Jury Prize for Documentary Feature at the Sundance Film Festival and the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Documentary Feature.

18. Whitey: United States Of America V. James J. Bulger (2014)

Whitey: United States of America V. James J. Bulger is a 2014 American biographical crime documentary film produced and directed by Joe Berlinger. It is produced by CNN Films and Radical Media. Its world premiere was at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival on January 18, 2014.

The film narrates the trial of gangster James “Whitey” Bulger, using the legal proceedings as a springboard to explore allegations of corruption within the highest levels of law enforcement. Bulger was a ruthless gangster who ruled Boston’s underworld for decades.

He was also a longtime informant for the FBI, and he used his relationship with the FBI to eliminate his rivals and expand his criminal empire.

The film features interviews with key players on both sides of the case, including Bulger’s former associates, FBI agents, and prosecutors. It also includes footage from Bulger’s trial, as well as rare archival footage of Bulger himself.

19. Gotti: Godfather And Son (2018)

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Gotti: Godfather and Son is a 2018 four-hour documentary that tells the story of the Gambino crime family through the intimate and complicated relationship between John Gotti Sr. and Jr.

It was produced and directed by Richard Stratton, who was granted unprecedented access to the Gotti family. The documentary features rare footage of the final exchange between John Gotti Jr. and his dying father.

Also included are in-depth interviews with Gotti Jr., Colombo family “soldier” Larry Mazza, former FBI agents Bruce Mouw, Louis Digregorio, and Jim Abbott, and criminal defense lawyers Bruce Cutler and Ron Kuby.

The documentary is a fascinating and insightful look at the world of the mafia and the complex dynamics of family loyalty.

20. Danny Greene: The Rise And Fall Of The Irishman (2011)

Danny Greene: The Rise and Fall of the Irishman (2011) is a documentary film directed by Tommy Reid and produced by Michael Epstein and Jeff Wald. It was released on DVD and Blu-ray on January 31, 2012.

The film is about the life and death of Danny Greene, a notorious Irish-American gangster who controlled the Cleveland, Ohio labor union in the 1970s.

It is 85 minutes long and has won several awards, including the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature at the Cleveland International Film Festival.

In the documentary, viewers are given in-depth accounts from individuals who were in fact close to Greene. Ed Kovacic, a former police chief, is one of them.

21. Al Capone: The Untouchable Legend (1998)

Al Capone: The Untouchable Legend (1998) is a one-hour documentary about the life and crimes of Al Capone, one of the most notorious gangsters in American history. The documentary was produced by Janson Media and directed by Martin Janson.

It was first released on January 17, 1998, on the 100th anniversary of Capone’s birth. This production features interviews with Capone’s nephew, Harry Hart, and with Capone experts John Binder, Dennis Hoffman, and William Balsamo.

It also uses historical film footage, movie scenes, and dramatic recreations to tell the story of Capone’s rise and fall from power.

Unlike most documentaries which paint these mobsters as lawbreakers, this one takes a different approach opting to mostly glorify Capone.

22. Mafia Women with Trevor McDonald (2017)

Mafia Women with Trevor McDonald is a 2017 documentary series that explores the lives of the wives, girlfriends, and daughters of notorious mafia gangsters. The series is hosted by Trevor McDonald, a British television and radio presenter who is known for his work on news and current affairs programs.

This unique docuseries was produced by ITV Studios and directed by James Erskine and Nick Gray. It was first broadcast in the United Kingdom in 2017 and has since been released in a number of other countries.

The series consists of two episodes, each of which is approximately 60 minutes long. The first episode focuses on the American mafia, while the second episode focuses on the Italian mafia.

It features interviews with a number of women who have been directly connected to the mafia. These include the wives, girlfriends, and daughters of notorious gangsters such as John Gotti, Paul Castellano, and Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano.

23. The Irishman (2019)

The Irishman (2019) is an American epic gangster film directed by Martin Scorsese and produced by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Irwin Winkler. It is based on the 2004 book I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt.

The book is an account of the life of Frank Sheeran, a labor union official who claimed to have been involved in the deaths of several high-profile mafia figures, including Jimmy Hoffa.

