Donnie Brasco (1997)
Kernel Score: 84% · 4,773 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 1997-02-27
Runtime: 127 minutes
Is Donnie Brasco worth watching?
Worth watching. A mob drama carried by two terrific performances, with an undercover agent slowly losing himself in the life. It's more about loyalty and cost than gunplay, and it hits harder for that.
Watch it if you
- like Mafia stories with a human side
- enjoy character-driven crime films
- want a true-story undercover tale
Skip it if you
- want nonstop shoot-outs
- dislike crude language and violence
Best for: Solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Donnie Brasco
- Stream: Netflix, YouTube TV, Sundance Now
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
An FBI undercover agent infiltrates the mob and identifies more with the mafia life at the expense of his regular one.
Donnie Brasco parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Donnie Brasco is an R-rated crime drama about an FBI agent going undercover in the mafia.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Mob/gangster drama involving organized crime violence.
- Language: Strong — R-rated mafia film likely to feature frequent strong profanity typical of the genre.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Donnie Brasco
If you liked Donnie Brasco, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- GoodFellas (1990) — 92%: The benchmark Mafia story from the inside
- The Departed (2006) — 96%: Another undercover story where identity unravels
- Casino (1995) — 89%: Epic, brutal look at mob life
- Infernal Affairs (2002) — 86%: The original undercover-cop thriller behind The Departed
- Dog Day Afternoon (1975) — 89%: Tense, human crime drama based on a true story
- Carlito's Way (1993) — 87%: Weary gangster trying to get out
Director
Mike Newell
Cast
- Johnny Depp as Donnie Brasco / Joseph D. 'Joe' Pistone
- Al Pacino as Benjamin 'Lefty' Ruggiero
- Michael Madsen as Dominick 'Sonny Black' Napolitano
- Bruno Kirby as Nicholas 'Nicky' Santora
- James Russo as Paulie
- Anne Heche as Maggie Pistone
- Željko Ivanek as Tim Curley
- Brian Tarantina as Bruno
- Rocco Sisto as Richard 'Richie' Gazzo
- Zach Grenier as Dr. Berger
Donnie Brasco FAQ
Is Donnie Brasco worth watching?
Worth watching. A mob drama carried by two terrific performances, with an undercover agent slowly losing himself in the life. It's more about loyalty and cost than gunplay, and it hits harder for that.
Where can I watch Donnie Brasco?
In the US you can stream Donnie Brasco on Netflix, YouTube TV and Sundance Now and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Donnie Brasco OK for kids?
Donnie Brasco is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Donnie Brasco is an R-rated crime drama about an FBI agent going undercover in the mafia.
What movies are like Donnie Brasco?
If you liked Donnie Brasco, try GoodFellas, The Departed, Casino and Infernal Affairs.