The Godfather (1972)

There are films that entertain, and then there are films that define cinema. The Godfather is firmly the latter as a masterclass in storytelling that transformed the gangster genre and redefined filmmaking in the 1970s. Al Pacino's transformation from reluctant son to calculating mob boss is the movie's biggest draw. Even though I've seen it a million times, it's hard not to get mesmerized by all the blood, betrayal, lies, and power struggles. For all these reasons, The Godfather remains one of my all-time favorite movies because it always feels like stepping into a cinematic time capsule.

The Godfather, based on the novel by Mario Puzo and with a screenplay penned by the author, is the pinnacle of crime movies. At almost 3 hours, it never feels like it drags, even as it tells the story of the Corleone family, from patriarch Vito to son Michael, who ends up having to take the reigns after a series of events pushes him to become the new Godfather. A study on loyalty and the real meaning of family, the movie’s message is perfectly transmitted by a cast with no weak links. A definite must-watch.