Happy Tuesday, dear readers! Each week, we’ll rank the top 10 films in a specific category. While we aim to tie these lists to big releases, that won’t always be the case. Our goal? For you to enjoy, share your own lists, and join in on a lively, friendly debate. This is an interactive space to build community here at The Contending.
No fancy intros, no long essays – just a category and a list. Sound good?
This week, we’re diving into the ten best films from five-time Academy Award winner Francis Ford Coppola, director of The Godfather trilogy, Apocalypse Now, The Outsiders, and more. Coppola returns with his most ambitious project yet, Megalopolis. You can read Clarence’s review here.
Now, let’s talk about the best from one of the greatest filmmakers of the 1970s, who also happens to make a pretty damn good claret.
10. Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)
9. The Rainmaker (1997)
8. The Outsiders (1983)
7. The Cotton Club (1984)
6. The Godfather Part III (1990)
5. Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
4. The Conversation (1974)
3. Apocalypse Now (1979)
2. The Godfather Part II (1974)
1. The Godfather (1972)
![James Cusati-Moyer On the World Premiere of ‘Sacred Creatures’ at Edinburgh International Film Festival [VIDEO]](https://thecontending.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SC_MicRay_10_Courtesy-Nicolas-Villegas-H-120x86.jpg)
I'll always put The Godfather Part II ahead. Original's more memorable but the sequel is the cinematic perfection that towers over almost everything else.
Maybe it’s an issue on my end, but I can only see 1-4. I would also add Peggy Sue,TheOutsiders (1 grew up with this one), and Tucker: The man and his dream.
Regarding the Conversation, I just watched it for the first time. It was a slow burn, and filled with unlikeable characters. It’s certainly acclaimed, but its brilliance escaped me. Films like this reinforce I must be missing something. But, how fun was it to see Shirley Feeney!!
Thanks for the heads up! This has been corrected. The full list now shows.