13 Must-Watch Movies Similar to The Godfather

The Godfather Part II is reminiscent of The Godfather, as it continues the epic saga of the Corleone family's rise to power in the mafia world. The second installment takes us back in time to the early life and career of Vito Corleone in 1920s New York City, while also showcasing the expansion and tightening grip of his son, Michael, on the family crime syndicate. With outstanding performances from Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Robert Duvall, the film is a treasure of cinematic art and a flawless gripping drama. It exceeds every expectation, delivering a timeless, classic, and beautifully directed masterpiece. The Godfather Part II is not just a sequel, but a standalone masterpiece that towers over its predecessor. So, if you've seen The Godfather, you must watch The Godfather Part II to witness the finest sequel ever made and one of the top 5 films of all time.

Goodfellas, also known as GoodFellas, is a movie that will transport you to the world of the mafia, just like The Godfather does. While The Godfather focuses on the rise to power of the Corleone crime family, Goodfellas takes us on a journey through the life of Henry Hill and his experiences in the mafia. Both films share the key topics of mafia and organized crime, but what sets Goodfellas apart is its emphasis on the rise and fall of its characters. The movie beautifully captures the raw energy and enthusiasm of the crime world, making it a standout film in Martin Scorsese's career. With an impeccable ensemble cast including Robert DeNiro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci, Goodfellas is a textbook example of a great director at the peak of his talents.

Gangs of London takes you on a thrilling ride through the power struggles of international gangs in the heart of the city. Just like The Godfather, this series explores the complex dynamics of crime families and the consequences of their actions. While The Godfather delves into the rise to power of a mafia family, Gangs of London focuses on the aftermath of a crime family leader's assassination and the chaos it unleashes. Both stories are filled with suspense, captivating performances, and a deep exploration of the criminal underworld. However, Gangs of London brings its own unique flavor with its gritty action sequences and modern setting. So, if you loved The Godfather and want to experience a fresh take on the crime genre, Gangs of London is a must-watch.

Wildland is reminiscent of The Godfather in its exploration of the mafia and crime family dynamics. While The Godfather focuses on the rise to power of the Corleone family and the consequences it has on their loved ones, Wildland delves into the story of Ida, a teenage girl who moves in with her aunt and cousins after her mother's tragic death. Both movies portray the intricate web of relationships within these criminal organizations and the impact they have on the characters' lives. However, Wildland takes a different approach by focusing on the perspective of a young girl navigating this violent and criminal world. The movie explores the theme of family bonds and the choices one has to make when faced with their family's criminal activities. With its slow-moving pace and intense drama, Wildland offers a unique and thought-provoking take on the crime genre, making it a compelling watch for fans of The Godfather.

Wiseguy. While The Godfather is a cinematic masterpiece that has stood the test of time, Wiseguy brings a similar vibe to the small screen. This crime drama series, released in 1987, immerses viewers in the world of undercover agent Vincent Terranova as he infiltrates dangerous criminal organizations. Like Michael Corleone, Terranova struggles to balance loyalty and the pursuit of justice. With its intriguing plotlines and ever-changing scenery, Wiseguy captivates audiences just as The Godfather did. Both feature memorable performances, from Marlon Brando and Al Pacino in The Godfather to the introduction of Kevin Spacey's acting abilities in Wiseguy. While The Godfather spans over ten hours, Wiseguy condenses its thrilling story into a more manageable six hours. So, if you've savored The Godfather and want to experience a similar underworld tale on a smaller scale, Wiseguy is a must-watch.

Mai is reminiscent of The Godfather in its exploration of organized crime and the transformation of a central character. While The Godfather delves into the world of the Italian mafia and the rise to power of Michael Corleone, Mai takes us on a journey with a grieving mother seeking justice for her daughter's tragic death. Both stories revolve around crime, leadership, and the pursuit of truth. However, Mai brings a fresh perspective by focusing on a female protagonist, played brilliantly by Sakshi Tanwar. Her performance is a must-watch, showcasing her immense talent and proving that non-mainstream actors deserve recognition. Although Mai occasionally falls into the trap of convenience and coincidences, it captivates when it centers on the character of Mai herself. The show cleverly balances the fine line between a regular mother seeking justice and a relentless force, reminiscent of Batman. While it may not reach the heights of perfection, Mai is an engaging series with a standout performance that should not be missed.

"Carlito's Way" is a captivating crime drama that shares similarities with "The Godfather" in terms of its mafia theme and exploration of the rise and fall of its main character. However, while "The Godfather" focuses on the transformation of Michael Corleone within a tightly knit crime family, "Carlito's Way" takes a different approach. It tells the story of Carlito Brigante, a Puerto Rican ex-con who is determined to leave his criminal past behind and start a new, honest life. The film delves into Carlito's struggle to resist the temptations of drugs and violence in a gritty New York City. Unlike the grandiose and theatrical nature of "Scarface," another film by director Brian De Palma, "Carlito's Way" offers a more mature and nuanced perspective. It portrays a protagonist who tries to change his fate but is ultimately doomed to his inevitable conclusion.

