Robert De Niro is a cinematic legend. Born on August 17, 1943, in Manhattan, New York City, De Niro has delivered some iconic performances throughout his acting career that have rightly earned him more than 90 different award nominations and around 42 wins. These include his Oscar win for Best Supporting Actor in The Godfather Part II and another Oscar for Best Actor in Raging Bull.
An eight-time Academy Award nominee, De Niro, has worked in some of the greatest films of his time, with his most notable works coming through his constant collaboration with legendary director Martin Scorsese. Robert De Niro’s memorable performances can never be quantified in a list. However, below are some of his must-watch movies accompanied by some honorable mentions that best portray his versatility as an actor.
12 Must Watch Robert De Niro Movies
1. A Bronx Tale
A Bronx Tale was Robert De Niro’s directorial debut, which was released in 1993. It is a coming-of-age crime drama that revolves around a young Italian-American boy Calogero who firsthand witnesses the temptations of organized crime when he becomes friends with the local mob boss Sunny (played by Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri).
Similarly, Calogero also experiences the hard and honest life of his father (Robert De Niro) who is a local bus driver in a tale that highlights the glitters of crime, racial tensions, and honest living from the lens of a kid as he grows older in life. A Bronx Tale is also one of the few crime flicks where Robert De Niro does not play a mob character and that in itself makes it a must-watch Robert De Niro film.
2. Casino
Casino was the eighth collaboration between Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese. This epic crime flick boasts a stellar cast comprising De Niro, Joe Pesci, Sharon Stone, and frequent Scorsese collaborator Frank Vincent. Based on the nonfiction book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas, the movie portrays the story of Sam ‘Ace’ Rothstein (Robert De Niro) who is a Jewish American gambling expert.
He is sent to Las Vegas to manage the operations of the Tangiers Casino by the Chicago Outfit. During his time in Las Vegas, Sam ‘Ace’ Rothstein is also accompanied by his friend Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci) and eventually falls for and marries a chip hustler called Ginger (Sharon Stone). Much of the story revolves around the operations of the casino, the mafia’s interference with the casino, and the breakdown of relationships between all characters of the movie. Most characters in Casino are inspired by real-life characters.
3. Raging Bull
Robert De Niro produced an Oscar-winning performance in Raging Bull through his portrayal of former middleweight boxing champion Jake LaMotta. This 1980 biographical sports drama is an adaptation of LaMotta’s memoir Raging Bull: My Story. It is a film that highlights the highs and lows of LaMotta’s boxing career and his turbulent personal life.
Raging Bull also includes Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent, and Cathy Moriarty in the cast and received a total of eight Academy Awards nominations. It is also widely considered one of the greatest films to be ever made, which is reflected in the host of accolades it has garnered over the years.
4. Goodfellas
Arguably one of the greatest gangster films to be ever made, Goodfellas is a biographical crime flick based on the nonfiction book Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi and directed by Martin Scorsese. Like most Robert De Niro and Scorsese films, Goodfellas also boats a stellar cast of De Niro, Joe Pesci, Ray Liotta, Frank Vincent, and Paul Sorvino.
The film depicts the rise and fall of mob gangster Henry Hill and the epic tales of the highs and lows of his friends and family. Goodfellas was nominated for six Academy Awards and Joe Pesci also won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
5. Heat
Heat marked the first on-screen appearance of Robert De Niro and Al Pacino together. The movie also included the likes of Val Kilmer and Diane Venora among others and was written and directed by Michael Mann. Heat is a crime film that revolves around an LAPD detective (portrayed by Pacino) and a smart criminal (played by De Niro).
The film also highlights both their professional and personal lives as they maintain their cat-and-mouse chase. Although Heat was not nominated for any major awards, it was a tremendous commercial success and Robert De Niro and Al Pacino’s iconic restaurant scene is one to watch.
6. Cape Fear
Robert De Niro’s impeccable performance in the 1991 psychological thriller Cape Fear earned him another Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. It was directed by Martin Scorsese and starred De Niro, Nick Nolte, and Juliette Lewis, along with others.
Cape Fear is a gripping film that sheds light on the story of a convicted rapist who, after a 14-year incarceration period, is now armed with all loopholes and understanding of the legal system. His target? A former public defender whom he holds responsible for his jail time. Throughout the film, De Niro’s character is constantly on the lookout to seek justice in the most sinister way imaginable.
