Film critics and audiences often regard Al Pacino as one of the greatest actors of all time. He has well over 50 acting credits to his name, as well as nine Oscar nominations and a staggering 19 Golden Globe nominations. After appearing in his third film, The Godfather (1972), he achieved international stardom and has continued to produce award-winning performances.
For those wishing to delve into his film career, this guide will show you where you can watch the 10 best Al Pacino movies, ranked, on Pluto TV, Prime Video, and more.
10. Scarface (1983)
Scarface follows the journey of Tony Montana (Pacino) as he rises from Cuban immigrant to a fierce and lethal drug lord. Pacino is magnetic as Montana, capturing his volatile temper, arrogance, and self-destructive patterns with grit and realism. Meanwhile, Scarface is a thought-provoking, violent, bloody, and cynical crime drama about how one can fall just as quickly as they rise.
The movie is reminiscent of Breaking Bad (2008) in that it tracks the mesmerizing, drug-fueled rise of antiheroes and their inevitable fall. It’s hard not to be sucked into the adrenaline-inducing rise and the tragic undertones of such stories. As intriguing as Scarface is, Pacino’s volatile performance suffers a little bit from overacting, including his exaggerated Cuban accent. The reliance on stereotypes also means Scarface ranks 10th on this list when compared with more relatable and complex titles, such as The Godfather.
9. …And Justice for All (1979)
…And Justice for All centers on Arthur Kirkland (Pacino), a lawyer whose disillusionment with the justice system comes to a head when he is roped into representing a corrupt judge accused of rape. It’s a heavy, but important film that delves into the complicated subject of whether America’s flawed system actually allows for justice. Pacino also delivers a powerful performance as the spiraling, passionate Kirkland, whose desire to do good is a refreshing change from his typical antihero/villain roles.
…And Justice for All isn’t as bleak and cynical as Scarface, but it does match some of the movie’s over-the-top nature. Its sometimes exaggerated depictions of court and the life of a lawyer mean it teeters awkwardly between satire and drama. Still, …And Justice for All is dramatic, intense, and commendable in its ambition. It'll appeal to fans of other complex legal dramas, such as 12 Angry Men (1957) and Just Mercy (2019).
8. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Glengarry Glen Ross is a dark comedy that tells the story of four real estate agents forced to compete with one another when their office manager reveals that only the two with the most closing deals will retain their jobs at the end of the week. Pacino stars as Richard Roma, the office’s top closer and sales shark, who preys on vulnerable and insecure clients to drive his success.
Glengarry Glen Ross is a dark and thought-provoking story, offering a critical commentary on capitalism and the American Dream. While viewers will be compelled to laugh at the desperation of its characters, they’ll also be somewhat appalled by just how selfish, conniving, and manipulative they are. Sometimes, the fast-talking, business-heavy dialogue can be disconcerting. However, fans of business and finance-based dramas, such as The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) and The Big Short (2015), will devour Glengarry Glen Ross.
7. Donnie Brasco (1997)
In Donnie Brasco, undercover FBI Agent Joseph Pistone (Johnny Depp) infiltrates the Bonanno crime family by posing as mobster Lefty Ruggiero’s (Pacino) friend. However, things grow complicated when he realizes his and Ruggiero’s connection is real. Pacino shines as Lefty, an aging and troubled mob boss who, despite his crimes, viewers can’t help but feel sympathy for. The story of friendship and moral dilemma is also refreshing and helps Donnie Brasco avoid some of the sensationalism and clichés of the crime genre.
While Donnie Brasco is dramatic and intense, with impeccable performances, its story is somewhat familiar, paralleling films like Deep Cover (1992) and Rush (1991), in which an undercover hero gets too deeply involved in their mission. Although Donnie Brasco is not wholly distinct, it dodges stereotypes and clichés and offers a little more realism and authenticity than Scarface and Glengarry Glen Ross.
6. Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
Dog Day Afternoon tells the story of Sonny Wortzik (Pacino), based on the real-life John Wojtowicz, an inexperienced criminal whose attempt to rob a bank results in a complicated hostage situation. The film is quite different from the typical crime drama/heist movie, especially given the unexpected motive behind Wortzik’s actions. Like his performance as Lefty, Pacino’s Wortzik is another that draws sympathy, but to an even greater extent, as he captures the spiralling, painfully human, and tragic nature of the character.
