Few actors in Hollywood that achieved fame several years ago are as beloved as Al Pacino. Ever since his rise to stardom during the 1970’s, Pacino has become an icon in the film industry. Whether it’s scarface gangsters, blind teachers or bank robbers, Pacino has proven that he can portray various characters. Given the massive number of classic movies that Pacino has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the greatest movies made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. The Godfather
When it comes to the greatest movies ever made about gangsters, it’s worth discussing “The Godfather”. Released in 1972, Francis Ford Coppola’s movie forever changed the film industry. One of the major reasons why the film is widely regarded as a classic today is Al Pacino. In arguably the greatest role of his career, Pacino transforms into a gangster that faces a painful burden to bear. As Michael Corleone, Pacino created one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history. It isn’t easy to infuse humanity into a gangster committing shocking crimes causing tragedies, but Pacino succeeds tremendously. Pacino effectively uses his tone of voice to showcase Michael Corleone’s life-changing transformation from a mild-mannered war veteran to a cold-blooded gangster. For instance, the scene where Michael tells his brother Fredo to never take sides against the family is one of the greatest pieces of acting in film history. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather” Pacino’s greatest movie is its meaningful message. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the gangster genre to enjoy it. The movie delivers a powerful message emphasizing the importance of family resonating with everyone. Nearly 50 years following the release of an iconic film about gangsters given an offer they can’t refuse, it’s a great reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to captivate audiences by making use of charisma whose movies deserve to be discussed in headline news.
2. The Godfather: Part Two
Al Pacino has always been one of those actors with a powerful presence. He has the rare ability to command every scene he’s in through his sheer presence without speaking a single word. Pacino’s strength as an actor that projects a strong presence is clearly evident in “The Godfather: Part Two”. Released in 1974, the sequel found the actor shining once again in the role of a gangster with a strong goal. It isn’t easy to make a sequel to one of the greatest gangster movies ever made, but Pacino pulled it off successfully. The legendary movie-star poured his heart and soul into creating a compelling gangster facing a heavy emotional toll. If the first Godfather film found the actor playing a secondary role, he’s given greater opportunities to shine in the sequel. Intense, charismatic and menacing, Pacino creates a portrait of a gangster that’s utterly compelling. What stands out about his performance in the sequel is Pacino’s powerful presence. He commands every scene he is in with a sense of authority that wasn’t evident in the previous film. A powerful portrait of a gangster that prefers to keep friends close but enemies closer, it’s a phenomenal reminder of an actor whose timeless movies audiences will forever treasure.
3. Scarface
Few characters in the history of Cinema are as iconic as Tony Montana. Created in the 1980’s, Montana has become one of the greatest gangsters in film history. With his larger-than-life presence, foul language and iconic dialogue, Montana forever changed the world of Cinema. In 1983, Al Pacino did an extraordinary job of bringing the character with a scarred face to the big-screen in his film “Scarface”. In arguably the most iconic role of his career, Pacino completely transforms into a gangster with a violent nature. Whether he’s arguing with drug dealers or explaining his love for cocaine, Pacino creates a timeless character through his powerful voice. The “Say Hello to My Little Friend!” scene where Tony Montana fires machine guns at enemies entering his home has become the most iconic moment of the actor’s entire career. It’s a phenomenal performance that has stood the test of time in the history of Cinema. Ultimately, what makes “Scarface” standout in Pacino’s pantheon of movies is its message. The film delivers a powerful message about the consequences of crime that would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about a gangster with a scarred face, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor that thrives at playing conflicted characters whose unforgettable movies audiences embrace.
4. Scent of a Woman
Blind people are rarely portrayed with respect in movies. Hollywood has always struggled to depict the plight faced by individuals without sight. When portraying blind people, it’s common for actors to fall prey to negative stereotypes. As someone that has witnessed blind people in my family, I believe it’s a condition that’s rarely portrayed accurately in movies. However, “Scent of a Woman” is an exception. Released in 1992, Al Pacino’s Oscar-winning movie did an extraordinary job of depicting blindness on the big-screen. In the role for which he finally won a long overdue Oscar, Al Pacino is phenomenal as a blind war veteran in desperate need of a caregiver. It isn’t easy for an actor with clear vision to portray a blind person, but Pacino pulls it off tremendously. It’s a role that gives the actor an opportunity to showcase emotion through his voice. Ultimately, what makes “Scent of a Woman” stand out in Pacino’s filmography is its message. The film delivers a strong message that would resonate with families facing disabilities. A powerful portrait of the painful obstacles individuals without sight fight, its a rousing reminder of an actor with a bright presence that thrives when he’s given chances to shine light on disabled communities’ plight.
