The 10 Best Mafia & Gangster TV Shows Ranked

Since the late ’90s and early 2000s, television has been captivated by gripping tales of organized crime, with a wealth of cunning and relentless gangsters to pick from, thanks in large part to David Chase’s groundbreaking series “The Sopranos”. The enduring popularity of these shows can be attributed to the allure and excitement that comes from following long-running narratives about powerful, unpredictable, and often violent characters who will stop at nothing to attain their objectives.

Crime organizations modeled after the Mafia possess unique systems, orders, and hierarchies that make them intriguing to many ordinary people. The combination of fear and fascination we feel towards mobsters stems from their adherence to a complex moral code which grants them the power to commit actions we wouldn’t dare to perform. They are often highly intelligent and cold-hearted individuals, exuding an unnerving self-assurance and relentless determination that allows them to traverse through perilous situations without a second thought and take lives as needed to thrive or dominate. Their actions inspire both fear and respect due to their use of intimidation and control, all in pursuit of a lavish lifestyle tainted by the constant worry of being watched.

In this collection, you’ll find ten top-notch and captivating series about mafias and gangsters that are worth watching on television.

10. Ozark

Although “Ozark” by Bill Dubuque and Mark Williams isn’t the first show of its kind, it’s included on this list rather than its thematic precursor “Breaking Bad” because it presents a more gangster narrative than it initially seems. The series effectively demonstrates how an ordinary middle-class family can unwillingly get entangled with the Mexican criminal underworld due to external pressures, rather than choosing to do so.

Marty (Jason Bateman) and Wendy Byrde (Laura Linney), along with their teenage kids Charlotte (Sofia Hublitz) and Jonah (Skylar Gaertner), find themselves unwillingly entangled in a dangerous Mexican drug cartel due to circumstances beyond their control. However, things are not quite as simple as they seem. Essentially, Marty has to leverage his expertise in finance and some questionable abilities to clean the cartel’s money, or else his family may become victims in the drug trade. To achieve this, he decides to relocate them from their tranquil life in Chicago to Osage Beach, Missouri, a shift that brings about numerous tough realities. This transition necessitates the aid of some unsavory local low-level criminals and the Kansas City mafia.

The show ‘Ozark’ excels at emphasizing the impossibility of instantly turning into a mobster, even when one associates with ruthless assassins. The Byrde family, in particular, finds themselves caught up in a drug conflict between the cartel and FBI, as well as other dangerous characters, symbolizing their outsider status and the significant risks they face. Despite its controversial ending, it’s recommended viewing for those who enjoy this genre.

9. Peaky Blinders

In simpler terms, “Peaky Blinders,” created by Steven Knight, is a historical drama that portrays a rough and grimy setting, featuring numerous street gangs controlling almost every part of post-World War I Birmingham. The show, set in the early 1900s, offers a fashionable depiction of sly outlaws. The series’ protagonist, Tommy Shelby (played by the captivating Cillian Murphy), navigates his family and gang from being petty criminals to dominant figures ruling over the city.

The TV series “Peaky Blinders” has an enchanting grittiness to it, making it both captivating and alluring as it blends classic mafia motifs with personal struggles. It’s no surprise that it has become a hit among critics and viewers throughout its six-season run. “Peaky Blinders,” while not perfect in terms of complex storytelling and character development, often takes on more than it can handle, but when it strikes the right chord, the series is electrifying. The show’s somber, harsh, and intensely fierce tone pushes its protagonist to surpass his own mental corruption and difficult circumstances, ultimately emerging victorious. In other words, if you’re seeking a series where gangsters wear flat caps like kings in a world that reeks of whiskey, smoke, urine, and testosterone, “Peaky Blinders” may be just what you’re looking for.

8. ZeroZeroZero

Stefano Sollima’s 2020 miniseries, “ZeroZeroZero,” might not be as widely recognized as other gangster shows, but don’t underestimate its significance due to its lower profile. It presents a strikingly authentic portrayal of organized crime, based on the real-life investigations of Italian author and journalist Robert Saviano. His book, sharing the same title, delved deeply into the inner workings of the Camorra, often putting his own life in danger. The series narrates the journey of a substantial cocaine shipment, initially controlled by a Mexican drug cartel, and eventually reaching the senior boss of the ‘Ndrangheta in Italy. During this transit, an American broker family assumes the role of facilitators.

