9 Gripping Documentaries About the Mafia on Netflix

Stories about the mob have a special ability to quickly grab your attention. You might start watching a meeting in a small restaurant, and suddenly you’re caught up in a world of deceit and legal battles. The Mafia genre isn’t just about crime anymore; it’s about the people involved. It explores themes of power, loyalty, betrayal, and the structures that let criminal organizations flourish openly. Documentaries, in particular, aim to reduce these stories to their most essential elements. They avoid flashy action or glorifying gangsters, instead focusing on the harsh truth of organized crime.

Mafia documentaries focus on the authentic experiences and serious impacts of organized crime. They trace the growth and decline of Mafia families, explaining their traditions and power structures, and feature accounts from those who were directly involved – including members, law enforcement, and people who managed to survive. Covering groups like the American Five Families, the Sicilian Cosa Nostra, and the worldwide ‘Ndrangheta, these films demonstrate how the Mafia functions much like a governing body, establishing its own rules and penalties.

It’s well known that Netflix is *the* place to go for documentaries about the Mafia. Their collection covers stories from around the world and across many years, featuring personal interviews and accounts of major investigations. All of these documentaries explore the world of organized crime with suspense, a clear focus, and a wealth of detail.

Here are 9 gripping documentaries about the Mafia on Netflix.

‘Inside the American Mob’ (2013)

The six-episode documentary series, Inside the American Mob, takes viewers back to the most powerful years of La Cosa Nostra. It follows the American Mafia’s journey from its peak in the 1970s through its decline in the 2000s. The story is revealed through interviews with former mob members, FBI agents, and reporters, recreating key events such as the Commission Trial, the downfall of John Gotti, and how the Five Families were infiltrated. This series fully immerses you in the fear and brutality that characterized the Mafia’s control during those decades.

Access to Mob Insiders

Every episode focuses on a crucial moment, told with a direct and realistic style. There’s no voiceover narration – you only hear from the people who experienced it firsthand, including FBI agents like Joe Pistone (also known as Donnie Brasco) and former Mafia leaders who now offer their perspectives with the benefit of time. Notably, this documentary feels like a pure, unfiltered account of events, and it’s become a key resource for anyone wanting to truly understand how the American Mafia operated. It’s a remarkably honest look inside, and its authenticity is striking.

‘The Mafia with Trevor McDonald’ (2015)

The Mafia with Trevor McDonald is a British documentary in two parts. It follows experienced journalist Trevor McDonald as he meets with former leading figures in the Mafia, including Sammy “The Bull” Gravano, whose evidence was crucial in the conviction of John Gotti. The documentary also explores the Mafia’s principles, how they handle justice within their organization, and the devastating impact that a life of crime has on those involved.

The Emotional Aftermath of Organized Crime

Offering unprecedented access to leading Mafia figures, McDonald explores how the Mafia has impacted both culture and criminal activity, guiding viewers on a journey from New York to Las Vegas and back. Though it might initially appear to be a typical documentary featuring interviews, it’s actually a deep dive into the personalities of those involved. McDonald’s conversations are intimate enough to expose the surprising fragility within men who once casually authorized violence. He allows his subjects to tell their own stories and skillfully shapes the narrative without being intrusive.

‘Our Godfather’ (2019)

With a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Our Godfather recounts the life of Tommaso Buscetta, the first major Sicilian Mafia figure to become an informant. The film uses interviews with his family, plus real footage from court and archives, to show Buscetta’s story and how his statements led to the convictions of many mobsters.

The Man Who Broke Omertà

Tommaso Buscetta paid a heavy price for sharing the secrets of the Sicilian Mafia with the world. His life was marked by exile, loss of family, personal tragedy, and constant fear – all because he helped bring down a powerful criminal organization. This intense documentary avoids sensationalism, instead focusing on the Corleonesi family, the violent Palermo wars, and the Mafia’s reach into politics. Its careful approach and clear storytelling make it both educational and deeply unsettling.

‘Fear City: New York vs The Mafia’ (2020)

Taking place in the rough and dangerous side of 1980s New York, Fear City: New York vs The Mafia tells the story of the FBI’s risky effort to take down the five major Mafia families – the Bonanno, Colombo, Gambino, Genovese, and Lucchese groups. This three-part series explains how federal agents gathered evidence using the RIVO Act, focusing on the Mafia’s power over labor unions, building projects, and city-wide agreements.

