The Godfather's Ending Explained (What Happens and What It All Means)

The Godfather ending is one of the most iconic in cinema history, and both cemented Francis Ford Coppola's reputation as a director, and set up the events of The Godfather Part II. Based on the original 1969 novel by Mario Puzo, The Godfather centered on the infamous Corleone New York crime family. The Godfather begins with Marlon Brando's Don Vito Carleone, and Al Pacino's Michael Corleone as the wholesome son with no interest in his father's business. However, by The Godfather ending, Michael has emerged as the head of the Corleone empire — and is just as ruthless as his father.