The actor Robert De Niro is one of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood for his iconic portrayal of a variety of memorable characters.
But what is the best Robert De Niro movie?
This article will explore some of the top films that have made Robert De Niro stand out as one of America’s greatest actors, and share with you our opinion on which ones are among his best performances.
Robert De Niro has starred in many iconic movies such as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and The Deer Hunter.
But which of these films is the best? In all honesty, De Niro is such an accomplished talent who’s been involved in some of the best movies of all time.
So we won’t rank these in order, but will instead list them in no particular order.
Let’s take a look!
Best Robert De Niro Movies
Let’s start with one of the all-time great films in the history of cinema!
The Godfather, Part II (1974)
The Godfather, Part II is a crime drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Robert Duvall.
It is the second installment in The Godfather trilogy and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.
The film follows two parallel storylines: the rise of Vito Corleone (played by De Niro) in the early 1900s and the fall of his son Michael (played by Pacino) in the 1950s.
As Vito builds his criminal empire in New York City, Michael tries to expand his family’s power into the gambling industry in Las Vegas.
But as he becomes more ruthless, he begins to alienate his family and allies, leading to a series of betrayals and tragedies.
The Godfather, Part II is a masterpiece of filmmaking, with stunning performances from Pacino, De Niro, and the rest of the cast.
The film’s intricate plot weaves together themes of family, loyalty, and power, while also exploring the immigrant experience and the corrupting influence of greed.
Coppola’s direction is masterful, with beautifully shot scenes and a haunting score by Nino Rota.
- Talia Shire, Robert Duvall, Al Pacino (Actors)
- Francis Ford Coppola (Director)
- Portuguese, Spanish, French, English (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Taxi Driver (1976)
Taxi Driver is a psychological thriller directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader.
The film stars Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, a lonely and disturbed Vietnam War veteran who becomes a taxi driver in New York City.
Travis is disillusioned with the world around him, including the corrupt city and the people in it.
He becomes obsessed with a young woman named Betsy (Cybill Shepherd) and tries to impress her by taking her to a dirty movie on their first date.
When she rejects him, Travis’ mental state deteriorates, leading him down a dark and violent path.
The film is a masterpiece of American cinema, exploring themes of isolation, alienation, and the dark underbelly of urban life.
Scorsese’s direction is masterful, using a gritty and realistic depiction of New York City to heighten the tension and the sense of danger.
De Niro delivers a mesmerizing performance as Travis, capturing his descent into madness with chilling authenticity.
The film also features excellent supporting performances from Jodie Foster as a teenage prostitute and Harvey Keitel as a pimp.
Taxi Driver is a raw and disturbing film that has stood the test of time, remaining a landmark of American cinema.
It is a powerful and unforgettable portrayal of one man’s descent into madness and a searing indictment of a society that has failed him.
Scorsese’s direction and De Niro’s performance are both among the best in their respective careers, making Taxi Driver a must-see film for any fan of the genre.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Robert De Niro, Cybill Shepherd, Jodie Foster (Actors)
- Martin Scorsese (Director) - Paul Schrader (Writer) - Julia Phillips (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
The Deer Hunter (1978)
The Deer Hunter, directed by Michael Cimino, is a powerful and emotionally charged war drama that explores the physical and psychological toll of the Vietnam War on a group of friends from a small Pennsylvania steel town.
The film follows the lives of Michael (Robert De Niro), Steven (John Savage), and Nick (Christopher Walken), who are all steelworkers and close friends.
As the Vietnam War rages on, they are drafted to serve and find themselves trapped in a brutal and horrific conflict that tests their mental and physical endurance.
The film is divided into three parts: before, during, and after the war.
The first part introduces the characters and their relationships with each other, establishing a sense of community and camaraderie.
The second part depicts the horrors of the war, including scenes of intense violence and the psychological trauma that the soldiers experience.
The final part of the film shows the aftermath of the war and how the characters struggle to readjust to civilian life.
Nick, in particular, is deeply scarred by his experiences and is unable to find peace, leading to a tragic and unforgettable conclusion.
The performances in the film are outstanding, with Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep all delivering powerful and nuanced portrayals.
The film’s cinematography is also notable, with the stunning mountain landscapes and the haunting score adding to the film’s emotional impact.
- Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, Meryl Streep (Actors)
- Michael Cimino (Director)
- English, Korean, Japanese (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Raging Bull (1980)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, “Raging Bull” is a biographical sports drama film that tells the story of boxer Jake LaMotta and his tumultuous life both in and out of the ring.
The film stars Robert De Niro in the lead role, alongside Cathy Moriarty and Joe Pesci.