Fan Favorite for True-Crime Enthusiasts

The documentary is so captivating because it expertly examines police methods while consistently reminding us of the Mafia’s violent control over New York City. The filmmaking is surprisingly polished, featuring sleek graphics and atmospheric reenactments that don’t come across as excessive. Particularly noteworthy are the details about the Mafia, such as the Commission’s organizational structure, their extortion schemes, and the strict code of silence they maintained.

‘Vendetta: Truth, Lies and The Mafia’ (2021)

This Italian docuseries explores the complex and often troubling world of justice in Sicily. It centers on journalist Pino Maniaci and judge Silvana Saguto, both previously celebrated for fighting the Mafia, but now caught up in controversy. Over two episodes, Vendetta: Truth, Lies and The Mafia investigates claims of corruption, misuse of authority, and how the media was influenced.

Story of Anti-Mafia Scandal

The line between heroes and villains becomes unclear when examining the Mafia’s impact on the streets, and it’s this avoidance of simple answers that sets Vendetta apart. Instead of pushing for easy conclusions, the documentary allows conflicting ideas to exist side-by-side. It primarily investigates how the Mafia transformed from relying on street brawls to becoming deeply rooted in bureaucracy, resulting in a story that’s both emotionally nuanced and incredibly captivating.

‘How to Become a Mob Boss’ (2023)

How to Become a Mob Boss is a funny and unusual documentary series. Instead of a typical Mafia story, it playfully presents a “how-to” guide for people who dream of being a crime boss. The series is narrated with a witty and sarcastic tone, and each episode explains the successes and failures of famous mob leaders, using both animation and actual video footage.

Poking Fun at Its Own Mythology

Presented as a darkly humorous leadership guide, the book features sections on creating a powerful organization, controlling others, and dealing with disloyalty. Though written with a lighthearted tone, it’s based on actual historical events and explores the motivations of famous figures in organized crime. Therefore, don’t be misled by the amusing style of How to Become a Mob Boss – it’s actually packed with fascinating details about the Mafia.

‘Get Gotti’ (2023)

Get Gotti details the life of John Gotti, the well-known leader of the Gambino crime family, charting his ascent to power and eventual downfall as one of the most famous gangsters of the 1900s. The story unfolds through the perspectives of three separate investigations – by the FBI, the NYPD, and federal prosecutors – revealing how authorities ultimately brought down “The Teflon Don.”

How Law Eventually Catches Up

Using real footage, recorded phone conversations, and interviews with the investigators involved, this documentary creates a compelling portrayal of Gotti’s control over New York and the complex legal battle that led to his downfall. It also delves into the details of Mafia activities, such as the Gambino family’s extortion schemes, internal conflicts, and how Gotti skillfully shaped public perception.

‘Mumbai Mafia: Police vs The Underworld’ (2023)

Mumbai Mafia: Police vs The Underworld takes place in 1990s Mumbai, detailing the violent conflict between the city’s most dangerous criminal organization (headed by Dawood Ibrahim) and a dedicated team of police officers, known as “encounter cops,” who were determined to eliminate them. The documentary features interviews with former police officers and individuals with ties to the criminal underworld, who share their experiences of a period marked by frequent gunfights and extrajudicial justice.

When Cops Become the New Dons

Mumbai Mafia explores a world where right and wrong aren’t clear-cut. The film deliberately focuses on this ethical gray area, and it makes you wonder if it’s okay for the police to use the same ruthless tactics as the criminals they’re trying to stop – even if it means achieving their goals. The documentary has been highly praised for its thorough reporting and emotional impact, particularly in India, where the subject matter is still very relevant and sensitive politically.

‘Mafia: Most Wanted’ (2025)

This three-part documentary series reveals the inner workings of the ’Ndrangheta, Italy’s most hidden and internationally-connected Mafia group. It details how this syndicate became one of the wealthiest and most dangerous criminal organizations worldwide. The series follows international police as they work to shut down the ’Ndrangheta’s drug trafficking and money laundering operations, and paints a picture of a clan built on secrecy and strong family bonds.

The Silent Empire Behind Global Crime

Recently added to Netflix’s collection of compelling Mafia documentaries, Mafia: Most Wanted offers a global perspective and thorough investigation. The documentary takes a realistic approach, utilizing actual case files and audio recordings to demonstrate how the ‘Ndrangheta functioned much like a large, international company built on family connections. The episodes also provide extensive details about the clan’s structure, initiation ceremonies, and how drugs were transported across the world. It serves as a potent reminder that threats aren’t always obvious-sometimes they leave no visible signs.

2025-10-01 00:36