Crime Cinema
By Yuri Rutman, Writer/Director & Producer, The Violinist (Filmdemand). Educational content only — not investment advice.
Netflix's catalog changes every month and differs by country, so rather than promise a fixed list that goes stale, this guide highlights the mafia and crime films most worth watching when you see them — and shows you how to check what's streaming where you live.
The safest bet: a Netflix original
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The Irishman (2019) — Martin Scorsese's three-and-a-half-hour crime epic with Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci was produced by Netflix, which makes it the most reliably available mafia film on the service.
Mafia classics to search for
These titles have rotated through Netflix and other streaming services in various regions. Search for them by name:
Goodfellas (1990) and Casino (1995) — Scorsese's twin mob portraits.
The Godfather films — The cornerstone of the genre.
Donnie Brasco (1997) — An FBI agent inside the Bonanno family.
A Bronx Tale (1993) — Growing up in a mob-run neighborhood.
Road to Perdition (2002) — A hitman and his son in Depression-era Illinois.
Gomorrah (2008) — The Camorra without glamour.
Black Mass (2015) — Whitey Bulger and the FBI.
Crime thrillers worth watching
Neo-noir and thrillers: Se7en, Zodiac, Prisoners, Sicario and Drive have all appeared on streaming platforms over time.
International crime: City of God, Oldboy, Memories of Murder and Gomorrah are worth searching for.
How to pick by mood
Style and momentum: Goodfellas, Drive
Slow-burn tension: Zodiac, Prisoners
An epic evening: The Irishman
Something unglamorous and real: Gomorrah
How to check what's streaming where
1. Search the title directly on Netflix, or browse its Crime category.
2. Use a streaming-guide site such as JustWatch to see availability by country.
3. If a film isn't on Netflix, check other subscription services or digital rental stores.
Can't find what you want? Our full rankings work on any platform: the best mafia movies of all time and the best crime movies of all time.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Godfather on Netflix?
It depends on your country and the month. Check the catalog or a streaming guide before relying on it.
What mafia movie did Netflix produce?
The Irishman (2019), directed by Martin Scorsese.
Do Netflix libraries differ by country?
Yes. Film licensing is regional, so the same title can be available in one country and missing in another.
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Educational information only. Not investment, legal, or tax advice, and not an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any security. Any offering is made only to verified accredited investors through definitive offering documents. Film investing involves substantial risk, including total loss of capital. Statements about Section 168(k) reflect current law; statements about a federal 20% production credit refer to pending legislation that has not been enacted. Consult your own advisors.