The film is set in the 1940s and 1950s and explores the life of LaMotta, a talented boxer who struggles with anger management issues and jealousy, both of which eventually lead to the downfall of his career and personal life.
The film’s portrayal of LaMotta’s abusive relationship with his wife, Vickie, and his self-destructive behavior paints a complex and raw portrait of a flawed character.
De Niro’s performance as LaMotta is a tour de force of acting, with the actor undergoing an intense physical transformation to portray the boxer in his later years.
Moriarty and Pesci also deliver excellent performances in their supporting roles, adding depth to the film’s characters.
Scorsese’s direction in “Raging Bull” is masterful, utilizing black and white cinematography and a unique, gritty visual style to capture the raw emotion and violence of the boxing scenes.
The film’s use of slow-motion shots and close-ups also adds to the intense and visceral nature of the film.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci (Actors)
- Martin Scorsese (Director) - Paul Schrader (Writer) - Irwin Winkler (Producer)
- English (Playback Languages)
- English (Subtitle)
BEST ROBERT DE NIRO MOVIES
Who Is Robert De Niro?
Robert De Niro is an actor with a long list of credits including The Godfather Part II, Taxi Driver, Meet the Fockers, and Raging Bull to name just a few.
He also was nominated for awards like Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and BAFTA Awards for his work as well as being awarded Honorary Oscars from both the Academy Award Association of America (Oscar) and British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA).
Once Upon A Time In America (1984)
Once Upon A Time In America, directed by Sergio Leone, is a sprawling epic that spans over several decades in the lives of a group of Jewish gangsters in New York City.
The film stars Robert De Niro as David “Noodles” Aaronson and James Woods as Max Bercovicz, two childhood friends who rise to power in the city’s criminal underworld.
The film is structured as a series of flashbacks, with an older Noodles returning to New York City after years in hiding to confront his past.
As he navigates the city, he remembers his youth in a Jewish ghetto in the 1920s, where he and his friends get involved in petty crime.
As they grow older, they become involved in more serious crimes, including bootlegging and murder.
Throughout the film, Leone uses stunning cinematography and a haunting Ennio Morricone score to create a sense of both beauty and brutality.
The film’s depiction of violence is unflinching, and there are several disturbing scenes that are difficult to watch.
However, what truly sets Once Upon A Time In America apart is its exploration of themes such as memory, loyalty, and betrayal.
The film’s characters are complex and nuanced, and their relationships with each other are fraught with tension and conflict.
De Niro and Woods deliver powerful performances as the film’s two leads, and the supporting cast, including Elizabeth McGovern and Joe Pesci, is equally impressive.
While the film received mixed reviews upon its initial release, it has since become regarded as a masterpiece of cinema.
Its unconventional structure, rich characters, and stunning visuals make it a film that demands multiple viewings.
Once Upon A Time In America is a testament to the power of storytelling and remains one of the greatest gangster films ever made.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern (Actors)
- Sergio Leone (Director) - Stuart Kaminsky (Writer) - Arnon Milchan (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
Midnight Run (1988)
Midnight Run is an action-comedy film directed by Martin Brest and stars Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin.
The film tells the story of Jack Walsh (De Niro), a bounty hunter who is hired to bring in Jonathan “The Duke” Mardukas (Grodin), an embezzler who has jumped bail and is on the run.
The Duke is a former accountant for the mob, and when the mob finds out that he has the evidence to implicate them in criminal activities, they send hitmen to kill him.
Jack and The Duke begin a cross-country journey from New York to Los Angeles, with the hitmen hot on their trail.
Along the way, the two develop an unlikely friendship and bond over their shared experiences.
They also encounter a series of obstacles and mishaps, including encounters with the FBI, the mob, and a rival bounty hunter.
The film features strong performances from both De Niro and Grodin, who have great chemistry on screen.
The supporting cast, which includes Yaphet Kotto, John Ashton, and Dennis Farina, also delivers strong performances.
Midnight Run is a fast-paced and entertaining film that blends elements of action, comedy, and drama.
It has a well-written script with sharp dialogue and memorable characters. The film is also notable for its great soundtrack, which features a mix of classic rock and blues music.
![Midnight Run [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51+Q2rK+lTL.jpg)
- Comedy from 1988 by Martin Brest, starring Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin.
- Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin, Yaphet Kotto (Actors)
- Martin Brest (Director) - Martin Brest (Producer)
- English (Subtitle)
Goodfellas (1990)
Goodfellas, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a classic crime drama film that chronicles the rise and fall of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) in the world of organized crime.
Based on the real-life story of Hill, the film takes us through the ups and downs of his life as a young boy growing up in Brooklyn, to his involvement with the mafia, and his eventual downfall.
