16 Terrifying Mafia Documentaries
From the ruthless killings to the secret dealings, the world of the mafia is an intriguing and dangerous one. If you’re fascinated by true crime and the criminal underworld, then you won't want to miss these incredible mafia documentaries.
We've compiled a list of the best mafia documentaries out there, each offering a revealing and often shocking glimpse into this hidden world. So, sit back and enjoy the top mafia documentaries you should add to your watch list today.
1. Gotti: Godfather And Son (2018)
This documentary tells the story of John Gotti and his son as they navigate the world of the mafia. The film offers unprecedented access to the Gotti family, including never before seen footage of John Gotti himself. It is a fascinating look at the rise of a crime family and the struggles that come with maintaining power.
👉 Watch Gotti: Godfather And Son on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Gotti: Godfather And Son as DVD on Amazon
2. Whitey: United States Of America V. James J. Bulger (2014)
This gripping documentary follows the trial of notorious Boston crime boss, James "Whitey" Bulger. The film explores his ruthless reign over the city's criminal underworld and the FBI's attempts to apprehend him. With interviews from Bulger's associates and attorneys, the documentary offers a unique insight into a life of crime and corruption.
👉 Watch Whitey: United States Of America V. James J. Bulger on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Whitey: United States Of America V. James J. Bulger as DVD on Amazon
3. Danny Greene: The Rise And Fall Of The Irishman (2009)
This documentary tells the story of Danny Greene, an Irish-American mobster who rose to power in Cleveland's criminal underworld. The film explores his cunning tactics and violent clashes with other gangsters. Greene's larger-than-life personality and fearless attitude makes this a fascinating and often jaw-dropping documentary.
👉 Watch Danny Greene: The Rise And Fall Of The Irishman on Amazon Prime
4. Mafia's Greatest Hits (2012)
This series takes a closer look at some of the most notorious mobsters of all time, from Al Capone to John Gotti. With real footage, interviews, and re-enactments, this series offers a comprehensive look at the lives of these infamous gangsters.
👉 Watch Mafia's Greatest Hits on Amazon Prime
5. 'Our Godfather' (2019)
This documentary offers a unique perspective on the mafia as it focuses on Tommaso Buscetta, a high-ranking member of the Sicilian mafia. Buscetta becomes an informant for Italian authorities, causing a rift in his own family and exposing the inner workings of the mafia. It is a fascinating look at a man torn between loyalty, betrayal, and his own survival.
👉 Watch 'Our Godfather' on Amazon Prime
6. The Mafia with Trevor McDonald (2015)
This six-part series delves into the history of the mafia, exploring its origins and growth throughoutthe United States. The documentary features interviews with former mafia members and experts on organized crime. It is a comprehensive look at the mafia, its influence on society, and how it continues to operate today.
👉 Watch The Mafia with Trevor McDonald on Amazon Prime
7. Dirty Money (2018)
Netflix’s Dirty Money produced by Alex Gibney, is a six-part series that takes a deep dive into the world of white-collar crime, exposing corporate greed and corruption. Although not solely focused on the Mafia, the series features an episode titled “Drug Short”, which explores how the pharmaceutical industry contributes to the opioid epidemic, and inadvertently exposes the involvement of organized crime in the black market of prescription medication. This eye-opening documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in the gritty realities of modern-day crime.
8. The Irish Mob (2018-2016)
This docuseries delves into the criminal activities of Irish-Americans in the U.S. Starting in the 1960s, The Irish Mob conquered Boston, New York City, and other East Coast cities with their drug-dealing, loan-sharking, and murder-for-hire schemes. The documentary tells the story of the gang’s rise to power through interviews with law enforcement officials, former members, and others who knew them well. It's a gripping account of The Irish Mob’s reign of terror.
👉 Watch The Irish Mob on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy The Irish Mob as DVD on Amazon
9. Crime Inc. The True Story of The Mafia (1984)
This documentary series chronicles the history of the American Mafia from its beginnings in the early 20th century to the present day. It covers all the major players in the Mafia, from Lucky Luciano to John Gotti, and their reigns as bosses of bosses. The documentary features expert analysis and insights from former FBI agents, mafia experts, and journalists who have closely followed the criminal rivalry between the five New York crime families.
