How much did The Godfather make?

Last Modified Apr 8, 2025 03:34 EDT
How much did The Godfather make?
The Godfather (Source: Prime)


The Godfather made between $250 and $291 million at the box office. It was, for a while, the highest-grossing movie ever made and the highest-grossing movie of 1972. On March 24, 1972, The Godfather was released in the United States after having its debut on March 14, 1972, at the Loew's State Theatre.


The Godfather is a 1972 American epic gangster movie directed by Francis Ford Coppola, who co-wrote the script with Mario Puzo, modeled on Puzo's best-selling 1969 novel. Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard Castellano, Robert Duvall, Sterling Hayden, John Marley, Richard Conte, and Diane Keaton are among the ensemble cast members of the movie.


The first part of The Godfather trilogy tells the story of the Corleone family from 1945 to 1955 under the leadership of Vito Corleone (Brando). The main focus is on how his youngest son, Michael Corleone (played by Pacino), changes from a hesitant family outsider to a vicious mafia boss.


Theatrical Release and Earnings of The Godfather


How much did The Godfather make?
The Godfather movie visual (Source: Prime)


At the box office, The Godfather earned anywhere between $250 and $291 million. It was the highest-grossing film of 1972 and, for a while, the highest-grossing film ever made.


Nearly three months after its scheduled release date on Christmas Day in 1971, The Godfather made its global debut on Tuesday, March 14, 1972, at Loews' State Theatre in New York City. The earnings from the premiere were donated to The Boys Club of New York. With advance rentals from more than 400 cinemas, the movie had already earned $15 million before its release.


The movie debuted the next day in five New York theatres: Loew's State I and II, Orpheum, Cine, and Tower East. The Imperial Theatre in Toronto followed on March 17 and two locations in Los Angeles followed on March 22. Five days later, on March 24, 1972, The Godfather was released in 316 cinemas across the remainder of the United States.


How well received was The Godfather?


Numerous critics have praised The Godfather, which is regarded as one of the best and most influential movies ever made, especially in the gangster genre. Based on 151 reviews, the movie has a 97% approval rating on review aggregate Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 9.4/10.


According to the critics of the website, "One of Hollywood's greatest critical and commercial successes, The Godfather gets everything right; not only did the movie transcend expectations, it established new benchmarks for American cinema." The movie has received "universal acclaim" with a score of 100 out of 100 from 16 critic reviews, according to Metacritic, which adopts a weighted average.


Al Pacino and Marlon Brando were nominated for Best Actor – Drama, and the movie was also nominated for Best Score, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Picture – Drama, and James Caan for Best Supporting Actor. The Godfather was nominated for seven Golden Globes. The movie won Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Actor – Drama (Brando), Best Original Score, and Best Picture – Drama when the winners were revealed on January 28, 1973. The film as well as the cast received several other nominations and awards.


Also Read :
who directed the godfather
list of books on the godfather

FAQs about The Godfather

Critics and viewers alike applauded The Godfather for its directing, script, story, photography, editing, score, depiction of the mafia, and acting, especially for Brando's and Pacino's performances.


Yes, The Godfather was a successful movie. It became the highest-grossing movie of all time in 1972 after grossing over $270 million. Despite their success, the sequels fell short of the original's peak earnings, with Part II making $57 million and Part III $66 million.


Yes, The Godfather is definitely worth watching. Based on Mario Puzo's novel of the same name, this mafia thriller is considered by many to be among the best movies ever made. 


A. Viewers can watch The Godfather on Paramount Plus, Netflix, Prime and Pluto TV.


Related Stories

"You gotta love it a lot, because it's really hard": Sydney Sweeney reflects on early career challenges "You gotta love it a lot, because it's really hard": Sydney Sweeney reflects on early career challenges
"You gotta love it a lot, because it's really hard": Sydney Sweeney reflects on early career challenges
2d
"It came in this box and I dropped it": John C. McGinley searches for original cast ornament as Scrubs prepares for its return "It came in this box and I dropped it": John C. McGinley searches for original cast ornament as Scrubs prepares for its return
"It came in this box and I dropped it": John C. McGinley searches for original cast ornament as Scrubs prepares for its return
1d
Which Bruce Springsteen track kept Jeremy Allen White grounded while filming? Actor credits music icon's 1982 hit for keeping him in the zone Which Bruce Springsteen track kept Jeremy Allen White grounded while filming? Actor credits music icon's 1982 hit for keeping him in the zone
Which Bruce Springsteen track kept Jeremy Allen White grounded while filming? Actor credits music icon's 1982 hit for keeping him in the zone
1d
Pluribus star Samba Schutte talks about a hidden detail in his character's name Pluribus star Samba Schutte talks about a hidden detail in his character's name
Pluribus star Samba Schutte talks about a hidden detail in his character's name
1d
How is Katy Perry closing the chapter on her Lifetimes Tour? Pop star reflects on heartbreak, healing, and a headline-making new romance How is Katy Perry closing the chapter on her Lifetimes Tour? Pop star reflects on heartbreak, healing, and a headline-making new romance
How is Katy Perry closing the chapter on her Lifetimes Tour? Pop star reflects on heartbreak, healing, and a headline-making new romance
1d
In less than two weeks of its release Zootopia 2 has already grossed $900 Million In less than two weeks of its release Zootopia 2 has already grossed $900 Million
In less than two weeks of its release Zootopia 2 has already grossed $900 Million
2d
What is the net worth of Lando Norris? Fortune explored as F1 racer becomes first British champion after Lewis Hamilton What is the net worth of Lando Norris? Fortune explored as F1 racer becomes first British champion after Lewis Hamilton
What is the net worth of Lando Norris? Fortune explored as F1 racer becomes first British champion after Lewis Hamilton
1d
Pierce Brothers 2026 Australian tour: Presale code, dates, venues, and more explored Pierce Brothers 2026 Australian tour: Presale code, dates, venues, and more explored
Pierce Brothers 2026 Australian tour: Presale code, dates, venues, and more explored
1d
“8 IS FATE!!!”: Netizens buzz as Stray Kids bags 8 awards at Asia Artist Awards 2025 “8 IS FATE!!!”: Netizens buzz as Stray Kids bags 8 awards at Asia Artist Awards 2025
“8 IS FATE!!!”: Netizens buzz as Stray Kids bags 8 awards at Asia Artist Awards 2025
2d
“I don't like the word beauty.": Helen Mirren opens up about the standards she hopes to redefine “I don't like the word beauty.": Helen Mirren opens up about the standards she hopes to redefine
“I don't like the word beauty.": Helen Mirren opens up about the standards she hopes to redefine
1d