Some movies provide you with great scenes. And the rest of them give you those unforgettable characters.” But The Godfather? It gave us quotes. Classic, endlessly repeated quotes that have been imitated in pop culture for over 50 years. Whether you have seen it once or a dozen times, you know the feeling: Someone says a line like “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse,” and boom — you are back in that smoky room with Don Vito, sitting across from a man who doesn’t yet know that he has already lost.
The Godfather established the prototype and high-water mark of all mafia films upon its release in 1972. Advertisement Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and adapted from Mario Puzo’s novel, it traces the histories of the Corleone family through loyalty and betrayal, power plays and, naturally, blood-soaked repercussions. From Don Vito’s cool head to Michael Corleone’s chilling transformation, The Godfather is a lesson in storytelling — and in making memorable lines. It can be watched on platforms like Tubi.
If you want the best Godfather quotes, the lines that still hit like a slug of too-strong whiskey or the news of a sudden, button man-ordered hit on your brother-in-law at dinner, here are the ones that made the movie memorable.
- Don Vito Corleone: I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.
- Michael Corleone: It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business.
- Don Vito Corleone: A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.
- Clemenza: Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.
- Michael Corleone: Don’t ever take sides with anyone against the family again. Ever.
- Don Vito Corleone: Revenge is a dish best served cold.
- Tom Hagen: Mr. Corleone is a man who insists on hearing bad news immediately.
- Don Vito Corleone: You talk about vengeance. Is vengeance going to bring your son back to you?
- Sonny Corleone: Whataya gonna do, nice college boy, eh? Didn’t want to get mixed up in the family business?
- Michael Corleone: Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.
- Don Vito Corleone: I have a sentimental weakness for my children, and I spoil them, as you can see.
- Michael Corleone: Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment.
- Don Vito Corleone: Someday, and that day may never come, I’ll call upon you to do a service for me.
- Michael Corleone: Who’s being naive, Kay?
- Tessio: Tell Mike it was only business. I always liked him.