Dog Day Afternoon as a whole masterfully utilizes tension and suspense, given its hostage situation. Although it dabbles in humor throughout its unfortunate sequence of events, it’s one of those movies with an unexpected emotional twist that hits harder due to its gradual build-up. Funny, thoughtful, and empathetic, Dog Day Afternoon is more profound than …And Justice for All, but its slightly anti-climactic premise prevents it from ranking higher on this list.
5. The Insider (1999)
The Insider is a biographical drama about CBS producer Lowell Bergman (Pacino), who struggles to create a platform for tobacco industry whistleblower Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe) despite intense retaliation from Wigand’s employer. The film is so intense and fast-paced that it often feels more like a thriller than a drama, as it explores the threats and dangers that sometimes arise from the truth. It’s the kind of movie that leaves one inspired by its hero but indignant about the sheer forces against them.
The Insider offers the same suspense and unpredictable nature as Dog Day Afternoon, but never does it drag, and it tackles a story with many more layers to peel back. It’s also an excellent film for viewers seeking something a little less violent and over-the-top than Pacino’s typical work. If you loved Spotlight (2015), The Post (2017), and other movies about the pursuit of truth, you’ll love The Insider.
4. Scent of a Woman (1992)
Scent of a Woman follows Charlie (Chris O’Donnell), a student who takes a job caring for blind veteran Lt. Col. Frank Slade (Pacino) and slowly builds a bond with him. Like The Insider, Scent of a Woman is another of Pacino’s films that sits outside his typical filmography as a slow-burning, refreshing drama. Pacino’s performance is what truly drives the film, though, as he captures the bitterness, despondency, vulnerability, and passion of the complicated Slade.
Scent of a Woman is highly reminiscent of movies like A Man Called Otto (2022) and The Holdovers (2023), paralleling the searing, emotional stories of loneliness, despair, and the power of unexpected human connections. Like Donnie Brasco, it’s not the most original movie in terms of themes. However, the heartfelt tale and Pacino’s Oscar-winning performance still carry Scent of a Woman near the top of his filmography.
3. Serpico (1973)
Serpico is based on the true story of police detective Frank Serpico (Pacino), who takes on the corruption of the NYPD, even though it puts him in immense danger. The film is highly reminiscent of The Insider, but with higher stakes, which makes its tale even more awe-inspiring. Pacino shines in the role, convincingly embodying the character of a cop and radiating passion and conviction.
In addition to powerful performances and a story, Serpico offers a bold and unflinching look at police corruption that remains relevant to this day. Its grit, intensity, and suspense are the perfect way to frame its complicated story, and it never loses its realism while still elevating its hero’s story. If you loved The Insider and …And Justice for All but want an even more impeccably, meticulously crafted and thought-provoking film, Serpico is a must-see.
2. The Godfather Part II (1974)
The Godfather Part II tracks Michael Corleone’s (Pacino) further descent into the world of crime, and also goes back in time to probe young Vito Corleone’s (Robert De Niro) founding of the crime family. After the success of The Godfather, The Godfather Part II achieved the seemingly impossible, offering a sequel that is as beloved as the original. It boasts higher stakes, darker heights, and an even deeper dive into the cold, dark world of crime.
The sequel also gives Pacino a chance to fully embody the villainy of Corleone, capturing the whole tragedy and extent of his transformation. While The Godfather Part II is a must-see for fans of The Godfather and Pacino, it doesn’t quite eclipse the original’s tale of family and a tragic hero’s fall.
1. The Godfather (1972)
The Godfather tells the story of Michael Corleone (Pacino), who is initially reluctant to follow in the footsteps of his father, crime boss Vito (Marlon Brando), but gradually finds himself drawn deeper into the family business. Few films are as groundbreaking as The Godfather, which revolutionized the gangster genre with its sophisticated, rich storytelling and larger-than-life characters.
What The Godfather did best was make its characters relatable through their loyalty to family and the complex motivations behind their crime. While Pacino is frightening in The Godfather Part II, The Godfather allows his descent to unfold in real-time, adding to the tragedy and emotional impact. Through its revolutionary depiction of the Mafia, dazzling performances, and rich, tragic storytelling, The Godfather stands as Pacino’s very best work.
