The Godfather fans learning that ending was changed decades later

Fans of the hit film series The Godfather are still split on the ending, which was changed by the director decades after release.

Francis Ford Coppola, the Hollywood legend behind films like Apocalypse Now, Dracula, and The Godfather trilogy, was unhappy with how the Al Pacino-starring third film ended.

As such, he returned to the film decades later and revised the ending, offering a director's cut which has left fans split.

While some were thrilled by the new ending and say it makes more sense than the original choice, others who were used to the conclusion of the Michael Corleone story were underwhelmed by Coppola's new ending.

What's more, some had no idea the ending was tweaked at all. It's proven to be quite the discovery 34 years later.

The Godfather I and II received rave reviews at time of release and both films have gone down in history as two of the best-ever made films. The Godfather III, however, fared less brilliantly, and remains a dud note for some fans.

The Godfather III's ending change was dubbed "shocking" at the time of re-release. Coppola's Godfather Coda: The Death of Michale Corleone changed the "beautiful" finale to the Pacino-led story, and fans are still furious.

One user took to Reddit and wrote: "I've read that they change the ending and we don't see Michael die that alone deters me from ever watching the movie. Say what you will about the movie, but that ending was perfect.

"Michael's punishment wasn't just the death of his daughter. The real punishment was how his death parallels Vito's. His father died playing with his grandchild, loved by his family. Michael dies alone, with no one caring about his passing.

"Godfather 3 was about Michael's last ditch attempt to save his soul and he messed it up. When you do the things Michael did you die alone without a single sympathetic person at your grave."

Another user agreed, saying the death of Corleone is "the only thing [they] remember about the movie."

Meanwhile, a further commenter remarked: "The only thing I remember enjoying about The Godfather: Part III is the last fifteen minutes or so. And the only thing I remember besides the last fifteen minutes are not liking Andy Garcia's performance, and something about helicopter machine guns."

Other users believed the alleged problems of the film were not as bad as once thought on a revisit to The Godfather III. Sofia Coppola, the director's daughter, stepped in at the last minute due to casting issues.

One film fan praised her performance, writing: "I always thought Sophia got too much hate for this film. She stepped in last minute after a series of casting issues."

Another commenter shared both Madonna and Julia Roberts were considered for the role, but were 10 years older than Coppola at the time of filming.