With a career spanning over five decades, Robert De Niro has established himself as one of the most talented and revered actors in Hollywood history. Known for his method acting and dedication to his roles, De Niro has earned numerous accolades and has been praised for his unforgettable performances. In this article, we will explore the top 10 movies with Robert De Niro, delving into the roles that have garnered him critical acclaim and a lasting legacy.

1. Taxi Driver (1976)

Rating: 8.3/10 IMDb

In Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, De Niro delivered a gripping performance as Travis Bickle, a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who becomes a taxi driver in New York City. His intense portrayal of a man descending into madness was both chilling and mesmerizing, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and cementing his status as a powerhouse actor.

2. Raging Bull (1980)

Rating: 8.2/10 IMDb

In another collaboration with Scorsese, De Niro took on the role of Jake LaMotta, a self-destructive and obsessive boxer, in Raging Bull. His committed performance, which included gaining 60 pounds for the role, won him the Academy Award for Best Actor and is considered one of the finest acting achievements in film history.

3. The Godfather: Part II (1974)

Rating: 9.0/10 IMDb

In Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather: Part II, De Niro played a young Vito Corleone, the character made famous by Marlon Brando in the original film. His subtle yet powerful performance showcased his ability to embody a character and earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

4. Goodfellas (1990)

Rating: 8.7/10 IMDb

In Scorsese’s classic mob drama Goodfellas, De Niro played the role of Jimmy Conway, a high-ranking member of the mob. His charismatic and menacing performance as the ruthless gangster earned him widespread praise and further solidified his reputation as a master of his craft.

5. Casino (1995)

Rating: 8.2/10 IMDb

In another collaboration with Scorsese, De Niro portrayed Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a mob-connected casino executive in Las Vegas, in the film Casino. His nuanced portrayal of a man attempting to maintain control in a world of corruption and violence was highly praised, displaying his ability to handle complex and morally ambiguous characters.

6. Heat (1995)

Rating: 8.2/10 IMDb

In Michael Mann’s Heat, De Niro starred alongside Al Pacino as Neil McCauley, a professional thief pursued by Pacino’s detective character. His cool and calculated performance as McCauley demonstrated his range as an actor and his ability to create compelling characters even in a more restrained role.

7. The Deer Hunter (1978)

Rating: 8.1/10 IMDb

In Michael Cimino’s The Deer Hunter, De Niro played Michael Vronsky, a working-class steelworker who experiences the horrors of the Vietnam War alongside his friends. His emotionally resonant performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and showcased his ability to convey vulnerability and depth.

8. Midnight Run (1988)

Rating: 7.5/10 IMDb

In this action-comedy film, De Niro plays Jack Walsh, a bounty hunter tasked with capturing Jonathan “The Duke” Mardukas (Charles Grodin), a former mob accountant turned bail jumper. De Niro’s portrayal of the tough and world-weary Walsh showcased his comedic timing and chemistry with Grodin, earning him praise for his ability to blend humor and drama in a single performance. The film has since become a cult classic.

9. Awakenings (1990)

Rating: 7.8/10 IMDb

In this emotionally charged drama based on a true story, De Niro stars as Leonard Lowe, a man suffering from an extreme form of Parkinson’s disease who awakens from a catatonic state after being administered a new drug by Dr. Malcolm Sayer (Robin Williams). De Niro’s powerful and sensitive portrayal of Leonard earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. His ability to convey the character’s physical and emotional struggles, as well as his joy at rediscovering the world, touched audiences and critics alike.

10. The Irishman (2019)

Rating: 7.8/10 IMDb

In this epic crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese, De Niro plays Frank Sheeran, a hitman who becomes involved with the Bufalino crime family and their connection to labor union leader Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino). De Niro’s nuanced and restrained performance as Sheeran won him widespread praise and a Best Actor nomination at the Academy Awards. The film, which also marked De Niro’s ninth collaboration with Scorsese, showcased his ability to captivate audiences even in his later career.

Robert De Niro’s remarkable career has spanned a wide range of genres and roles, showcasing his incredible talent and dedication to his craft. The top 10 movies with Robert De Niro highlighted in this article serve as a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal as an actor. From gritty crime dramas to heartfelt dramas and even comedies, De Niro’s performances have left an indelible mark on the history of cinema, earning him a well-deserved place among the greatest actors of all time.