Sorry if this has been discussed before (as a forum search unfortunately
doesn't bring anything up), but of the 3 Godfather films made, which
one is your personal favorite film and please SAY WHY (for either the
writing, acting, filmmaking, or a combo of all these and any other
elements you consider important).

It's so difficult to say, although it would definitely come down to The Godfather or GF2. Three would not be in the running as favorite.

If I had to pick it would be GF. If it wasn't for the GF we wouldn't have the wonderful part II.

The Godfather.

GF, hands down.

The happiest contest in the world is between GF and II. GF has Brando, and Pacino's great transformation, plus Castellano. II has more sweep, plus Gazzo and Strasberg. Both have Duvall and Cazale. Everytime I think that the opening scene of GF is the pinnacle, I watch the Havana sequence in II, and change my mind.
I guess if you put me up against the wall, I'd say II. III isn't in the running.

Good points TB. IMHO The Godfather was a ground breaking film, and some of it was shot during a time when neither FFC nor Al Pacino knew for sure Paramount wasn't going to fire them. It had such a profound impact when it came out, there have been few movies like it ever. Stylistically, I can see how one may view GF II as a better movie. I think in some part this is due to the fact that FFC and Pacino had more confidence, and FFC had matured as a filmmaker.

III is so difficult to peg. Agreed it is not in the running, but despite its flaws I'm glad it was made.

...plus, thanks to GF's success, Paramount gave FFC carte blanche for II, instead of breathing down his neck as they did for GF.

GF part II.
For me as an Italian, the immigration scene of young Vito was very touching.

It's like trying to to decide who was the better parent: your mother or your father. GFIII is like a good foster parent.

GF1 was the best for me because of a more interesting storyline to me and also the characters were best in part 1

The first part. I think that the first one is the best because of the great acting of Marlon Brando, the best actor of all time. The second rocks too, but to me the first is the BEST! The third part is bad, thats why Robert Duvall refused to act conssigliere in 3. part.

GF1, of course. While the second is excellent as well, the first is really perfect in everything - the story, the cast, the music. Everything.

But to be honest, GFIII wasn't all that bad either.

At this point, I look at Parts I and II as one movie. It's hard for me to separate them. If I had to pick, I'd say I like GF a little more than GF II, even though GF II may be the better movie. ...If that makes any sense.

Of course it makes sense. The part II is probably better but... but.. MARLON BRANDO! The best actor of all time. And the music in the first part.. characters.. Fantastic! Sometimes i cry when i watch Godfather..Ahh.. I wish i'm sicilian. I love Sicily more than my country.

I think that Part II was slightly rushed in editing, The Godfather is definitely the better film, it had better acting put together everything was either flawless or close to flawless.

I love all of them. Out of the three, I would say I liked the Godfather the best because of the plot, character development, acting. Everything is superb. Currently the greatest film ever made. imho.

The GF is best. Originals always are because they are worked from scratch. Sequels are given something of a story line because of the original and that places constraints on artistic expression. GFII was pretty good and GF III was okay.

My fave of the 3 would part II it's hard to explain why that one is my favorite it always has been since I first seen it. I think maybe as it relates to Michael being in charge and there is no doubt about that. Especially when he has his own brother whacked. Although the original has always been one of my faves as well.

I like watching mob movies at their most real and so I go with Godfather 3.