The 15 Best Al Pacino Movies of All Time, Ranked

Al Pacino is one of the famous American actors who is known for his versatile way of acting. He has appeared in many classic films such as ‘The Godfather’, ‘Scent of a Woman’ and many more. He outplayed each and every role that he has ever received. He made his first stage appearance in the year 1969 in the film ‘Me, Natalie’ which was of the comedy-drama genre. He was 19 years old when he joined the Berghof acting studio. He is a nine-time Oscar nominee and also an Academy Award winner, With more than 50 years of work many of his films were considered as all-time classics.

There are a few actors who have won Academy Awards, Tony Awards, and Emmy Awards all these three awards, he has always proved his acting skills as he just checks into his role and these three awards are proof of his marvelous acting. Al Pacino has been recorded to work in at least 65 movies. Though all his movies are excellent, we picked the top 15 Best Al Pacino Movies which were very exceptional, starting with his movie ranked at number 15.

15. The Panic In Needle Park(1971)

The Panic In Needle Park is a famous American film that is a love story about an addict named Bobby and a hustler woman who finds Bobby attractive. She later becomes an addict and their lives go downward as their addictions worsen. Pacino in this American film gave an emotional and incredible performance as Bobby. They face many challenges together and are exposed to the realities of the world. His slow shift from a youngster to a drug addict is evidence of his precious acting skill.

Cast: Al Pacino and Kitty Winn

Genre: Drama, Romance, Crime Fiction

Directed by: Jerry Schatzberg

Source: IMDb – The Panic In Needle Park (1971)

14. The Devil’s Advocate (1997)

Al Pacino plays the role of a lawyer called Milton who seems to be charming and also manipulative. The story line of this film is when Kevin was offered a job opportunity in a law firm by Milton. Kevin is excited for his new work as it is his dream job. Soon he finds his life to be stuck in a twisted game. In the start Milton is shown as a sweet character but he has a different dark mindplay in which he uses Kevin. Al Pacino played the manipulative side of the role so exceptionally that he was forever remembered because of this movie.

Cast: Al Pacino, Charlize Theron, and Keanu Reeves

Genre: Horror, Thriller, Fantasy, Drama, Mystery, Supernatural

Directed by: Taylor Hackford

Source: IMDb – The Devil’s Advocate (1997)

13. Scent of a Woman (1992)

The story is about a student named Charlie Simms who accepts an offer to work as a caretaker of an army officer named Lieutenant Colonel Frank. Frank is an arrogant person who is blind and is tough to listen to. Charlie finds it difficult to make conservations with him at first but eventually finds his way to develop a close bond of friendship. Both of them share their life stories with each other and also go on trips. Throughout the movie both of them are shown to experience the joy and beauty of life as they enjoy each other’s company. This movie has won four academy awards.

Cast: Al Pacino and Chris O’Donnell

Genre: Drama

Directed by: Martin Brest

Source: IMDb – Scent of a Woman (1992)

12. Serpico (1973)

This movie is based on the real life situations of Frank Serpico who is a police officer. Serpico is an honest officer who works for the country but finds corruption and foul play in his own department. He faced many situations where he was forced to act under his superiors but took a brave step in refusing them. He started complaining to his higher authorities about such acts and also is determined to uncover all the secrets of the department. He becomes a target in his own department by his colleagues and is often ignored. He faces many challenges which are tough for him to handle but he showcases his courageous side as he takes his step forward.

Cast: Al Pacino and John Randolph

Genre: Drama, Crime

Directed by: Sidney Lumet

Source: IMDb – Serpico (1973)

11. Angels in America (2003)

Angels in America is an LGBT movie where a gay man named Prior Walter suffers from AIDS. His boyfriend Louis Ironson also suffers from this disease and this movie is about how these characters cope up with their suffering along with another character, a lawyer, Roy Cohn. Later in the movie water is visited by mystic beings, angels , who give him a message. This movie portrays the hardships and rejections faced by these characters in society. It depicts the supernatural side as well as the reality of the society.

