Spielberg Calls The Godfather the Greatest American Film Ever

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Summary

  • Spielberg praised “The Godfather” as the greatest American film ever, inspiring generations.
  • Fans can stream “The Godfather” trilogy on Paramount+ which has been influential in filmmaking.
  • Despite speculation, “The Godfather 4” remains uncertain, with no confirmed plans for production.

Since the release of “Jaws” up until “Jurassic Park”, Steven Spielberg has directed numerous films that have captivated and motivated cinema enthusiasts, with no signs of him slowing down. According to Variety in May 2024, it appears that his next movie will hit screens in the summer of 2026, and it seems to be centered around UFOs. With Spielberg’s impressive track record in science fiction, there are many reasons to look forward to this upcoming project.

As a cinephile, I’m always intrigued by the opinions of industry titans like Steven Spielberg. Recently, he shared his thoughts on his favorite films, even going so far as to call one highly-acclaimed American movie “the greatest ever made.” Can you guess which masterpiece he was referring to? Fans eager to watch this cinematic marvel can stream it online.

Here’s Where You Can Stream The Godfather, Francis Ford Coppola’s Iconic Movie That Steven Spielberg Praised

Towards the end of April 2025, Francis Ford Coppola was honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award, with George Lucas and Steven Spielberg as the presenters. As reported by Variety, Spielberg reminisced about The Godfather’s influence on him personally and culturally. In his speech, Coppola expressed:

“The Godfather, for me, is the greatest American film ever made.”

Spielberg continued:

By reinterpreting previous cinematic standards and setting new benchmarks for American films, you’ve ignited the passion of numerous storytellers. It’s an ongoing desire of mine to create work that makes you feel proud and satisfied.

Viewers can effortlessly watch The Godfather on Paramount+. It’s challenging to express enough how impactful this film, initially released in 1972, has been for both filmmakers and viewers. Co-written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the movie boasts an exceptionally high Rotten Tomatoes rating: 97% on the Tomatometer and 98% on the Popcornmeter. Not surprisingly, two sequels emerged following the success of the first film. The Godfather: Part II, released in 1974, and The Godfather Part III, released in 1990, are also accessible on Paramount+. Over time, fans have engaged in heated discussions regarding the quality of The Godfather 3, but many view it as one of the greatest film trilogies ever made. Coppola collaborated with Mario Puzo, who penned the crime novel The Godfather, which was published in 1969, on writing the three films.

In the movie “The Godfather,” we follow the story of Vito Corleone, portrayed by Marlon Brando, and his sons Sonny, played by James Caan, and Michael, acted by Al Pacino. Diane Keaton took on the role of Michael’s wife, Kay Adams-Corleone. Despite the star-studded cast, it might surprise you to know that Robert De Niro was initially not part of the first film. According to Today.com, De Niro auditioned for the role of Sonny, which eventually went to Pacino. However, things turned out well for De Niro’s career as he didn’t appear in “The Godfather.” Instead, he played Vito Corleone in “The Godfather: Part II” and won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. As reported by Deadline, De Niro later praised Coppola, saying:

Dear Francis, I’m grateful that I didn’t land the role in “The Godfather”. It was an opportunity I missed out on, but one that ultimately led me to be available for “The Godfather Part II”. You played a pivotal role in shaping my career and my life.

What are some other well-known movies directed by Francis Ford Coppola?

  • The Conversation (1974)
  • Apocalypse Now (1979)
  • The Outsiders (1983)
  • Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

It’s intriguing to ponder over the various films and TV shows that have inspired Steven Spielberg, given his extensive portfolio spanning sci-fi classics like those he directed, heartfelt dramas such as The Fabelmans, and iconic horror movies like Jaws. Among other titles, it’s worth noting that he’s a fan of The Last of Us. In 2023, Spielberg penned a letter to Craig Mazin, the co-creator of the HBO series, expressing his thoughts on season 1, episode 3, entitled “Long, Long Time.

Will The Godfather 4 Be Made?

For quite some time now, fans have pondered whether a fourth film of “The Godfather” series might still be possible, given that it never materialized. As reported by IndieWire, when Mario Puzo, the co-writer, passed away in 1999, director Francis Ford Coppola opted against creating the fourth installment.

In 2020, Paramount said The Godfather 4 is a “possibility.” The studio said:

Though no immediate plans have been made for another movie in the ‘Godfather’ series, considering the lasting impact it has, there could be a continuation if an appealing storyline arises.

No new developments have emerged since that time, leaving many believing that the fourth film may never come to fruition. However, in January 2025, fans discovered a trailer online, but as reported by The New York Post, Sylvester Stallone himself debunked it on social media, stating that it was not authentic.

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2025-04-28 21:17