Scarface [1983]

  • Released year: 1983
  • Genre: Crime, Drama
  • Directed by: Brian De Palma
  • Actors: Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer
  • Production company : Universal Pictures

Antonio “Tony” Montana was extradited from Cuba to the United States and lived in a refugee camp. To earn a living, he works as a dishwasher in a store. He received an offer for a dangerous drug deal but he completed it well. His ability makes him cooperate with the mafia on a larger scale.

The character of Tony Montana will always be associated with Al Pacino because of his iconic looks. Scarface’s influence did not stop in the decade when the film was released, it is even said to be the inspiration for the birth of hip hop. His influence has also inspired one of the most popular games, Grand Theft Auto.

Frankie and Johnny [1991]

  • Release year: 1991
  • Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
  • Directed by: Gary Marshall
  • Actors: Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Hector Elizondo
  • Production company : Paramount Pictures

Johnny is a man who has just been released from prison. To start a new life, he applied for a job at a restaurant to become a chef. Once accepted, he became acquainted with Frankie, who also worked there. Over time, Johnny develops more feelings for Frankie, who is traumatized in love.

In the movie Frankie & Johnny, Al Pacino plays in a genre of films that he rarely participates in, that is romantic comedy. His ability to play the part of a shy Johnny is seen as a success outside of his comfort zone. While it may sound trivial, this movie isn’t boring at all with a hint of humor in it.

The Devil’s Advocate [1997]

  • Release year : 1997
  • Genre: Drama, Mystery, Horror
  • Directed by: Taylor Hackford
  • Actors: Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, Charlize Theron
  • Production company: Warner Bros., Regency Enterprises, Kopelson Entertainment

Kevin Lomax is a young Florida attorney who has never lost in court. His record earned him a job offer in New York which he eventually accepted. His career took off and made him a successful lawyer. It turns out that success comes at a heavy price because of the devil’s help.

The Devil’s Advocate stars Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino in the lead roles. Al Pacino plays John Milton, one of the lawyers who owns a law firm in New York. Al Pacino’s ability to play a character who looks calm and wise while on the other hand displaying evil tricks deserves special praise.

Carlito’s Way [1993]

  • Release year : 1993
  • Genre: Crime, Drama, Horror
  • Directed by: Brian De Palma
  • Actors: Al Pacino, Sean Penn, Penelope Ann Miller
  • Production company: Universal Pictures, Epic Productions, Bregman / Baer Productions

Carlito Brigante is a former drug mafia who has just been released from prison. He plans to become a car businessman and live happily with his girlfriend, Gail. But his lawyer, David Kleinfeld has really brought him back to the mafia world. As a result, Carlito’s life is always in danger.

Carlito’s Way features Al Pacino as Carlito and Sean Penn as David Kleinfeld. Scarface is directed by Brian De Palma. Al Pacino’s mafia role was praised again. This film is not only about how dangerous the mafia world is but also about the inner conflicts like a troubled love triangle.

The Godfather [1972]

  • Release year : 1972
  • Genre: Crime, Drama
  • Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
  • Actors: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan
  • Production company : Paramount Pictures, Alfaran Productions

Don Vito Corleone is a bandit who has entered old age. He has four sons, Sonny, Fredo, Michael and Connie. Along with many other bandits fighting with his family, Vito is shot. His position was replaced by Sonny as the eldest but was considered a failure in leadership.

The quiet Michael makes his move by killing his family’s mafia rival and getting him exiled to Italy, while Sonny is killed and Michael intends to take revenge. The Godfather is one of the most famous movies of all time. The player’s ability to enter iconic characters and dialogue is the main reason.

Insomnia [2002]

  • Release year : 2002
  • Genre: Drama, Mystery, Horror
  • Directed by: Christopher Nolan
  • Actors: Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Hilary Swank
  • Production company: Alcon Entertainment, Witt / Thomas Productions, Section Eight

A 17-year-old girl was murdered in Nightmute, a small town in Alaska. The case remains a mystery, so Detective Dormer and his partner Hap are brought in to investigate. Dormer was exposed to the case and Hap’s testimony would accuse him of causing them to contradict.

