Best Quotes From The Godfather Film, Ranked

Best Quotes From The Godfather Film, Ranked
Story by Frederick Rion • 5mo • 11 min read


The Godfather is one of the most iconic films ever made. The movie features a star-studded cast, incredible performances, and a legendary script. While the film is only the first of a trilogy, the original movie stands a head above its sequels. The franchise's staying power has really come from the first movie. Since premiering in 1972, The Godfather has left an unparalleled impact on pop-culture, especially through its iconic lines.

The Godfather is chock-full of incredible scenes. This quotability is what helped cement the film as a pop-culture icon. The movie has been parodied and referenced countless times, in almost every form and genre imaginable. Pretty much everyone knows a quote from The Godfather, whether they realize it or not. Whether it's profound, funny, or downright ruthless, there's a Godfather quote for every situation.
The Godfather
A 1972 movie directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The Godfather tells the story of the Corleone family as they navigate a dangerous new period in organized crime and the lengths that a family will go to protect their own. With iconic performances by cast members like Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, The Godfather has cemented itself as one of the greatest movies of all time.

"Never Tell Anyone Outside The Family What You Are Thinking Again"
Vito Corleone
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James Caan as Sonny Corleone and Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone, in The Godfather.
James Caan as Sonny Corleone and Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone, in The Godfather.
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Vito Corleone is one of the most interesting characters in the franchise, with lots of hidden depth. The relationship between the Don and his family is fascinating. He clearly cares about them, but he's also incredibly strict. This is especially true for Sonny and Michael, who he views as the most capable. Vito is grooming his sons to take his place.

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Vito is strict with Sonny and Michael, but he is always quick to impart wisdom. This is an important lesson. As the film continues, it becomes clear that the family can only trust each other. Of course, that doesn't stop them from being betrayed by those they consider family.

"You Talk About Vengeance"
Vito Corleone
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Vito Corleone, at the meeting of the Five Families, in The Godfather.
Vito Corleone, at the meeting of the Five Families, in The Godfather.
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You talk about vengeance. Is vengeance going to bring your son back to you? Or my boy to me?

The concept of revenge is central to the story of The Godfather. Characters are constantly talking about how they cannot be acting out of vengeance, but still want it. Here, Vito explains the problem with revenge.

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Vito makes it clear that as satisfying as revenge might be in the moment, it doesn't yield results. No matter what revenge he takes, Sonny will still be dead. The consequences of his actions won't go away, and the pain will still be there. Whether this is a moment of growth or a moment of weakness for Vito is up to the audience.

"I Don't Like Violence"
Virgil Sollozzo
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Virgil
Virgil
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I don't like violence, Tom. I'm a businessman, blood is a big expense.

Sollozzo is an intimidating figure in The Godfather. His plans and machinations are what cause the trouble the Corleone family finds themselves facing. His main business is drugs, which the Corleones are hesitant to get involved with. Sollozzo represents a new breed of criminal, one who could easily upset the balance of the underworld.

Sollozzo claims to not like blood, but he's very willing to spill it. There is an underlying threat to his words at this moment. He doesn't like violence, but he can handle it. Blood is expensive, but he can afford it. Sollozzo is something of a mirror for the Corleones. He's a criminal without the same code that the Corleones follow.

"Oh Paulie... won't see him no more"
Peter Clemenza
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Peter Clemenza and Sonny Corleone discussing Paulie, in The Godfather.
Peter Clemenza and Sonny Corleone discussing Paulie, in The Godfather.
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This quote demonstrates just how important loyalty is to the Cosa Nostra. Paulie was a "friend" to these men. He worked with them, ate with them, and knew their families. However, Paulie betrayed the Family. He helped orchestrate the hit on Vito Corleone, despite their relationship. In turn, the Corleones had him killed.

Clemenza makes a joke out of this death. When asked about Paulie, he responds glibly, like it doesn't matter. Paulie was a turncoat, which the Mafiosos despise above all else. Throughout The Godfather franchise, it is often demonstrated just how important remaining loyal is. And how quickly betraying trust will get you offed.

