When you think of epic crime movies, you might think of The Godfather. The classic trilogy follows a group of characters in the Corleone family who are part of the mafia under patriarch Vita Corleone. It also focuses on Michael Corleone who goes from a family outsider to a ruthless mafia boss. And with amazing actors like Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and James Caan, there are several great Godfather movie quotes that fans remember fondly.
These characters were actually inspired by real-life mobsters, which started with Mario Puzo’s 1969 crime novel before it went on the big screen. Let’s dive into the mafia world and check out which are the best Godfather movie quotes of all time.
The Godfather trilogy is available to stream on Paramount and Prime Video, or for rent and purchase on Amazon.
7. “Leave The Gun. Take The Cannoli” Peter Clemenza
Peter has some of the best Godfather movie quotes, especially this funny scene right after something horrible. Cannolis are delicious Italian pastries that feature a hard pastry shell, filled with ricotta cream. What makes this one of the best quotes is how off-the-wall it is.
When Paulie is suspected of being a traitor to the Corleone family, a hit is put on his head. After Peter ensures that the job is done, he says this amazing quote “Leave the gun. Take the cannoli”, because a sweet treat is always deserved after taking out a potential threat to your family. It’s hilarious, but dark, as it shows just how little they care and how much the mafia is used to death.
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6. “It’s a Sicilian Message. It Means Luca Brasi Sleeps With the Fishes” Peter Clemenza
But even though it seems like the Corleone family has the most influence and power, and is seemingly untouchable, that’s not at all the case. It would be a boring crime movie to just see them at the top forever. So when they receive a message, they know exactly what it means.
After the assassination of heir enforcer Luca Brasi, following the attempt on Don Corleone’s life, they receive a dead fish and instantly know the message. The small signs and language used in the mafia makes the movie much more interesting to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
5. “Look How They Massacred My Boy” Vito Corleone
Marlon Brando does a fantastic job at playing Vito Corleone and is still praised for his role to this day. One of the many reasons is his ability to show mere intimidation through his facial expressions, tone of voice, and stance, while also showing some of the most tragic scenes as well.
One of the best Godfather movie quotes comes at this moment when Vito Corleone looks upon the body of his oldest son Sonny. Seeing such a powerful man cry reminds viewers that while he’s a businessman, he’s also a father, and even with all of his power, he still can’t protect his family. Seeing the breakdown here is a remarkable change that will send anyone into tears just by watching.
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4. “We Don’t Discuss Business At The Table” Sonny Corleone
While the Corleone family focuses on their business often, they focus on their family more, and it shows during small scenes like this. When everyone is gathered around the table, the men are talking about different aspects of the business. This brings us to another one of the best Godfather movie quotes where Connie speaks up and mentions that Vito never brought business to the table, especially in front of the kids.
When Connie is told to shut up, Sonny backs her up and then makes sure everyone is aware that there is no business at the table. This speaks volumes about how they run their world, that family always comes first, and even during epic crime organizations, it’s important to leave work at the door. Plus, while men are generally at the forefront of this operation, women are held in the highest regard for these families.
3. “Don’t Ask Me About My Business, Kay” Michael Corleone
Being part of the family means that you have to make sacrifices. Where there’s loyalty to the family, there’s also distrust and secrets with others. Sadly, the relationship between Kay Adams and Michael Corleone becomes fragmented because of this. This is seen when Michael is confronted by his wife when she asks him if he murdered his brother-in-law, Carlo.
While Michael was the one to do it, he denies it nonetheless. At first, she accepts but soon starts prying for more details, to which he finally says “Don’t ask me about my business,” a dismissal and end to the conversation, and the start of the trail of lies that he begins to tell her.
2.”You Don’t Even Think To Call Me Godfather ” Vito Corleone
The opening scene to any piece of media is the most important. It not only sets the setting and genre, but the tone. It gives everyone a sense of who they’re watching, and The Godfather nails it with its opening scene. It’s also home to one of the most popular Godfather movie quotes ever. Here we see Corleone at his desk with Bonasera coming in and asking for aid to help find justice for the person who hurt his daughter.
But for Vito, it’s all about respect and what you’ve earned. And of course, Bonasera hasn’t shown any sign of respect or his worth. So Vito comes with an amazing line saying “You don’t ask with respect. You don’t offer friendship. You don’t even think to call me ‘Godfather’.” Right away viewers understand that he controls the situation, he has all the power, and he is not one to toy with.
1.”I’m Gonna Make Him An Offer He Can’t Refuse” Vito Corleone
As you can see, The Godfather focuses on how to get as much power as you can. Sometimes it’s about business and compromise, but it mostly involves intimidation. That’s why Vito Corleone makes for the perfect patriarch because he dabbles in intimidation all the time. When Vito says that he’ll make an offer, you can’t help but feel the chills of what he might be thinking about.
Later when Michael repeats it, it tells viewers just how powerful the family is. Thanks to their power, influence, and pure money, Vito knows that no one will really say no to him, and if they do, they will be mistaken.
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