Top 10 Robert De Niro Movies

From exciting criminal thrillers to emotional character studies, Robert De Niro’s career has led to some of the most memorable films in cinema history.

Robert De Niro is among the greatest actors known for his powerful performances and versatility.

This list highlights his top 10 movies that every film lover should watch.

Robert De Niro is an internationally renowned American actor, comedian, and producer born on August 17, 1943.

He is a three-time Academy Award winner best known for his diverse roles in films such as “The Godfather Part II,” “Raging Bull,” and “Goodfellas.”

De Niro is also a political activist, frequently speaking out against President Donald Trump.

Lately, he has been vocal in his criticisms of Trump during the former president’s trial in Manhattan, calling him a “clown” and a “tyrant.”

This has led to heated encounters with pro-Trump protesters.

His political activism and outspokenness against Trump have earned him both admiration and criticism, making him a prominent figure in the ongoing political discourse.

Movies	Release Date
The Godfather Part II	December 20, 1974
When They See Us	May 31, 2019
Goodfellas	September 19, 1990
Joker	October 4, 2019
Once Upon a Time in America	June 1, 1984
30 Rock	October 11, 2006
Heat	December 15, 1995
Casino	November 22, 1995
Taxi Driver	February 8, 1976
The Deer Hunter	February 23, 1979

10. The Godfather Part II (1974)

“The Godfather Part II” is both a sequel and a prequel to “The Godfather,” focusing on two parallel stories.

In 1958, Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino, faces challenges and betrayals as he tries to expand and protect his crime empire.

The film flashes back to 1917. As an immigrant to New York, a young Vito Corleone, played by Robert De Niro, arrives.

Gradually, he rises to power in the criminal underworld.

The movie explores themes of family, power, and corruption, showing the contrasting paths of father and son in the world of organized crime.

9. When They See Us (2019)

“When They See Us” is a drama series depicting real-life events surrounding the 1989 Central Park jogger case.

Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise. They were wrongfully accused of a brutal rape and assault.

The teenagers involved were Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise. They were wrongfully accused of a crime.

The series delves into the boys’ harrowing experiences with the police and legal system, showing how they were coerced into giving false confessions.

It also explores the profound effects of their wrongful convictions on their lives and the lives of their families.

Through its portrayal of this miscarriage of justice, the series sheds light on broader issues of racial discrimination, media bias, and the failures of the criminal justice system.

8. Goodfellas (1990)

“Goodfellas” follows the story of Henry Hill, a young man who becomes involved with the mob in New York City.

Starting as a small-time criminal, Henry works diligently to climb the ranks, enjoying the wealth and status that come with his life of crime.

He forms close relationships with other mobsters, including Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito.

Despite the glamour and excitement, Henry is blind to the violence and destruction he causes.

As he becomes more entrenched in the criminal world, Henry develops a drug addiction, which leads to increasingly reckless behavior.

His addiction and a series of mistakes ultimately unravel his career and personal life.

7. Joker (2019)

“Joker” tells the story of Arthur Fleck, a struggling comedian living in Gotham City.

Arthur is a deeply lonely man, yearning for connection and recognition in a society that continually rejects and mistreats him.

By day, he works as a clown, painting a cheerful face to entertain others, but inside, he feels increasingly disconnected and invisible.

Arthur’s life is filled with hardship. He is isolated and ridiculed by those around him, and his mental health deteriorates as he faces constant bullying and social neglect.

His attempts to fit in and be part of the world are futile, and he feels disregarded by a society that shows him no compassion.

His transformation into the Joker is marked by acts of violence and chaos, reflecting his internal turmoil and rage against the world that has mistreated him.

The film explores themes of mental illness, societal failure, and the fine line between sanity and insanity.

6. Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

“Once Upon a Time in America” is a crime drama that centers on David “Noodles” Aaronson, who returns to New York City in 1968 as an elderly man.

Noodles revisit his old haunts and reflect on his turbulent past, feeling that his history remains unresolved.

The story unfolds through a series of flashbacks, tracing Noodles’ life from his childhood in a Jewish slum on the Lower East Side of New York.

