Al Pacino Named the Two Movies He Thinks Are the Greatest Ever

Al Pacino has seen and starred in countless films over his long career, but when it comes to picking his personal favorites, the legendary actor doesn’t hold back.

In an interview with the American Film Institute (AFI), he was asked about his favorite movies of all time. He paused for a moment and admitted, “My favourite movie of all time? Oh, I have about five or six – not any I’ve done – but I have five or six movies that I really think are the greatest. I’d have to think about them; they’re varied.”

Even though he was still thinking, Pacino revealed one of his top choices. He said, “I know I really liked The Tree of Wooden Cloggs, but they’re all different kinds of films.” This 1978 Italian film, directed by Ermanno Olmi, won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

The movie tells the story of life in a 19th-century farmhouse in Lombardy, showing the daily struggles of peasants. Unlike many films of the time, Olmi used real farmers and locals instead of professional actors, giving it a realistic and heartfelt feel.

Just as Pacino was being moved along to speak to another reporter, he quickly added another movie he loved. “Singin’ in the Rain is good, yeah,” he said with a smile.

This choice is much more widely known. Directed and choreographed by Gene Kelly, Singin’ in the Rain is a classic musical romantic comedy that has become one of the most iconic movies ever made. The film stars Kelly, Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen, Millard Mitchell, and Cyd Charise. It tells the story of Hollywood in the late 1920s, focusing on stars struggling with the difficult transition from silent films to talking pictures.

Pacino’s choices show how diverse his taste is. On one hand, he appreciates the quiet, realistic storytelling of The Tree of Wooden Cloggs, a film that captures the struggles of ordinary people with honesty and simplicity. On the other, he enjoys the energy, music, and charm of Singin’ in the Rain, a film that remains a joyful celebration of Hollywood and entertainment.

This shows that even legends like him continue to look outward for inspiration and joy in the movies they watch.

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