The film stars De Niro as Sheeran, Al Pacino as Hoffa, and Joe Pesci as Russell Bufalino, a crime boss who was Sheeran’s mentor. It also features Anna Paquin, Stephen Graham, Stephanie Kurtzuba, Jesse Plemons, and Harvey Keitel in supporting roles.

The Irishman was released on Netflix on November 27, 2019, after a limited theatrical run. It was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $175 million worldwide and receiving ten nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

It won the award for Best Supporting Actor for Pesci. The film is 209 minutes long and is available to watch on Netflix.

It is a fascinating and captivating look at the life of a mafia hitman and the world of organized crime. Scorsese’s masterful direction and the performances of De Niro, Pacino, and Pesci make it a must-see for fans of gangster films and crime dramas.

24. The Real Sopranos (2006)

The Real Sopranos is a 2006 British documentary television film directed by Thomas Viner. It was produced by Selwyn Raab and narrated by Gregory Smith.

The film explores the real-life inspirations behind the fictional HBO television series The Sopranos, which aired from 1999 to 2007.

The Real Sopranos features interviews with former FBI agents, journalists, and mafia members, including Anthony “Tony Boy” Soprano, the son of the real-life Tony Soprano. It also includes archival footage of real-life mafia events, such as the 1972 assassination of Joe Gallo and the 1985 assassination of Paul Castellano.

The Real Sopranos is a fascinating and informative film that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the real-life mafia world. The film is also a valuable companion piece to the fictional series The Sopranos, as it provides insights into the characters and events that inspired the show.

25. Gangland (2007-2010)

Gangland,

Gangland is a documentary television series that aired on the History Channel from 2007 to 2010. The series was produced by A&E Television Networks and was narrated by Ving Rhames.

Gangland explored the history and culture of organized crime in the United States, focusing on the most notorious gangs and gangsters in American history. The series featured interviews with current and former gang members, law enforcement officials, and other experts on organized crime.

Gangland ran for seven seasons and produced a total of 119 episodes. The series was a critical and commercial success, winning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series in 2008.

26. Crime Inc. (2011)

Crime Inc. is a 2011 Mafia documentary series produced by National Geographic Studios and directed by Dan Reed. It was released in the United States on January 17, 2011, and aired on the National Geographic Channel.

The series is six hours long and consists of six episodes. Crime Inc. tells the story of the American mafia, from its origins in the early 1900s to its present-day state.

The series features interviews with former mobsters, law enforcement officials, and historians, as well as rare archival footage.

Crime Inc. was a critical and commercial success. It won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series in 2011.

The series was also nominated for two other Primetime Emmy Awards, Outstanding Directing for a Nonfiction Program and Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Program.

27. Our Godfather (2019)

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Our Godfather is a 2019 feature-length documentary film directed by Mark Franchetti and Andrew Meier. It tells the story of Tommaso Buscetta, the first high-ranking Italian Mafia boss to turn against Cosa Nostra.

Buscetta’s betrayal of the Mafia was a major blow to the organization and helped to weaken its power in Italy.

Our Godfather is a fascinating and insightful look into the world of the Mafia. It is also a powerful story about one man’s courage to stand up against a powerful criminal organization.

Director Mark Franchetti speaking about the film said, “Tommaso Buscetta was a complex and fascinating figure. He was a ruthless criminal, but he was also a man who risked his life to stand up to the Mafia. Our Godfather is a story about betrayal, redemption, and the power of justice.”

28. Excellent Cadavers (2005)

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Excellent Cadavers is a 2005 Italian documentary film directed by Marco Turco. It is based on the book of the same name by Alexander Stille.

It chronicles the efforts of Italian prosecutors Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino to bring the Sicilian Mafia to justice.

Falcone and Borsellino were two of the most courageous and dedicated prosecutors in Italy. In the early 1980s, they began investigating the Sicilian Mafia, which was one of the most powerful and ruthless criminal organizations in the world.

Falcone and Borsellino were able to convict hundreds of mafiosi, including many high-ranking members of the organization.