"I Never Wanted This For You"
Vito Corleone
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Michael and Vito talking about Vito's hopes for his son, in The Godfather.
Michael and Vito talking about Vito's hopes for his son, in The Godfather.
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I never wanted this for you. I work my whole life, I don't apologize, to take care of my family. And I refused to be a fool dancing on the strings held by all those big shots. That's my life, I don't apologize for that. But I always thought that when it was your time, that you would be the one to hold the strings. Senator Corleone, Governor Corleone, something.

Vito and Michael probably have the closest relationship in The Godfather. It's clear to the audience that Vito really respects his youngest son, and that Michael really values his father's opinion. This exchange really cements that mutual respect.

Vito tells Michael that he never wanted his youngest son to be involved in the family business. He thinks Michael is beyond the rough and tumble violence of the Cosa Nostra. But with Sonny gone, his own health failing, and Fredo's timid nature, there is no-one but Michael who can do the job.

"I Want No Inquiries Made"
Vito Corleone
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Vito Corleone, upset after hearing of his son's death, in The Godfather.
Vito Corleone, upset after hearing of his son's death, in The Godfather.
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I want no inquiries made. I want no acts of vengeance. I want you to arrange a meeting with the heads of the Five Families. This war stops now.

Sonny's death is a major turning point in The Godfather. It marks the rise of Michael as Don, and the retirement of Vito. While the elder Corleone led the family for many years, the loss of his son is too much to handle.

Despite the clear escalation that Sonny's murder represents, Vito attempts to back off. He wants the violence to stop. The other characters seem surprised by this, suggesting that a younger Vito might have used this as fuel for greater revenge. However, this is a breaking point for the older Don.

"If You Touch My Sister Again, I'll Kill You"
Sonny Corleone
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Sonny Corleone (played by James Caan) after beating Carlo, in The Godfather.
Sonny Corleone (played by James Caan) after beating Carlo, in The Godfather.
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This scene is a true encapsulation of the family values at the core of the Corleone family. After Sonny discovers his sister, Connie, is getting physically abused by her husband, he is furious. He tracks his brother-in-law down and delivers an absolutely brutal beat down.

The Godfather is, ultimately, about family. The Corleones, for all their faults, are a close-knit group. Sonny is devoted to his family, and this moment demonstrates how he shows that devotion. Unfortunately, this violent streak would eventually get the man killed.

"It's Not Personal, Sonny, It's Strictly Business"
Michael Corleone
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Michael Corleone (played by Al Pacino) discussing the family business, in The Godfather.
Michael Corleone (played by Al Pacino) discussing the family business, in The Godfather.
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The Corleone Crime Family constantly stresses that despite their personal connections, they need to remain professional. They can't afford to act emotionally, and need to consider what is best for business. The reason for this is two-fold. The Corleones don't want to lose money, and if they act rashly they will be slaughtered.

Despite being outside the family business at this point, Michael understands the rules. Michael's plan is to kill Sollozzo and the corrupt police chief in his pocket. Everyone thinks Michael is doing this for revenge, but he insists it is business. This moment brings Michael into the family for good.

"It's An Old Habit. I Spent My Whole Life Trying Not To Be Careless"
Vito Corleone
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Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando, in The Godfather.
Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando, in The Godfather.
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When he's first introduced to the audience, Vito Corleone seems invincible. He's power incarnate, with seemingly limitless wealth, manpower, and influence at his disposal. He's calm and collected, and always knows what to do. Over the course of the film, however, it becomes clear just how much of a facade Vito puts on.

The Godfather sees the Corleone family, and Vito especially, laid bare. Here, Vito admits to his son that his entire demeanor is a front. He's actively holding himself back, biding his time, and second guessing his intentions. Being Don takes work, which is an important lesson for the new head of the family.

