How to Select the Best Al Pacino Movies

Al Pacino is arguably the most accomplished actor of his generation. His personality and passion have entertained movie patrons since the early 1970s. Several of his performances stand out above the rest. Read on to find out about some of his finest roles.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• DVD's of Al Pacino movies
• DVD player

1. Set aside four hours one evening and watch Al Pacino's 1972 breakout performance as Michael Corleone in "The Godfather." His feistiness and intensity in that role earned him his first Academy Award nomination.

2. 
    
   Pacino as hippie cop Frank Serpico

   Watch Pacino nail the character of cop Frank Serpico in the 1973 movie "Serpico." His riveting portrayal of an offbeat cop assured him of his second Oscar nomination in as many years.

3. Soak in Pacino's work on the other side of the law as a bank robber named Sonny in "Dog Day Afternoon." Though he again fell short of winning the Academy Award, he was nominated yet again.

4. Fast forward to 1979 and pop in "And Justice For All." Watch Pacino as attorney Arthur Kirkland become increasingly angry and disillusioned at the justice system in another gripping role that garnered him an Academy Award nomination.

5. Pop in the DVD of Al Pacino as Cuban drug kingpin Tony Montana in "Scarface," which earned him yet another Oscar nomination. This Oliver Stone classic is violent, but brilliant. And, yes, Pacino was nominated again for an Academy Award.

6. Finally! Watch Pacino's Oscar-winning performance as blind veteran Frank Slade in the 1992 classic, "Scent of a Woman." Pacino was more than believable in this difficult role, which he played with passion and a romantic touch.

Tips & Warnings

• Try other Al Pacino movies such as "Sea of Love" from 1989 in which he portrays detective Frank Keller and "The Devil's Advocate" in 1997 in which he plays a satanic character.
• Don't limit your view of Pacino to roles as cops or criminals. Watch movies in which he nailed other roles and displayed his versatility.