The Godfather Review by Al Carlson The Godfather is a film considered by most to be one of the greatest ever made. From The American Film Institute to as voted by users on the Internet Movie Database (IMDB) it is consider to be one of the best. As a film that ranks as high as other masterpieces including Citizen Kan…
8.7/10Drama · Crime
The Godfather
“An offer you can't refuse.”
- 1972
- 2h 55m
- R
- EN
- Released
The story
What The Godfather is about
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 is a drama and crime film from 1972, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. It runs 2h 55m and is rated R in the US. It was produced by Paramount Pictures, Alfran Productions and Albert S. Ruddy Productions, with production in United States of America.
The main cast is led by Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall. The screenplay was written by Mario Puzo, Francis Ford Coppola. Reported worldwide gross stands at $245.1M.
Why it matters: The Godfather currently holds 8.7/10 from 23901 TMDB user ratings and has taken $245.1M worldwide against a $6.0M budget. Figures move as more ratings and box-office updates arrive.
Editor’s note
Should you watch The Godfather?
The Godfather is best suited to a slower, character-led evening. At 2h 55m, it is a long sitting, so plan the evening around it. The draw is Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
With 23,901 TMDB ratings averaging 8.7/10, this is one of the most widely seen titles in our library, so the score is a reliable signal.
TMDB tags the film with themes including based on novel or book, loss of loved one, love at first sight and italy.
The US certification is R: restricted: it contains material intended for adults, including strong language or violence.
If you like this, try The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile or GoodFellas.
Auto-generated from TMDB data (runtime, cast, ratings, keywords, certification). Last updated November 4, 2026.
Availability
Where to watch The Godfather
54 official sources across 5 regions. Rows with a direct link open this exact title on the provider’s own site; the others open that provider’s own search for the title, where price, video quality and audio options are confirmed before you pay.
Best option now
Watch on Paramount+ ↗
Paramount Plus Essential
Included with a Paramount Plus Essential subscription, no extra charge · United States
United States12 options
Stream
4 sources
Paramount+ (Prime channel)Watch on Prime VideoOpen ↗Paramount Plus EssentialWatch on Paramount+Open ↗
Paramount Plus PremiumWatch on Paramount+Open ↗
fuboTVCheck optionsOpen ↗Rent
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Apple TVOpen on Apple TVOpen ↗Google TV & PlayOpen on Google TVOpen ↗
JustWatch TV StoreCheck optionsOpen ↗Buy
4 sourcesPrime VideoWatch on Prime VideoOpen ↗Apple TVOpen on Apple TVOpen ↗Google TV & PlayOpen on Google TVOpen ↗
YouTubeOpen on YouTubeOpen ↗United Kingdom12 options
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4 sourcesParamount+ (Prime channel)Watch on Prime VideoOpen ↗Paramount PlusWatch on Paramount+Open ↗Paramount Plus Basic with AdsWatch on Paramount+Open ↗Paramount Plus PremiumWatch on Paramount+Open ↗Rent
4 sourcesPrime VideoWatch on Prime VideoOpen ↗Apple TVOpen on Apple TVOpen ↗Sky StoreRent on Sky StoreOpen ↗JustWatch TV StoreCheck optionsOpen ↗Buy
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4 sourcesParamount PlusWatch on Paramount+Open ↗Paramount Plus Basic with AdsWatch on Paramount+Open ↗Paramount Plus PremiumWatch on Paramount+Open ↗CraveCheck optionsOpen ↗Rent
4 sourcesApple TVOpen on Apple TVOpen ↗YouTubeOpen on YouTubeOpen ↗CosmoGoCheck optionsOpen ↗
FlixFlingCheck optionsOpen ↗Buy
4 sourcesPrime VideoWatch on Prime VideoOpen ↗Apple TVOpen on Apple TVOpen ↗YouTubeOpen on YouTubeOpen ↗CosmoGoCheck optionsOpen ↗Australia11 options
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NetflixWatch on NetflixOpen ↗Paramount PlusWatch on Paramount+Open ↗Foxtel NowWatch on NOWOpen ↗
StanCheck optionsOpen ↗Rent
4 sourcesPrime VideoWatch on Prime VideoOpen ↗Apple TVOpen on Apple TVOpen ↗YouTubeOpen on YouTubeOpen ↗JustWatch TV StoreCheck optionsOpen ↗Buy
3 sourcesPrime VideoWatch on Prime VideoOpen ↗Apple TVOpen on Apple TVOpen ↗YouTubeOpen on YouTubeOpen ↗India7 options
Checked 4 November 2026. Listings from TMDB / JustWatch data and they change daily; the provider page always shows the final price. Compare every option on JustWatch. MovieState links only to licensed services.
