Al Pacino starred in two of cinema’s greatest films. He knows which ‘Godfather’ is better
Al Pacino said he considers *The Godfather* more entertaining than *The Godfather Part II*, though he praised both films. He described the sequel as a more sombre, slower and personal work, while the first film keeps several strands of action moving and delivers what he called storytelling at its best.
In an interview with David Rubenstein at 92NY, Pacino also discussed writing a memoir and rejected claims that he was upset about being nominated for a supporting actor Oscar for the first film. He said he missed the awards ceremony for other reasons. Released in 1972, *The Godfather* received 11 Oscar nominations; the 1974 sequel follows Michael’s consolidation of power alongside the story of his father’s early life, played by Robert De Niro.
In short
- Pacino prefers the first *Godfather* as a more entertaining film.
- He sees Part II as slower, more sombre and personal.
- He is writing a memoir and dismissed Oscar snub rumours.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The Godfather is the more entertaining film because its brisker pace and interwoven storylines keep the drama moving, while its character conflicts and memorable scenes make it especially engaging. Pacino’s view is that it delivers storytelling at its best without sacrificing depth.
The case against
The Godfather Part II can be considered the stronger film because its slower, more sombre approach gives greater space to Michael’s personal decline and the family’s history. Its parallel narratives create a broader, more reflective account of power and inheritance, qualities that may matter more than pace or immediate entertainment.
Explained simply
The Godfather films are crime dramas about the Corleone family, an Italian-American organised crime dynasty. In the 1972 original, Al Pacino plays Michael Corleone, who becomes increasingly involved in the family business; its story also follows the people and rivalries around him.
The 1974 sequel, The Godfather Part II, continues Michael’s story while showing how his father, Vito, built the family’s power, with Robert De Niro playing Vito as a young man. The films are often discussed together, but they have different structures and tones, and both received widespread critical attention.