Who is the best enforcer in the Godfather movies? 

I always liked Al Neri

I think that Clemenza should be on the list. He took out Carlo and was a big part in the baptism by fire hit. A Capo doing a soldiers job. Thats loyalty.

Enzo the baker did excellent work as a bodyguard, he's the bravest of them all.

I love that scene where Neri sits down, carefully aims at Barzini running away and shoots him, all while in a cop uniform, such a cold and calculated hit, Barzini suddenly turning from the hunter to the hunted

Al Neri was always destined for the top of this list. His loyalty unwavering and his ferocity only hinted at in the movies but the books..🗡

Al Neri is definitely one of the most underrated characters in the trilogy. Al was not only came up in the ranks (practically side by side with Michael), but being Al was the one Michael ordered to take out Fredo (it was almost like a test)....as one can tell how Al really didn't want to take out Fredo (as they too were friends) and how that was without a doubt his hardest hit (the way he stands up in the boad (after the shot) bows his head almost like in prayer. That hit not only cemented Al's loyalty, but really launched him into the "Michael stratosphere" becoming consigliere and Michael's powerful #2.

Al Neri was the one who had the most success, if I remember correctly. He seemed like the one who was the most effective.

Luca Brasi is described as a one man army. Strong, fearless, ruthless and intelligent. When it comes to old school soldiers, there's him and there's everyone else. But perhaps Neri was a more modern soldier, more suited to the changing times. Michael's enemies gradually change from mobsters to politicians and important businessmen.Also law enforcement and general security gets better with new technology and protocols.Thus the less conspicuous Neri was more useful. But when it comes to old time wars between families, no one beats Luca.

There’s no debate here, Sonny even admitted “If we lose Luca we’re in big trouble”

Al Neri was essentially the boss of street level operations whilst Michael focused on grand strategy and going legitimate

Al Neri... Every time. You could introduce him to your Grandparents and he would be politeness personified... And then ask him to kill them both the next day and he wouldn't bat an eye lid. Scary as fuck.

Fabio: "America! Take me to the America, G. I.! Clark Gable, Rita Hayworth!" Gunman: “Fabrizzio, Michael Corleone sends you his regards.”

Enzo The Baker

In the novel, as well as in the movie, Neri was number one. In fact in the novel, his back-story emphasises and explains the reason for his ruthlessness.

The movies don't do Luca justice. If you go by the books it's not even close. Before Corleone got leverage over him he was able to operate independently and despite not being part of any family they all feared him and Vito even paid him to not kill Tom at one point.

You forgot about Basetta killing Johnny Olla with a friggin hanger...pretty badass

I'd put Neri first, but not because of Brasi's shortcomings, but because of Neri's plusses. As a former policeman, he can use his uniform to get into places, plus his intelligence and other qualities had Michael make him an advisor.

Luca in the book was a truly frightening and ruthless assassin, unlike the lumbering movie Luca.

I never got the idea that Michael sent Rocco to kill Roth. Michael made it clear that he wanted Roth killed. Rocco took the bait and bragged that it could be done. It was up to Rocco, limp or not, to come up with the plan to accomplish it. Also, I wouldn't blame Rocco for the security breach. Michael's own brother betrayed him, Rocco isn't going to be able to guard Michael when Michael's own family is working for the enemy. Luca would have lasted a long time. If you remember, he was killed because Vito sent Luca on a spy mission. Unfortunately, the Corleone enemies had already decided to kill Vito, so sending Luca to them was the worst possible move. Luca didn't die because of any mistake or unstable thing he did. He died because Sonny showed Sollozzo that there was interest in the Corleone family for the drug deal. they just had to get rid of Vito first. That meant getting rid of Luca first.

"Power wears out those who do not have it" Calo to Lucchesi before he stabs him with his own glasses. IMO, Calo and Willie Cici are the 2 guys I'd want as my right hand men (Loyal to the end)

Clemenza, simply for saying, "Leave the gun; take the cannollis".

Let's not forget Al Lettieri as Virgil the Turk Sollozo. He helped take out Luca Brasi.

Before I watch this video - it's Neri!

clemanza was top 3 or 4. capos can be muscle too. he killed many people, all while having a brain and judgment, making him one of the best

Very simply Al Neri..he had smarts cunning, absolutely ruthless and loyal to a fault. Neri had withstood the test of time with the premiere Godfather of their era and was set to serve into the next..the ultimate enforcer and trusted inside family member.