"We Was Proud Of You For Being A Hero"
Peter Clemenza
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Peter Clemenza and Michael Corleone in his uniform, from The Godfather.
Peter Clemenza and Michael Corleone in his uniform, from The Godfather.
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You know, Mike, we was proud of you for being a hero and all. Your father too.

This is one of the quieter, more down to Earth moments from The Godfather. Clemenza has just given Michael a gun, and walked him through the murder he's about to commit. However, he takes the time to praise Michael and tell him the others respect him.

This moment feels really important, not only for Michael, but for the whole Corleone family. Michael has been on the outs with his family for most of his adult life. He didn't want to be part of the family business, and thought the others resented him. However, Clemenza assured Michael that his family respected him and his choices.

"You Give 'Em One Message - I Want Sollozzo. If Not, It's All Out War, We Go To The Mattresses"
Sonny Corleone
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Sonny Corleone, played by James Caan, in the Godfather.
Sonny Corleone, played by James Caan, in the Godfather.
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Throughout The Godfather, characters constantly make reference to Sonny's hotheaded nature, and how it always gets him into trouble. This moment demonstrates that perfectly. Sonny is creating an impossible situation for the other families. He wants Sollozzo, a powerful man who is bringing the Five Families a lot of money. If he doesn't get what he wants, he's ready for war.

Sonny knows that war is practically guaranteed here, but he doesn't care. He's angry, and wants revenge. His need for vengeance is all consuming and destructive. Eventually, it even gets him killed. This anger is what makes him unsuitable to the role of Don.

"That's My Family, Kay, That's Not Me"
Michael Corleone
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Michael and Kay going Christmas shopping in The Godfather.
Michael and Kay going Christmas shopping in The Godfather.
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In many ways, The Godfather is a modern tragedy. Not because so many are killed, but because of Michael. He's a tragic hero, straight out of a Grecian play. Michael is brought down by his own hubris, and that fall is first hinted at here.

Michael tells Kay about a particularly violent incident from his father's past, in order to demonstrate exactly the kind of people his family are. This story really unsettled Kay, but he is quick to assure her that he's different. However, Michael is brought further and further into the Corleone family business over the course of the film, until he is as bad if not worse than his father.

"We Don't Discuss Business At The Table"
Sonny Corleone
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The Corleone Family sitting down to dinner in The Godfather.
The Corleone Family sitting down to dinner in The Godfather.
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This moment is a great summation of Sonny as a character, and a good showcase of the interpersonal dynamics of the movie. Sonny only says this to shut down and ignore his sister's abusive husband, who he despises. It also comes right after Sonny dismissed Connie for reminding him of this rule.

This line demonstrates the specific morality that Sonny holds at his core. He's more than willing to ignore his own sister. However, he's unwilling to let his brother-in-law abuse her, in any way. He's not kind, but he hates cruelty. The Godfather has remained so iconic because it contains such deep characters.

"Leave The Gun, Take The Cannoli"
Peter Clemenza
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Peter Clemenza, delivering his iconic line, in The Godfather.
Peter Clemenza, delivering his iconic line, in The Godfather.
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Casual violence is at the heart of the drama in The Godfather. Despite whatever airs they put on, all the characters are incredibly dangerous people, and are willing to kill at a moment's notice. This scene, with Clemenza, demonstrates that duality.

Clemenza instructs his associate to leave the gun, the weapon he just used to kill someone, at the scene of the crime. They don't care if anyone finds the evidence, they know it won't be a problem. However, Clemenza does remind him to grab the cannolis that his wife reminded him to bring home.

"I Do Renounce Them"
Michael Corleone
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Michael Corleone at the Baptism at the end of The Godfather.
Michael Corleone at the Baptism at the end of The Godfather.
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This simple refrain comes from one of the most iconic sequences in The Godfather, possible in cinema itself. As Michael is attending the christening of his nephew, and being made the baby's Godfather, his violent plans are being carried out. The audience sees the murders and beatings he has ordered, even as Michael "renounces Satan and all his works."

