The Godfather (1972)
Francis Ford Coppola's landmark crime epic about power, family, and the corrupting pull of the American underworld.
The Godfather - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Godfather
- Release Year: 1972
- Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 55m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Italian, Latin
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 14, 1972 (Canada - R), February 25, 2022 (United States - R), August 24, 1972 (United Kingdom - 15), August 24, 1972 (Germany - 16), March 15, 1972 (France - 12), September 12, 2025 (India), November 2, 1972 (Australia - MA 15+), July 7, 1972 (Brazil - 14), August 14, 1998 (Mexico - C), September 21, 1972 (Italy - T), October 20, 1972 (Spain - 16), December 27, 1972 (South Korea - 19)
- Alternative Titles: ゴッドファーザー (JP), 教父Ⅰ (CN), Ojciec chrzestny (PL), Xaç Atası (AZ), Крестный отец (RU), ნათლიმამა (GE), Кум (RS), Il Padrino (IT)
- Production Companies: Paramount Pictures, Alfran Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Godfather - Plot
Spanning the years 1945 to 1955, a chronicle of the fictional Italian-American Corleone crime family. When organized crime family patriarch, Vito Corleone barely survives an attempt on his life, his youngest son, Michael steps in to take care of the would-be killers, launching a campaign of bloody revenge.
The Godfather - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see why this cinematic masterpiece endures more than five decades on:
An offer you can't refuse.
Where to Watch The Godfather
Looking for where to watch The Godfather?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Godfather - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Francis Ford Coppola
Main Cast
- Marlon Brando
- Al Pacino
- James Caan
- Robert Duvall
- Richard S. Castellano
- Diane Keaton
- Talia Shire
- Gianni Russo
- Sterling Hayden
- John Marley
Writers
- Mario Puzo
- Francis Ford Coppola
Producers
- Albert S. Ruddy
- Francis Ford Coppola
- Robert Evans
The Godfather - FAQs
Where can you stream The Godfather online?
The Godfather is available to stream on Paramount+, including via the Paramount+ Amazon Channel and Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. fuboTV subscribers can also access it as part of their plan.
Is The Godfather based on a true story?
The Godfather is based on Mario Puzo's 1969 bestselling novel of the same name. While the Corleone family is fictional, Puzo drew inspiration from real-life Sicilian-American Mafia figures and the broader culture of organized crime in mid-20th-century America, lending the story its authentic texture and moral weight.
What is The Godfather about?
The Godfather chronicles the powerful Corleone crime family from 1945 to 1955. After patriarch Vito Corleone survives an assassination attempt, his youngest son Michael — initially reluctant to enter the family business — is drawn into a world of violence and power, ultimately transforming into a ruthless mob boss.
How does Michael Corleone change throughout The Godfather?
Michael begins the film as a war hero distancing himself from his family's criminal empire. His transformation into a cold, calculating don is one of cinema's most studied character arcs. By the film's end, he has fully embraced the very world he once rejected, becoming more ruthless than his father ever was.
Did The Godfather win any Academy Awards?
The Godfather won three Academy Awards at the 1973 ceremony: Best Picture, Best Actor for Marlon Brando, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola. It was nominated for ten Oscars in total and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.
Who are the main actors in The Godfather?
The Godfather features Marlon Brando as patriarch Don Vito Corleone and Al Pacino as his youngest son Michael. The ensemble cast also includes James Caan as Sonny, Robert Duvall as consigliere Tom Hagen, Diane Keaton as Kay Adams, Talia Shire, Richard S. Castellano, Sterling Hayden, and John Marley.
What is the age rating for The Godfather?
The Godfather is rated R in the United States, meaning viewers under 17 require accompanying parental guidance. The film contains strong violence, adult themes, and scenes depicting organized crime. International ratings vary: it received a 15 certificate in the UK, a 16 rating in Germany and Spain, and a 12 rating in France.
How long is The Godfather film?
The Godfather has a runtime of 2 hours and 55 minutes (175 minutes). Despite its length, the film is consistently praised for its pacing, with critics noting that every scene serves the story's epic scope. It remains one of the most re-watched films of its length in cinema history.
More About The Godfather
Explore further details, ratings, and production history from these authoritative sources.