Top 10 Crime Films About Infiltrating the Mafia

Description: This film features one of the most famous car chases in cinema history, but it also delves into the gritty world of narcotics detectives infiltrating drug rings.

Fact: The film was based on a true story, and the car chase was improvised, using real New York City streets.

Description: While not about mafia infiltration, it's about a cop who goes undercover to expose corruption within the NYPD, which parallels the theme of infiltrating criminal organizations.

Fact: Al Pacino's portrayal of Frank Serpico was so intense that he reportedly lived in character even off-set.

Description: Eliot Ness and his team of incorruptible agents infiltrate Al Capone's empire, leading to one of the most famous takedowns in American criminal history.

Fact: The iconic scene where a baby carriage rolls down the stairs during a shootout was inspired by a similar scene in the silent film "Battleship Potemkin."

Description: While not strictly about infiltration, the film includes scenes where characters are forced to navigate the treacherous waters of mob life, often acting as informants or undercover agents.

Fact: The famous "Copacabana" tracking shot was done in one take, showcasing Scorsese's innovative filmmaking techniques.

Description: This film tells the true story of FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone, who infiltrates the Bonanno crime family under the alias "Donnie Brasco." It's a gripping tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the personal toll of living a double life.

Fact: Johnny Depp's performance was so convincing that real-life mobsters approached him, thinking he was genuinely part of the underworld.

Description: This Hong Kong thriller, which inspired "The Departed," features an undercover cop infiltrating the Triad and a Triad member infiltrating the police force, creating a complex web of deceit.

Fact: The film was a massive hit in Asia, leading to two sequels and a remake in Hollywood.

Description: In this modern classic, both the police and the mob have moles within each other's ranks. The tension escalates as each side tries to uncover the infiltrator, leading to a cat-and-mouse game of deception and identity.

Fact: The film is a remake of the Hong Kong thriller "Infernal Affairs," and it won Martin Scorsese his first Best Director Oscar.

Description: This film features an undercover cop working to bring down a notorious drug lord, showcasing the complexities of infiltrating a criminal empire.

Fact: Denzel Washington's character, Frank Lucas, was based on a real-life drug kingpin, and the film's depiction of his rise and fall is both dramatic and factual.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows U.S. Customs agent Robert Mazur as he infiltrates the Medellín Cartel, one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in history.

Fact: Bryan Cranston, known for "Breaking Bad," delivers a compelling performance, showcasing his range as an actor.

Description: An undercover cop returns to his old neighborhood to infiltrate the Irish mob, only to find himself torn between his duty and his old friendships.

Fact: The film features one of Sean Penn's most intense performances, and it was one of the last films directed by Phil Joanou before he shifted to music videos.