Legendary performances that remain some of the best ever given from an all-star cast, iconic cinematography, and some of the absolute best, most human character development that ever made its way to a screen.

Adaptations aren't usually this faithful or brilliant. This movie and the book it's based on influenced society for a reason, they are landmark achievements. Very, very few movies feature characters that bring so much to the screen, and the study of power in The Godfather series will forever be etched in history for its brilliance.

Personally I'd probably have to rank Part II above the first movie even, largely due to Hyman Roth and the conflict that brews between him and Michael. As an antagonist, he brings a bit more to the table than Barzini in the first movie. Part II also benefits from legendary performances from both Al Pacino and Robert de Niro as young Vito.

The 1970s was the decade for films as art, more than any other decade. It's a shame that the modern era is dominated by the likes of The Avengers.