The Godfather, written by Mario Puzo, is one of the most popular novels across the world. Originally published in 1969, the book has been adapted into a movie trilogy that is as popular (if not more) as the book.
With iconic characters like Don Vito Corleone, Sonny Corleone, and Peter Clemenza among many others, The Godfather is a mine full of epic one-liners and quotes. In this article, you will find 50 of the best quotes from The Godfather.
1. “A friend should always underestimate your virtues and an enemy overestimate your faults.”– Don Vito Corleone
2. “My father assured him that either his brains or his signature would be on the contract.”– Michael Corleone
3. “Women and children can be careless, but not men.”– Don Vito Corleone
4. “I have learned more from the streets than in any classroom.”– Don Vito Corleone
5. “Don’t tell me that you’re innocent. Because it insults my intelligence and it makes me very angry.”– Michael Corleone
6. “Revenge is a dish best served cold.”– Don Vito Corleone
7. “I don’t like violence, Tom. I’m a businessman. Blood is a big expense.”– Virgil “The Turk” Sollozzo
8. “I have a sentimental weakness for my children and I spoil them, as you can see. They talk when they should listen.”– Don Vito Corleone
9. “Tell your boss he can ask for anything else, but this is one favor I can’t grant him.”– Jack Woltz
10. “Great men are not born great, they grow great.”– Don Vito Corleone
11. “A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.”– Don Vito Corleone
12. “I believe in America. America has made my fortune.”– Amerigo Bonasera
13. “Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment.” – Michael Corleone
14. “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” – Don Vito Corleone
15. “Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.” – Michael Corleone
16. “A man in my position can’t afford to look ridiculous.” – Jack Woltz
17. “Time erodes gratitude more quickly than it does beauty!” – Don Vito Corleone
18. “Some day, and that day may never come, I will call upon you to do a service for me.” – Don Vito Corleone
19. “The strength of a family, like the strength of an army, lies in its loyalty to each other.” – Don Vito Corleone
20. “I made my bones when you were going out with cheerleaders!” – Moe Greene
21. “I hope their first child be a masculine child.” – Luca Brasi
22. “You can act like a man!” – Don Vito Corleone
23. “Your enemies always get strong on what you leave behind.” – Don Vito Corleone
24. “Friendship is everything. Friendship is more than talent. It is more than the government. It is almost the equal of family.” – Don Vito Corleone
25. “Don’t tell me that you’re innocent. Because it insults my intelligence and it makes me very angry.” – Michael Corleone
26. “Soldiers are paid to fight; the rebels aren’t.” – Michael Corleone
27. “What’s the matter with you? I think your brain is going soft with all that comedy you are playing with that young girl.” – Don Vito Corleone
28. “You talk about vengeance. Is vengeance going to bring your son back to you? Or my boy to me?” – Don Vito Corleone
29. “When they come… they come at what you love.” – Don Vito Corleone
30. “If I wanted you dead, you would be dead already.” – Virgil “The Turk” Sollozzo
31. “I want somebody good – and I mean very good- to plant that gun.” – Santino “Sonny” Corleone
32. “The lawyer with the briefcase can steal more money than the man with the gun.”– Don Vito Corleone
33. “Forgive. Forget. Life is full of misfortunes.” – Don Vito Corleone
34. “She was the light of my life. A beautiful girl.”– Amerigo Bonasera
35. “I swear, on the souls of my grandchildren, that I will not be the one to break the peace we have made here today.” – Don Vito Corleone
36. “I’m not interested in things that don’t concern me.” – Don Vito Corleone
37. “I refused to be a fool dancing on the strings held by all of those big shots.” – Don Vito Corleone
38. “Luca Brasi sleeps with the fishes.” – Peter Clemenza
39. “They should have stopped Hitler at Munich.” – Peter Clemenza
40. “I bet Russian Czars never paid that much for a horse.” – Jack Woltz
41. “You’re getting a real reputation, Sonny! I hope you’re enjoying it!” – Tom Hagen
42. “Mr. Corleone is a man who insists on hearing bad news at once.” – Tom Hagen
43. “Now we’re talking business, let’s talk business.” – Michael Corleone
44. “I want you to use all your powers and all your skills.” – Don Vito Corleone
45. “The richest man is the one with the most powerful friends.” – Don Altobello
46. “Power wears out those who do not have it.” – Calo
47. “I respect those who tell me the truth no matter how hard it is.” – Michael Corleone
48. “I want reliable people, people who aren’t going to be carried away.” – Don Vito Corleone
49. “Come on, kid, don’t fool around.” – Peter Clemenza
50. “You have to take time and trouble.” – Don Vito Corleone
