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His lifelong collaboration with Martin Scorsese, along with his work in multiple iconic films, has established him as one of the most celebrated and successful actors of his generation.
De Niro has received numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award.
In this comprehensive list, we will take a look at 20 of the best movies of Robert De Niro, ranked from his early beginnings to his most recent collaborations.
20. Angel Heart (1987)
Directed by: Terry Gilliam
Starring: Mickey Rourke, Robert De Niro, Lisa Bonet, Charlotte Rampling
In Alan Parker's haunting blend of detective noir and occult horror, De Niro plays the mysterious Louis Cyphre, who hires a private investigator (Mickey Rourke) to locate a missing singer. As the investigation delves deeper into the world of witchcraft and voodoo, De Niro's sinister portrayal of Cyphre keeps the audience on edge.
19. A Bronx Tale (1993)
Directed by: Robert De Niro
Starring: Chazz Palminteri, Lillo Brancato, Francis Capra, Robert De Niro
In his directorial debut, De Niro adapts Chazz Palminteri's autobiographical one-man show about a young New Yorker torn between organized crime and his bus driver father (played by De Niro). The role of Lorenzo Anello showcases De Niro's ability to portray both the criminal and the caring father figure.
18. This Boy's Life (1993)
Directed by: Michael Caton-Jones
Starring: Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Barkin
De Niro and DiCaprio's first collaboration tells the story of an abusive stepfather and the young boy he torments. Based on Tobias Wolff's memoir, De Niro delivers a chilling performance as the ruthless and manipulative Dwight Hansen.
17. Awakenings (1990)
Directed by: Penny Marshall
Starring: Robert De Niro, Robin Williams, Julie Kavner
In this touching drama, De Niro stars as a man who awakens from a decades-long catatonic state, thanks to a groundbreaking treatment developed by a neurologist played by Robin Williams. De Niro's portrayal of the awakened patient earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
16. 1900 (1976)
Directed by: Bernardo Bertolucci
Starring: Robert De Niro, Gérard Depardieu, Dominique Sanda, Donald Sutherland
In Bertolucci's epic historical drama, De Niro plays a landowner who forms a deep friendship with a peasant (Gérard Depardieu) against the backdrop of political turmoil in early 20th-century Italy. The film showcases De Niro's ability to embody complex characters while navigating a tumultuous historical setting.
15. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Directed by: David O. Russell
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver
In this quirky romantic comedy, De Niro plays the superstitious Pat Solitano Sr., the father of a bipolar man (Bradley Cooper) trying to rebuild his life. De Niro's heartfelt performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
14. Jackie Brown (1997)
Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
Starring: Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert De Niro, Bridget Fonda
In his only collaboration with Quentin Tarantino, De Niro plays Louis Gara, a quiet ex-con who finds himself entangled in a dangerous plot alongside Samuel L. Jackson's arms dealer, Ordell. De Niro's subtle and chilling performance adds depth to the ensemble cast of this classic crime thriller.
13. The Untouchables (1987)
Directed by: Brian De Palma
Starring: Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro, Charles Martin Smith
De Niro's portrayal of notorious gangster Al Capone remains one of the most memorable in cinema history. In this 1987 crime drama, federal agent Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) assembles a team of vigilantes to take down Capone's criminal empire.
12. Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Directed by: Sergio Leone
Starring: Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Joe Pesci
In Leone's sweeping crime epic, De Niro plays David "Noodles" Aaronson, a Jewish mobster who rises through the ranks during the Prohibition era alongside his friend Max (James Woods). The film's non-linear narrative and focus on themes of regret and redemption allow De Niro to deliver a powerful and nuanced performance.
11. Cape Fear (1991)
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, Juliette Lewis
In this psychological thriller, De Niro plays the terrifying Max Cady, a convicted rapist seeking vengeance against his former lawyer (Nick Nolte). De Niro's chilling and unhinged performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
10. The Irishman (2019)
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Ray Romano
De Niro's latest collaboration with Scorsese is one of his best performances to date. The Irishman follows the life of Frank Sheeran (De Niro), a hitman who becomes entwined with the mob and the infamous Teamsters leader Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino). The film explores themes of alienation and the consequences of a life in organized crime.
9. Casino (1995)
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, James Woods
In this Scorsese crime epic, De Niro plays casino mogul Sam "Ace" Rothstein, who navigates the dangerous world of organized crime in Las Vegas. De Niro's portrayal of Rothstein showcases his ability to balance both power and vulnerability in complex characters.
8. Mean Streets (1973)
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Harvey Keitel, Robert De Niro, David Proval, Amy Robinson
Mean Streets marked the beginning of De Niro and Scorsese's iconic partnership, with De Niro playing the reckless and unpredictable Johnny Boy. This early performance helped establish De Niro as a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood and set the stage for a long and successful collaboration with Scorsese.
7. Heat (1995)
Directed by: Michael Mann
Starring: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight
In Michael Mann's gripping heist film, De Niro plays professional thief Neil McCauley, who is pursued by LAPD detective Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino). The film's intense cat-and-mouse game between De Niro and Pacino showcases their amazing on-screen chemistry and solidifies their status as acting legends.
6. The Deer Hunter (1978)
Directed by: Michael Cimino
Starring: Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Savage, Meryl Streep
In this powerful and emotional drama, De Niro plays Michael Vronsky, a Vietnam War veteran whose life is forever changed by the horrors of war. His raw and devastating performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
5. Goodfellas (1990)
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco
In Scorsese's gangster masterpiece, De Niro shines as the intimidating Jimmy Conway. While Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci take on the flashier roles, De Niro's captivating portrayal of Conway grounds the film and adds depth to the ensemble cast.
4. The King of Comedy (1982)
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Robert De Niro, Jerry Lewis, Diahnne Abbott, Sandra Bernhard
In this dark satire, De Niro plays the delusional and obsessive stand-up comedian Rupert Pupkin, who will stop at nothing to achieve fame and success. This unique and unsettling performance showcases De Niro's versatility as an actor and his ability to take on complex and challenging roles.
3. The Godfather Part II (1974)
Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall
In Coppola's groundbreaking sequel to The Godfather, De Niro plays a young Vito Corleone, taking on the role made famous by Marlon Brando in the original film. De Niro's charismatic and powerful performance earned him his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
2. Taxi Driver (1976)
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Harvey Keitel
De Niro's portrayal of the disturbed and volatile Vietnam War veteran Travis Bickle is one of the most iconic performances in the history of cinema. The film's unforgettable "Are you talking to me?" scene has become a symbol of De Niro's immense talent and lasting impact on the film industry.
1. Raging Bull (1980)
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Cathy Moriarty, Frank Vincent
Topping the list of Robert De Niro's best movies is his transformative performance as boxer Jake LaMotta in Scorsese's acclaimed Raging Bull. De Niro's raw and intense portrayal of the troubled athlete earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor and solidified his place among the greatest actors ever.
Upcoming Movies
De Niro’s career has been filled with many masterpieces, and to add one more to it. He is coming back with his best bud and Maestro of cinema Martin Scorsese with the film Killers of the Moon Flowers.
Along with him, Robert De Niro Leonardo Dicaprio will be sharing the screen. The film has a stellar cast including Brendan Fraser, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemons, Louis Cancelmi, and many more. The film will be released on 20 October 2023 in the USA.
Conclusion
From his early collaborations with Scorsese to his most recent roles, Robert De Niro's extensive filmography is filled with iconic performances that have made an indelible mark on the world of cinema. As we celebrate his incredible career, we hope this list of the best Robert De Niro movies serves as a reminder of the immense talent and lasting impact he continues to have on the film industry.