Why Fans Consider “The Godfather” as a Christmas Movie, Explained

The Godfather is a masterclass in storytelling, and any discussion about the world’s greatest cinema is incomplete without the mention of this Francis Ford Coppola directorial. The layered plot, iconic performances, and hauntingly beautiful score have forever etched the film in our culture. But in recent years people have been debating whether the mafia drama should be considered a Christmas movie.

Marlon Brando in The Godfather | Paramount Pictures

At first glance, you might think the Corleone family saga which is rife with betrayal, crime, and power struggles has no place in the list of movies that would be associated with the holiday season. But upon a deeper dive, you would understand why the film resonates so deeply with some fans during Christmas time. 

Family at the core: The Godfather on shared spirit

Al Pacino and Marlon Brando in The Godfather | Paramount Pictures

The one thing that everyone looks forward to at Christmas is family gatherings, whether it’s meeting up with your cousins, distant relatives, or your close-knit members coming over for a few days before they return to their work in some other city. Having heartfelt and comforting conversations with your loved ones makes your year feel worthwhile. 

The Godfather also revolves around family, and it is highlighted through Don Vito Corleone’s unwavering love and support for his kin. The patriarch is not just a crime lord, but a protector who loves his children and wife, and provides for them. 

There are several instances in the movie when Vito looks out for his children and the people he cares for, such as the time he secures a Hollywood career for Johnny Fontane, or when he teaches Michael the importance of loyalty. His decisions come from a place of love, and as he says in the movie, “A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man,” a line that becomes the essence of his whole character. 

Even in moments of tension, you can see the strong bond between the Corleone family. The memorable opening scene, where wedding celebrations unfold in Sicilian style, shows us that despite being in the underworld, the family values laughter, toasts, and shared moments. 

Once again, this reinforces the idea that family is central to their lives. While the stakes are high and their world dangerous, the Corleones’ devotion to each other mirrors the warmth and connection many of us seek during the holidays.

The Godfather evokes nostalgia with golden icons

Al Pacino in The Godfather | Paramount Pictures

For our grandparents and even parents, The Godfather is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, thanks to the film’s legendary cast that features, Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and even Robert De Niro in the second installment. 

These actors are representative of the golden era in Hollywood, and every Christmas, it reminds the viewers of a time when cinema was grand and storytelling was king. You’ll see that old people tune in to watch the movie for Marlon Brando, who had a gravelly voice and a commanding presence in The Godfather.

For many, watching Brando brings back memories of their younger days when they first fell in love with the world of cinema. Similarly, Al Pacino as the successor, Michael Corleone, is so brilliant at portraying a gray character that we sometimes root for, and other times are disgusted by, especially in the later parts. 

During Christmas, nostalgia always runs high, so the connection to Hollywood’s golden age is what makes people put on their DVDs for The Godfather during the holiday season. For most fans, it’s not about just watching a movie, but reconnecting with a cinematic past that feels like home to them. 

The joy of festivities in the crime drama

Marlon Brando in The Godfather | Paramount Pictures

Despite being a movie about mafia, politics, mind games, and betrayal, The Godfather’s depiction of familial celebration and gatherings is the most wholesome one. Throughout the three films, we see the Corleones come together many times, in joy and crisis, but there’s always a sense of unity. 

Once again, you can take the first part’s opening scene as the prime example when the Corleone estate comes to life! Everyone is dancing, feasting, and bobbing their head to music while celebrating Connie’s marriage. Even when there’s a business deal unfolding in Don Vito’s study, the atmosphere of the wedding still feels warm, similar to holiday festivities. 

Moreover, Michael also returns from the war in this scene and is met with a quiet celebration of his safe arrival. Similar to how we reunite with our siblings and children who have been living far from us. These are the moments of unity and celebration in The Godfather that evoke the communal spirit within the viewers, and it’s already running high during the Christmas season. 

The Godfather is also a family drama!

Al Pacino in The Godfather | Paramount Pictures

At its core, The Godfather is also a family drama, full of internal conflicts and complex human connections. So it’s no surprise that fans find themselves in one of these characters, and they’re more inclined to do so when families gather during Christmas, and emotions run high. The Corleones’ struggles with loyalty, betrayal, and ambition often remind viewers of their own familial tensions.

As it’s the end of the year, Christmas also becomes a time of reflection for many, when good and bad memories of your family dynamics come up. So watching the Corleones navigate their relationship conflicts brings us a strange sense of relatability, even though they’re so far removed from us commoners. 

The film’s portrayal of love and dysfunction in a tight-knit family is indeed commendable and mirrors the realities of many viewers, which makes The Godfather a deeply personal experience at times. When Michael ascends the throne, and Vito passes the torch, we get to see how families evolve over time, and it’s a sentiment that hits too close to home during the holidays. 

Whether it’s a joyful reunion or a difficult confrontation, you’ll find these parallels, both in the Marlon Brando starrer, and Christmas gatherings.

So, even if the movie does not feature Santa Claus or snow-covered landscapes like most holiday-themed films do, it has earned a special place in people’s hearts. And even today, The Godfather continues to inspire and bring people together, just like Christmas does!