The Godfather (1972)
Kernel Score: 96% · 22,553 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Crime
Released: 1972-03-14
Runtime: 175 minutes
Is The Godfather worth watching?
Must-watch. The standard against which crime dramas are measured. It's a patient, beautifully acted family story about power and loyalty, and it deserves its reputation.
Watch it if you
- like slow, serious crime dramas
- want superb acting
- enjoy family stories with moral weight
Skip it if you
- dislike three-hour running times
- want fast action
Best for: Quiet night, full attention
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Godfather
- Stream: Prime Video, Paramount+
- Rent: JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
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 parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Godfather is an R-rated mafia epic with brutal gun violence and morally compromised characters, framed by intense family loyalty.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Gun violence, gang violence, assassinations, and bloody revenge run throughout the crime saga.
- Language: Moderate — Strong profanity appears in this R-rated organized-crime drama.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Godfather
If you liked The Godfather, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Godfather Part II (1974) — 93%: The sequel, often regarded as just as good.
- GoodFellas (1990) — 92%: Another landmark gangster film, sharper and faster.
- Once Upon a Time in America (1984) — 91%: Epic gangster story across several decades.
- The Departed (2006) — 96%: Modern crime thriller about loyalty and betrayal.
- Scarface (1983) — 88%: Brutal rise-and-fall crime drama.
- The Irishman (2019) — 86%: Late-career mob story from a master.
Director
Cast
- Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone
- Al Pacino as Michael Corleone
- James Caan as Sonny Corleone
- Robert Duvall as Tom Hagen
- Richard S. Castellano as Clemenza
- Diane Keaton as Kay Adams
- Talia Shire as Connie Corleone Rizzi
- Gianni Russo as Carlo Rizzi
- Sterling Hayden as Captain McCluskey
- John Marley as Jack Woltz
The Godfather FAQ
Is The Godfather worth watching?
Must-watch. The standard against which crime dramas are measured. It's a patient, beautifully acted family story about power and loyalty, and it deserves its reputation.
Where can I watch The Godfather?
In the US you can stream The Godfather on Prime Video and Paramount+ and rent it from JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Is The Godfather OK for kids?
The Godfather is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Godfather is an R-rated mafia epic with brutal gun violence and morally compromised characters, framed by intense family loyalty.
What movies are like The Godfather?
If you liked The Godfather, try The Godfather Part II, GoodFellas, Once Upon a Time in America and The Departed.