15 Al Pacino Godfather Quotes, born Alfredo James Pacino on April 25, 1940, in New York City, is an American actor whose iconic portrayal of Michael Corleone in The Godfather trilogy (1972–1990) cemented his status as a cinematic legend. His performance, evolving from a reluctant heir to a ruthless mafia don, earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor in The Godfather and critical acclaim across the series. With a career spanning Scarface, Heat, and an Oscar win for Scent of a Woman, Pacino’s intensity and nuance shine in The Godfather. These 15 quotes—sourced from The Godfather, The Godfather: Part II, and The Godfather: Part III—capture Michael’s complex journey through power, loyalty, betrayal, and family, reflecting Pacino’s masterful delivery and the trilogy’s enduring impact.
15 Al Pacino Godfather Quotes
- “It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business.” (The Godfather, 1972)
- “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” (The Godfather: Part II, 1974)
- “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” (The Godfather: Part III, 1990)
- “Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment.” (The Godfather: Part III, 1990)
- “Only don’t tell me you’re innocent. Because it insults my intelligence and makes me very angry.” (The Godfather, 1972)
- “My father held a gun to his head, and my father assured the bandleader that either his signature or his brains would be on the contract.” (The Godfather, 1972)
- “Fredo, you’re my older brother, and I love you. But don’t ever take sides with anyone against the Family again. Ever.” (The Godfather, 1972)
- “Don’t ask me about my business, Kay.” (The Godfather, 1972)
- “I know it was you, Fredo. You broke my heart. You broke my heart!” (The Godfather: Part II, 1974)
- “The hotel, the casino. The Corleone Family wants to buy you out.” (The Godfather, 1972)
- “Now you come and say ‘Don Corleone, give me justice.’ But you don’t ask with respect. You don’t offer friendship. You don’t even think to call me ‘Godfather.’” (The Godfather, 1972, quoting Vito, as Michael echoes his father’s lessons)
- “If anything in this life is certain, if history has taught us anything, it is that you can kill anyone.” (The Godfather: Part II, 1974)
- “My father taught me many things here. He taught me in this room. He taught me: keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” (The Godfather: Part II, 1974)
- “You’re out of the family business, that’s your punishment. You’re finished.” (The Godfather, 1972)
- “Senator, you can have my answer now, if you like. My offer is this: nothing.” (The Godfather: Part II, 1974)
Al Pacino’s quotes as Michael Corleone are a chilling blend of calculated ruthlessness, loyalty to family, and tragic ambition, inspiring audiences to reflect on power, morality, and the cost of legacy. Which quote captures Michael’s journey for you? Share it below and keep the Corleone saga alive!
Emma Thompson
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