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Donnie Brasco

Donnie Brasco

In 1978, the US government waged a war against organized crime. One man was left behind the lines.

1997127 minRMidcredits score: 97th percentile of all films
Director
Mike Newell
Starring
Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby

An FBI undercover agent infiltrates the mob and identifies more with the mafia life at the expense of his regular one.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Donnie Brasco?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Donnie Brasco streaming on Netflix and Sony Pictures Core via Prime Video and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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via Prime Video

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Highlights

What stands out about Donnie Brasco?

Donnie Brasco earns 10 badges, led by Stood the test of time and Top 5% of films.

Show 2 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is Donnie Brasco worth watching?

Donnie Brasco's Midcredits score is the 97th percentile of all films, from 693K ratings across 6 sources. 90% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

97th percentile

Better received than 97% of films

95th percentile among Biography97th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)93rd
Approval (how many liked it)98th

77 /100

93rd percentile of all films

93rd percentile among Biography95th percentile among 1990s

Critics 77 · Audience 77

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A tight consensus around 7.8 — people broadly agree on this one.

90% liked it

98th percentile of all films

97th percentile among Biography98th percentile among 1990s
90% rated it 7–1010% rated it 1–6

Critics 88% · Audience 89%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 14 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published

98th percentile

693K ratings across platforms

97th percentile among Biography98th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 19% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$35M
Opening weekend$12M
Domestic gross$42M
Worldwide gross$125M

Returned 3.6× its budget — 96th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A character-focused mob drama built on the relationship between an undercover FBI agent and an aging wiseguy, with strong lead performances but a slow pace and familiar genre elements.

Fans praised

  • Authentic relationship drama between undercover agent and mob mentor
  • Subdued, character-driven approach to the gangster genre
  • Emotionally resonant performances by Depp and Pacino

Detractors panned

  • Repetitive, cliché-ridden dialogue (e.g. endless 'fuhgeddaboudit')
  • Pacino's performance as weak parody rather than genuine character
  • Implausible casting of Depp as a convincingly gritty undercover agent

What stands out

ActingDivisive85

Depp and Pacino draw both praise and scorn; Pacino's subtlety vs. parody, Depp's believability vs. too-pretty looks

Emotional impactDivisive78

Genuinely moving final act and moral dilemma

CharactersDivisive75

Richly drawn central duo, but supporting mobsters and wife are weakly written

Atmosphere75

Immersion in low-level mob life and late-70s New York

Plot and storyDivisive68

Engaging true-story structure; some find it straightforward and lacking Scorsese's flair

Tension68

Suspense from cover-blown threat, but sometimes artificially manufactured

DialogueDivisive58

Raw and realistic to fans; detractors call it repetitive and cliché

Pacing50

Slow and talky first half; picks up in later third

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 9 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 5 points apart
  • Critics vs users 4 points apart
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Donnie Brasco like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense, takes its time and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseMelancholicBittersweet
Heaviest: late
Dry humor
Register
Hardboiled · 1% of films: Terse, unsentimental, noir-inflected.Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its material completely straight, treating the moral dilemma and mob life with sober gravity, never winking at the audience.
The rideThe film maintains a steady tension throughout, with the emotional weight landing hardest in the final act as Donnie's dual loyalties collide.
StructureThe story unfolds linearly from the initial infiltration through the deepening bond and inevitable conclusion.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

The answer rests on this: Haunting · 14% of filmsBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film lingers in its depiction of a friendship doomed by duty, leaving both wistfulness and unease.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Tragedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% (this title) · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Corruption arc: Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).

9% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeAn FBI agent infiltrates the mafia and gradually finds his identity consumed by the underworld, leading to a tragic betrayal of his closest friend.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4% (this title)
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9% (this title)
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsLoyalty · 4% of filmsDeception · 9% of films
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe core of the film is Donnie's gradual loss of his own identity as he becomes the man he is pretending to be, torn between his FBI duty and genuine loyalty to Lefty.
StanceThe film mourns the loss of self that comes from deep undercover, treating Donnie's identity crisis as a personal tragedy rather than a systematic critique.

The world

Late 20th centuryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Patrick Doyle
Setting1970s-80s New York City, FBI offices and Mafia social clubs
MusicDoyle's score is understated, using strings and piano to underline the melancholy and tension without overwhelming the naturalistic dialogue.

Content guide

Is Donnie Brasco okay for kids?

R

Donnie Brasco is rated R: “Rated R for some strong graphic violence, pervasive strong language and brief nudity and sexuality” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (87/100), sexual content at moderate (47/100), language at severe (91/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (61/100) and frightening material at intense (69/100). Overall it is heavier than 86% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 29 other countries
  • UK18
  • Canada18A
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany16
  • FranceU
  • Ireland18
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil16
  • Argentina16
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • Greece16
  • Hong KongIIB
  • Hungary18
  • IndiaA
  • IS16
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoB
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway18
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/16
  • RO16
  • SingaporeM18
  • Spain18
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland18
  • Türkiye18+
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 91% of all filmsHeavier than 86% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 77%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 48%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 93%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 79%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 62%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Heavy almost across the board: language, violence, frightening material, and drug and alcohol content. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Donnie Brasco have?

MovieCove's classifier found 4 depicted content warnings in Donnie Brasco: Gore or body horror (severe), Domestic violence (mild), Kidnapping or confinement (mild), plus 1 withheld here because it would spoil the plot. 1 more is mentioned only, in dialogue or backstory: Drug overdose. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

SevereGore or body horror
MildDomestic violenceKidnapping or confinement
MentionedDrug overdose

Mentioned: referenced in dialogue or backstory, not shown in the story’s present.

Cast and crew

Who is in Donnie Brasco?

Cast

2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Johnny Depp
as Donnie
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Al Pacino
as Lefty
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Michael Madsen
as Sonny
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Bruno Kirby
as Nicky
James Russo
as Paulie
Anne Heche
as Maggie
newcomer then · star now
Zeljko Ivanek
as Tim Curley
Brian Tarantina
as Bruno
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Rocco Sisto
as Richie Gazzo
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Zach Grenier
as Dr. Berger

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Donnie Brasco?

Movies like Donnie Brasco include The Irishman (2019), The Godfather (1972) and Black Mass (2015). Of the 12 closest matches, most are corruption arc stories, and most are films set in New York.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

9 of these 12 share its story type: gangster. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Donnie Brasco?

1.8K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: gangster. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.