Al Pacinobegan his career with his film debut in the 1969 film,Me, Natalie. He then went on to star inPanic in Needle Park(1971), which gained him the attention ofdirector Francis Ford Coppola. Since then, Pacino has gone on to star in countless films and has had some of the most iconic lines in cinema history, made all the more famous by his emphatic acting. This is a list of his best ones.
13The Irishman
The Irishmanis based on the 2004 nonfiction bookI Heard You Paint Housesby Charles Brandt and is directed by Martin Scorsese. The 2019 film stars Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Al Pacino and uses de-aging technology on the main cast. The Irishman is the most expensive and the longest Scorsese film to date. With the film beingover three hours long, fans even created a schedule on when topause the film to take breaks. The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and has some of the best acting from Pacino, who stars as Jimmy Hoffa.The Irishmanis now streaming on Netflix.
12…And Justice for All
“You’re out of order! You’re out of order! The whole trial is out of order!”
…And Justice for Allis a satirical drama about an idealistic lawyer trying to win a case against a corrupt system. The 1979 film is directed by Norman Jewison and received two Academy Award nominations. Al Pacino stars as the idealistic lawyer Arthur Kirkland, and includes this famous line which has been parodied countless times in media.
11The Godfather Part III
“Just when I thought I was out…they pull me back in.”
The Godfather Part IIIis the final film inThe Godfatherseries and is directed by Francis Ford Coppola. InThe Godfather Part III, Pacino returns as Michael Corleone and tries to right the wrongs of his past. Although the 1990 film was considered alet-down after the first films, it does give Pacino some memorable lines.
“You know what they say, don’t you? If you love a man’s garden, you gotta love the man!”
Serpicois a biographical crime drama and one of thebest Sidney Lumet movies, and stars Pacino as the undercover detective Frank Serpico and documents his struggle with the corruption within the NYPD. The 1973 film was a critical success and was nominated for multiple awards.Serpicois now available on Starz.
9Donnie Brasco
“A wise guy’s always right; even when he’s wrong, he’s right.”
Donnie Brascois one of the best undercover cop films ever made, with a great cast including Johnny Depp, Anne Heche, and Pacino. The 1997 film is based on the 1988 nonfiction bookDonnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafiaand is directed by Mike Newell. Depp plays Donnie Brasco, an undercover detective, while Pacino plays Lefty Ruggiero, an enforcer in the Bonanno crime family. This film is one of the movies that made1997 a great year for cinema.Donnie Brascois now streaming on Netflix.
8Scent of a Woman
“There are two kinds of people in this world: those who stand up and face the music, and those who run for cover. Cover is better.”
Scent of a Womanis about a prep school student who takes a job helping a blind and medically retired Army lieutenant colonel. The 1992 film is directed by Martin Brest and stars Chris O’Donnell and Pacino as Lt. Col. Frank Slade.Scent of a Womenis at the top of Pacino’s filmography and has a bunch of memorable lines.
7Dog Day Afternoon
Dog Day Afternoonis a biographical filmabout the 1972 robbery and hostage situation at a Brooklyn Chase branch. The 1975 film is directed by Sidney Lumet and stars Al Pacino as Sonny Wortzik and John Cazale as Sal Naturile. This line has become iconic and is one of the most recognizable in cinema history, a rallying cry for the underclass. It is no surprise that this great movie has been preserved by the Library of Congress.
6Any Given Sunday
“On any given Sunday you’re gonna win, or you’re gonna lose. The point is — can you win or lose like a man?”
Any Given Sundayis easily one of the best football movies ever made and also one ofthe best Oliver Stone films. In the 1999 film, Pacino plays Tony D’Amato, the head coach of the once-great football team the Miami Sharks. Pacino also delivers one of the greatest inspirational speeches of all time at the climax of the film. Any Given Sunday is now streaming on Netflix.
5The Godfather Part II
“There are many things my father taught me here in this room. He taught me: keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.”
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The Godfather Part IIwas both a sequel and a prequel toThe Godfather(1972) and was directed by Francis Ford Coppola. In the 1974 film, Pacino reprises his role as Michael Corleone, now the Don of the family, and he again delivers an incredible performance. Although upon its release,The Godfather Part IIreceived mixed reviews, it is now regarded as one of the greatest films in cinema history.
“I gotta hold on to my angst. I preserve it because I need it. It keeps me sharp, on the edge, where I gotta be.”
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Al Pacino has some great lines in the 1995 crime dramaHeat, but his best comes at a more somber moment and truly shows the range of the actor. The film is written and directed by Michael Mann and stars Pacino, Robert De Niro, Tom Sizemore, Jon Voight, and Val Kilmer. Pacino plays Lieutenant Vincent Hanna, the lead detective investigating a string of robberies and murders while juggling a wife and stepdaughter. Pacino recently said that if they ever remadeHeathewould cast Timothee Chalametas Lieutenant Hanna.Heatis now available on Starz.
