The Godfather (1972) and Godfather Part II (1974): Consistently ranked as being among the greatest motion pictures ever produced. The first epic film, in particular, flip flops on some all-time lists with the Civil War-classic Gone with the Wind as holding down the top spot as the best in history. As good as these two films were, however, The Godfather films pale in comparison to the absolutely riveting book by Mario Puzo detailing the rise and near fall of the Corleone family and its succession of power from patriarch Vito down to reluctant son Michael, and the price he pays for inheriting that power. The Godfather revitalized the career of Marlon Brando while introducing moviegoers to magnificent young talents (Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro).