Willie Cicci was a solid and capable guy, loyal soldier for all the reasons you mention. By off-screen history and reputation, Luca Brasi was the undisputed badass. But based solely on onscreen prowess, Al Neri is the GOAT.

Willie Cicci was Tony Gazzo in Rocky! Awesome right!?!?

Great video. Can you do the same for Sopranos?

Willie Cicci could be the perfect successor of Frank Pentangeli as Don of the family

If I was a boss? First pick is Neri, second is Vincent.

Excellent.

"Machine Gun" Jack Mcgurn was Al Capone's ace gunner. His golden boy when it comes to bodyguard/hitman.

Al Neri and it isn't close. We never got to see Luca Brasi in action but we did see him stupidly following Vito's order to try to get in with the Tattaglia's. But Neri never failed a mission. Cicci would be considered but he turned rat. IMO the 2nd best enforcer was Clemenza.

Wow. This is one hell of a video.

Al Neri is the greatest henchman of all time.

In real life Vito Antuofermo is the toughest actor in the Godfather movie's. In the movie's it would definitely be Lucca Brasi, Vito Corleone's most valued friend.

great video

You can't forget Connie, she would have been a ruthless and cunning boss ,like her father.

In the first Godfather book, Luca's reputation precedes him. In the prequel books, the things he does could never be put in a movie.

Fabrizio got his in the end. Calo was a very loyal man to his Don. Al Neri was the best by far!!

Luca Brandi hands down!

For sheer badass, you can’t beat Luca Brasi.

Willy Chichi apeared the most dangerous.

Is Rocco’s hit on Roth based on Jack Ruby’s hit on Oswald?

Vincent, hands down. The others were competent professionals (except Rocco, who was on a suicide mission) but Vincent was next level.

One who made it to old age.

I always thought that Michael's daughter was the target as she was the only person he had

I can't argue with this list.

Luca Brasi. Because the most powerful man in the mafia would have the best bodyguard in the mafia. It's a story, and the elimination of Luca Brasi is an essential part of that story. Both Vito and Michael were vulnerable without him. Luca Brasi's purpose in the story is to be the best, but still mortal.

If I need a stealth job Al if I’m wanting to terrify people Luca

LUCA...the one in the book...is the scariest .

Luca was a nearly unstoppable wrecking ball. Neri was a surgeon.

Obviously Rocco opened the curtain, Fredo was with Michael the whole time.

LUCA! Without even watching the video yet, Luca Brasi. Best enforcer in the genre.

LUCA BRASI .. VITO'S BEST HITMAN ..

“Don Cineranter, you understand everything.” -Nazorene the Baker. This list is correct.

Michael is the number one enforcer. 1. he does the main hit in the first movie because no one would expect it. 2. When the Godfather is in hospital he uses cunning to protect him. Your number one and two picks could not do either of those items.

Hey I love your vids, can u make a vid about who killed Moe Greene, in the movie

I think the first two you got right.

In the movies it's Al Neri pretty easily. The grim reaper.

How is Pete Clemenza not the top enforcer? He was as smart, loyal, and ruthless as any of them for generations

If Neri's gaze were to be replaced with dialogues expressing the same things, the films would be significantly longer.

Great list your no.1 choice is also mines he is well balanced and ive said the same about Al he is a better luca replacement

Vincent at Four?? Sleaze, pedestrian, , so much feeling it’s amazing he survived to his age. He is the reason G lll was such a FLOP.!

Definitely Neri for top spot. His name means Black in Italian, for gods sake. Says it all. Where Luca could be spotted a mile off, Neri was the shadow. If he was given the contract on Roth, it would’ve been a walk in the park. Frankly, Michael could’ve given him the entire Baptism of Fire jobs and he would’ve done it and been home in time for cornflakes. A deleted scene in the Godfather film even has Don Vito (after handing the reigns to Michael) “You’ve found your Luca Brasi” regarding Neri.

Perhaps not brawn, but brains, no one for Tom Hagen?

Even I couldn’t call off Luca Brasi

Don Corleone is the ultimate Gangster, from the dirt to the donkey on to the ship and into the Urban jungle,Vito, Violence, and Vice essential ingredients for good old slice of the Great American Apple Pie!!!

Luca Brasi, all you had to do was mention his name and half the battle was won already. Al Neri is next, he did have thr longest run being in all 3 movies and was very skilled and also fierce.

My name is Luca. I live on the 2nd floor.

I’d be behind a series about the early years of the Godfather in New York IF Luca Brasi is the main character. Meaty role, emotional, violent, anti-hero, he saw and was there for everything.