This moment really captures the duality of the Corleone family. On one hand, they want to present as an upstanding, God-fearing family. On the other, they're continuously responsible for horrible violence. This scene also signifies Michael's ultimate fall from grace, as he fully embraces the family business.

"Luca Brasi Sleeps With The Fishes"
Peter Clemenza
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A fish in Luca Brasi's bulletproof vest, signifying his death, in The Godfather.
A fish in Luca Brasi's bulletproof vest, signifying his death, in The Godfather.
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This line might be the most famous quote from The Godfather, although most people who say it probably do not even realize what they're quoting. While the phrase technically existed beforehand, the movie popularized it and brought it to the mainstream. Nowadays if "sleeping with the fishes" comes up, it's almost certainly a reference to The Godfather.

Besides being downright iconic, this line gives insight to the inter-family dynamics for the Mafia. There is a certain code the families live by, and a certain way things get done. The fish is a message, but also an insult. It tells the Corleones that none of them are safe, and that this war will continue to escalate.

"Look How They Massacred My Boy"
Vito Corleone
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Vito and Bonasera discussing a favor and Vito breaking down in tears, The Godfather.
Vito and Bonasera discussing a favor and Vito breaking down in tears, The Godfather.
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The Godfather was a huge return to form for Marlon Brandon, and this moment makes it easy to see why. Don Corleone isn't a cruel man, where his family is concerned. He is, however, rather gruff. It's clear he cares about his children, and even his employees, but he doesn't often show it. This is the first time the audience sees him break.

Vito, for the first time in The Godfather, shows some real remorse here. He breaks down crying, upset that his position has cost Sonny's life. It is clear that this death really affects Vito, and is a major cause for him stepping away from the family business. It is nice to see the more human side of Vito come out here.

"Don't Ask Me About My Business, Kay"
Michael Corleone
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Kay and Michael at the end of The Godfather.
Kay and Michael at the end of The Godfather.
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Michael undergoes a pretty drastic change throughout The Godfather. At the start of the movie he's an outsider. He isn't a part of the family business, and he doesn't particularly want to be. He loves his girlfriend, Kay, and values her opinion of him. This all changes by the end of the movie.

Michael faces a lot of personal trauma throughout The Godfather. His father and brother both die, leaving him in charge of the family. He watches Apollonia, his first wife, die in front of him. When he returns to Kay, he's a changed and bitter man. He no longer cares about her opinion of him, and actively seeks to hide his life from her.

"I'm Gonna Make Him An Offer He Can't Refuse"
Vito Corleone
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Johnny Fontane and Vito Corleone in The Godfather.
Johnny Fontane and Vito Corleone in The Godfather.
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This is one of the most famous lines from the entire Godfather franchise. It's been referenced, parodied, and downright stolen time and again. For good reason too, this line is a great encapsulation of the Corleone family's lifestyle. The Corleones get what they want, no matter the cost.

The audience gets a couple of glimpses at some Corleone "offers." They almost universally involve brutal violence. This is further brought home by how Vito delivers the line. He treats it like a joke, even though they all know what Vito means. This shows the level of delusional power that the Corleone family has.

"You Don't Even Think To Call Me Godfather"
Vito Corleone
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Bonasera whispering his request to Don Corleone, in the opening of The Godfather.
Bonasera whispering his request to Don Corleone, in the opening of The Godfather.
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Now you come to me and you 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. Instead you come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married, and you ask me to do murder. For money.

This scene is one of the most iconic moments in cinema. It is the audience's introduction to the legendary Don Vito Corleone, and sets up his character throughout the film. He values loyalty and respect, and views himself as a higher class of criminal.

Vito does end up helping the man who is begging him for assistance. He takes umbrage because he doesn't want people to think he only cares about money. To Don Corleone, that's a downright insult. Vito considers himself an honorable man, and would have been more than willing to help his goddaughter, no questions asked.