Our Top 12 Al Pacino Performances

      These Al Pacino performances are sure to impress.

      Hoo-ah!

      **The Panic in Needle Park (1971)**

      Kitty Winn and Al Pacino in The Panic in Needle Park, 20th Century Studios - Credit: C/O

      This film is not for the faint of heart, but if you can overlook the graphic depictions of heroin use, it’s worth it for Pacino’s remarkable and charming performance in his first major role in a feature film.

      Directed by Jerry Schatzberg, with an exceptional screenplay by Joan Didion and her late husband John Gregory Dunne, The Panic in Needle Park features Pacino as Bobby, a scheming petty criminal navigating New York’s “Needle Park.” He forms a passionate yet toxic relationship with a naive homeless woman named Helen, whom he introduces to heroin, leading their lives to revolve around their next fix.

      Furthermore, without this film, Pacino might not have landed the role in The Godfather. Schatzberg allowed Francis Ford Coppola to borrow some footage from it to persuade Paramount executives to cast the unknown Pacino as Michael Corleone, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

      **The Godfather (1972)**

      Al Pacino in The Godfather, Paramount - Credit: C/O

      In what became a defining role for him, Pacino delivers a haunting performance as Michael Corleone in The Godfather. Initially a military veteran returning from service, he gradually transforms into the ruthless leader of a formidable New York crime family.

      Every moment in The Godfather is iconic, but the baptism of Connie’s child stands out, where Michael becomes the godfather and vows to renounce satan and all his works — all while his henchmen brutally eliminate the Corleone family's five biggest enemies.

      Part of what makes Pacino so compelling in this film is his calm exterior, which sharply contrasts the moments when his temper flares.

      **Scarecrow (1973)**

      Gene Hackman and Al Pacino in Scarecrow, Warner Bros. - Credit: C/O

      In his third feature film, Pacino collaborated again with director Jerry Schatzberg to create Scarecrow, a road drama where he stars alongside Gene Hackman.

      The two portray a pair of drifters: Hackman as Max, an ex-con, and Pacino as Lion, a former sailor. After forming an unexpected friendship, they journey across the country with aspirations of opening a car wash upon reaching Pittsburgh. However, their travels take them through some dark and sobering events that strengthen their bond.

      Pacino shines in this quirky and somewhat childlike role, displaying significant depth and range.

      **Serpico (1973)**

      Al Pacino in Serpico, Paramount - Credit: C/O

      In this 1973 film directed by the esteemed Sidney Lumet, Pacino embodies the real-life figure of Frank Serpico.

      The biographical crime drama narrates Serpico's struggle against corruption within the New York City Police Department and his role as a whistleblower during the 1970 Knapp Commission investigation.

      Pacino’s electrifying performance as Serpico reveals his talent for transitioning from calmness to explosive anger in an instant. It’s also one of the rare occasions we see him with a full beard.

      **The Godfather Part II (1974)**

      Al Pacino in The Godfather Part II, Paramount - Credit: C/O

      Two years after the immense success of the first Godfather, Pacino reprises his role as Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part II, delivering yet another powerful performance. This sequel is one of the few cases where fans cherish it as much as the original.

      In The Godfather Part II, the softer, younger Michael Corleone has disappeared — in his place is an older, more experienced, and much harsher Michael, whose every moment is consumed by the need to maintain the family’s power and outsmart his foes.

      In the memorable ballroom scene in Cuba, Pacino grabs his on-screen brother John Cazale's face and delivers the unforgettable line: “I know it was you, Fredo. You broke my heart. You broke my heart.”

      **Dog Day Afternoon (1975)**

      Al Pacino in Dog Day Afternoon, Warner Bros. - Credit: C/O

      In 1975, Pacino reunited with Cazale in Dog Day Afternoon — this time as criminal partners rather than brothers. He also teamed up with director Sidney Lumet again for this biographical crime drama based on the 1972 bank robbery-hostage situation at a Chase Manhattan Bank in Brooklyn, executed by John Wojtowicz and Salvatore Naturile.

      Pacino portrays the mastermind of the operation, Sonny Wortzik (inspired by Wojtowicz), with Cazale as his incompetent accomplice, Sal.

      Pacino showcases an intense gaze in this film as his character mishandles a bank robbery while inadvertently turning into a working-class hero