I’d take Eddie Dane from “Miller’s Crossing” over all these clowns.

I agree 100% that Neri is #1.

Neri in the movie looked far more civilized than the brutal Neri in the book

Luca was more braun, Al was more brains, and clemenza was a bit of both but all deserving of the service they performed for both Vito and Michael.

I knew Al would be #1

Luca's reputation was too well known all 5 Families feard him know one believes he's flipped on Don Coleon !

Its a tough one between Neri and Luca, both could have made top of this list. Although a fearless and loyal enforcer, I think Luca was like a wild animal who could only be controlled by Vito Corleone whereas Al Neri wasn't a psychopath, he was an ex police officer who appeared intelligent and calculated, brains as well as muscle unlike Luca who seemed to be just muscle

If Luca was killed under obvious circumstances then blame Vito Corleone. Luca was loyal to Vito and was led into a trap.

Al Neri, I'd say. Michael for his military training and stragetic mind, The turk even though he wasn't an assassin by occupation

In a way the Turk was also an enforcer for the other families and he was very skillful and efficient. I put him at 3rd behind Luca.

Luca Brasi was a damn menace

I always thought that Michael's bodyguard in Part II was pretty awesome he was the one that got murdered in Cuba

Cheechie had a lot of buffers.

I always thought Connie & Al would have become a couple.

Neri was the only one to survive. Vincent got killed years after the events in G3.

Imagine the favors Michael could have done for Fabrizzio if he kept his nose clean.

Rocco's family were 'looked after' after the failed plot

The best hitmen are 1 Al Neri. He was a police officer, in the novel he tells you that he has good reflexes, in the movie he kills two of Barzini's bodyguards and then Barzini. 2 Luca Brasil. In the novel, he tells you that he killed several mobsters in two weeks, that he killed the head of a family. 3 Fly. Able to enter a very well guarded auditorium and get close to and almost murder Michael Corleone.

It will always piss me off the way the movie wasted Luca. You don't build up a character like that to "fatally" stab him in the hand. Luca should've terrorized the other families as Sunny's biggest asset, after the move on Vito. And when they ambushed Sunny, Luca should've been in the car as the driver, the way Michael travelled with that one bodyguard from Cocoon. Because the don doesn't hop in a car and drive off during wartime.

Wheres Clemenza? He was muscle at some point and takes out a few people in the first movie.

Al Neri was dope but Clemeza reminds me of an old friend of mine

Shoutout to chi chi

From David A. Wood: After all is said and done, I would definitely have to pick physically unimposing, yet implacably steady Al Neri as the Corleone Family's best enforcer. This is because, if for nothing else, we actually get to see him in action in all three movies. In the first movie's climactic scene, we see him calmly shoot down ultimate Corleone Family enemy/rival Mafia Family Boss, Don Emilio Barzini and his two-man retinue outside the courthouse. In The Godfather, Part 2, it is Neri who receives Michael's silently and cruelly stone-faced look of command to kill Michael's tragically hapless and entirely harmless older brother Fredo, while all three men were at the wake of dearly departed and wholly beloved Mama Corleone no less! Al expertly does Michael's horrible bidding while "fishing" with Fredo on Lake Tahoe in Nevada near the end of the second movie. In the final movie, it is Neri, even though he is supposedly in "his golden years," that lethally shoots down the venal Archbishop Gilday while Gilday is in his palatial residence in what I presume to be Vatican City. Eventually, Neri rises up in the Corleone Family's hierarchical "inner circle" to become a trusted Corleone Family "captain," by serving as the head of Michael's security detail. Granted, physically mountainous Luca Brasi had the more bestially fearsome reputation and certainly did stereotypically look the part of a terrifyingly homicidal enforcer, but we never got to actually see him do anything that was even remotely murderous in the first movie before he was suddenly and fatally ambushed in a surprise hit that partially came courtesy of soon-to-be enemy Narcotics Trafficker Virgil Sollozzo and Mafioso Bruno Tattaglia, son of rival Mafia Family Boss/Whoremaster Phillip Tattaglia. As such, physically unassuming, but nevertheless entirely homicidal Al Neri gets my vote as the toughest Corleone Family enforcer!

Im a fan of Luca

Luca Brasi

Al Neri FTW!

I bet Fredo wouldnt have gone fishing with Luca

Testifying is a big no no. Doesn’t matter if his boss was killed. Puts Cici on par with Fabricio

What about Johnny Ola? Given the advanced age that both he and Roth got to before it all went pear-shaped, I'd say that he'd made his bones.