Cast: Al Pacino and Meryl Streep

Genre: Drama, Mini-series, Fantasy

Directed by: Mike Nichols

Source: IMDb – Angels in America (miniseries)

10. Donnie Brasco (1997)

This is a true story of an undercover FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone. He assumes a different identity under the name Donnie Brasco and gains access to the New York Mafia. He does so by making friends with a small gangster named lefty. He lives under a false identity and has trouble keeping up with this. Throughout the movie he is shown to face many situations where is at a risk of uncovering his identity. Lefty finds himself to adore Donnie and always risks his life to save Donnie. This story tests the loyalty and friendship of two people and to what extent they can go.

Cast: Al Pacino and Johnny Depp

Genre: Drama, Crime

Directed by: Mike Newell

Source: Rotten Tomatoes – Donnie Brasco

9. Insomnia (2002)

Insomnia is an action thriller movie about two detectives, Will Dormer and Hap Eckhart who were sent on an murder investigation. During the process of catching the suspect Dormer accidentally shoots his partner Eckhart. He then suffers from guilt and develops psychological problems such as insomnia. Unfortunately, Walter Finch, a local police officer, knows about this accident and takes advantage of the situation. He tries to manipulate Dormer and blackmails him to reveal the truth. Obsessed with the case, Dormer tries to solve it and finds himself in a twisted game set up by Finch who is the prime suspect.

Cast: Al Pacino and Robin Williams

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Psychological Thriller

Directed by: Christopher Nolan

Source: IMDb – Insomnia (2002)

8. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)

Four salesmen who work for a real estate company find themselves in a complicated situation when the boss of the company one day announces that only the top two salesmen will have their jobs and the rest will all be fired. The company itself is a suspicious company where properties are sold for higher rates than usual. To save themselves from such a dubious rivalry Ricky, Shelley, Dave and Geroge plan to steal the important company documents known as the ‘Glengarry leads’ and sell it to the opponents. Each of them face different obstacles as they try to cheat, manipulate, lie and compete in the survival competition.

Cast: Al Pacino and Jack Lemmon

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Crime

Directed by: James Foley

Source: IMDb – Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)

7. The Insider (1999)

When Jeffrey Wigand was fired from his job in the tobacco industry he exposed all the dark secrets of the company in a live show called 60 minutes. This soon led to a rise in curiosity of many journalists to further uncover the truth. Bergman, a journalist, must save his job and decides to cover this story by uncovering the truth. As he investigates the case he faces a lot of challenges and oppression from the society as he struggles to find the truth. Wigand also faces threats and harassment from the industry. They join together and embark on a risky journey to uncover the truth.

Cast: Al Pacino and Russell Crowe

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Directed by: Michael Mann

Source: IMDb – The Insider (1999)

6. The Irishman (2019)

The story is based on a book written by Charles Brandt called “I heard You Paint Houses”. Frank Sheeran is a truck driver who gets involved in the world of mafia and crime. The film shows the life of Sheeran about how he got involved and as he associates with the mafia world deeper he becomes a hitman of the group. He forms various connections and relations with different mafia members and holds a bond with each of them. He befriends Jimmy Hoffa, a labour union leader. The story shows how Charles lives his life facing various situations such as crime, betrayal and power.

Cast: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Al Pacino

Genre: Drama, Crime

Directed by: Martin Scorsese

Source: IMDb – The Irishman (2019)

5. Heat (1995)

In the movie, Al Pacino portrays the role of Detective Vincent Hanna. Vincent is a highly skilled detective determined to apprehend a Los Angeles mob led by McCauley. While it may seem like any other cop and robber movie, what sets this film apart and draws a substantial viewership is its intricate plot full of twists and thrilling elements.

The storyline delves into the lives of both characters, revealing how they became the individuals they are. The film showcases a classic cat and mouse chase, with both characters sharing similarities in the sacrifices they make for their professions, yet differing in the paths they choose—one pursuing good while the other embraces evil.

Cast: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino

Genre: Drama, Crime

Directed by: Michael Mann

Source: Heat (1995) on IMDb

4. Dog Day Afternoon (1975)

Dog Day Afternoon is a 1975 crime and drama film centered around a man named Sonny Wortzik who, along with his friend Sal, plans to rob a bank in Brooklyn, New York. However, their plans quickly unravel when they discover that the bank’s vault is locked, preventing them from accessing the money they anticipated. Complicating matters further, the police arrive on the scene, leaving them trapped inside the bank with hostages.

