10 Must-Watch Robert De Niro Movies: From ‘Taxi Driver’ to ‘The Godfather’ and Beyond!

Robert De Niro is a legendary figure in film, particularly known for his intense performances as gangsters. His characters are always unique, showcasing his incredible talent and range. Over the decades, he has become a respected icon in Hollywood.

Born in 1943, De Niro has spent over 50 years in the industry, working with some of the greatest directors like Brian De Palma and Francis Ford Coppola. However, his strongest partnership has been with Martin Scorsese, beginning with the film Mean Streets in 1973. Together, they created a string of iconic films that set a standard for storytelling in cinema.

De Niro’s impact on the gangster genre is profound. Without his performances, many of the classic mob stories might never have been told. While he often plays tough characters, he also shines in comedies like Midnight Run and Meet the Parents, showing off his versatility. Interestingly, he has yet to star in a superhero film, with his only comic book role being in Joker in 2019, which is more of a crime-thriller than a typical superhero flick.

Throughout his career, De Niro primarily focused on films rather than television. His rare appearances on TV include the film The Wizard of Lies in 2017. Recently, he made his series debut with Netflix’s Zero Day.

Over the years, De Niro has won two Academy Awards, two Golden Globes, and has been nominated for numerous other prestigious awards. His performances continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

Here are some of De Niro’s best films, ranked by IMDb ratings:

• Table of Contents

  Toggle

  The Godfather Part II (1974)

  Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola

  Starring: Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton

  IMDb Rating: 9.0

  Synopsis: The film tells the simultaneous rise of Vito Corleone in the 1920s and his son Michael’s consolidation of power later on, weaving a powerful tale of family and crime.

• Goodfellas (1990)

  Directed by: Martin Scorsese

  Starring: Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco

  IMDb Rating: 8.7

  Synopsis: The film chronicles the life of mobster Henry Hill and his friends, exploring the glamorous and dangerous lifestyle of organized crime.

• Taxi Driver (1976)

  Directed by: Martin Scorsese

  Starring: Jodie Foster, Albert Brooks

  IMDb Rating: 8.2

  Synopsis: De Niro stars as Travis Bickle, an unstable Vietnam War veteran living in New York, who descends into madness, prompting him to take vigilantism to a new level.

• Raging Bull (1980)

  Directed by: Martin Scorsese

  Starring: Joe Pesci, Cathy Moriarty

  IMDb Rating: 8.2

  Synopsis: A powerful portrayal of boxer Jake LaMotta and his tumultuous life both in and out of the ring.

• The Deer Hunter (1978)

  Directed by: Michael Cimino

  Starring: Christopher Walken, Meryl Streep

  IMDb Rating: 8.1

  Synopsis: This film examines the impact of the Vietnam War on a group of friends from a small town in Pennsylvania.

• The Irishman (2019)

  Directed by: Martin Scorsese

  Starring: Al Pacino, Joe Pesci

  IMDb Rating: 7.8

  Synopsis: A crime drama that explores the life of Frank Sheeran, a hitman involved in organized crime and the complex relationships within it.

In conclusion, Robert De Niro’s career is a journey through the heart of American cinema. His versatility, depth, and dedication to his craft have made him one of the most celebrated actors of our time.