Al Pacino’s Overlooked Masterpiece That Fans Say Is His Best Film

Al Pacino is often remembered for iconic roles in The Godfather, Scarface, and Scent of a Woman, the film that finally earned him his first Oscar. But many fans argue that one of his finest performances actually comes from a movie that doesn’t get as much attention: Glengarry Glen Ross.

Released in 1992 and adapted from David Mamet’s Pulitzer-winning play, Glengarry Glen Ross tells the story of desperate real estate salesmen in a high-pressure New York office. The stakes are simple but brutal: the top two performers win prizes, a Cadillac and steak knives, while everyone else is fired. This setup creates intense drama that pushes the actors to deliver raw, unforgettable performances.

Pacino stars as Ricky Roma, a smooth-talking and aggressive salesman. He earned an Oscar nomination for the role, but some critics have ranked him below his co-stars, including Jack Lemmon, Ed Harris, and Kevin Spacey.

“Actors were given a script that allowed them to sharpen their skills against each other,” noted Scott Tobin of The Guardian. This competitive energy made the film a showcase for some of the best acting of the decade.

The ensemble cast received widespread acclaim, with The Washington Post describing their combined performances as moving “with the force of a runaway locomotive.” While it didn’t make a big splash at the box office, earning just over $10 million against a $12 million budget, the movie has grown into a cult classic. Fans and critics alike still praise it as a grim, darkly funny look at ambition, greed, and the pressures of the American Dream.

Even today, Al Pacino remains active in film and television. In 2025, he starred in the crime drama Dead Man’s Wire, directed by Gus Van Sant.

Pacino’s career continues to balance blockbuster projects with experimental films, and he remains a key figure in entertainment. Looking back, many fans argue that his performance in Glengarry Glen Ross shows his sharpest and most intense work. “The best performances often come from actors who are forced to compete with their peers,” some fans note online.

Do you think Al Pacino should have won his Oscar for Scent of a Woman, or does his role in Glengarry Glen Ross deserve more recognition? Share your thoughts in the comments.