Top 10 Robert De Niro movies. Robert De Niro is an iconic figure in the world of film, renowned for his intense commitment to his roles and his versatility as an actor. Born on August 17, 1943, in New York City, De Niro grew up surrounded by art, as both of his parents were accomplished painters. This early exposure to creativity likely shaped his passion for the performing arts.
Throughout his career, De Niro has been known for his ability to fully immerse himself in characters, whether it’s the tough-talking gangster in Goodfellas, the quiet menace of Taxi Driver, or the emotionally complex boxer in Raging Bull, for which he won an Academy Award. His work with director Martin Scorsese became legendary, with their collaboration producing some of the most memorable films in cinema history. Now, is time to top 10 Robert De Niro movies
Top 10 Robert De Niro movies
10. Joker
In Joker (2019), Robert De Niro plays Murray Franklin, a late-night talk show host whose character serves as a pivotal force in the unraveling of Arthur Fleck, the film’s protagonist, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix. De Niro’s casting in this role carries deeper significance, as it nods to his earlier work in The King of Comedy (1982), where he played Rupert Pupkin, a failed comedian obsessed with becoming famous—a thematic precursor to Joker. This intertextual link adds layers of meaning to his presence in the film.
9. Raging Bull
In Raging Bull (1980), Robert De Niro delivered what is often regarded as one of the most transformative and intense performances in film history. Directed by Martin Scorsese, De Niro portrayed Jake LaMotta, a middleweight boxing champion whose rage and jealousy outside the ring are as destructive as his ferocity inside it. The film explores LaMotta’s turbulent life, marked by violent outbursts, a crumbling marriage, and self-destructive tendencies that ultimately lead to his downfall.
8. The Irishman
In The Irishman (2019), Robert De Niro delivers a quietly powerful performance as Frank Sheeran, a hitman recounting his life of crime and deep ties to the mob over several decades. Reuniting with director Martin Scorsese, De Niro plays Sheeran with a sense of understated menace, capturing the emotional weight of a man reflecting on loyalty, betrayal, and regret as he faces old age and mortality. His portrayal is haunting, particularly in the film’s final act, where his character’s loneliness and moral reckoning resonate deeply. De Niro’s nuanced performance anchors the epic tale of crime and consequence.
7. Heat
Heat (1995) is a gripping crime thriller directed by Michael Mann, starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. The film follows the intense cat-and-mouse game between a veteran LAPD detective (Pacino) and a highly skilled professional thief (De Niro) in Los Angeles. With a powerful storyline, intense action sequences, and a stellar supporting cast, Heat explores themes of loyalty, obsession, and the blurred lines between good and evil, making it one of the most iconic crime dramas in film history.
6. Casino
Casino (1995), directed by Martin Scorsese, is a gripping crime drama that delves into the world of mob-controlled casinos in Las Vegas. The film follows the rise and fall of Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Robert De Niro), a meticulous casino operator, and Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci), a volatile enforcer. Their friendship deteriorates amid greed, power struggles, and betrayal, with Sharon Stone delivering a powerful performance as Ace’s troubled wife, Ginger. Casino offers a raw, intense look at organized crime and the dark side of Las Vegas’ glamorous façade.
5. Once upon a time in america
Once Upon a Time in America (1984), directed by Sergio Leone, is an epic crime drama that spans several decades, telling the story of childhood friends who rise from street gangs to powerful mobsters in New York City. The film follows the complex relationship between Noodles (Robert De Niro) and Max (James Woods), exploring themes of friendship, betrayal, and regret. With its non-linear narrative, stunning cinematography, and emotional depth, the movie is a haunting exploration of ambition, loyalty, and the passage of time in the criminal underworld.
4. King of comedy
The King of Comedy (1982), directed by Martin Scorsese, is a dark satire that explores the obsession with fame and celebrity culture. Robert De Niro stars as Rupert Pupkin, a delusional and aspiring stand-up comedian who will stop at nothing to achieve stardom. As his dream of becoming a famous comic spirals into obsession, Pupkin kidnaps his idol, talk show host Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis), to demand a spotlight on national television. The film brilliantly critiques the thirst for fame and the blurred line between ambition and madness.
3. Taxi driver
Taxi Driver (1976), directed by Martin Scorsese, is a gritty psychological thriller that follows Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran working as a taxi driver in New York City. Disillusioned by the crime and decay around him, Travis descends into isolation and violence, developing a vigilante obsession with “cleaning up” the city. As he fixates on saving a young girl, Iris (Jodie Foster), from a life of exploitation, his paranoia and delusions lead him to a brutal confrontation with his own demons.
2. The Godfather II
The Godfather Part II (1974), directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is both a sequel and a prequel to The Godfather, following the rise of young Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) in early 20th-century New York, and the continued story of his son, Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), as he struggles to expand the family empire. The film masterfully weaves together themes of power, betrayal, and family loyalty, showcasing Michael’s deepening moral corruption and the complexities of maintaining control over the family’s criminal legacy.
1. Goodfellas
Goodfellas (1990), directed by Martin Scorsese, is a gripping crime film that chronicles the rise and fall of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a young man who becomes entwined in the mob life of New York City. Based on true events, the film explores Henry’s journey from a streetwise teenager to a valued member of the Lucchese crime family. With unforgettable performances by Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, Goodfellas masterfully depicts the allure and brutal reality of organized crime, showcasing themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the inevitable consequences of a life steeped in crime.
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