Al Pacino’s Best On-Screen Moments

There are few actors with the kind of pedigree that Al Pacino possesses.

He is known for playing some of the most emblematic characters of all-time, and there are certainly more than a few memorable scenes with him front and center.

Here’s a quick look at some of Pacino’s best scenes through his illustrious career!

Scarface – “Say Hello.. to my Little Friend” scene

Scarface is a true Pacino classic where he plays the iconic Tony Montana who starts out as a small-time crook and later becomes one of the top dealers in the cocaine world.

The soundtrack and overall scene in ‘80s Miami makes it a long and unforgettable movie that is worth a rewatch.

The last scene is the most iconic and includes the lines “You wanna play rough? OK.” where Montana then takes on a number of Colombian paramilitiaries in an incredibly violent scene for the ages.

Dog Day Afternoon – “Attica” scene

One of Pacino’s more memorable scenes comes in Dog Day Afternoon as he repeatedly yells “Attica” again and again.

It is an interesting movie in general as it combines comedy, thrills and also political commentary. It also takes place in the gritty ‘70s New York City. 

Pacino is saying “Attica” to reference the Attica Prison Riot, which was about the harsh living conditions of prisoners and also led to the murder of a man.

This is especially an anti-establishment movie that really puts Pacino in a memorable scene and role.

Scent of a Woman – “No Mistakes in the Tango” scene

There are a few great Al Pacino-isms in this one too, as this is the movie where his well known “Whoo Ahh” expression comes from.

His character is a retired Army Colonel who is blind and he takes Chris O’Donnell’s character on a trip to New York.

The “No Mistakes in the Tango” scene features Pacino’s character talking a woman into dancing with him and it shows that even at an older age Pacino still had charm.

The Godfather – Meeting Sollozzo scene

This list could not be complete without Pacino’s roles in the Godfather series.

There are so many good scenes to choose from but the scene where Pacino’s Michael Corleone meets Sollozzo is the best in the first movie.

Pacino uses small facial expressions to great length and there is a true feeling of drama coming throughout the scene. 

There is also the excellent directing by Francis Ford Coppola with additional things put into the scene like a train passing and colors that are darkened.

This helps make this scene very memorable in the first movie in what was Pacino’s trademark role.

The Godfather, Part II – “You’re not a friend. You’re not a brother.” scene

This is of course the second Godfather scene where Pacino really goes above and beyond.

It is after Michael Corleone finds out that his brother Fredo has betrayed the family and follows the also iconic line, “I know it was you, Fredo.”

Following this, Michael and Fredo argue and Michael then pushes Fredo to get whatever information he can from Fredo.

The tension between the two brothers is certainly palpable and it is one of the most dramatic scenes in the entire franchise. The true power of Michael Corleone is felt with every line.