12 Pop Culture Godfather References You Probably Missed

BY TOM EAMES

MAR 24, 2016

You know you've made a classic movie when it gets referenced, spoofed, copied to death for decades to come. The Godfather –which turns 43 today–is definitely one of those.

Whether it's offering things they can't refuse, horses in beds, sleeping with fishes or ominous oranges, many TV shows and films have tried to pay homage to Francis Ford Coppola's classic. 

Here are some of the best:

1. OCEAN'S THIRTEEN - Al Pacino has deja vu

When George Clooney's Danny Ocean is negotiating with Al Pacino's Willy Bank, Danny says: "What I want… What's most important to me." These same lines were spoken by Pacino in a key scene in The Godfather as Michael Corleone. And did we mention the bickering Ocean's brothers Virgil and Turk Molloy are named after Virgil "The Turk" Solozzo?

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2. THE SOPRANOS - orange juice

For a show that owes so much to The Godfather, it makes sense that it had plenty of references along the way. Not only did Tony and his family actually discuss the film many times (who can forget Silvio's Al Pacino impression?), it has a few hidden homages too, like when Tony was shot at while drinking orange juice. As any Godfather fan can tell you, oranges are always bad news.

 

 

3. RETURN OF THE JEDI - Jabba the Hutt's death

Ever thought Jabba's demise looked familiar? Film historian Laurent Bouzereau claims that scriptwriter Lawrence Kasdan was inspired by The Godfather's massive Luca Brasi, who was garrotted by an assassin. George Lucas gave him the idea after suggesting that Princess Leia strangle Jabba with her chain.

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4. THE SIMPSONS - Bart is gunned down

Having existed for nearly 30 years itself, it was inevitable that The Simpsons has paid homage toThe Godfather several times. The best? When Bart was ambushed by snowballs in a shot-for-shot remake of Sonny's shooting.

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5. POINT BREAK - more oranges

In the scene where Johnny and Angelo are staking out the bank, a man walks past offering oranges. Soon after, Johnny injures his knee and many people are shot. Damn oranges!

 

6. GET SHORTY - Moe Green's cameo

Alex Rocco - who played Moe Green in The Godfather - has a brief scene in which he receives a body massage, somewhat similar to his famous scene just before he was assassinated. You can see why he looks a tad nervous.

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7. LOST - John Locke's impression

There's only one man that John Locke is impersonating when he stuck this orange in his mouth in the very first episode.

 

 

8. SCREAM 2 - debating sequels

Sarah Michelle Gellar, Timothy Olyphant and co try and figure out which sequels actually surpass the original in this very knowing clip from Scream 2. There's only one they can all agree on...

 

 

9. YOU'VE GOT MAIL - The Godfather is the answer to any question

Tom Hanks proves that all life's problems can be solved by watching The Godfather, whether it's to do with days of the week or going to the mattresses.

 

 

10. SEINFELD - Don Kramer

In a silly but brilliant scene, Kramer beats Jerry and Elaine to become godfather to friends Stan and Myra's baby - and we're treated to an excellent door-close homage.

 

 

11. SHAUN OF THE DEAD - the kettle of doom

Director Edgar Wright used a boiling kettle sound effect as tension built between characters, referencing the approaching-train sound in The Godfather when Michael murders McCluskey.

 

 

12. FAMILY GUY - what's all the fuss about?

For any of you out there who simply don't get why everyone bangs on about The Godfather, this clip is for you:

 

 

 

Sources:
http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a43308/hidden-godfather-references/