Growing up in a tough environment, Noodles and his friends engage in petty crimes, eventually leading them into the world of organized crime.

As Prohibition takes hold, they rise to prominence as bootleggers, and Noodles, along with his close friend Max, becomes a powerful figure in the Mafia.

5. 30 Rock (2006)

“30 Rock” is a comedy series that follows Liz Lemon, the head writer of a live sketch comedy show called “TGS with Tracy Jordan.”

The series begins with Liz trying to manage the show.

She faces challenges with two key figures: Tracy Jordan, the unpredictable and often outrageous star, and Jack Donaghy, the suave and ambitious executive producer.

Tracy Jordan, played by Tracy Morgan, brings chaos with his erratic behavior and diva-like demands, creating constant challenges for Liz.

Alec Baldwin portrays Jack Donaghy, a high-powered network executive with grand ideas for the show and a penchant for corporate strategies.

Jack’s influence often complicates Liz’s efforts to maintain her creative vision for “TGS.”

4. Heat (1995)

“Heat” follows master criminal Neil McCauley, played by Robert De Niro, who is planning one last big heist before retiring.

He struggles to control the reckless actions of one of his team members.

At the same time, Lieutenant Vincent Hanna, played by Al Pacino, is determined to catch McCauley.

He is also dealing with his own personal issues. These include his wife’s infidelity and his stepdaughter’s mental health problems.

Despite being on opposite sides of the law, McCauley and Hanna develop mutual respect as they try to outsmart one another.

3. Casino (1995)

“Casino” is set in early 1970s Las Vegas and follows Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a low-level mobster played by Robert De Niro, whose bosses choose to run the Tangiers Casino.

Initially, Sam is very successful in his role. But over time, he faces several challenges. Sam’s success in his role lasts initially.

However, he encounters increasing challenges. The challenges Sam faces are numerous. He deals with a volatile enforcer, Nicky Santoro, played by Joe Pesci.

He also struggles with his troubled wife, Ginger, portrayed by Sharon Stone.

Her deceitful ex-boyfriend Lester Diamond, played by James Woods, adds to his troubles. Additionally, a group of corrupt politicians also poses a threat.

These problems escalate, putting Sam in growing danger. The film is directed by Martin Scorsese and based on Nicholas Pileggi’s book.

2. Taxi Driver (1976)

“Taxi Driver” follows Travis Bickle, played by Robert De Niro, a disturbed loner who becomes a New York City taxi driver due to his insomnia.

As he prowls the city streets at night, Travis becomes increasingly disconnected from reality.

He develops an obsession with cleaning up the city’s corruption and decay.

Travis’s life takes a turn when he meets Betsy, a campaign worker played by Cybill Shepherd, and becomes infatuated with her.

However, his obsession with saving the world leads him to plot the assassination of a presidential candidate.

Eventually, Travis redirects his focus to rescuing a 12-year-old prostitute named Iris, played by Jodie Foster.

1. The Deer Hunter (1979)

“The Deer Hunter” follows lifelong friends Michael, Nick, and Steven, played by Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage, respectively, from a Pennsylvania steel town.

In 1968, they prepare to go to Vietnam after Steven’s wedding and one last hunting trip.

In Vietnam, they face the brutal realities of war, shattering their dreams of military glory.

Even those who survive are deeply affected by the experience.

Including Nick’s girlfriend Linda, played by Meryl Streep. The war’s aftermath also haunts her.

Summary

Robert De Niro’s filmography is a testament to his extraordinary talent and versatility. It spans over five decades and encompasses a wide range of genres.

From his early collaborations with Martin Scorsese, De Niro delivered powerful performances in “Taxi Driver” and “Raging Bull.”

He also stood out in crime dramas such as “Goodfellas” and “The Godfather Part II.”

He has also showcased his comedic chops in films like “Meet the Parents” and “The Intern,” and demonstrated his dramatic prowess in movies such as “The Deer Hunter” and “Silver Linings Playbook.”

De Niro’s ability to fully inhabit his characters and bring depth and nuance to his roles has cemented his status as one of the greatest actors in cinematic history.