The first two Godfather films are legendary. Typically referred to as some of the greatest movies ever made, both Godfather films are exceptional examples of the gangster genre, epics befitting the best of American literature, and intense family dramas depicting the rise and fall of a powerful family. They are also exceptionally made films, complete with Oscar-winning acting, directing, writing, music, and art direction.
But the debate may forever rage - which Godfather film is the best? The Godfather Part III is obviously out of the question, as it doesn't hold a candle to its legendary predecessors. But when it comes to the first two films, finding a clear winner is immensely difficult.
Second Movie Better: Production Values
The first Godfather movie was made for about $6.5 million (which is $40 million today). The second, released just two years later, was made for $13 million (about $70 million today). It's not an enormous boost in the budget by any means, but it's enough to give the sequel far better production values. Not that there's anything wrong with The Godfather's.
But there's no denying that The Godfather Part II is far more cinematic and ambitious in its filmmaking - a fact that is seemingly confirmed by its "Best Art Direction Academy Award" (the first movie wasn't even nominated in the category).
First Movie Better: More Shocking Story
The Godfather Part II tells a captivating story, but it is far slower and less "shocking" than its predecessor. If Part II is like an epic American novel, then The Godfather is like a thrilling crime drama. Which it is. Some of the movie's most shocking sequences include the horse head, the failed hit on Vito, and Sonny's famous death at the toll booth.
The entire movie is filled with unpredictable and mesmerizing scenes of this degree, and as such, the story proves far more exciting than the one found in Part II.
Second Movie Better: Scope
The Godfather Part II plays out much like an epic American novel. It's not only longer than its already predecessor, but its scope is far more ambitious. The first film is mainly concerned with the war between the Corleones and the Five Families.
The second is a deliberately paced film with better ambitions than a mere gangster war. It spans different countries, generations, time periods, and subplots, and it can prove dizzying.
First Movie Better: Marlon Brando
If there's one thing that the second Godfather doesn't have it, it's Marlon Brando's magnetic presence. Brando's Vito Corleone is arguably the most famous movie character in history, having been relentlessly parodied and referenced for decades. His voice, his mannerisms, his quotes - all are iconic, and all helped make The Godfather an instant classic.
His presence is sorely missing in the second film, even though Robert De Niro does an exceptional job portraying a younger version of the character.
Second Movie Better: A More Intricate Plot
The Godfather is far easier to follow than The Godfather Part II. However, that's not to say that the story of Part II is bad. In fact, its story is arguably even better than its predecessor's. The plot of Part II is far more intricate and complex, offering up the dual subplots of Vito's rise and Michael's fall.
Michael's storyline can prove especially confusing but it's richly rewarding. The movie is also complete with trips to different countries, seemingly endless names to keep track of, dense business discussions, sneaky betrayals, and Senate committees.
First Movie Better: More Iconic Scenes
While the story of Part II is arguably better, the first movie contains more iconic sequences. In fact, the entire movie is basically one long, iconic sequence.
Many of its scenes have become engrained in movie history, like the opening wedding/the meetings with Vito, Luca and Sonny's surprising deaths, the assassination attempt on Vito and subsequent hospital defense scene. There's also Michael's meeting with Sollozzo and McCluskey, and of course the brilliant montage that sees Michael wiping out the competition during the baptism.
Better: A More Thematic Structure
The writing throughout Part II is nothing short of extraordinary, and its structure is both unique and richly thematic. The film brilliantly contrasts the rise and fall of the Corleone family, with Vito rising to become the Don in the early 20th century and Michael destroying the family in 1958.
Scenes often clash with each other in touching and tragic ways, and the film ends in distressing fashion with the contrast of Michael joining the military and having Fredo killed on the lake.
First Movie Better: More Quotable
Not only does the first film have more iconic sequences, but it is also far more quotable than its successor. Of course, there's "I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse," which is arguably one of the most famous lines in movie history as the American Film Institute ranked it second on its "100 Years...100 Movie Quotes list."
But there's also the likes of "Leave the gun. Take the cannoli," "Luca Brasi sleeps with the fishes," and "It's not personal, Sonny. It's strictly business."
Better: The Acting
The Godfather Part II may very well be one of the best-performed films in movie history. Everyone is on fire throughout this movie, and it remains a masterclass in the art form of acting.
Five actors from the film earned Academy Award nominations - Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Michael V. Gazzo, Lee Strasberg, and Talia Shire - with De Niro winning "Best Supporting Actor" for his portrayal of young Vito Corleone.
First Movie Better: The Famous Ending
Part II's ending is fantastic, and it works on both a tragic and thematic level. But, like many of the scenes throughout The Godfather, the ending of the first movie is far more iconic than its successor's. The ending of The Godfather is one of the most famous in movie history, with Connie accosting Michael for the death of Carlo and Michael lying directly to Kay's face about his business affairs.
As she gets a drink for the both of them, Capos arrive to pay their respects to the new Don, and a door literally closes between Michael and Kay as Nino Rota's haunting music plays in the background. It's tremendous stuff.