Crime Inc. The True Story of The Mafia on IMDb
10. Fear City: New York Vs The Mafia (2020)
This documentary series explores the FBI's attempts to bust the notorius Five Families of New York in the 1980s. It features candid interviews with FBI agents who worked the case and made some of the arrests, as well as with former Mafia members who reveal how the FBI managed to penetrate the organization to gather intelligence. This documentary series provides an interesting perspective on how the FBI took the fight to the Mob, in one of America's biggest crime busts.
Fear City: New York Vs The Mafia on IMDb
11. Deep Undercover (2016)
This A&E network documentary, hosted by former undercover agent Joe Pistone, takes viewers into the world of undercover operatives and their risky work to infiltrate the Mafia. The film covers the activities of more than two dozen FBI agents who went undercover and successfully brought down some of America's most notorious mob bosses. The stories told are riveting and shed light on the incredible lengths federal agents went to gather intelligence on organized crime.
12. Excellent Cadavers (2005)
This film looks at the infamous anti-Mafia prosecutors in Sicily who were targeted by the Mafia for their tireless efforts to convict the Cosa Nostra's highest-level members. The film tells the story of the rise of the Anti-Mafia investigation, their work in bringing down many of the Cosa Nostra's top men, and the brutal war waged against them. A deeply emotional, raw, and inspiring documentary that highlights the danger and courage of several heroic individuals.
👉 Watch Excellent Cadavers on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Excellent Cadavers as DVD on Amazon
13. The Making Of The Mob (2015 - 2016)
This History Channel series follows the lives of some of America's most infamous gangsters, including Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky, and Bugsy Siegel. The series explores the origins of the American Mafia and how it transformed into the powerful criminal organization it is today. The show examines the lives of key figures of the Mafia, alongside insights and expert analysis from historians, former law enforcement officers and other experts.
👉 Watch The Making Of The Mob on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy The Making Of The Mob as DVD on Amazon
14. The Iceman Confesses: Secrets Of A Mafia Hitman (2001)
This HBO documentary film is a true-crime story that chronicles the life of Richard 'The Iceman' Kuklinski, a successful hitman who is said to have killed over 250 people for the Mafia. The documentary incorporates interviews with Kuklinski himself, along with his friends, family, and law enforcement officials, to give viewers a first-hand look into the life and mind of a hired killer. It is a gripping, chilling, and disturbing portrait of one of America’s most infamous hitmen.
👉 Watch The Iceman Confesses: Secrets Of A Mafia Hitman on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy The Iceman Confesses: Secrets Of A Mafia Hitman as DVD on Amazon
15. Al Capone: The Untouchable Legend (1998)
This documentary is a fascinating retrospective of Al Capone, the notorious American gangster who became a cultural icon during the Prohibition era. The film explores Capone's background, his rise to power as the leader of the Chicago Outfit, and his eventual downfall. The documentary provides insight into the man behind the cruel public face, explores his criminal empire, and offers a glimpse into one of the most infamous crime stories in American history.
👉 Watch Al Capone: The Untouchable Legend on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Al Capone: The Untouchable Legend as DVD on Amazon
16. Inside the Criminal Mind (2017-2018)
Inside The Criminal Mind examines how criminals are formed and why they commit their heinous crimes. This documentary goes deep into the psychology of criminals, interviews criminologists, and exposes the inner workings of their minds. It is a thought-provoking study of the intersection between psychology and criminality, seeking to understand how people from all backgrounds become criminals.
Inside the Criminal Mind on IMDb
Conclusion
Whether you're interested in learning more about the mafia's greatest hits or hearing the personal stories of those involved in the world of gangsters, these documentaries offer a no-holds-barred look into the true crime underworld.
With insights, interviews, and exclusive footage, these films are a must-watch for any true crime fan looking to get a deeper understanding of the mafia. So, grab your popcorn and settle in for a wild ride as you explore the best mafia documentaries out there.
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