I break them down into five categories: The GOAT (Greatest of All Time), The Big Timers, The Power Players, The Contenders, and The Show Offs. These aren’t just names from movies. I knew some of these guys personally, worked with others, and heard the real stories from people who were there.

You’ll see bosses who built empires that lasted decades. Guys who had politicians and judges in their pockets. Some controlled entire cities, others made millions every week. And yeah, some were absolutely ruthless when they had to be.

From Fat Tony Salerno to bosses you’ve probably never heard of but should know about—this is the real hierarchy of American organized crime. The guys who really ran things behind the scenes.

Some of my choices might surprise you. Others will make perfect sense. But every name on this list earned their place through power, influence, and the ability to survive in a world where one wrong move could be your last.

Let me know where you think I got it right—and where you think I’m completely wrong.

Most Powerful Mafia Bosses Of All Time Ranked by Ex Mobster

1:39 The Five Categories Explained

4:19 Lucky Luciano

5:52 Paul Castellano

6:39 Tony "Big Tuna" Accardo

7:12 Joseph Bonanno

9:39 Carlos Marcello

10:11 Vincent "Chin" Gigante

10:53 Russell Bufalino

11:24 Salvatore Maranzano

12:03 Nicodemo Scarfo

12:30 Carmine Persico

13:09 Frank Costello

14:03 Vincent Basciano

14:45 Joey Massino

15:46 Raymond Patriarca

16:09 Vito Genovese

17:00 Anthony "Tony Ducks" Corallo

17:48 Carlo Gambino

18:51 Al Capone

20:20 Tommy Lucchese

21:00 Meyer Lansky

21:49 Anthony "Fat Tony" Salerno

23:09 Johnny Torrio

23:43 John Gotti

26:04 Bugsy Siegel

27:38 Joe Colombo

30:15 Final Rankings Summary

32:10 Conclusion

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