The movie opens with a young Henry idolizing the wise guys in his neighborhood and dreaming of becoming a part of their world.
As he grows older, he begins to work his way up the ranks, first as a gofer and eventually becoming a full-fledged member of the mafia.
Along the way, he becomes close with two other men, Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) and Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci), and the three of them form a tight bond that lasts throughout the film.
As Henry’s life spirals out of control, with drug addiction, infidelity, and paranoia taking over, the mafia’s grip on him begins to loosen.
The film builds towards its explosive climax, as Henry’s loyalty is tested, and he is forced to make a decision that could change his life forever.
Scorsese’s direction is impeccable, with his trademark tracking shots, fast-paced editing, and iconic soundtrack choices.
The cast, which also includes Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino, and Frank Vincent, is top-notch, with Pesci’s performance as the unpredictable and violent Tommy DeVito earning him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
![Goodfellas 25th Anniversary Edition [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510xZOexKOL.jpg)
- Goodfellas (Anniversary Edition) - Blu-ray Brand New
- Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci (Actors)
- Martin Scorsese (Director) - Nicholas Pileggi (Writer) - Irwin Winkler (Producer)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
A Bronx Tale (1993)
“A Bronx Tale” is a crime drama directed by Robert De Niro, starring Chazz Palminteri, who also wrote the screenplay.
Set in the 1960s, the film tells the story of a young boy named Calogero, played by Francis Capra, growing up in the Bronx and the conflicting influences in his life.
Calogero, known as “C” to his friends, is drawn to the flashy, violent world of organized crime, personified by local mob boss Sonny, played by Palminteri.
However, he also has a strong relationship with his hardworking father Lorenzo, played by De Niro, who instills in him a sense of morality and values.
As Calogero navigates his adolescence, he becomes increasingly caught between these two worlds, with Sonny acting as a mentor and Lorenzo trying to steer him away from a life of crime.
When a violent incident occurs, Calogero must decide where his loyalties lie and what kind of man he wants to become.
“A Bronx Tale” is a powerful exploration of loyalty, morality, and the influence of the environment in shaping an individual’s character.
Palminteri delivers a standout performance as the charismatic and dangerous Sonny, while De Niro brings a nuanced portrayal of a conflicted father who wants the best for his son.
The film features a strong supporting cast and expertly captures the gritty atmosphere of the Bronx in the 1960s.
- A Bronx Tale ( 1993 )
- A Bronx Tale ( 1993 )
- Robert De Niro, Chazz Palminteri, Lillo Brancato Jr. (Actors)
- Robert De Niro (Director)
- English (Subtitle)
Heat (1995)
Heat is a crime thriller directed by Michael Mann, which stars Robert De Niro and Al Pacino as the lead characters.
The film follows the lives of two men on opposite sides of the law, as they engage in a cat-and-mouse game of wits and violence.
De Niro plays Neil McCauley, a seasoned criminal who leads a group of highly skilled thieves that specialize in elaborate heists.
On the other hand, Pacino plays Vincent Hanna, a veteran detective who is determined to bring McCauley and his crew to justice.
The film’s plot revolves around the pursuit of McCauley and his gang by Hanna and his team, with both men becoming increasingly obsessed with the other as the stakes get higher.
Along the way, the film delves into the personal lives of the characters, showcasing the effects of their respective professions on their relationships.
Heat is renowned for its realistic portrayal of the criminal underworld and the intense action sequences that drive the story forward.
The film’s climax, which takes place during a daring heist at a bank, is considered to be one of the most iconic scenes in modern cinema.
Mann’s direction, along with the stellar performances from De Niro and Pacino, make Heat a masterpiece of the crime genre.
The film is a must-see for fans of the genre and lovers of cinema in general.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer (Actors)
- Michael Mann (Director) - Michael Mann (Writer) - Michael Mann (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
Casino (1995)
Casino is a crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the non-fiction book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas by Nicholas Pileggi.
The film stars Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone, and follows the story of Sam “Ace” Rothstein (De Niro), a mob-connected casino executive, and his friend and enforcer Nicky Santoro (Pesci), as they navigate the world of organized crime and gambling in Las Vegas in the 1970s and ’80s.
The film is set against the backdrop of the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, and it provides a fascinating insight into the inner workings of the casinos and the Mafia’s control of the industry.
It shows the dark side of the city, with its seedy underbelly of drugs, violence, and corruption, and the lengths that some people will go to in order to get ahead.
De Niro gives a nuanced and powerful performance as Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a character who is at once charming and ruthless.
