My Top 10 Al Pacino Movies!

Al Pacino is the greatest actor on the planet and of all time as far as I'm concerned. When I studied method acting myself, there was no better influence than Al Pacino. Whether he is playing a cop or a criminal, it's hard not to root for his character. Here is my Top 10 Al Pacino films. All apart from one of them were released before I was even born.

10. Heat (1995)

CinemaBlend

Not only does this star Al Pacino, but also the amazing Robert De Niro.

9. Scarecrow (1973)

The Arts Desk

Possibly not as well known as most Pacino films. In this one he plays Francis aka Lion who is travelling to meet his child whom he never met. It's impossible to not love his portrayal of a happy go lucky, hugely positive character, which works great as a contrast to his co-star played by Gene Hackman who is grouchy and always looking for a fight.

8. Author! Author! (1982)

IMDb

Another not very well known film, and like Scarcrow above, it sees Pacino in a more light hearted role as he prepares for his play to hit Broadway, he also has to juggle his career with raising young children after the lady in his life abandons them.

7. ...And Justice For All (1979)

IMDb

I'm not usually a fan of courtroom dramas, but I make an exception for this one. Pacino plays the role of Arthur Kirkland, a dedicated Baltimore attorney who is working to help two very scared clients from facing jail. However, his massive obstacle is a cruel Judge who has no empathy for anyone in his court. The final scene in the film is pretty iconic and has been parodied numerous times, notably by Homer Simpson.

6. Cruising (1980)

The Same Cinema Every Night

One of the most controversial films of Pacino's career. NYPD officer Steve Burns becomes "John Forbes" as he goes undercover to catch a serial killer who is targeting young men in the gay community. Although, his character is shown as heterosexual, (his girlfriend is the only female character in the whole movie) it seems unclear if he is starting to enjoy his new lifestyle. Despite the negative reaction, it now has a cult following and showcased gay characters (albeit, slightly negatively) in an era where LGBT people where often erased from the media.

5. Scarface (1983)

South China Morning Post

Starring as the legendary Tony Montana, a Cuban political refugee, who works his way up Florida's drug scene. This movie has it all, it is currently listed as no.52 on Wikipedia's prestigious "List of films that most frequently use the word "fuck"" a soundtrack that would later be partially included in the soundtrack to Grand Theft Auto 3, plenty memorable quotes, and one of the earliest roles for Michelle Pfeiffer.

4. The Godfather trilogy (1972, 1974 and 1990)

Parade

The film that made him a househould name as amazing Michael Corleone. The Godfather is one of the most iconic films of all time and Part 2 is one of the few sequels that is just as popular (if not more popular) as it's predecessor. And to think, nobody wanted him for the original Godfather as he wasn't famous enough at the time. They certainly must have ate their words afterwards.

3. The Panic In Needle Park (1971)

Coffee coffee and more coffee

While this art film is nowhere near as well known as previous films on this list, I couldn't resist but give it such a high ranking as it is Al Pacino's first starring role and he played this part to perfection. Bobby is a positive thinking young drug addict/dealer, he and his girlfriend Helen make the most of what they got but also have to resort to stealing and prostitution in order to fund their habits. It is also the origin of Pacino's legendary verbal tirades.

2. Serpico (1973)

The Oncoming Hope

A true story based on the career of NYPD officer Frank Serpico who starts off as a patrol man on the beat to working undercover. Serpico is determined to catch criminals but treat them fairly, however he witnesses numerous corruption within the force, such as extortion and beatings, all of which he wants no part in. He becomes alienated by his colleagues (many of us know what that feels like) and all his best efforts to expose the corruption tends to fall flat. Throughout the movie, he goes from being clean shaven to having a moustache to a goatee to a full grown beard, plus his slicked back hair (very similar to Michael Corleone) gets longer and wilder as the film progresses. A very touching movie, when you put yourself in Serpico's shoes and also very bittersweet.

1. Dog Day Afternoon (1975)

Coral Gables Art Cinema

Like Serpico, it's another true story and another directed by Sidney Lumet, although this one has us rooting for the criminal and against the law unlike in Serpico. Sonny Wortzik is a bank robber who thinks he has a fool proof plan but reality soon puts a halt to his masterplan. It sees Pacino reunited with his Godfather co-star and long time friend John Cazale who plays the role of the quiet and intense Sal, a perfect foil to Pacino's hugely animated Sonny. From beginning to end, this is one hugely entertaining movie.