Marlon Brando famously stuffed his cheeks with cotton balls during his audition for the role of Vito Corleone, which inspired the character's distinctive look and voice.
The iconic line 'I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse' was ranked as the second-greatest movie quote of all time by the American Film Institute.
Al Pacino was not the first choice for the role of Michael Corleone; actors like Jack Nicholson, Robert Redford, and Warren Beatty were considered before Pacino was cast.
The wedding scene in the opening of 'The Godfather' was filmed over the course of a week, with real Sicilian actors and extras to add authenticity to the scene.
Luca Brasi, played by Lenny Montana, was so nervous about working with Marlon Brando that his nervousness was incorporated into his character, making Brasi's stammering more believable.
The horse's head in the infamous scene with Jack Woltz was real, obtained from a dog food company. The scene was so shocking that some crew members left the set during filming.
Robert De Niro won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the young Vito Corleone in 'The Godfather Part II,' making him and Brando the only two actors to win Oscars for playing the same character.
The oranges seen throughout the films symbolize death or danger. Before significant deaths or attacks, oranges are often seen in the background or in the characters' hands.
Francis Ford Coppola was initially reluctant to direct 'The Godfather,' fearing it would glorify the Mafia, but he was convinced after seeing the depth of the story's themes.
The role of Don Vito Corleone was offered to Laurence Olivier, but he turned it down due to health issues, paving the way for Marlon Brando's legendary performance.
The baptism scene at the end of 'The Godfather' was shot over several days and intercuts Michael Corleone's rise to power with the brutal murders of his enemies, creating one of the most powerful montages in film history.
James Caan, who played Sonny Corleone, improvised the famous line 'Bada bing!' which later inspired the name of the nightclub in the TV series 'The Sopranos.'
Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, and other cast members would often socialize after filming, helping to build the chemistry seen between their characters in the movies.
The Godfather Part II is often regarded as one of the greatest sequels of all time and was the first sequel to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Francis Ford Coppola was given unprecedented control over the production of 'The Godfather Part III,' but the film was met with mixed reviews, particularly regarding the casting of Coppola's daughter, Sofia, in a key role.