However, their success came at a price. In 1992, Falcone and Borsellino were assassinated by the Mafia. Their deaths shocked Italy and sparked a nationwide outcry against organized crime.

29. Deep Undercover (2016)

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Deep Undercover is a 2016 American true crime television documentary series produced and directed by Joe Pistone, the real “Donnie Brasco.” The series premiered on the National Geographic Channel on October 6, 2016, and ran for 12 episodes.

Each episode of Deep Undercover tells the story of a different undercover operation from the point of view of the undercover officers involved. The series features interviews with retired undercover agents, as well as dramatizations of their stories.

The series has been praised by critics for its unflinching look at the world of undercover work, as well as for its compelling storytelling. It has also been nominated for several awards, including the Critics’ Choice Real TV Award for Best Crime/Justice Series.

30. The Mafia (2015)

The Mafia (2015) is a two-part ITV documentary series hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald. It was directed by Sarah Smith and produced and narrated by Trevor McDonald.

The documentary was released on March 22 and 23, 2015, and each episode is 60 minutes long. It explores the history and culture of the Mafia, one of the most notorious criminal organizations in the world.

McDonald interviews former Mafia members, law enforcement officials, and experts on the Mafia to provide a comprehensive and insightful look into this shadowy world.

Some of those featured include John Alite, a.k.a. 鈥淭he Sheriff,鈥� who worked for John Gotti Sr. There are others including several enforcers for several other crime families.

31.Omert脿 (1997)

This documentary is named Omert脿, which translates to “code of silence,”. The brutal reality of the Cosa Nostra, or Sicilian Mafia, is shown in the movie. Archival video and witness testimonies present a horrifying image of the Mafia using intimidation, violence, and terror as means of control.

Omert脿 encompasses more than just the actual crimes. It explores the intricate connection between Sicilian society and the Mafia. Occasionally, the Mafia provided protection in return for allegiance, filling the vacuum created by a feeble government.

People frequently felt pressured to depend on a criminal organization for safety as a result, creating a troubling dynamic. The documentary doesn’t provide simple solutions.

32.My Uncle the Gangster (2008)

My Uncle the Gangster approaches the study of the Mafia in a different way. Rather than exalting a hitman, it narrates the tale of Sicilian Mafia killer Giovanni Brusca via the perspective of his estranged nephew.

The message this viewpoint conveys about the human cost of organised crime is potent. The nephew struggles to comprehend the terrible things his uncle did. Interviews show the pain and terror the Mafia caused not only on its victims but even on those who were not directly involved.

The nephew’s bravery in rejecting the violent history of his family is a strong illustration of the strength required to leave such a harmful environment. The impact of the Mafia goes far beyond sensationalised villains, as this documentary vividly illustrates, destroying lives and leaving enduring

33.Public Enemies (2009)

The main character of Public Enemies is John Dillinger, a well-known bank robber from the Great Depression. The documentary presents a more comprehensive image of the widespread criminality, the absence of centralized law enforcement prior to the FBI, and the despair that drove crime in the 1930s. Dillinger starts to represent a bigger problem.

The movie depicts the early years of the fight against organized crime by federal law enforcement. It emphasizes the difficulties they encountered in trying to apprehend crafty criminals like Dillinger, given their limited resources and technological capabilities.

Public Enemies doesn’t just centre on the Mafia, even if they are there. It depicts a more varied criminal scene, with bootleggers, bank robbers, and other outlaws who prospered in this time period included.

34.Black Mass (2015)

It delves into the unsettling alliance between FBI agent John Connolly and vicious Boston mob boss Whitey Bulger. The dark connection between Bulger and Connolly is explored in this movie, highlighting the risks associated with doing business with criminals and the moral difficulties in law enforcement.

“Black Mass” illustrates how morality is ill-defined and what happens when laws are broken. It draws attention to the carnage and brutality that followed Bulger’s ascent to power while the FBI was protecting him, acting as a warning on the value of having a strong moral compass in law enforcement.