7. Silver Linings Playbook
Silver Linings Playbook is a romantic comedy film that includes an impressive cast of Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper, and Jennifer Lawrence, amongst others. The movie was a blockbuster success and equally loved by critics which reflected in its eight Academy Awards nominations, including Robert De Niro’s Best Supporting Actor nomination.
Silver Linings Playbook is a story that revolves around Pat (Bradley Cooper) who suffers from bipolar disorder and moves back with his parents (Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver) after getting released from a psychiatric institution. Much of the film highlights Pat’s continuous attempts to win back his estranged wife while being helped by a young widow Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence).
8. Taxi Driver
“You Talkin To Me?” This iconic Robert De Niro line is part of the critically acclaimed psychological thriller Taxi Driver, which is directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader. Along with De Niro, the film also starred a young Jodie Foster, Harvey Keitel, and Cybill Shepherd among others.
In the grim and morally fractured landscape of New York City post the Vietnam War, Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) rides his taxi in the night in order to cope with his chronic insomnia and loneliness. Taxi Driver is a cinematic journey that will take you on a harrowing ride through the darkest corners of the human psyche. The movie was not only a commercial success but was also nominated for four Oscars, including Robert De Niro’s Best Actor nomination.
9. Meet The Parents
Meet The Parents is a romantic comedy that stars Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Teri Polo, Owen Wilson, and Blythe Danner among others. It is a rollercoaster of laughter and a series of unfortunate yet side-splitting events that await a well-intentioned but hopelessly unlucky nurse, portrayed by the brilliant Ben Stiller as Greg Focker.
Meet The Parents is a perfect family comedy that revolves around Stiller visiting his girlfriend’s (Teri Polo) house, where he is met by an intimidating Robert De Niro, who is the stern and overprotective father of Polo. The movie was a great box-office hit that also inspired two more sequels, Meet The Fockers and Little Fockers.
10. Once Upon A Time In America
In 1984, Sergio Leone gifted the world of cinema an absolute epic crime saga in his Once Upon a Time in America. It features an ensemble cast led by the legendary Robert Di Niro and James Woods alongside Joe Pesci and the movie was adapted from Harry Grey’s gripping novel, The Hoods.
Once Upon a Time in America is a treat for all crime movie enthusiasts as it follows the journey of two best friends, Noodles (De Niro) and Max (Woods), who guide a group of Jewish ghetto youths to the pinnacle of New York organized crime. The movie sheds light on the human experience and touches upon the themes of childhood camaraderie, love, desire, treachery, and heartbreak. Despite being a well-renowned crime flick, Once Upon a Time in America was a commercial flop in the U.S.
11. Awakenings
The duo of Robin Williams and Robert De Niro in Awakenings was a gem for cinema. Awakenings was directed by the gifted Penny Marshall and penned by the brilliant Steven Zaillian. This 1990 American drama draws its inspiration from the compelling pages of Oliver Sacks’s 1973 memoir, “Awakenings.” The movie revolves around Dr. Malcolm Sayer (Robin Williams) as he embarks on a daring mission to rouse individuals still grappling with the aftermath of the 1917–1928 epidemic of encephalitis lethargica.
One of these patients, Leonard Lowe, portrayed by the iconic Robert De Niro, emerges as the moving symbol of this incredible journey as Dr. Sayer’s groundbreaking discovery of the transformative effects of the drug L-DOPA awakens the patients from decades of catatonic states. Awakenings is not merely a movie; it’s a testament to the indomitable human spirit which rightfully earned it three Academy Awards nominations, including one for Robert De Niro as Best Actor.
12. The Godfather Part II
Robert De Niro received his first-ever Oscar for portraying the role of Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II. This 1974 American epic crime film, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, acts both as a sequel and prequel to the iconic 1972 film “The Godfather.” The movie delves into the life of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) who ascends to the mantle of Don as he aims to safeguard the Corleone empire in the wake of a brutal assassination attempt.
While also tracing the origins of Michael’s father, Vito Corleone (De Niro) as he navigates from his humble beginnings in Sicily to the grandeur of building a family dynasty in the heart of New York City. The ensemble cast also includes luminaries like Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, and John Cazale, who contributed towards The Godfather Part II’s six Oscar wins.
Robert De Niro Hidden Gems
1. The Irishman
The Irishman is the ninth collaboration between the maestro Martin Scorsese and the inimitable Robert De Niro, a pairing that has consistently delivered cinematic excellence. This 2019 epic gangster film draws inspiration from Charles Brandt’s 2004 book, “I Heard You Paint Houses.” A stellar ensemble cast, featuring the talented Robert De Niro, the indomitable Al Pacino, and the incomparable Joe Pesci, breathes life into this crime epic. Their performances are also complemented by a supporting cast that includes Ray Romano, Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin, Stephen Graham, Stephanie Kurtzuba, Jesse Plemons, and the iconic Harvey Keitel.
