The Godfather (1972)
Parent Guide
A mature crime drama with strong violence and complex themes suitable for older teens with parental guidance.
Content breakdown
Frequent and intense violence including shootings, beatings, and bloody scenes central to the organized crime narrative.
Tense situations and violent acts may disturb sensitive viewers, though not typically horror-style scares.
Some strong language and ethnic slurs consistent with the crime genre and time period setting.
Brief suggestive content and references to sexual situations, but no explicit nudity shown.
Frequent drinking and smoking throughout, reflecting the social norms of the time period depicted.
High emotional stakes involving family betrayal, loyalty conflicts, and life-or-death situations.
Parent tips
This film contains strong violence including shootings, beatings, and bloody revenge killings that are central to the plot. The R rating reflects mature themes of organized crime, corruption, and family dynamics within a criminal context. Parents should be aware that the nearly three-hour runtime and complex narrative may challenge younger viewers' attention spans.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- What did you notice about how the family members helped each other?
- How did the music make you feel during different parts?
- What colors or clothes did you like in the movie?
- Did you see any people being kind to each other?
- What was your favorite part to watch?
- Why do you think family is so important to the characters?
- How do the characters show they care about each other?
- What happens when people try to solve problems with fighting?
- What are some better ways to solve disagreements?
- How does the movie show what happens after people make bad choices?
- What does the movie show about how power can change people?
- How do the characters balance family loyalty with doing what's right?
- What are the consequences of revenge in the story?
- How does the setting and time period affect the characters' choices?
- What messages does the film send about violence and its effects?
- How does the film explore the tension between family duty and personal morality?
- What commentary does the movie make about the American Dream and immigrant experiences?
- How does the cinematography and score contribute to the film's themes?
- What does the story reveal about cycles of violence and their impact on future generations?
- How do gender roles and expectations shape the characters' actions and relationships?
Story overview
The Godfather is a classic crime drama that follows the Corleone family, an Italian-American organized crime syndicate. When the family patriarch survives an assassination attempt, his youngest son Michael becomes involved in the violent underworld to protect the family. The film explores themes of loyalty, power, and the consequences of violence across a decade-long story.
Trailer
Trailer playback is unavailable in your region. You can search for this movie trailer on YouTube.
Where to watch
Choose region:
- fuboTV
- Paramount+ Amazon Channel
- Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel
- Paramount Plus Essential
- Paramount Plus Premium
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube
- Fandango At Home
- JustWatchTV
- FlixFling
- Spectrum On Demand