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Al Pacino is one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, with a career spanning more than five decades and over fifty film credits.
Renowned for his intense performances and magnetic screen presence, Pacino has delivered some of cinema’s most memorable characters.
Here are the top 10 Al Pacino films that define his remarkable legacy, ranked by their Letterboxd ratings:
10. Scent of a Woman (1992)
Rating: 3.9
Pacino won his first Academy Award for Best Actor in this powerful drama. He plays Frank Slade, a blind, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel whose life takes an unexpected turn when a prep school student (Chris O’Donnell) becomes his caretaker over Thanksgiving. Their journey through New York City explores themes of redemption, friendship and the complexity of moral choices.
9. Serpico (1973)
Rating: 3.9
Directed by Sidney Lumet, this gripping crime drama stars Pacino as real-life NYPD officer Frank Serpico. Determined to expose corruption within the force, Serpico faces danger from both criminals and fellow officers. The film earned critical acclaim, including Golden Globe wins and Oscar nominations.
8. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Rating: 3.9
Adapted from David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, this intense drama follows desperate Chicago salesmen under impossible pressure to succeed or lose their jobs. Pacino leads an all-star cast as Ricky Roma, delivering sharp dialogue in a film that lays bare the ruthlessness of ambition and greed.
7. Carlito’s Way (1993)
Rating: 4.1
Reuniting with director Brian De Palma, Pacino plays Carlito Brigante, a reformed Puerto Rican gangster striving to leave his criminal past behind after prison release. The film is praised for its stylish direction and Pacino’s nuanced portrayal of a man haunted by old loyalties and new threats.
6. The Insider (1999)
Rating: 4.1
Based on true events, Pacino stars as investigative journalist Lowell Bergman opposite Russell Crowe in this tense thriller about exposing the tobacco industry’s secrets. Directed by Michael Mann, the film was nominated for seven Academy Awards and is lauded for its intelligent script and compelling performances.
5. Scarface (1983)
Rating: 4.1
A cultural phenomenon directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone, Scarface features Pacino as Tony Montana – a Cuban immigrant who rises to power in Miami’s drug underworld. The film is known for its explosive violence, quotable lines (“Say hello to my little friend!”), and Pacino’s larger-than-life performance.
4. Heat (1995)
Rating: 4.3
Michael Mann’s epic crime saga pairs Pacino with Robert De Niro in their first major on-screen encounter. As relentless detective Vincent Hanna, Pacino hunts master thief Neil McCauley (De Niro) through Los Angeles in a film celebrated for its realism, action sequences and psychological depth.
3. Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
Rating: 4.3
In this true-crime drama directed by Sidney Lumet, Pacino portrays Sonny Wortzik – a desperate man who attempts to rob a Brooklyn bank to fund his partner’s medical needs. The film is hailed for its raw emotion and social commentary, earning multiple Oscar nominations including Best Actor for Pacino.
2. The Godfather (1972)
Rating: 4.5
Francis Ford Coppola’s mafia masterpiece introduced Pacino as Michael Corleone – a reluctant heir drawn into organised crime. With unforgettable performances from Marlon Brando and James Caan alongside Pacino’s transformation from innocent outsider to ruthless leader, The Godfather remains one of cinema’s greatest achievements.
1. The Godfather Part II (1974)
Rating: 4.6
Often regarded as one of the finest sequels ever made, The Godfather Part II deepens Michael Corleone’s tragic journey while exploring the roots of the Corleone dynasty through parallel stories set in Sicily and New York. Pacino delivers an iconic performance that earned him another Best Actor nomination.