At its core, The Irishman is the saga of Frank Sheeran, portrayed with brilliance by De Niro. Sheeran, initially a truck driver, takes a treacherous path that leads him into the dark heart of organized crime. His journey becomes relentlessly linked with the enigmatic mobster Russell Bufalino, masterfully depicted by Joe Pesci, and his formidable crime family.
Yet, the film’s intrigue deepens as it introduces us to the powerful Teamster leader, Jimmy Hoffa, portrayed with charismatic intensity by Al Pacino. It’s also Scorsese’s fourth collaboration with the magnetic Joe Pesci, a talent who can make even silence speak volumes, and his inaugural collaboration with the legendary Al Pacino. The film’s impact extends beyond its captivating narrative and stellar cast as it garnered ten well-deserved nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards, including a nod for Best Picture.
2. The Wizard of Lies
In this 2017 television biopic film, Robert De Niro steps into the shoes of Bernie Madoff, the man behind one of the most extensive Ponzi schemes in history. According to an IMDB report, The Wizard of Lies is directed by the acclaimed Barry Levinson and takes its inspiration from Diana B. Henriques’ 2011 non-fiction book of the same name. Michelle Pfeiffer also delivers a riveting performance as Ruth Madoff, while Alessandro Nivola portrays their elder son, Mark Madoff.
It is a story of a world of wealth, power, and deception that begins with Bernard Madoff’s Wall Street journey and ends with his 150-year prison sentence. The movie highlights how Madoff (De Niro) orchestrated the largest Ponzi scheme in history. The Wizard of Lies is more than a film; it’s a gripping exploration of human ambition, moral decay, and the far-reaching consequences of financial misconduct.
3. The Intern
Robert De Niro ditched his gangster role for the 2015 comedy-drama, The Intern. Directed by Nancy Meyers, The Intern is a story of unconventional friendship. It boasts a star-studded cast that includes the legendary Robert De Niro, the ever-charming Anne Hathaway, and the delightful Rene Russo. Supporting this powerhouse trio are Anders Holm, Andrew Rannells, Adam DeVine, and Zack Pearlman, who contribute their own brand of charisma to the film.
The plot unfurls around a remarkable premise: a 70-year-old widower embarks on an extraordinary journey. De Niro’s character, Ben Whittaker, decides to defy societal expectations by becoming a senior intern at a cutting-edge fashion website.
It’s a decision that sets the stage for an unexpected and heartwarming adventure. The heart of the story lies in the unlikely friendship that blossoms between Ben and Jules Ostin, portrayed by Anne Hathaway. Jules is the workaholic CEO of the fashion website, constantly juggling the demands of her professional and personal life.
Ben, with his wisdom and life experience, steps into this world, offering not just his skills but also his unwavering support. The Intern is a reflection of the transformative power of human connection. It emphasizes that modern life is all about navigating the ups and downs and reminds us that friendship knows no age and that sometimes, the most unexpected bonds can be the most meaningful.
4. The King of Comedy
The King of Comedy stands as a unique and satirical exploration of celebrity culture and media obsession. With an impeccable cast led by the incomparable Robert De Niro, alongside the legendary Jerry Lewis and the brilliant Sandra Bernhard, this film is a thought-provoking journey into the darker corners of fame. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film delves deep into the twisted psyche of an aspiring stand-up comedian. Played by De Niro, this character becomes increasingly fixated on a successful comedian he encounters by chance, portrayed by the iconic Jerry Lewis.
The film unravels themes that resonate strongly with modern society – celebrity worship and the pervasive influence of American media culture. It’s a darkly comedic take on the lengths to which people will go to achieve fame and recognition, often at the expense of ethics and sanity. Our protagonist yearns to stand beside his comedic idol, longing for a taste of the limelight and craving recognition. However, his relentless pursuit meets resistance as his idol intentionally avoids this persistent stalker.
This tension sets the stage for a sinister turn of events. The King of Comedy is a film that brilliantly blurs the lines between comedy and darkness. It offers a chilling commentary on the lengths some will go to chase their dreams of becoming a celebrity, highlighting the blurred boundaries between admiration and obsession in the world of entertainment.