Al Pacino’s outbursts in movies are some of his most entertaining scenes. That’s not to say he cannot do the strong, silent type, for he definitely can. But across a career spanning nearly six decades, he has turned onscreen explosive tantrums into almost an art form.
Some of his meltdown scenes have become downright iconic. Most of them work either because they are funny or poignant, or they have dramatic value because they unmask something vulnerable beneath all that rage. While we love all these scenes, some have more dramatic and emotional impact than others. The ranking considers the overall entertainment value of the scene.
8. Frank Serpico Goes Berserk Over Police Corruption in Serpico
Al Pacino in Serpico | Credits: Paramount Pictures
In Sidney Lumet-directed crime drama Serpico, Al Pacino plays the role of titular Frank Serpico, based on a real retired NYPD Police Detective of the same name. Serpico spends much of the movie trying to expose the corruption in the police department. In this scene, he reaches his breaking point and lets it all explode.
The scene works particularly well because his anger feels earned and justified. Rage can only be the reasonable response to what he faces as an honest cop in a sea of corruption.
Where to Watch (USA): Fubo, MGM+, Prime Video (rent), Apple TV (rent)
7. Ricky Roma Tears Into Williamson in Glengarry Glen Ross
Al Pacino in Glengarry Glen Ross | Credits: New Line Cinema
In James Foley directorial Glengarry Glen Ross, Pacino, for the most part, plays Ricky Roma as smooth and persuasive. But in this particular scene, Roma completely loses it. He lets loose a verbal tirade against John Williamson (Kevin Spacey) when his business interests are threatened.
The scene hits almost like a body blow because most of the rest of the movie does not even remotely reach that register.
Where to Watch (USA): Fubo, Prime Video, Apple TV (rent)
6. Jimmy Hoffa Erupts Over Kennedy in The Irishman
Al Pacino in The Irishman | Credits: Netflix
In Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman (which reunited many of the greats of some of the greatest gangster movies, including Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Harvey Keitel), Al Pacino plays Jimmy Hoffa, the infamous labor union leader. In this scene, he vents his fury over John F. Kennedy, but the men under him in the union bear the brunt.
The scene is comedy gold. The titular Irishman, Frank Sheeran (De Niro), takes offense and storms out, to which Hoffa claims he did not even know Sheeran was in the room!
Where to Watch (USA): Netflix
5. Frank Slade Unleashes His Fury in Scent of a Woman
Al Pacino as Frank Slade in Scent of a Woman | Credits: Universal Pictures
Martin Brest’s iconic Scent of a Woman won Pacino’s only Oscar, and it’s easy to see why. He is hypnotic throughout the movie as a blind, retired Army lieutenant colonel. His emotions boil over when he decides to defend Charlie (Chris O’Donnell) during the school disciplinary hearing.
It begins mildly, but then Pacino becomes more and more impassioned. He begins roaring at the people as they listen in silence. It is hard not to notice the genuine emotion beneath the outburst.
Where to Watch (USA): Prime Video (rent), Apple TV (rent)
4. Michael Corleone Finally Breaks in The Godfather Part III
Al Pacino as Michael Corleone screams in anguish | Credits: Paramount Pictures
The Godfather Part III is easily the most divisive of The Godfather trilogy, but it has its moments. One of those is when Pacino’s Don Michael’s daughter Mary (Sofia Coppola) is shot during the climax. Michael is also hurt (he was the intended target), but he forgets his own pain when his daughter falls dead. It is then that Michael unleashes a scream that is primal and uncomfortably realistic to the point that you feel his grief too.
Where to Watch (USA): Fubo, MGM+, Apple TV (rent)
3. Tony Montana’s Final Meltdown in Scarface
Al Pacino as Tony Montana during the final shootout in Scarface | Credits: Universal Pictures
The final shootout of Pacino’s Tony Montana in Scarface, one of 20th century’s greatest gangster movies, is all about what makes his character so unforgettable. Montana is surrounded, but he refuses to surrender and instead grabs his M16. He uses the attached grenade launcher and also utters those now-iconic words (“Say hello to my little friend!”).
It is a great scene, not just in terms of entertainment, but also how well it represents the character. Tony built his entire identity around defiance and never backing down.
Where to Watch (USA): Prime Video, AMC+, Apple TV (rent)
2. ‘You’re Out of Order!’ Is Peak Pacino in …And Justice for All
Al Pacino in …And Justice for All | Credits: Columbia Pictures
Norman Jewison’s legal drama …And Justice for All gives the actor the role of Arthur Kirkland. The outburst comes during the movie’s climactic courtroom scene. Kirkland is blackmailed into defending Judge Henry T. Fleming. Kirkland despises Fleming.
In the courtroom, Kirkland abandons his restraint, and instead of defending his client, he goes on a tirade. When the judge objects and says, “Mr. Kirkland, you’re out of order!”, Kirkland screams: “You’re out of order! The whole trial is out of order!”
Where to Watch (USA): Prime Video, AMC+, Apple TV (rent)
1. Vincent Hanna’s ‘Great A**’ Rant in Heat
Michael Mann’s Heat is getting a sequel with Christian Bale and Leonardo DiCaprio, their first movie together. And yet, it is hard to see how they can top the original. In this scene, Pacino’s Vincent Hanna is questioning Alan Marciano (Hank Azaria). Marciano expresses his gripe about getting mixed up with a woman. Hanna erupts with “‘cause she got a great a**” and Marciano allegedly has his head “all the way up it.”
There is such manic intensity in Al Pacino’s eyes when he says those words, and he even traces the posterior’s shape with his hands. And the movie remains a rare perfect crime thriller.
Where to Watch (USA): Prime Video (rent)
Which Al Pacino screaming scene do you think deserves the top spot? Let us know your pick in the comments!
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