Legendary Quotes from All Three Godfather Movies

The trilogy of “Godfather” films produced by Paramount Pictures has significantly influenced the annals of cinema history. Each film was nominated for Best Picture, with the first two taking home the prize. Both are frequently ranked among the greatest films ever created. While “The Godfather Part III” may not hold the same iconic status, in more contemporary assessments, critics have reevaluated its worth. The reason these three movies resonate deeply with audiences is due to their exceptional dialogue. Here’s a selection of some of the most memorable lines from all three films: “The Godfather,” “The Godfather Part II,” and “The Godfather Part III.

A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.

The Corleones highly value family, a fact emphasized at the outset of The Godfather, when Vito (portrayed by Marlon Brando) underlines the significance of spending time with them. This conversation took place after Johnny Fontaine’s emotional collapse, as Vito was ensuring Johnny remained strong and steadfast, or in other words, “a man.

Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.

One well-known quote from movies comes from Michael (Al Pacino), as he recalls something his father said. In a room that was once his father’s office, he imparts some wisdom that has been frequently repeated since then by many individuals. This line is among the most memorable in movie history.

That’s my family, Kay, that’s not me.

In the initial scene of the first film, we’re introduced to Michael Corleone and his girlfriend Kay (portrayed by Diane Keaton). Michael shares a tale about his father, Luca Brassi, and Johnny Fontaine. Upon hearing the violent nature of the story, Kay expresses shock. However, Michael tries to reassure her that he is distinct from his family’s ways. Alas, how prophetic those words would prove.

Fredo, you’re my older brother, and I love you. But don’t ever take sides with anyone against the Family again. Ever.

In the early stages, Fredo (John Cazale) often made wrong decisions, even before his betrayal in the second film. For instance, he disagreed with Michael (Alessandro Valle) on an issue concerning Moe Green (Alex Rocco). Michael quickly rectified the situation and sternly warned his elder brother for his error.

Senator, we’re both part of the same hypocrisy. But never think it applies to my family.

In the opening scenes of “The Godfather Part II,” Michael Corleone encounters Senator Pat Geary (portrayed by G. D. Spradlin) during a gathering celebrating the new heir of the Corleone family. When Senator Geary, from Nevada, begins to speak disrespectfully towards Mike and his kin, Michael reminds him that they are both engaged in the same power game, but his loved ones should be kept out of it. The intensity and fury in Michael’s gaze were chilling.

Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment

In a departure from its predecessors, released over 15 years later, “The Godfather III” may not hold the same prestige, but it certainly preserves some iconic dialogues that align perfectly with the series. Unlike most of his time, Michael Corleone is preoccupied with plotting against his adversaries, yet he doesn’t harbor hatred for them. Essentially, the sentiment goes: Don’t blame the individual, blame the system they’re operating in.

I have a sentimental weakness for my children and I spoil them, as you can see. They talk when they should listen.

In a nutshell, Sonny Corleone, portrayed by James Caan, tends to act impulsively, without much forethought. This trait often leads him to speak prematurely, before fully considering the consequences. His father, Vito, is consciously addressing this issue. For instance, when Sonny inappropriately speaks during a gathering, similar to Fredo’s gaffe with Moe Greene, Vito promptly steps in to correct the situation and offer apologies on behalf of the family to Sollozzo for the outburst.

Do me this favor. I won’t forget it. Ask your friends in the neighborhood about me. They’ll tell you I know how to return a favor.

In “The Godfather Part II,” young Vito, brilliantly played by Robert De Niro, exudes wisdom beyond his years and carries a strong reputation. This quote indicates that he values returning favors deeply, an aspect that remains significant in his life moving forward.

I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.

Initially, as Michael chats with Kay, the concept of a “deal too good to refuse” becomes clear. The initial instance where this tactic is employed occurs when Vito guarantees that Johnny will secure the role he covets, which had previously been rejected by the film studio’s owner. Once the offer is made, Johnny indeed lands the part, leading to one of the most iconic scenes in The Godfather, involving an unsuspecting horse.

Every time I think I’m out, pull me back in!