5. Dog Day Afternoon
Bank robberies are anxiety-inducing situations that have often made for memorable movies. It’s entertaining to see thieves conducting an intense robbery which causes consequences that are anxiety-inducing. The main reason why these movies are appealing is that they tap into our universal fear of being stuck in situations that are life-threatening. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the anxiety of bank robberies occurring in the afternoon as effectively as “Dog Day Afternoon”. Released in 1975, Sidney Lumet’s film does an extraordinary job of depicting a nerve-wracking bank robbery gone wrong. In the most anxious role of his career, Al Pacino embodies the nervous personality of a bank robber committing a crime that’s dangerous. It’s a physically demanding role requiring the actor to constantly be in motion running around a bank, but he pulls it off successfully. Ultimately, what makes “Dog Day Afternoon” stand out is its powerful portrait of anxiety. As someone that suffers from severe anxiety, I’ve rarely seen any movie depict the emotion so accurately. A dazzling depiction of dangers faced by criminals conducting bank robberies in the afternoon, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor whose timeless movies won’t be forgotten soon.
6. Heat
Few actors that Al Pacino has collaborated with in his career are as beloved as Robert De Niro. The two legendary movie-stars have collaborated on several unforgettable films together. I adore all the movies the stars have made, but “Heat” is my favourite. Released in 1995, Michael Mann’s masterpiece found Al Pacino at the top of his game. In the most showy role of his career, Pacino transforms into a coke-addicted cop searching for bank robbers. It’s a larger-than-life role allowing the actor an opportunity to showcase his commanding screen presence. The main highlight of the movie is the scene where Pacino and De Niro come face to face in a restaurant. Witnessing two legends meeting on the big-screen for the first time is exhilarating. Like crimes committed by bank robbers catching heat, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor whose timeless movies that always meet expectations haven’t lost their abilities to sweep viewers’ off their feet.
7. The Irishman
Not many directors in Hollywood have built a legacy as lasting as Martin Scorsese. Ever since his rise to stardom during the 1970’s, Scorsese has become an icon in the industry. With bloody violence, compelling characters and timely themes, Scorsese’s films are as classics. However, “The Irishman” may be the most meaningful. In his first collaboration with Al Pacino, Scorsese gives the actor a commemorated role. In the most mature role of his career, Pacino embodies a politician unaware his death is near. It’s a role that allows the actor to showcase comedic talent that audiences haven’t see before. For instance, the scene where Jimmy Hoffa berates a confidante for being late to an important meeting is the funniest acting that Pacino has done. A powerful portrait of consequences commemorated gangsters are experiencing, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor that thrives playing complicated characters whose movies are worth celebrating.
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8. Glengarry Glen Ross
One of the criticisms Al Pacino often faces is tendency for over-acting. Pacino is criticized for over-acting in movies that are frustrating. While it’s true that Pacino does occasionally overact, there are cases where it works in the benefit of a movie. Pacino’s strength as an actor for playing larger-than-life characters through over-acting is evident in the film “Glengarry Glen Ross”. Released in 1992, James Foley’s movie found the actor playing an aggressive salesman with habit of insulting people rudely. Whether he’s yelling at employees for failing to do their job effectively or issuing orders aggressively, Pacino uses over-acting to create a salesman that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of salesmen with tendency for insulting people, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor that succeeds playing foul-mouthed characters that aren’t always likeable.
9. Insomnia
Insomnia is a painful condition that has shaped my persona. Sleeping is an activity I’ve often found challenging doing. As someone affected by insomnia, I related deeply with Al Pacino’s film “Insomnia”. Released in 2002, Christopher Nolan’s most underrated movie found the actor playing a detective with poor sleep quality. In his most underrated role, Pacino does an extraordinary job of portraying an individual affected by poor sleep whose life has deteriorated. With his droopy eyes, jumbled speech and dazed expression, Pacino creates an accurate portrait of sleep deprivation. As someone that suffers from sleep deprivation, I found Pacino’s performance scarily true to reality. He manages to capture the condition in a way that’s incredibly realistic. As powerful as detective Will Dormer’s bouts of insomnia, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor with charisma whose movies are rightfully regarded as timeless pieces of Cinema.
10. House of Gucci
When it comes to the world’s greatest fashion companies, it’s worth discussing Gucci. Formed in the 1920’s, Gucci is a fashion company that seemed to have a bright destiny. However, crime scandals destroyed the company forever. In 2021, Al Pacino did an excellent job of bringing the fashion company to the big-screen in his film “House of Gucci”. Pacino embodied an iconic real-life figure behind a fashion company. Although he only has a short role with minimal screen-time, Pacino does an incredible job of embodying an entrepreneur that became involved in crime. He steals every scene he is in with his charismatic presence. Nearly 30 years following the dire downfall of a fashion empire that designed gorgeous attire, it’s a phenomenal reminder of an actor with no plans to retire whose timeless movies I will forever admire.
The Film Buff 