10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to The Godfather Part II (1974)

Description: Similar to The Godfather Part II, Scarface explores themes of power, corruption, and the American Dream through the lens of organized crime. Both films depict the rise and fall of a criminal empire, with a focus on the protagonist's moral decay. The visual aesthetics of Scarface, with its lavish depictions of wealth and violence, echo the grandeur and brutality of The Godfather Part II.

Fact: Al Pacino, who played Michael Corleone in The Godfather series, stars as Tony Montana in Scarface. The film was initially met with mixed reviews but has since become a cult classic. The famous line 'Say hello to my little friend' was improvised by Pacino.

Description: This film shares The Godfather Part II's exploration of the immigrant experience, the passage of time, and the cost of ambition. Both movies use non-linear storytelling to reflect on the past and its impact on the present. The lush cinematography and operatic scale of Once Upon a Time in America are akin to the visual grandeur of The Godfather Part II.

Fact: The film was originally over four hours long but was heavily cut for its U.S. release. Robert De Niro and James Woods star as lifelong friends turned enemies. Director Sergio Leone considered this his masterpiece.

Description: Miller's Crossing shares The Godfather Part II's themes of loyalty, honor, and the moral ambiguities of the criminal world. Both films feature intricate plots and richly drawn characters. The Coen Brothers' stylized dialogue and visual flair in Miller's Crossing are reminiscent of the cinematic craftsmanship in The Godfather Part II.

Fact: The film is heavily influenced by the works of Dashiell Hammett. Gabriel Byrne stars as the protagonist caught between warring factions. The Coen Brothers wrote the screenplay in just three weeks.

Description: A Bronx Tale, like The Godfather Part II, examines the duality of life within and outside the mob. Both films focus on the moral dilemmas faced by their protagonists and the influence of family and environment on their choices. The coming-of-age aspect of A Bronx Tale adds a personal dimension similar to the flashbacks of young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II.

Fact: The film marks Robert De Niro's directorial debut. It is based on Chazz Palminteri's one-man play of the same name. The story is semi-autobiographical, drawing from Palminteri's childhood.

Description: Carlito's Way, like The Godfather Part II, follows a protagonist trying to escape his criminal past, only to be pulled back in. Both films explore themes of redemption and the inescapable nature of one's history. The tragic tone and stylish direction of Carlito's Way resonate with the operatic tragedy of The Godfather Part II.

Fact: Al Pacino stars as Carlito Brigante, a former gangster seeking redemption. The film is based on two novels by Judge Edwin Torres. Director Brian De Palma and Pacino previously collaborated on Scarface.

Description: Casino shares The Godfather Part II's epic scope and detailed portrayal of organized crime's infiltration into legitimate businesses. Directed by Martin Scorsese, it mirrors the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the corrosive effects of power. The film's narrative structure, which spans decades, is reminiscent of The Godfather Part II's non-linear storytelling.

Fact: Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, who starred in The Godfather Part II, reunite in Casino. The film is based on the real-life story of Frank 'Lefty' Rosenthal. Scorsese used over 100 different music tracks to create the film's soundtrack.

Description: Donnie Brasco shares The Godfather Part II's focus on the inner workings of the mafia and the personal costs of living a double life. Both films highlight the themes of trust and betrayal, with deep character studies of those caught in the criminal underworld. The realistic portrayal of mob life in Donnie Brasco mirrors the authenticity of The Godfather Part II.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone. Al Pacino and Johnny Depp star as the central figures in this undercover operation. Pistone's infiltration of the Bonanno crime family lasted six years.

Description: Road to Perdition, like The Godfather Part II, is a meditative crime drama that explores the relationship between fathers and sons within the context of organized crime. Both films use stunning cinematography to underscore their emotional and thematic depth. The elegiac tone of Road to Perdition mirrors the tragic grandeur of The Godfather Part II.

Fact: Tom Hanks stars as a hitman on the run with his son. The film is based on the graphic novel by Max Allan Collins. Director Sam Mendes won an Academy Award for American Beauty prior to this film.

Description: The Departed, like The Godfather Part II, delves into themes of identity, loyalty, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Both films feature complex characters who navigate the treacherous world of organized crime. The tension and psychological depth in The Departed are comparable to the intricate plotting and character development in The Godfather Part II.

Fact: The Departed is a remake of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs. Jack Nicholson's character was loosely based on real-life Boston gangster Whitey Bulger. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: American Gangster, similar to The Godfather Part II, portrays the rise of a criminal empire and the interplay between crime and law enforcement. Both films are based on true stories and examine the complexities of power and morality. The meticulous attention to period detail in American Gangster echoes the historical authenticity of The Godfather Part II.

Fact: Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe star as the film's opposing forces. The story is inspired by the life of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas. Director Ridley Scott conducted extensive research to ensure accuracy.