Pesci is equally impressive as Nicky Santoro, a volatile and unpredictable enforcer who has a tendency to resort to violence at the slightest provocation.
Stone delivers a memorable turn as Ginger McKenna, Ace’s glamorous but troubled wife, who becomes involved with Nicky and ultimately brings about the downfall of the trio.
Scorsese’s direction is masterful, and he captures the energy and excitement of Las Vegas with his trademark visual style.
The film’s use of music is also noteworthy, with a soundtrack that features classic songs from the era, such as “House of the Rising Sun” and “Stardust.”
Overall, Casino is a gripping and intense film that explores the dark side of the American Dream.
It offers a compelling portrayal of the gambling industry and the criminal underworld that controlled it, as well as a powerful examination of the human cost of greed and ambition.
The film is a classic of the genre and a must-see for fans of crime dramas.
![Casino [4K UHD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/4112jQZA2PL.jpg)
- Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci (Actors)
- Martin Scorsese (Director) - Martin Scorsese (Writer) - Barbara De Fina (Producer)
- Swedish, Norwegian, Mandarin Chinese, Finnish, Danish (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
“Silver Linings Playbook” is a heartwarming romantic-comedy-drama film directed by David O.
Russell and starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. The film tells the story of Pat Solitano (Cooper), a former teacher who has recently been released from a mental institution after a violent outburst.
Pat is determined to get his life back on track and reunite with his estranged wife, but his plans are disrupted when he meets Tiffany (Lawrence), a young widow with her own emotional problems.
As Pat and Tiffany form an unlikely friendship, they begin to help each other heal and move forward in their lives.
Pat is struggling to cope with his bipolar disorder, while Tiffany is dealing with the aftermath of her husband’s death.
Together, they enter a dance competition, and as they prepare for the event, they both begin to realize that they might have a chance at happiness.
The film is beautifully shot and features excellent performances from the entire cast, especially Cooper and Lawrence, who have great chemistry on screen.
It’s a touching and honest portrayal of mental illness and the struggles that come with it, as well as the power of friendship and the possibility of finding love in unexpected places.
- Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro (Actors)
- David O. Russell (Director) - Donna Gigliotti (Producer)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
How Many Movies Has Robert De Niro Done With Martin Scorsese?
Their first film was “Mean Streets” in, and their latest film was “The Irishman” in 2019.
They’ve both been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role five times, winning twice – once each with one other partner.
Their first collaboration was “Mean Streets” in 1973 followed by “Taxi Driver” (1976), “New York, New York” (1977), and then what became one of the most iconic films ever made: “Raging Bull.”
In 1980, they teamed up for another boxing film called “The King of Comedy,” which is widely considered to be a cult classic.
They then went on hiatus from working together until 1990 when they collaborated again on the crime drama remake of 1941’s The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight.
Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese have worked together on a total of fifteen films.
They are one of the most famous creative duos in Hollywood history!
Are Joe Pesci And Robert De Niro Friends?
In an interview with 60 Minutes, Pesci said he didn’t like De Niro because he was too “arrogant.”
He also told Vanity Fair magazine: “I don’t care what anyone says,” he said. “DeNiro’s just not my cup of tea.” So it looks like this question will remain unanswered for now!
The two actors have had a long-standing feud that has been ongoing since the release of their film “Raging Bull” in 1980.
Do Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro know each other?
Can Robert De Niro Speak Italian?
Though he has spoken with Italian actors on screen and in interviews, there is no evidence that he can actually speak it himself.
There are a few reasons why this may be the case – one being that his parents never spoke to him in Italian when he was growing up.
Another reason may be because as an actor, it would be difficult for him to learn another language from scratch since most of his work takes place in English.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Robert De Niro was asked if he spoke Italian.
He said that he didn’t speak any of the languages in which his movies are dubbed, but did say “a few words” in Italian.
Who Is Better Al Pacino Or Robert De Niro?
Firstly, both actors have won Academy Awards so they must be doing something right!
However, it seems like Al Pacino has been nominated more times than Robert De Niro as well as being awarded more awards.
This would suggest that he may just edge out Robert De Niro when it comes down to the quality of their work too – after all, if you’re getting recognized with awards then you must be doing something good!
When it comes to comparing two legendary actors, it’s hard not to get emotional.
What can be said about Robert De Niro and Al Pacino? Both have won Oscars for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
They have both been nominated multiple times.
They are both known for their iconic roles like Travis Bickle from “Taxi Driver” and Michael Corleone from “The Godfather.”
But who should come out on top? It seems like the answer is neither!
The truth is that there is no point in comparing these two acting legends because they belong in different categories of film history since they’ve had completely different careers.
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