One of the most celebrated films in cinematic history is now available for viewers across the UK to watch without a subscription fee. Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 epic, The Godfather, has landed on BBC iPlayer, offering a chance to revisit or discover the iconic gangster saga.
A Cinematic Landmark Available for Free
Originally released in 1972, The Godfather was an immediate sensation, both critically and commercially. It quickly became one of the highest-grossing films ever made at the time. The film is adapted from Mario Puzo's best-selling novel and launched a legendary trilogy, with sequels following in 1974 and 1990.
The story centres on the powerful and ruthless Corleone crime family, focusing on the transformation of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) from a reluctant war hero into a calculating mafia boss, under the shadow of his father, Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). The film's all-star cast also includes James Caan, Diane Keaton, and Robert Duvall.
Accolades and Enduring Praise
The film's impact was cemented at the Academy Awards, where it secured seven Oscar nominations. It triumphed in three major categories: Best Picture, Best Actor for Marlon Brando, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Decades later, its status as a masterpiece remains unchallenged. The American Film Institute ranks it as the second-greatest film in American cinema, just behind Citizen Kane. On the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an impressive 97% approval rating.
Critics' praise has been unwavering. The consensus on Rotten Tomatoes hails it as a film that "transcended expectations" and "established new benchmarks for American cinema." Publications from the time of its release to the present day continue to laud its power.
Time Out, in a five-star review, described it as "an emotional and intellectual experience to rival any in cinema." The Chicago Sun-Times called it "the most memorable, most influential, most quoted... most revered and most entertaining American movie ever made."
Where to Watch The Godfather Trilogy in the UK
For those wishing to dive into the complete saga, here is where you can find the films on UK streaming platforms:
- The Godfather – Available on BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Paramount+, Sky, and Now.
- The Godfather Part II – Available on Netflix, Paramount+, Sky, and Now.
- The Godfather Part III – Available on Paramount+, Sky, and Now.
The arrival of the first film on the BBC's free streaming service provides a perfect opportunity to experience a cornerstone of filmmaking that continues to influence directors and captivate audiences over fifty years since its debut. The Godfather is streaming now on BBC iPlayer.
