When it was first released, The Godfather became such a huge hit that it was the highest-grossing movie ever made at the time. And The Godfather Part II is the example everyone uses when talking about sequels that were better than the original.
The third movie in the trilogy might not be as classic or acclaimed as the first two – mainly because Francis Ford Coppola never wanted to make a third movie and wanted to leave The Godfather series as two parts – but it’s not that it’s bad; it just isn’t as good as the first two and it still has its own memorable quotes too.
Updated on June 30th, 2022 by Colin McCormick: It has been 50 years since the release of The Godfather and it is still regarded as one of the greatest movies of all time. The Godfather Part II often ranks just as high among fans and The Godfather Part III has even gained more appreciation over the years. In all, The Godfather trilogy is a monumental series, and the recent Paramount+ series The Offer has only added to its legacy. So with so many more memorable quotes from these movies, fans can continue to revisit The Godfather trilogy.
Receiving A Message
Clemenza: "It's A Sicilian Message. It Means Luca Brasi Sleeps With The Fishes."
The world the Corleone family inhabits in these movies is filled with danger, even for a family who seems as untouchable as them. The first indication of the enemies surrounding them comes with the assassination of heir enforcer Luca Brasi.
Following the attempt on Don Corleone's life, they receive a dead fish and know the message immediately. It is one of those small details that add so much to the world of the mafia and their fascinating yet chilling ways.
His Father's Advice
Michael: "Keep Your Friends Close But Your Enemies Closer."
The most fascinating aspect of the trilogy is the comparison between Michael and his father, Vito. Though Michael originally rejects the family business, once he takes it over, he proves to be an even more ruthless gangster than his father.
The Godfather Part II shows how Michael veered away from his father's path of protecting his family and made it more about power. Michael reflects on this famous piece of advice Vito once told him, but it is clear the two men had different interpretations of what it meant.
Mourning Sonny
Vito: "Look How They Massacred My Boy."
The mix of family and a life of violence is central to the story. Vito Corleone himself has the presence of an intimidating and powerful figure in the crime world, but this moment in which he looks upon the body of his oldest son Sonny reminds fans that he is a father as well.
Seeing this man of great power breakdown at the sight of his boy and lament that he played some role in causing this to happen, is a powerful moment. It also proves that Vito put family before business.
Fredo's Breakdown
Fredo: "I'm Your Older Brother, Mike, And I Was Stepped Over!"
There are so many compelling relationships in these movies and the one between Michael and his older brother Fredo is one of the best. The Godfather Part II dives into this dynamic which culminates in this wonderful scene in which Fredo desperately lets his years of feeling inadequate poor out.
He bemoans the fact that he was next in line to take over after the death of Vito and Sonny, but Michael was chosen instead. He knows everyone sees him as stupid and a failure and the tragedy of the character shines through in John Cazale's amazing performance.
The Baptism
Priest: "Do You Renounce Satan?"
One of the most iconic moments in the trilogy is the famous baptism sequence that cements the kind of man Michael will be as the head of the family. As he stands to see his niece being baptized, there is a montage of all of the family's enemies being systematically assassinated at Michael's orders.
The priest's question about rejecting Satan just as the slayings begin and Michael's emotionless answer seems to show that Michael is the villain rather than the hero of the story.
Failed Assassination
Sollozzo: "He's Still Alive. They Hit Him With 5 Shots And He's Still Alive."
With the hard life Vito Corleone lived, it would have to take a lot for his enemies to put him down for good. While he would later succumb to a fatal heart attack, he almost dies earlier in the first film when "The Turk" Sollozzo attempts to have him killed while he's buying some fruit.
Amazingly though, Corleone survives and upon hearing this news, Virgil Sollozzo flips from being a calm figure to the kidnapped Tom Hagen to a hostile and angry man furious with his failure. The attempt on Vito's life was repaid by Michael when he shot Sollozzo dead but this line is still a classic one.
No Escape
Michael: "Just When I Think I'm Out, They Pull Me Back In."
Despite how much he may have tried, Michael Corleone could never leave the crime business alone. By the time of The Godfather Part III, Michael Corleone is hellbent on finally achieving his goal of legitimizing the Corleone family name.
However, when he discovers that his mafia partners are attempting to sabotage his Immobiliare move, Michael finds himself pulled back into the life he's tried to leave behind. This quote shows how Michael was never truly able to escape the dark underworld of crime.
A Debt Is Owed
Vito: "Some Day, And That Day May Never Come, I Will Call Upon You To Do A Service For Me."
Almost any line Vito Corleone said in his time on-screen can be considered for a memorable line, but this one from the opening scene in the movie is definitely up there.
As Bonasera pleaded with Don Corleone to make his daughters' attackers suffer for what they did to her, Corleone eventually agreed that they would pay. However, Corleone never does anything for free and made a promise that one day, he may ask a favor of Bonasera. That day would come when Vito's son Santino was gunned down and Vito needed the body cleaned up for an open casket funeral.
Family Secrets
Michael: "Don't Ask Me About My Business Kay"
While their relationship begins as sweet and simple, the romance between Kay Adams and Michael Corleone becomes fragmented as the series goes on and gets worse the more Michael sinks into his business. But don't ask him about that though.
In the closing scene of the first movie, Michael says this iconic line to his wife when she asks if he was the one who murdered his brother-in-law, Carlo. This is one of the first of many lies he tells Kay which widens the divide between these once star-crossed lovers.
Priorities
Clemenza: "Leave The Gun, Take The Cannoli."
Cannoli is a delicious and creamy Italian pastry, but its legacy in cinema is all about the brutal murder of Paulie at the hands of Rocco.
Suspecting Paulie to be the traitor of the Corleone family, a hit is put out on Paulie's head and once the kill is executed Clemenza utters this classic line to his partner. In of plot, this is very much a throwaway line but the carefree delivery of it shows just how deep into the gangster lifestyle this Corleone family veteran is.