Through intricate portrayals on distinct continents, we gain insight into how a deal of such magnitude unfolds among powerful figures, exposing deep-rooted corruption, power dynamics, and the intricate mechanisms of organized crime operating with chilling efficiency behind closed doors. The ensemble cast, featuring Andrea Riseborough, Dane DeHaan, Gabriel Byrne, and other talented actors from Europe and Latin America, makes “ZeroZeroZero” a stunning display of international collaboration in storytelling. It’s grand, ominous, and strikingly authentic – much like any series that aims to portray global gangsters authentically.

7. Brotherhood

In 2006-2008, when television was dominated by heavyweights like “The Sopranos” and “The Wire”, it was challenging for “Brotherhood” to make a significant impact. With its more conventional plotline and less recognized cast of actors, the series didn’t receive the recognition it deserved during that time period. However, its unique premise, which explores the American dream and working-class life through multiple perspectives, sets it apart. While the gangster theme is common in films, it was seldom portrayed on television to such an extent during that era.

The narrative centers around two brothers, Tommy (Jason Clarke) and Michael Caffee (Jason Isaacs), who reside in Providence, Rhode Island. While Tommy is a respected state politician with a strong moral compass, his brother Michael holds a powerful position within the city’s Irish mob. Despite their contrasting paths, they both embody the significance of heritage and family, expressing their unique perspectives on these themes. These brothers serve as the focal points that ignite a fiery tension throughout the story. However, it’s the ensemble cast that gives “Brotherhood” its intricate layers and cultural richness, all set against an authentic backdrop. The series is raw, gritty, and full of drama – traits that are commonly associated with outstanding stories about organized crime families.

6. Sons of Anarchy

When discussing television shows about street gangs on small screens, it’s essential to highlight Kurt Sutter’s “Sons of Anarchy” as a must-mention. Prior to its 7-season run, there was no comparable show on TV. Sutter crafted an authentic small-screen world by portraying a biker gang that transformed from a brotherhood into ruthless, albeit relatable, criminals and killers, ruling over their fictional town of Charming in San Joaquin, California. Led by Jax Teller (played by Charlie Hunnam, who gained significant recognition through this role) and Clay Morrow (Ron Perlman), SAMCRO brought the subculture of a motorcycle club into our living rooms with vivid detail. The FX series was captivating, personal, and tough-as-nails all at once, firmly grasping the spirit of the late 2000s and early 2010s.

In a distinctly Shakespearean style, “Sons of Anarchy” was a gritty drama about a band of outlaws who adhered to their unique moral standards, filled with intense violence, shocking plot twists, and character deaths that were both surprising and emotionally poignant. While the series may have overstayed its welcome in its later seasons due to creator Kurt Sutter’s reluctance to part ways with his beloved characters, there’s no denying the impact it made during its time on television. The heart-wrenching final scene, where Jax Teller drives towards his tragic end while “Come Join the Murder,” a song by The White Buffalo & The Forest Rangers, plays in the background, remains a powerful and unforgettable moment that still tugs at viewers’ hearts.

5. Boardwalk Empire

Written by Terence Winter, renowned for his work on “The Sopranos”, HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” delves into the Prohibition era with meticulous attention to historical detail, boasting an illustrious cast and exceptional writing. The story revolves around Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi), a cunning and menacing politician in Atlantic City, New Jersey, who maneuvers through the city’s underworld alongside its powerful political elite while enjoying a lavish and glamorized lifestyle. Notable historical figures like Al Capone (Stephen Graham), Lucky Luciano (Vincent Piazza), and Arnold Rothstein (Michael Stuhlbarg) are among the many who grace this series, which faithfully recreates an era with its complex political maneuvers and organized crime activities in a way that feels authentic and lived-in.

Immersed in alcohol, cigarette haze, and blood, “Boardwalk Empire” stands out as a quintessential mafia series. Consequently, it’s no wonder that the show amassed 20 Primetime Emmys between 2010 and 2014. Although it might not be the simplest or most accessible crime drama for viewers to follow, there’s no denying that it earned every bit of admiration and accolades it received during its broadcast and since then.

4. Gomorrah

This TV series, titled “Gomorrah,” offers an unparalleled portrayal of contemporary Italian organized crime, specifically focusing on the Camorra. Written by Robert Saviano, author of “ZeroZeroZero,” it draws inspiration from his acclaimed non-fiction book of the same title. The show delves deep into the intricate machinations of the Savastano clan in Naples, providing an authentic, unsparing, and unsettling glimpse into the modus operandi of modern Italian mafiosos. As we progress through the series, we accompany Ciro Di Marzio (portrayed by Marco D’Amore), a clever and faithful Camorra member, as well as the Savastano family, who control the Secondigliano district and half of Naples, until their dominion faces challenges from rival groups and internal betrayal.