35.A Bronx Tale (1993)

It centres on a young Italian-American child who is torn between the ways of his law-abiding father and the attraction of the Mafia boss in the area. This story explores themes of family relationships, loyalty, and the allure and danger of organized crime, particularly for young people who are tempted to its alleged beauty.

The movie shows the violence, intimidation, and moral uncertainty that are part of the Mafia culture rather than glorifying it. The main character questions his decisions while emphasizing the possible repercussions of becoming entangled in organized crime.

Beyond its specific setting, “A Bronx Tale“ delves into universal topics that audiences can relate to, highlighting the difficulties of growing up and figuring out the intricacies of life, particularly when one is tempted by the world of crime.

36.Casino (1995)

The iconic crime film “Casino,” helmed by Martin Scorsese, highlights the Mafia’s involvement and the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas. The movie creates an aura of attraction around the Mafia by showing costly automobiles, opulent casinos, and gorgeous showgirls, all of which represent the extravagant lifestyle lived by mobsters during the height of their power.

The film “Casino” doesn’t sugarcoat the grim aspects however, emphasising the brutality, greed, and paranoia that ultimately bring the protagonist鈥攁 Jewish mobster who owns casinos in Vegas鈥攖o his demise.

It reveals the destructive nature of the Mob’s illegal actions as well as the hollowness of their opulent fa莽ade. “Casino” also examines the human cost of the Mafia’s control over Las Vegas, highlighting the lives ruined by addiction, murder, and the unrelenting chase of fortune at

37.The Chicago Mob (2024)

The documentary series “Mob Wives: Chicago” (2024) focuses on the women who are associated with Chicago’s organized crime groups, providing a distinct viewpoint on the Mafia. By emphasizing the difficulties and risks these women face such as threats, assault, and a persistent dread of retaliation it contradicts clich茅d images of the Mafia.

The show explores the intricacies of Mafia families, highlighting conflicts over allegiance, power dynamics, and the psychological cost of being a part of the criminal underworld. It offers a glimpse into the Mafia’s inner workings through their experiences, examining power relationships and the social effects of organised crime from a less well-known angle.

38.Watches & Knives (2023)

For many crime bosses, particularly, a Rolex watch is a symbol of power and prestige. The documentary explores the reasons behind the popularity of these watches, including cultural preferences, portraying wealth and success, and covertly carrying valuables.

It looks at how this status symbol has changed over time within the Mafia subculture and provides an insight into their purchasing patterns and morals, which are reflected in their pursuit of authority, respect, and a particular image.

39.Unmasking the Mob (2023)

This employs the most recent forensic technology along with interviews with those who have never spoken before to shed light on unsolved crimes, possibly providing closure to families who have been waiting decades for justice.

The series explores unsolved murders, gang battles, and financial crimes while focusing on historical Mafia-related events and people. It also looks at how the Mafia’s actions still affect families, communities, and law enforcement today.

40.The Rise and Fall of La Cosa Nostra (2024)

A documentary series titled “The Rise and Fall of La Cosa Nostra” (2024) delves into the past exploits of La Cosa Nostra, the American Mafia. It explores the Mafia’s establishment in the US and traces its roots to Sicilian immigration, showcasing significant individuals, occasions, and power conflicts that influenced the organization’s ascent to prominence.

The show explores the evolving impact of the American Mafia, taking into account elements that led to its downfall, including internal strife, law enforcement raids, and the emergence of rival criminal groups. The final section looks at the American Mafia’s current situation and how it has changed to fit the changing criminal world.

Each film on this list offers a unique key to unlock the secrets of organized crime, giving us a front-row seat to the drama, intrigue, and human complexities that define this enigmatic realm. While you may have watched a few on the list, we are confident there is something for everyone on this list.

These documentaries have not only provided a glimpse into the criminal underworld but have also reminded us of the enduring allure of storytelling itself. For in the end, it’s the narratives, the characters, and the moral dilemmas that captivate us, leaving an indelible mark on our collective consciousness and reinforcing the timeless adage that truth is often stranger, and more compelling, than fiction.

Here are the 35 best Mafia Movies to watch!