Robert De Niro, one of America’s most iconic actors, has left an indelible mark on the evolution of global cinema. De Niro has been acting in films of various genres for over 50 years. His performances are unforgettable — De Niro fully immerses himself in his roles. This dedication has earned him the admiration not only of audiences but also of iconic directors, from Martin Scorsese to Francis Ford Coppola. In our selection, you’ll find the top 10 movies starring this legendary actor.
Content
- The Godfather Part II
- Goodfellas
- Joker
- Heat
- Once Upon a Time in America
- Casino
- Taxi Driver
- Raging Bull
- The Deer Hunter
- The Irishman
The Godfather Part II
IMDb: 9.0/10
1974, Crime, Drama
USA, R
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Top Cast: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall
The continuation of the cult story about the Corleone family not only continues the plot of the first part but also significantly expands our view of this criminal world. We learn more about Vito’s past, his arrival in America, and his first steps in big business. The Godfather Part II is not just a sequel but a real epic that immerses us in the depths of the American mafia.
Goodfellas
IMDb: 8.7/10
1990, Biography, Crime, Drama
USA, R
Director: Martin Scorsese
Top Cast: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci
Martin Scorsese created an incredibly realistic picture of gangster life on the screen. Each scene is imbued with tension, and the characters are so vivid and charismatic that it seems as if they really existed. Behind the external gloss and wealth of the criminal world hides a cruel reality. The film Goodfellas is a story about how easy it is to lose everything you have. Henry Hill, having achieved everything he dreamed of, ends up alone and desperate. It is a tragic story about the price one pays for living outside the law.
Joker
IMDb: 8.3/10
2019, Crime, Drama, Thriller
USA, Canada, Australia, R
Director: Todd Phillips
Top Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz
This story of a struggling comedian with a strained smile is well-known. The character of Robert De Niro is Murray Franklin, who is a popular late-night talk show host. Murray’s television success serves as the benchmark of achievement for Arthur. However, the ideal the comedian aspired to become a catalyst for humiliation and human cruelty.
Heat
IMDb: 8.3/10
1995, Action, Crime, Drama
USA, R
Director: Michael Mann
Top Cast: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer
Neil McCauley and his team devise the perfect robbery plan. They’ve considered every detail, thought out every step. But even the most carefully thought out plan can fall apart. Detective Hannah’s intervention forces the criminals to improvise, and their flawless machine begins to fail. The film reveals all the backstage of the criminal world, without hiding its cruelty and ruthlessness.
Once Upon a Time in America
IMDb: 8.3/10
1984, Crime, Drama
Italy, USA, R
Director: Sergio Leone
Top Cast: Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern
In the roaring 1920s, a group of daring young men crossed paths in the slums of New York. By eliminating their competition, they rose to become rulers of the criminal empire. These close-knit friends swore never to betray each other, upholding the values of loyalty, duty, and justice. However, fate had other plans for the group. It dealt harshly with the gangsters, forcing them to face the weight of their oath. Robert De Niro took on the role of David “Noodles” Aaronson, a Jewish mobster hailing from New York.
Casino
IMDb: 8.2/10
1995, Crime, Drama
USA, France, R
Director: Martin Scorsese
Top Cast: Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci
Sam Rothstein is a one-of-a-kind player. No one knows how to earn money like he does. At the same time, no one works as meticulously and selflessly as Sam. The American mafia decided to put him in charge of a luxurious casino in Las Vegas. To ensure that nothing hindered the professional, they sent his childhood friend, Nicky Santoro, a notorious gangster and ruthless enforcer, to back him up.
Taxi Driver
IMDb: 8.2/10
1976, Crime, Drama
USA, R
Director: Martin Scorsese
Top Cast: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd
This is the story of Vietnam War veteran Travis Bickle, who survives in the hell of 21st-century New York City. To make a living, Travis is forced to drive his taxi through the city’s nighttime streets, witnessing humanity’s sins. Like a prophet from the Old Testament, he hopes to cleanse the city of its age-old filth.
Raging Bull
IMDb: 8.1/10
1980, Biography, Drama, Sport
USA, R
Director: Martin ScorseseRobert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci
This is the true story of Jake LaMotta, an exceptional boxer but a fierce and troubled man. He used the boxing ring to work through his psychological and sexual complexes. However, his volatile nature, jealousy, and penchant for self-destruction ruined his relationships with his family and his career. Raging Bull earned Robert De Niro an Oscar.
The Deer Hunter
IMDb: 8.1/10
1978, Drama, War
USA, UK, R
Director: Michael Cimino
Top Cast: Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Cazale
The story of a strong friendship that is tested by the war. Three friends united by common values find themselves on the battlefield. The Vietnam War becomes the catalyst that destroys the main characters' lives. We see their transformation from ordinary guys to war-hardened veterans carrying deep psychological wounds. The film shows how war breaks destinies, leaving an indelible mark on people’s souls.
The Irishman
IMDb: 7.8/10
2019, Biography, Crime, Drama
USA, R
Director: Martin Scorsese
Top Cast: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci
An elderly Frank Sheeran spends his days in a nursing home, reflecting on his remarkable life. From a humble truck driver, he transformed into a hitman working for the Bufalino crime family. However, his friend Jimmy Hoffa becomes an obstacle for the mafia, and Frank is drawn into a devastating conflict.
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