The Godfather trilogy, directed by legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, is one of the most decorated and well-received movie series of all time. While it has been over half a century since the series started, the movies boast lasting relevance and appeal.
For those interested in delving into the Oscar-winning series, this guide will explain how to watch all The Godfather movies in release date order on platforms like Hulu, FuboTV, and more.
The Godfather (1972)
The Godfather follows Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), the youngest son of crime boss Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), who faces pressure to join the family business. At the time of its release, The Godfather revolutionized the film industry by demonstrating just how sophisticated and artful the gangster genre could be.
Few movies boast rich storytelling featuring a tragic hero’s fall, larger-than-life villains, and thematic depth. It was especially groundbreaking because it did away with the sensationalization of most gangster films, instead delving into a character-centered and surprisingly relatable story of family, loyalty, and the American dream. Even if the storyline doesn’t personally resonate with you, it’s hard not to be drawn into the impeccable cinematography and powerhouse performances. If you’re a fan of gangster movies like Goodfellas (1990) or just looking for cinematic brilliance, The Godfather is a must-see.
The Godfather Part II (1974)
The Godfather Part II continues tracking Michael’s deterioration into one of cinema’s greatest villains. It is also partially a prequel and examines the life of young Vito (Robert De Niro). The Godfather Part II is one of those exceedingly rare sequels that actually surpass the original film. It goes to even darker, more thought-provoking territory as it’s no longer a tale of a tragic fall, but an examination of the soullessness of Michael, intercut with Vito’s parallel story.
The film powerfully delves into family dynamics, the immigrant experience, and the difficulty of breaking the cycle of violence, while featuring emotional storytelling and intimate character studies. The Godfather Part II is a must-see if you like The Godfather, as they feel like two parts of the same film rather than separate movies. The film is also a treat for fans of Pacino and De Niro, who offer some of the top performances in their careers.
The Godfather Part III (1990)
Sixteen years after The Godfather Part II, the Godfather trilogy concluded with The Godfather Part III, which wraps up Michael’s story. The Godfather Part III has a complicated legacy due to the absence of Robert Duvall, the controversial casting of Coppola’s daughter Sofia Coppola, and the lack of a strong script. While it certainly struggled to match the acclaim and perfection of its predecessors, it’s still a worthy conclusion to the trilogy.
The film offers closure to viewers, bringing Michael’s story full circle emotionally and strikingly. The Godfather Part III is reminiscent of the magic of the first two films and is a strong work of cinema on its own. If you loved the first Godfather films, you’ll definitely want to watch The Godfather Part III for the whole picture.
The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone (2020)
The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone is a sort of bonus feature for hardcore fans of the Godfather trilogy. It’s essentially a recut of The Godfather Part III, released on the film’s 30th anniversary in 2020.
The recut version includes some minor changes to the beginning and end, as well as some musical and editing tweaks. Coppola has stated that The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone was his original vision for The Godfather Part III. The recut version received better critical reviews than The Godfather Part III, though viewers debate how much it really differs from the original. Ultimately, fans of Coppola and The Godfather will want to give it a watch, as it may impact one’s perspective of the divisive third movie.