Who is in it
The Godfather cast
Character names follow the film's credits. Open a name to see that person's other work on MovieState.
Behind the camera
Direction and crew
DirectorFrancis Ford Coppola
WritersMario Puzo, Francis Ford Coppola
ProducersAlbert S. Ruddy, Francis Ford Coppola
MusicNino Rota
CinematographyGordon Willis
EditingWilliam Reynolds
Audience reaction
Ratings and reviews
8.7/1023901 ratings
The Godfather sits at 8.7 out of 10 from 23901 user ratings. For context, the film's worldwide gross is $245.1M.
Scores show TMDB user ratings at the time of publishing and shift as new votes arrive.
The best movie ever... A masterpiece by the young and talented Francis Ford Coppola, about a Mob family and their drama, the story telling is perfect, the acting good, sometimes a little over the top in the case of Thalia Shire (the sister of the director) The 70's were the best years for Hollywood.…
The facts
The Godfather key details
| Original title | The Godfather |
|---|---|
| Status | Released |
| Release date | March 14, 1972 |
| Runtime | 2h 55m |
| Certification | R in United States, 15 in United Kingdom |
| Original language | EN |
| Spoken languages | English, Italian, Latin |
| Country | United States of America |
| Budget | $6.0M |
| Worldwide gross | $245.1M |
| Studios | Paramount Pictures, Alfran Productions, Albert S. Ruddy Productions |
| Also known as | De Peetvader, 教父, Крёстный отец |
Release information
Release dates by country
| Country | Date | Cert |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Mar 14, 1972 | R |
| United Kingdom | Aug 24, 1972 | 15 |
| India | Sep 12, 2025 | NR |
| Canada | Mar 14, 1972 | R |
| Australia | Nov 2, 1972 | MA 15+ |
| Argentina | Sep 20, 1972 | NR |
| Belgium | Mar 14, 1972 | 18 |
| Brazil | Jul 7, 1972 | 14 |
| Czechia | Sep 1, 1994 | 15+ |
| Denmark | Dec 26, 1972 | 15 |
Official trailer for The Godfather, via Paramount Movies. Open on YouTube
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Who directed The Godfather?
The Godfather was directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
Who is in the cast of The Godfather?
The main cast includes Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Richard S. Castellano.
How long is The Godfather?
The Godfather runs 2h 55m.
When was The Godfather released?
It was released in the United States on March 14, 1972. Release dates vary by country — see the table above.
What is The Godfather rated?
Certification depends on the country: R in United States, 15 in United Kingdom. Always check your local rating before watching with family.
Where can I watch The Godfather online?
Availability changes by region and by week. The table above lists the streaming, rental and purchase services reported for major markets. Check the provider page for today's price and quality.
Can I watch The Godfather in HD or 4K?
Most digital stores offer The Godfather in HD, and newer releases are often available in 4K. Check the quality label on the provider's page before you pay.
How much did The Godfather earn?
Reported worldwide gross is $245.1M against a budget of $6.0M. Box office figures update over time.
Director filmography
More from Francis Ford Coppola
Keep watching
More films like The Godfather
8.6View guide →The Godfather Part II
1974 · Drama
8.4View guide →High and Low
1963 · Drama
8.7View guide →The Shawshank Redemption
1994 · Drama
8.5View guide →The Green Mile
1999 · Fantasy
8.5View guide →GoodFellas
1990 · Drama
8.4View guide →City of God
2002 · Drama
8.4View guide →Once Upon a Time in America
1984 · Drama
8.4View guide →The Shadow's Edge
2025 · Action
Data sources: TMDB (titles, cast, crew, release dates, provider listings and user ratings). Availability and box office figures change over time; this page was last rebuilt on November 4, 2026. We publish information only; we do not host or stream video files.
Exact record pages: IMDb record · TMDB record · Official site
At a glance: The Godfather runs 2h 55m, opened in US cinemas on March 14, 1972, has 54 licensed options across 5 regions tracked here.