‘The Godfather’ Cast Reveals Their All-Time Favorite Films

The cast of ‘The Godfather’ helped shape modern cinema with performances that still influence actors today. Away from the set, these stars also have personal favorites that say a lot about what they value in storytelling and craft. Their choices range from intimate character studies to celebrated war dramas and even their own work, showing how varied their tastes can be.

Here is a look at what several key members of the ensemble point to as their all time favorite films. You will also find a quick refresher on who they played in ‘The Godfather’ and why their chosen titles matter in their careers or to the medium as a whole.

Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando earned two Academy Awards in his career, including one for ‘On the Waterfront’ and another for ‘The Godfather’ where he portrayed Don Vito Corleone. He often spoke about his craft as a tool for social observation and transformation and worked with directors known for politically charged stories. Brando singled out ‘Burn!’ as the performance he considered his finest and he praised the role of Sir William Walker for its complexity and moral ambiguity.

‘Burn!’ follows a British agent who manipulates a Caribbean colony toward independence and then tries to control the aftermath. The film explores colonial power, economic interests, and the cost of liberation through a narrative that asks tough questions about who benefits from revolution. Brando’s choice aligns with his long standing interest in material that interrogates authority and human behavior.

Al Pacino

Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone is a study in transformation as he moves from reluctant heir to calculating leader. His body of work stretches across crime, courtroom drama, and historical biography with notable roles in ‘Dog Day Afternoon’ ‘Scarface’ and ‘Heat’. When listing the films he considers the greatest he mentioned ‘The Tree of Wooden Clogs’ which reflects his interest in intimate human stories outside the Hollywood mainstream.

‘The Tree of Wooden Clogs’ takes place in rural northern Italy and follows peasant families over the course of a year. It uses non professional actors, natural light, and patient pacing to portray faith, labor, and community life with close attention to everyday detail. Pacino’s admiration points to a deep respect for observational filmmaking that finds drama in ordinary experience.

James Caan

James Caan brought ferocity and vulnerability to Sonny Corleone, the eldest son of the Corleone family. Across a wide career he moved between crime drama, sports stories, and family hits, with roles in films like ‘Misery’ and ‘Elf’. When asked to name a favorite from his own filmography, he pointed to ‘Thief’ and credited his creative freedom at the time for helping him take on the part.

‘Thief’ centers on a professional safecracker trying to leave crime behind while dealing with syndicate pressure and personal commitments. The film is known for precise heist mechanics, detailed criminal procedure, and a synthesizer heavy score that drives the tension. Caan’s lead turn anchors the story with a portrait of a man negotiating loyalty, risk, and the hope of a clean slate.

Robert Duvall

Robert Duvall played Tom Hagen, the adopted son and consigliere whose calm presence balanced the volatility around him. He built a reputation for range and restraint with work in projects such as ‘True Grit’ and ‘Tender Mercies’ which later earned him an Academy Award. When asked to pick a single favorite he pointed back to ‘The Godfather’ and highlighted its large scale story that still feels tightly controlled.

Duvall has also praised ‘The Hurt Locker’ for its focus and intensity. That film examines the psychology of an explosive ordnance disposal team and the way war rewires risk and routine. His twin answers capture both admiration for the meticulous construction of ‘The Godfather’ and appreciation for a modern war drama that studies soldiers under extreme pressure.

Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton portrayed Kay Adams Corleone who begins as an outsider to the family business and becomes entangled in its consequences. Her career moves with ease between drama and comedy and she has collaborated with filmmakers who prize timing and character driven scripts. In her autobiography she named ‘Something’s Gotta Give’ as her favorite among her own films and noted the singular experience of leading a mature romantic comedy at scale.

‘Something’s Gotta Give’ pairs Keaton with Jack Nicholson and builds its story around later life romance, family expectations, and personal reinvention. The film gave Keaton a showcase for quick dialogue, emotional beats, and physical comedy set within an elegant world. Her choice underscores how a well written adult romance can be both commercially successful and centered on a woman’s point of view.

This list was provided by the Far Out Magazine.

Share your picks in the comments and tell us which favorites from the cast surprised you the most.