The Godfather movies in order The Godfather Marathon
Page Last Modified:
9 December 2025
Most Recent Release:
The Godfather Part III - 1990
Total Runtime:
539 Minutes
Total Items:
3
Average User Score:
(8.3)The Godfather movies in order
Some movie nights are fun, but others are legendary. A The Godfather movie marathon undoubtedly belongs to the latter. Whether you're meeting the Corleone family for the first time or embarking on your 27th rewatch, the right order can transform your experience. We're talking about the chronological order, which offers a fresh perspective on these cinematic masterpieces. So grab your cannoli, dim the lights, and prepare for an epic journey through power, family, betrayal, and iconic quotes.
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1
The Godfather Movie 175 min. 1972Spanning the years 1945 to 1955, a chronicle of the fictional Italian-American Corleone crime family. When organized crime family patriarch, Vito Corleone barely survives an attempt on his life, his youngest son, Michael steps in to take care of the would-be killers, launching a campaign of bloody revenge.USER SCORE 9 -
2
The Godfather Part II Movie 202 min. 1974In the continuing saga of the Corleone crime family, a young Vito Corleone grows up in Sicily and in 1910s New York. In the 1950s, Michael Corleone attempts to expand the family business into Las Vegas, Hollywood and Cuba.USER SCORE 9 -
3
The Godfather Part III Movie 162 min. 1990In the midst of trying to legitimize his business dealings in 1979 New York and Italy, aging mafia don, Michael Corleone seeks forgiveness for his sins while taking a young protege under his wing.USER SCORE 7
Why Choose the Chronological Order?
Watching the Godfather trilogy as originally released (Part I, II, III) provides a fascinating blend of past and present, especially in The Godfather Part II. However, if you're planning a marathon and want to follow the story linearly from Vito Corleone's rise to Michael's tragic fate, the chronological order is a game-changer. It allows you to experience the full development of the Corleone crime family without time jumps, enhancing the emotional weight and dramatic buildup.
The Godfather Part II (Young Vito Segments)
We begin with the earliest part of the story: the flashbacks from The Godfather Part II that depict Vito Corleone's youth in Sicily and New York. Here, Robert De Niro introduces us to a young Vito, who loses his parents to the mafia and eventually becomes a respected yet dangerous patriarch within the Italian-American mafia family. These segments lay the foundation for the Corleone family's origins, showcasing how Vito builds his power through loyalty, strategic thinking, and a few "offers you can't refuse."
Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo not only explore the roots of organized crime in America but also how the mob hierarchy and mafia vendettas intertwine with immigrant lives and the American dream. This part, set in early 20th-century New York and Sicily, is rich with references to honor, heritage, and the true meaning of family.
The Godfather (1972)
With Vito's past established, we step into the heart of the saga: The Godfather. This is where it all began, offering an unparalleled lesson in character development and tragedy. Marlon Brando's Vito Corleone is at the height of his power, while Al Pacino's Michael Corleone starts as an outsider in the family business. But that changes quickly.
Produced by Paramount Pictures, this film is a masterpiece of classic gangster cinema. It revolves around family ties, loyalty, and Michael's initial steps toward the inevitable: his entry into the Corleone crime family. From the legendary "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse" to the gripping baptism assassination montage, this film forms the trilogy's beating heart. Also, watch for characters like James Caan's explosive Sonny Corleone, Diane Keaton as Kay Adams, and the ever-reliable Robert Duvall as Tom Hagen.
The Godfather Part II (Michael Segments)
Following Michael's rise in Part I, we continue with his consolidation of power and the onset of his moral and emotional decline in Part II. These segments follow chronologically after Part I. Michael is now the head of the family, facing internal threats and external enemies think the Five Families in New York and the shady Havana Cuba mob operations.
This film delves deep into Michael's paranoia, his distance from Kay, and his ruthless decisions. The Fredo betrayal scene is even more impactful when you follow Michael's entire development. New faces, like Lee Strasberg as Hyman Roth, emphasize the international dimension of organized crime. This is where you truly feel the weight of the crown on Michael's head.
The Godfather Part III
Finally, we arrive at The Godfather Part III, the often underestimated conclusion of the trilogy. Yes, it has its stylistic changes, but watched in chronological order, it feels like a fitting, bittersweet ending. Michael is older, wearier, and trying to leave his crimes behind. But as we all know: just when he thought he was out...
The Vatican banking scandal, Michael and Kay's conflict, and the tragic fate of multiple characters make this a strong finale. Andy Garcia shines as Vincent Mancini, the fiery nephew ready to take over, while Sofia Coppola's Mary Corleone and Joe Mantegna's Joey Zasa represent the new generation. The film explores themes of redemption, legacy, and the price of power. And trust us: you will never forget the final scene.
Tips for Your Godfather Movie Marathon
Planning a marathon night? Timing is key. Expect about 9 hours of film if you watch everything in one sitting. Our advice: split it into two evenings. Start on day one with the Vito segments from Part II and then watch The Godfather. On day two, watch the Michael segments of Part II and finish with Part III. Make it a themed night: serve pasta, play Italian jazz, and memorize a few iconic lines before you start.
Watching with friends? Pause the debate about "which movie is the best" because spoiler alert: all three are essential. And if someone wants to skip Part III... have them read this article. Want to dive even deeper? Check out alternative edits like The Godfather Saga or The Godfather: The Complete Epic, where everything is edited chronologically. But beware: they are not always easy to find.
The Power of One Family, Three Generations
The Godfather trilogy is more than just a series of mafia drama films. It is an organized crime epic that has influenced generations, received countless homages, and continues to enchant new viewers. By watching the films in chronological order, you get a unique experience: you see how a Sicilian boy from Corleone becomes a legend, and how his son despite all the power loses everything that truly matters.
So, is your popcorn ready? Lights dimmed? Then it's time to immerse yourself in one of the most influential film series ever. And remember: it's not just a regular movie night... it's family.