Donnie Brasco is a captivating film that will remind you of The Godfather. While The Godfather focuses on the rise to power of a mafia family, Donnie Brasco takes a different approach, exploring the life of an FBI undercover agent who infiltrates the mob. Both movies delve into the world of organized crime, but Donnie Brasco offers a unique perspective by highlighting the internal struggle of the protagonist as he becomes more entrenched in the mafia life. Johnny Depp delivers a sensational performance as the undercover agent, while Al Pacino once again shines as a low-level mobster. Donnie Brasco is an interesting and thought-provoking flick that had a great influence on subsequent mobster movies and TV series, such as The Sopranos. So, if you enjoyed The Godfather and want to experience a different side of the mafia world, Donnie Brasco is definitely worth watching.

Mafia: The new chief of the Carabinieri in a small Sicilian town must fight corrupt officials, the frightened silence of witnesses and the local Mafia boss to solve a murder. While "The Godfather" takes place in the US, "Mafia" is set in Italy, specifically Sicily, where the Sicilian Mafia holds great power. Both movies explore the dark world of organized crime, but "Mafia" focuses more on the struggle against corruption and the pursuit of justice. With its brilliant cast and expert direction by Damiano Damiani, "Mafia" is a captivating film that showcases the beauty of Claudia Cardinale and the talent of Lee J. Cobb. If you enjoyed the intricate web of loyalty and betrayal in "The Godfather," you'll be drawn to "Mafia" and its exploration of the Italian Mafia's influence in a small town.

Stiletto, released in 1969, is a reminiscent of The Godfather. While the plot may not bring anything new, as it revolves around a playboy hitman for the mafia who wants to retire, the late sixties atmosphere and the disenchanted characters make it a pure delight. The ending is absolutely exquisite, though it may not be accepted by today's audiences. The bizarre camera angles every ten minutes, so typical of that period, add to the overall charm. Bernie Kowalski, the director, has never deceived me so far, and Stiletto is no exception. It shares the same mood, melancholy, and gloomy tale as his other films, such as Macho Callahan. The movie also has occasional James Bond references, with a cool playboy character. While it may not be as highly acclaimed as The Godfather, Stiletto is definitely worth watching for its unique atmosphere and intriguing characters.

Torino nera, like The Godfather, transports us into the dark and dangerous world of organized crime. However, while The Godfather takes place in the bustling streets of New York, Torino nera pulls us into the gritty underbelly of Turin, Italy. Both films explore the themes of revenge and mafia, but Torino nera takes a different approach by focusing on the story of two sons trying to prove their father's innocence. While Marlon Brando and Al Pacino dominate the screen in The Godfather, Torino nera surprises us with the impressive performances of two relatively unknown actors, Domenico Santoro and Andrea Balestri. And let's not forget the charm of Bud Spencer, who shows us his range as a dramatic actor. With its strong direction, intriguing story, and memorable music, Torino nera is a hidden gem that will keep you on the edge of your seat just like The Godfather did.

I guappi is reminiscent of The Godfather in its exploration of the mafia world, but with a unique Italian twist. Set in Naples at the end of the nineteenth century, I guappi follows Nicola Bellizzi's journey as he tries to break away from his family's mafia obligations and pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer. However, he falls into a life of crime and violence, discovering that some of his blood relations are high-ranking members of the Mafia. The film beautifully captures the period and offers a moving insight into the everyday workings of the Gomorrah and life in Naples itself. While The Godfather focuses on the American mafia and its rise to power, I guappi delves into the Italian mafia and the struggles faced by Nicola as he navigates a path between honor and personal ambition. With stellar performances from Franco Nero, Claudia Cardinale, and Fabio Testi, this Euro-crime gem presents a captivating story of loyalty, love, and corruption.

Flatfoot in Hong Kong, also known as "Piedone a Hong Kong," is a delightful action-comedy film that bears resemblance to The Godfather. While both movies explore the theme of organized crime, they take drastically different approaches. The Godfather, a cinematic masterpiece, delves deep into the dark underbelly of the mafia, showcasing the rise to power of the Corleone family. On the other hand, Flatfoot in Hong Kong takes a lighthearted and comedic approach, following the adventures of Italian police inspector Rizzo and American mobster Frank Barella as they team up to uncover the identity of a corrupt cop. With its charismatic lead, Bud Spencer, Flatfoot in Hong Kong offers a fun and entertaining take on the crime genre. So, if you've enjoyed The Godfather and are in the mood for a lighter, action-packed film that will keep you entertained, Flatfoot in Hong Kong is definitely worth a watch.