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Al Pacino needs no introduction. The Hollywood legend known for his remarkable mark in the industry has had an undeniable influence on fans and the industry alike. He continues to be one of the greatest stars in the history of cinema, and has dominated a large number of action and gangster flicks with powerful characters and riveting storytelling.
With a career that’s spanned more than five decades, this man has truly redefined what it means to be a Hollywood legend. From his iconic role as Michael Corleone in The Godfather to his intense performances in films like Scarface and Dog Day Afternoon, Pacino’s influence on cinema is still remarked for it's continuity as his films have become cult classics over time.
As the actor nears his ninth decade, he has given the audience the gift of some stunning and iconic roles on screen that echo the actor's brilliance and how he is one of Hollywood's finest. With his range spanning across multiple genres and characters that have continued to live among us long after the film's reign, here are five films to rewatch on Al Pacino's birthday, celebrating the powerhouse of talent and charisma that he is.
The Godfather trilogy
One of Pacino's most gripping, stellar roles on screen was as Michael Corleone in The Godfather franchise. Corleone starts off as the family outsider, who refuses to give in to his family's inclination towards violence and viciousness and maintains a civil and reluctant member of his mafia-oriented family. However, one complicated incident when his father faces threat is enough for him to undergo a crucial transformation as he becomes a ruthless member of the mafia and revolutionizes the crime scene.
Corleone's dual role is a testament to Pacino's acting skills as he portrays the inner turmoil of the character and how he leaves his morals and values behind to join his family's tradition.
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The Godfather has been a huge influence on cinema as one of the best films made about the mafia. With it's riveting storytelling, intricate details and profound cultural impact, it continues to be one of the best projects Hollywood has delivered. Pacino was nominated for an Oscar for his performance in the film and although he didn't win the award, he won in terms of critical acclaim and worldwide impact. An integral part of the film was how it tried to portray the mafia and showed the audience a different side of the conventional villains. For any Al Pacino fan, this one is a must watch!
Scent of a Woman
Pacino's first ever Oscar came from his role as Frank Slade in Scent of a Woman; an early 90s classic that saw the actor playing the role of a blind retired army officer who is charming and witty and has a past full of secrecy. What could have easily been a role defined solely by the disability is instead a study of humanity — his anger, humor, and vulnerability all intertwined in the fabric of this character. Pacino’s Slade is a man who has lost his direction, navigating life with a blend of cynicism and charm, using his blindness as both a shield and a source of liberation.
The film follows Pacino's character as he embarks on a wild weekend in New York City, accompanied by Charlie, a young prep school student. Through their unlikely bond, we get to see Frank’s emotional growth and the revelation of his internal struggles, especially his deep-seated fear of a life he no longer feels is worth living.
Scarface
In 1983's Scarface, Al Pacino doesn’t just play Tony Montana — he becomes him, in a way that feels like he is Tony. The guy’s a whirldwind of ambition and rage, every move he makes driven by this unshakable need for more: more money, more power, more respect. Pacino’s performance is like a volconic eruption of energy and chaos — it’s impossable to look away. From the moment he hits the screen, Pacino gives us a character that’s raw, reckless, and kinda scary, but also oddly relateable in his desperation to escape his past.
Tony’s rise is all about fighting for what he wants, but it’s also a slow burn to his own destruction. Pacino nails that push-pull between Tony’s bravado and the cracked peices underneath — he’s this larger-than-life figure, but you also see how small he feels inside, constantly trying to fill a hole with things that’ll never satisfy. Pacino brings such depth to Tony, you can almost feel his hunger for power, but also his fear of losing it all.
Scarface isn’t just about drugs and violence; it’s about a man who wanted everything and couldn’t handle what came with it. Pacino’s Tony Montana is the reason the movie has stuck with us, a performance that’s become legendary in ways that feel both tragic and fascinating at the same time.
Dog Day Afternoon
In Dog Day Afternoon (1975), Al Pacino gives a performance that’s raw, emotional, and like totally unforgettable. His character, Sonny Wortzik, is a guy on the edge, desperate and making mistake after mistake. But what’s so fascinating is how Pacino makes Sonny more than just a criminal — he’s a guy trying to do right, but he just can’t catch a break. From the moment Pacino steps into that role, you can’t help but watch him, he’s so magnetic.
What really stands out in Pacino’s perfromance is how he shows Sonny’s vulnerability. I mean, yeah, he’s robbing a bank, but it’s not for the reasons you think. There’s so much emotion underneath all that bravado. Pacino really gets across how much Sonny’s actions are driven by love, regret, and his own confusion. You see him shouting and flipping out, but then there are these moments where you can tell he’s just lost, and it’s heartbreaking. It’s like he doesn’t even know how he got here.
Pacino’s range in this film is wild. He can go from screaming at people to this quiet kind of sadness, and it’s all just so believable. You really feel the tension, like the whole thing’s about to blow up. And Pacino, with all his flaws and fire, just makes you understand Sonny in a way that’s completely human.
The Irishman
In The Irishman, Al Pacino steps into the role of Jimmy Hoffa, a guy whose larger-than-life persona is both magentic and tragic. Pacino’s take on Hoffa isn’t just another mobster, it’s a man caught up in power, betrayal, and loss. From the start, Pacino’s energy as Hoffa is electric — he’s impossible to ignore whenever he’s on screen. Whether he’s yelling at his men, demanding respect, or just trying to hold on to something he’s losing grip on, Pacino gives it all with a rawness that only he can do.
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What makes Pacino’s performance stand out, is how human he makes Hoffa. Yeah, Hoffa’s this powerhouse of ego and anger, but under all that is a man dealing with fear, loss, and just wanting some kind of connection. Pacino shows this with such depth, you can almost feel the weight of Hoffa's choices crushing him. He’s not just the tough guy he looks like — he’s a vulnrable soul hiding behind all that tough exterior.
Jimmy Hoffa, as portrayed by Pacino, was based on the real-life union leader who became infamous for his ties to organized crime. Hoffa was known for his relentless drive, but his ambition eventually led to his downfall. Pacino captures this complexity perfectly, showing Hoffa’s rise and fall in such an authentic way. His disappearance remains a mystery, and Pacino does an amazing job of bringing that mystery to life.
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