Top 10 Robert De Niro Movies & IMDb Scores
Few actors have had the impact on modern cinema that Robert De Niro has. Regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation, his 60-year career has taken him from intense police crime dramas and iconic films portraying the life of American gangsters, to light family humour. His range is extraordinary, and his reputation as a consummate professional who demands nothing but the best from anyone working alongside him has produced some truly mesmerising performances over the years.
It’s hard to narrow down his extensive body of work to just the top ten Robert De Niro films, but let’s try, with an in-depth look at the man, the actor, and his best movies to date.
Who Is Robert De Niro? A Look at His Legendary Film Career
Robert De Niro was born in New York in 1943 into a family already deeply immersed in the arts scene. From the start, De Niro seemed destined for the stage, and he studied acting with Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg, whose contrasting approaches helped shape his distinctive screen performances.
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The Godfather Part II (1974): IMDb Score 9.0
A true classic of the gangster genre, The Godfather Part II tells the story of the early days of vicious crime boss Vito Corleone (played by Marlon Brando in the original Godfather). De Niro plays the younger Corleone as the film charts his rise to infamy and his rise to power as one of the most powerful mafia bosses in the US. The film won six Oscars, including Best Supporting Actor for De Niro. It also starred Al Pacino as Michael, Robert Duvall as Tom Hagen, and Diane Keaton as Kay.
Taxi Driver (1976): IMDb Score 8.2
Taxi Driver is not an easy film to watch, purely for the utterly convincing performance by De Niro as a mentally unstable veteran who struggles to contain his violent urges. De Niro plays Travis Bickle, a New York taxi driver whose constant exposure to the underbelly of NY life at night drives him deeper and deeper into darkness himself. Also starring a young Jodie Foster as Iris, Cybill Shepherd as Betsy, and Victor Argo as Melio.
Raging Bull (1980): IMDb Score 8.1
Strikingly filmed in black and white for maximum effect, Raging Bull tells the bitter and often extremely violent life of boxer Jake LaMotta. While he might be at the top of his game in the ring, LaMotta’s life beyond the locker room is a circle of self-destructive violence. De Niro delivers a truly breathtaking performance as LaMotta, earning him another Oscar for Best Actor. It also stars Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci, and Frank Vincent.
GoodFellas (1990): IMDb Score 8.7
Another Martin Scorsese film and another tour-de-force gangster movie, this time introducing us to the less-than-likeable character Henry Hill, played by Ray Liotta, a mobster with very little self-control and a truly vindictive streak. De Niro plays friend and confidant James Conway, alongside Joe Pesci’s Tommy DeVito. Brutal and fast-paced, GoodFellas is a must-see and one of Robert De Niro's greatest films.
Heat (1995): IMDb Score 8.3
Widely regarded as one of the greatest American cop movies of all time, Heat follows two characters on opposite sides. De Niro plays Neil, a professional criminal who doesn’t mess around with petty crime but goes after the big numbers such as banks, vaults, and armoured cars. Lt. Vincent Hanna (Pacino) dogs his every move. The suspense throughout will genuinely have you on the edge of your seat. Also starring Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, and Tom Sizemore.
Casino (1995): IMDb Score 8.2
Once again, Martin Scorsese in the director’s chair and De Niro in the lead create a mesmerising, powerful cinematic event. Casino follows Sam ‘Ace’ Rothstein, a casino operator and Nicky Santoro, a violent mob enforcer whose presence threatens to undermine Rothstein’s control of Las Vegas. The glitz, glamour, and the seedy side of Las Vegas in the 1970s and ‘80s are portrayed in all their glory. Also starring Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, and James Woods.
The Irishman (2019): IMDb Score 7.8
De Niro has a knack for gangland thrillers, and this is no exception. Based on Charles Brandt’s book I Heard You Paint Houses, the film follows Frank Sheeran, a WWII veteran who claimed to have worked as a hitman for organized crime and to have been involved in the disappearance of union leader Jimmy Hoffa. Starring alongside Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, and Harvey Keitel, De Niro plays Sheeran, a WWII veteran who becomes a hit man for the Bufalino crime family. Allegedly a close friend of Hoffa, Sheeran is one of those people who knows where all the bodies are buried and who had put them there. This powerful film was nominated for 10 Oscars and directed by long-time friend Martin Scorsese.
Meet the Parents (2000) IMDb Score 7.0
To prove De Niro isn’t just about gangster movies and brutal thrillers, Meet the Parents gives him a chance to show off his impeccable comic timing. As the ferocious, highly suspicious Jack, De Niro subjects Ben Stiller’s Greg to a tough grilling when Greg wants to marry Jack’s daughter, Pam. De Niro plays ex-CIA agent Jack with a near-perfect blend of wit and menace. Also starring Ben Stiller, Teri Polo, and Blythe Danner.
Cape Fear (1991) IMDb Score 7.3
When a convict finally sees the light of day after 14 years behind bars, he stalks the defence attorney he believes withheld vital evidence during the trial, evidence that could have led to a very different outcome. The lawyer fears not just for himself, but for his family's safety. Tension ratchets up throughout the film as it becomes clear that nobody is the ‘good guy.’ De Niro plays Max Cady, Nick Nolte plays Sam Bowden, Jessica Lange plays Leigh Bowden, and Gregory Peck plays Lee Heller.
The Deer Hunter (1978) IMDb Score 8.1
A group of friends from a Pennsylvania steel town see their lives transformed by the Vietnam War. Michael (De Niro) returns from Vietnam deeply traumatised. Steven struggles with life-changing injuries, and Nick remains in Vietnam, unable to escape the psychological scars of war. Also starring Christopher Walken as Nick, Meryl Streep as Linda, and John Savage as Stephen.
Where to Watch Robert De Niro Movies in the UAE
With another instalment of the Meet the Parents franchise about to hit screens, and the recently released The Whisper Man, you can catch the latest blockbusters starring Robert De Niro at your nearest VOX Cinema. Check online for the latest releases, and if you haven’t encountered this Hollywood giant yet, now’s your chance.
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