Sonny attempts to negotiate with the police for a getaway plane, but his efforts prove futile. As time passes, tension escalates, and Sonny’s fear leads to critical mistakes. Meanwhile, Sal becomes increasingly anxious, and the situation spirals into chaos.

Cast: John Cazale, Al Pacino

Genre: Drama, Crime

Directed by: Sidney Lumet

Source: Dog Day Afternoon (1975) on IMDb

3. The Godfather Part II (1974)

The story is played in two parallel lines showing the early and later stages of life of Vito Corleone. In the early stages of his life he struggled a lot when he immigrated to the U.S from Sicily. He faced a lot of hardships trying to find his place in society. During the flashbacks of his early life it was also shown how he rose to power to eventually become the godfather. In the later stages of his life he is shown to have conquered the famous mafia family, Corleone, from his father. He finds himself in a complicated situation between politics and crime. Throughout the later part of the movie he tries to free himself from this situation.

Cast: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino

Genre: Drama, Crime, Mystery

Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola

Source: The Godfather Part II (1974) on IMDb

2. Scarface (1983)

The story is about an immigrant from Cuba who joins the underworld mafia gang and rises through ranks to lead the group. Tony Montana moves to Miami as a refugee finds a livelihood in the drug trade. He starts making petty cash by getting involved in the mafia business and goes up the rank to become the leader of the drug gang. As he tries to extend his business, his life becomes complex because of the violence and betrayal that he faces every day. This pressurizes his mental health and he becomes violent and self-destructive. He faces the consequences of the things he has done to achieve the position.

Cast: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer

Genre: Drama, Crime

Directed by: Brian De Palma

Source: Scarface (1983) on IMDb

1. The Godfather (1972)

Vito Corleone belongs to a powerful Italian-American mafia family. The Corleone family stands in the top position when it comes to mafia background and is involved in all sorts of activities such as drug trade, violence and many more, His son Micheal is unwilling to join his father’s business at first but is forced to do the dealings by his father. He starts involving in getting involved in business slowly and deeply. He faces many situations where he has to save his family’s interest by taking part in crime and committing violence. He experiences different situations in his life where he faces betrayal and loyalty.

Cast: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Marlon Brando

Genre: Drama, Crime, Crime Fiction

Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola

Source: The Godfather (1972) on IMDb

Conclusion

Throughout his career, Al Pacino has played numerous roles, both as the main lead and in supporting roles. In every new character he takes on, he consistently outshines his previous performances. He is widely acclaimed as the best in the thriller and crime movie genres. Al Pacino always gives his all in his roles, immersing himself in characters with such depth that it often doesn’t feel like acting. He continually surprises his audiences with his acting skills and his unwavering commitment to portraying each role authentically. His contributions to the film industry have been far-reaching and more entertaining than many others. Al Pacino is a true actor who never ceases to amaze viewers with every comeback, making his mark as one of the most iconic figures in Al Pacino Movies.

Al Pacino Movies – FAQs

1. What is Al Pacino’s most famous movie?

• “The Godfather” (1972) and “The Godfather Part II” (1974) are widely considered to be some of Al Pacino’s most famous and iconic movies, in which he portrayed the character Michael Corleone.
• “Scarface” (1983) is another highly famous film in which Al Pacino played the role of Tony Montana, a character that has become legendary in popular culture.

2. Is Al Pacino the greatest of all time?

• Al Pacino is often regarded as one of the greatest actors in the history of cinema.
• His performances have earned him critical acclaim, numerous awards, and a dedicated fan following.

3. What made Al Pacino famous?

• Al Pacino’s fame was significantly propelled by his role as Michael Corleone in “The Godfather” film series, which became a cultural phenomenon and established him as a major talent in Hollywood.
• His intense and authentic acting style, combined with his dedication to his roles, set him apart as a remarkable actor.

4. What are all the movies Al Pacino played in?

• Al Pacino has an extensive filmography, spanning several decades. Some of his notable movies include “Serpico” (1973), “Dog Day Afternoon” (1975), “Scent of a Woman” (1992), “Heat” (1995), “Donnie Brasco” (1997), “The Insider” (1999), “Insomnia” (2002), “The Irishman” (2019), and many more.
• A comprehensive list of all the movies Al Pacino has played in would be quite extensive due to his prolific career.