Although some viewers consider the third Godfather film less favored when comparing the trilogy, there’s one particular line that consistently resonates and is just as iconic as any other scene. Despite Michael’s attempts to lead a legitimate life, he finds himself repeatedly drawn back into the criminal underworld where he has been active for years.

Leave the gun, take the cannoli.

In the classic film scene following Paulie’s death, it is Peter Clemensa who delivers one of its most memorable lines. Interestingly, this well-known phrase was improvised in that moment by the actor portraying Clemensa, Richard Castellano.

I’ve loved baseball ever since Arnold Rothstein fixed the World Series in 1919.

As a cinephile and ardent baseball enthusiast, I can attest that for many of us who love the game, the tale of the 1919 Black Sox—immortalized on the silver screen in “Eight Men Out”—stands as one of the most notorious chapters in baseball’s storied history. However, from the perspective of a character like Hyman Roth, portrayed masterfully by Lee Strasberg, those memories would likely be tinged with nostalgia and positivity.

My father is no different than any powerful man, any man with power, like a president or senator.

Notably, Al Pacino waited for several decades to watch The Godfather from start to finish. He had caught fragments on television before, but one can ponder if he ever encountered this striking quote. It’s a sentiment that resonates across time. Those in positions of power take decisive actions; the only distinction is where they wield their influence.

I don’t feel I have to wipe everybody out, Tom. Just my enemies.

In “The Godfather Part II,” Michael finds himself at a juncture where he believes he needs to eradicate everyone who has deceived him and posed a threat. The darkness within Michael is extremely profound. Tom Hagen (played by Robert Duvall) attempts to persuade his adopted brother, but once Michael has made up his mind, there’s no going back. Even his own brother becomes a target, ultimately meeting the same fate. In contrast, in the first movie, it was only his sister’s husband who betrayed him and faced the consequences.

It’s not personal, it’s strictly business.

In the films, all actions by the characters are driven by business matters. Vito and Michael understand that everything should be kept impersonal. If someone must meet their end, ensure there’s a valid business motive behind it. Always maintain professional detachment, avoid getting emotionally or personally involved.

I know it was you, Fredo, you broke my heart.

Fredo may not be the most intelligent individual, and unfortunately, his lack of wisdom ultimately leads to his demise. While it’s understandable that he feels hurt by his family, his response – betraying them – is a mistake. The moment Michael gives Fredo a fatal kiss in ‘The Godfather II’ is moving, but nothing compares to the tragic outcome that befalls Fredo later on.

If anything in this life is certain, if history has taught us anything, it is that you can kill anyone.

While Michael and his team brainstorm ways to retaliate against their adversaries, Tom voices his concern that Hyman Roth might be invulnerable, at least temporarily. However, Michael counters by stating that no one is truly unreachable.

Luca Brasi sleeps with the fishes.

Some people argue that “The Godfather Part II” is superior among the trilogy, while others, like Al Pacino, maintain that the first film stands out as the best – perhaps even the greatest movie ever made – due to its memorable dialogue. For instance, when Luca Brasi was unexpectedly shot, and his bulletproof vest-wrapped fish was given to Sonny, every person in the room grasped the significance of Vito’s loyal enforcer being killed.

Senator, you can have my answer now, if you like. My offer is nothing.

The dialogue between Michael and Senator Geary is notably heated. There’s an undeniable tension between these influential figures, with Geary underestimating Michael’s position as a godfather. However, it becomes clear that Geary is mistaken in this assumption. The exchange begins when Michael reveals the substantial amount he intends to bribe the senator for a gaming license.

Women and children can afford to be careless, but not men.

Vito Corleone is renowned as a significant film character, yet he’s not particularly progressive, as shown by this quote from the first movie. Prior to his demise, he offers Michael a wealth of wise counsel, but this particular piece, while fitting for its time, would be considered outdated in today’s century.

I didn’t want your son, Michael! I wouldn’t bring another one of you sons into this world!

In the second film of the series, one particularly emotional moment occurs as Michael and Kay engage in a heated argument about Michael’s profession. Kay, at her limit, reveals to Michael that she chose to terminate a pregnancy, something he had mistakenly assumed was due to a miscarriage. This revelation triggers an angry response from Michael, and the couple’s relationship never fully recovers from this incident.