Gomorrah” offers an unromanticized, gritty portrayal of real-life mafia life, setting it apart from the typical glamorized gangster stories. With its documentary-style cinematography, complex narratives, and cold, authentic antiheroes that seem torn straight from reality rather than crafted for the screen, the show delivers a raw, unfiltered look at the Camorra world. This universe is dark, corrupt, and brutal to its very core, filled with relentless violence, gruesome gore, and heart-wrenching tragedies that will leave you shaken regardless of your knowledge about the Italian mafia. The series’ exceptional Italian cast, sharp scriptwriting, and hauntingly beautiful score have rightfully secured it a place among the greatest gangster dramas ever aired on television. It is highly recommended for those who enjoy epic stories that seek to dismantle the power structures within the Italian mafia.

3. The Wire

David Simon’s groundbreaking masterpiece, “The Wire,” offers a painstakingly detailed portrayal of Baltimore’s drug trade, law enforcement, and politics that few other works have matched. This TV series aimed to present authentic and compelling depictions of the city’s police force and its criminal underworld, and it succeeded magnificently. Over the course of six seasons (2002-2008), the show introduced iconic characters such as Omar Little (Michael Kenneth Williams), Stringer Bell (Idris Elba), and Detective McNulty (Dominic West), who have since left an indelible mark on television. It’s challenging to find anything new to say about this extraordinary work, as its depth and complexity have already captivated audiences worldwide.

The Wire” is generally considered an almost flawless television series that delves into complex topics such as drug trafficking, addiction, government corruption, the U.S. legal system, and other pressing social issues across diverse communities. While it received numerous accolades for its excellence, it failed to win any major awards during its broadcast and was only Emmy-nominated twice, in 2005 and 2008. Despite this lack of recognition with awards, there is no doubt that it ranks among the most significant and impactful TV shows ever produced.

2. Narcos

Without a doubt, Pablo Escobar was one of the most notorious gangsters and drug cartel leaders history has known. However, accurately depicting what made him such a feared, sinister yet revered figure in Colombia was a challenge that films and TV series struggled with until Netflix’s “Narcos” emerged in 2015. This series, featuring the captivating performance of Wagner Moura as Escobar, successfully presented an epic and exhilarating account of Escobar’s rise and downfall. It also showcased the relentless pursuit of DEA agents Steve Murphy (Boyd Holbrook) and Javier Pena (Pedro Pascal), tracking Escobar from the late 1970s right up to his death in 1993.

The creators, Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro didn’t just delve into Pablo Escobar’s reign; they also explored what transpired after his rule ended in Seasons 3 and 4 as other cartels seized power. Portraying the prolonged drug war between Colombia and the USA to such a detailed extent was a significant achievement. Essentially, “Narcos” pioneered an engrossing and cinematic style on television that has since been emulated by numerous series with similar themes. Nowadays, discussing drug traffickers and Hispanic crime lords on TV without acknowledging its impact and the way it revitalized this subgenre is virtually impossible. However, despite criticisms regarding historical inaccuracies and its portrayal of mass murderers and sociopaths, “Narcos” remains one of the best shows ever made about organized crime and infamous mobsters.

1. The Sopranos

Tony Soprano, portrayed by James Gandolfini, is undoubtedly a cultural icon when it comes to mafia characters in American pop culture. There’s no other crime figure on television that can be as closely associated with him, and David Chase’s groundbreaking series continues to be the most discussed crime drama today. Even though “The Sopranos” ended almost two decades ago, its impact and excellence continue to resonate strongly. The complex and multi-dimensional characters of Tony Soprano and his family (both in their professional and personal lives) in the New Jersey suburbs captivated us from the very first episode we watched on screen.

The show highlighted Italian-American culture, offered an inside look at contemporary organized crime, and tackled numerous sensitive topics and societal issues, making it challenging to list them all. It was a groundbreaking cable program that authentically and compellingly explored therapy from multiple perspectives, presented mobsters with their imperfections and virtues, and essentially introduced the modern television version of a complex antihero.

Numerous entries on this list owe their existence to Chase carving out an innovative route for them to emerge. “The Sopranos” was a television masterpiece that arrived at just the right moment, deserving of its acclaim. It amassed 21 Primetime Emmys and countless other awards during its 6-season HBO tenure, yet what truly endures is its impactful legacy that will continue to be scrutinized for generations. The second golden age of television commenced the moment Tony Soprano stepped into Dr. Melfi’s office, and ever since, history has been made.

2025-02-20 22:31