Best Mafia movies and TV shows ranked by ex-mob boss for notorious Columbo family

A former mob boss for the Colombo family has given his take on the best mafia films and TV shows of all time.

When it comes to depicting organised crime on the big or small screen, Hollywood has its own take on what goes on. Sometimes there is alleged insider info which helps for a more realistic portrayal of the underworld. And one reviewer is probably better placed than most when it comes to substantiating whether movie bosses have done a good job. Former captain in New York's notorious crime organisation, Michael Franzese, revealed where they had it made, or where they should "fugget about it".

In his no-holds barred assessments, Franzese took no prisoners when it came to saying exactly what he really thought.

Captioning the video on his YouTube channel, Franzese wrote: "Hollywood’s got its take on the mob, but as a former capo in the Colombo family, I’ll let you know which shows and movies really hit the mark and which ones just don’t get it right."

He continued: "If you’re a fan of mob stories, this is the list for you."

Then, using a scale of five ratings which ranged from "greatest of all time" down to "fugget about it", Franzese reviewed the classics including The Godfather and Goodfellas, as well as the more contemporary series Tulsa King and Peaky Blinders.

His other categories working downwards in quality were "good", "ok" and "not good".

Kicking off with The Untouchables, Franzese labelled it good and praised all the actors, adding that the story was well done.

Moving onto Goodfellas, Franzese gushed "I'm mentioned in that movie. Everybody knows me as a result of that movie." He added that it was one of the greatest movies based on a true story, and unsurprisingly placed it into the top category.

However, soon afterwards he moved onto a film which was at the other end of the scale, the 2018 movie, Gotti. He said: "This is without a doubt 'fugget about it', don't watch it. If you see it, run from it. Turn the TV off. Get rid of it. If somebody sends it to you, immediately delete it, throw it in the waste basket. Horrible." The former mobster went onto query what Jon Travolta was thinking.

He did, however, take much more of a shine to the "brilliant, brilliant, brilliant" 1996 movie of the same name, putting it in the top tier.

Other selections to make the "greatest of all time" category were the first two Godfathers. However, after giving part three a bit of a verbal kicking, saying he didn't like it and didn't think it should have been made, Franzese still placed it in the "good" category.

Scarface, A Bronx Tale, Carlito's Way, The Offer, and the British series Peaky Blinders were also given top billing.

One final addition to the GOAT was American mob drama, The Sopranos, however, as far as the prequel movie, The Many Saints of Newark, was concerned, Franzese told viewers to "fugged about it."

Filling out his "Good" movie choices were Road to Perdition, American Gangster, Casino, Legend, Find Me Guilty, The Irishman. Godfather of Harlem, Hoffa, Boardwalk Empire, Analyse This, Analyse That, Carlito's Way, Bugsy and Tulsa King.

Only The Iceman, which Franzese said "lacked authenticity", made it into the OK .

However, "Not Good" were Lansky, Gangster Squad and Black Mass.

While, finally, the aforementioned Many Saints of Newark and Gotti were at the bottom of the pile.

To see Franzese's full reviews click here.