Do you know who I am? I’m Moe Greene! I made my bones when you were going out with cheerleaders

As a cinephile, I must say that among the numerous gangsters who dared to cross paths with Michael Corleone, Moe Greene stands out as one of the most audacious. When Michael tried to clarify that Moe’s casino would be under family control, Moe had the nerve to hurl insults directly at him. Moe is an unforgettable character and his death scene, in the grand scheme of this epic trilogy, is truly exceptional.

I said to myself, this is the business we’ve chosen; I didn’t ask who gave the order, because it had nothing to do with business!

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but draw parallels between Hyman Roth and his old buddy Vito Corleone – both men of power, to be sure. But unlike the former, Hyman rarely lets emotions enter the equation. Oh, he tries, and for all appearances, it seems he succeeds. However, beneath that cool, calculating exterior lies a different story.

You see, when it comes to Michael, things are never strictly business for Hyman Roth. There’s a deeply personal grudge at play here, as well as financial motivations. Yet, in true mastermind fashion, he carefully feigns indifference, pretending that the matter is purely transactional.

I’ve always taken care of you, Fredo.

It’s tough not to empathize with unfortunate, bumbling Fredo. Even Michael makes every effort for Fredo’s wellbeing, yet the eldest Corleone sibling seems incapable. Michael spared no time in aiding his brother, but ultimately, the godfather was left with no other choice but to do the unthinkable.

Mr Corleone is a man who insists on hearing bad news at once.

Tom Hagen, a trusted and loyal member of the Corleone family, has been faithful first to Vito and then to Michael. Besides being a lawyer, his legal practice caters exclusively to the family. When he attempts to broker a deal with a movie producer for Johnny Fontaine, initially encountering resistance, the offer ultimately proved irresistible.

Your enemies always get strong on what you leave behind.

In the third film, viewers will witness Michael’s return to Italy, where he shares further wisdom on handling adversaries within the family.

Listen, whoever comes to you with this Barzini meeting, he’s the traitor. Don’t forget that.

As a devoted cinephile, I find myself frequently reminiscing on the wisdom shared by Vito Corleone, especially after he stepped down as head of our family. One crucial piece of advice that stuck with me was about identifying a traitor within our ranks. Sadly, the Don is no longer with us, but it’s Sal Tessio who comes knocking on my door, proposing a meeting with his adversary, Barzini. In the world we inhabit, such an overture can only mean one thing – Tessio had betrayed me.

I always thought that when it was your time, that you would be the one to hold the strings. Senator Corleone, Governor Corleone, something.

Initially, Vito believed that his eldest son Sonny would inherit the family business. However, it was a given assumption on his part. He had envisioned a different path for Michael, recognizing his intelligence and abilities, which could potentially lead him to wield political power. Regardless of his initial plans, it was clear that Michael would ultimately be in control, pulling the strings one way or another.

Good health is the most important thing. More than success, more than money, more than power.

As Michael portrays in “The Godfather Part II”, Hyman Roth had been suffering from a persistent heart condition for years. In Cuba, Roth acknowledges his frail health and appears to have limited time left. He himself seems to feel the approach of death. Later on, with Al Neri’s assistance, Michael expedites Roth’s end.

I’m smart and I want respect!

Fredo’s argument that he feels overlooked may hold some truth, but it doesn’t necessarily make his perspective correct. His fiery display at the den over Lake Tahoe, however dramatic, unfortunately works against him. Initially, he was excluded from the family, and later, after their mother’s demise, he was completely disowned.

Tell Mike it was only business.

After Michael discovers that Tessio was the one who betrayed him, there’s only one course of action left. Tessio, unfortunately, acts like a typical traitor in this situation, claiming it was about business matters. However, Michael acknowledges his understanding of the situation. Yet, for sentimental reasons, Tessio won’t be able to escape the consequences.

I believe in America. America has made my fortune.

One of the most impactful movie openings comes from Amerigo Bonasera (played by Salvatore Corsitto) in “The Godfather”. From the outset, it’s evident that this entire trilogy tells a uniquely American tale.

2025-04-30 00:40