Dormer accidentally shoots Hap, who is believed to be the real culprit, Walter Finch. To cover up his guilt, he confesses that his teammate was shot by Finch. He ended up co-conspiring with Finch, who saw the incident. This was exacerbated by Dormer’s insomnia causing him to hallucinate and have difficulty concentrating.

Sleepless Ins stars Al Pacino and Robin Williams in the lead roles. Al Pacino, who plays Detective Dormer, does a good job as a supposedly heroic detective, but instead makes a big mistake that has to be covered up with lies. This movie is very interesting in terms of story and cinematography.

Heat [1995]

  • Release year: 1995
  • Genre: Crime, Drama, Horror
  • Directed by: Michael Mann
  • Actors: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer
  • Production company: Warner Bros., Regency Enterprises, Forward Pass

Neil McCauley is a robber who likes to target high-value things like banks, cars, transportation equipment. McCauley’s actions became known by Vincent Hanna, who handled thefts and murders. Along with the police team, Hanna attempts to capture McCauley, who then devises an epic escape strategy.

Robert De Niro and Al Pacino will return for a movie after The Godfather Part II. Not only because of the names of the two main characters that make Enthusiasm special, but also because the portrayal of the protagonist and villain becomes blurred when entering the middle of the film. So compelling that, this movie is considered one of the greatest heist movies of all time.

Scent of a Woman [1992]

  • Release year : 1992
  • Genre: Drama
  • Directed by: Martin Brest
  • Actors: Al Pacino, Chris O’Donnell, James Rebhorn
  • Production company : Universal Pictures, City Light Films

Frank Slade is a retired soldier who lost his sight. Charlie Simms, a student who wants to work on weekends and take the job of taking care of Slade, who has left his family on vacation. Slade is no ordinary old man, he has a strong personality and sometimes behaves nasty towards Simms.

One day, Simms is forced to go with him to New York. It turns out that Sims can choose a lot when he meets Slade. Scent of a Woman is a genre of drama that sounds ordinary but brings many positive messages. Al Pacino, who plays Frank Slade, shows how truly haunting loneliness can be.

Donnie Brasco [1997]

  • Release year : 1997
  • Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
  • Directed by: Mike Newell
  • Actors: Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen
  • Production company: Mandalay Entertainment, Baltimore Pictures, Mark Johnson Productions

Joe Pistone is an FBI agent who uses the pseudonym Donnie Brasco to join a mafia group. With Lefty’s help, he became a member of the mafia. The two of them began to develop a very close friendship. Brasco managed to gain the trust and even be trusted to lead for the Florida area.

Their friendship is put to the test when Lefty discovers who Brasco really is. In this Donnie Brasco movie, Al Pacino plays a mafia who is starting to age and his career is not going up despite his loyalty to his mafia group. Many people have praised Al Pacino’s performance in this movie, even saying that he deserves an award for his performance in this movie.

The Irishman [2019]

  • Release year : 2019
  • Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
  • Directed by: Martin Scorsese
  • Actors: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci
  • Production company : Tribeca Productions, Sikelia Productions, Winkler Films

Frank Sheeran was originally a meat delivery driver. His encounter with Russell Bufalino leads him to be tasked with killing or threatening certain people. Because of his trust, he was assigned to accompany Frank Hoffa, who was a union president in the US, to participate in politics.

Over time, their relationship becomes close and friendly while on the other hand, Russell and his mafia group feel threatened by Hoffa’s existence and assign Frank to kill Hoffa. The Irishman is an adaptation of the book I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt.

The main characters are experts in movies about the mafia, that is, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. Al Pacino played Jimmy Hoffa in The Irishman. At 3 hours and 29 minutes, we can’t help but be stunned to see how organized crime in the 60s involved mafia groups, trade unions and politicians.

Those are the 10 best Al Pacino movies that you should not miss. Through these films, you can witness the growth of one of Hollywood’s best actors through the ages. Try it, which movie makes you curious? You can share your opinion in the comments if you’ve seen it!