Robert De Niro is one of our all-time great actors. From his iconic performance as a young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II to his manic turn in Cape Fear and comedic roles in films such as Meet the Parents, there’s seemingly nothing the man can’t do.
Which of his films is the best, you ask? Luckily, I combed through the actor’s oeuvre and compiled a list of my favorite De Niro movies for your reading pleasure. Let’s do this!
The Deer Hunter (1978)
Michael Cimino’s powerful Vietnam War epic follows a group of friends during their time in the war. Starring De Niro, Meryl Streep, Christopher Walken (who won an Oscar for his efforts), John Cazale, and John Savage, this heartbreaking, violent drama doesn’t shy from the horrors of conflict, featuring harrowing sequences of battle and some of the most intense prisoner of war sequences (accurate or not) ever depicted on film. However, most of the film takes place after the war and depicts the PTSD endured by our main characters and their struggles in reintegrating into everyday life. Brilliantly acted and directed, The Deer Hunter is one of the all-time great war films.
Raging Bull (1980)
If The Deer Hunter stands as one of the best war films, then Raging Bull easily ranks among the best sports dramas. The fact that De Niro stars in both is enough to cement his legacy right there. His performance as boxer Jake LaMotta is a remarkable piece of acting, showcasing a physical transformation from a fit young star to an overweight, washed-up figure that is startling. Directed by Martin Scorsese, who brings a minimalist flair to the proceedings, and with exceptional performances from Joe Pesci and Cathy Moriarty in key supporting roles, Raging Bull is a tough film to watch. However, those who can stomach witnessing a superstar slowly destroy his career through a series of mistakes, abusive relationships, and poor life choices will find a captivating and brutal character study. It is often regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.
Heat (1995)
My initial reaction to Michael Mann’s Heat was less than enthusiastic. I expected an outright action picture and was initially put off by the slow-moving character beats and Mann’s stylistic approach to the material. However, after giving it another watch, my views changed radically, and I now consider Heat among my favorite films.
Featuring the dream pairing of DeNiro and Al Pacino (not to mention an awesome turn from Val Kilmer), Heat is a captivating cat-and-mouse thriller centered around a police lieutenant’s pursuit of a master criminal. Mann takes his time with this one, delving into the personal lives of Lt. Vincent Hanna (Pacino) and Neil McCauley (DeNiro), experts in their respective fields who seemingly operate on opposite sides of the same coin. They are both exceptional at what they do, so consumed by their pursuits that meaningful relationships or personal happiness elude them.
Heat presents a fascinating exercise that gradually builds towards a handful of exciting action set pieces, including a jaw-dropping shootout during an impressively staged bank heist. It is an incredible achievement that more than lives up to its reputation as a classic crime drama.
Goodfellas (1990)
After only three movies, I find myself running out of ways to describe De Niro’s astonishing career. It’s a pity that some people only know him as the guy from Meet the Parents or Dirty Grandpa. From the early 70s to the late 90s, De Niro seemed incapable of making a wrong move. In 1990, he once again joined forces with Scorsese and together they crafted another timeless masterpiece, the crime drama Goodfellas.
Goodfellas is a violent, brutal, and undeniably entertaining film that centers around Henry Hill (played by Ray Liotta) and his ascent and downfall within a crime organization spanning from the mid-50s to the late 80s. Scorsese fearlessly portrays both the allure and darkness of the mob life, showcasing the tragic consequences that befall those who give in to its seductive temptations. In this film, De Niro delivers a remarkable performance as Jimmy Conway, a menacing figure who can convey volumes with just a single look. However, it is Joe Pesci who truly steals the show, delivering a powerhouse portrayal of the unpredictable and volatile Tommy DeVito.
If you have yet to experience the gripping tale of Goodfellas, I urge you to stop whatever you are doing and make amends immediately. Prepare yourself for an exhilarating ride that will leave a lasting impact.
The Godfather Part II (1974)
There’s simply no way to compile a list of De Niro’s accomplishments without placing The Godfather Part II at the top. While he has delivered better performances in other films, none of them match the grandeur of Francis Ford Coppola’s sprawling gangster epic. It stands as a breathtaking production that not only builds upon but even surpasses the original Godfather in various ways.
De Niro’s presence in the film as a young Vito Corleone, portrayed by Marlon Brando in the first installment, is a standout element. The majority of his performance is spoken in Italian, adding to the authenticity and depth of the character. Vito’s rise to power is juxtaposed with his son Michael’s descent into darkness, presenting a complex view of the criminal underworld, where survival often requires one to cross moral boundaries.
The Godfather Part II is a masterful piece of filmmaking, brimming with incredible performances from its star-studded cast. It leaves an indelible mark, offering a profound cinematic experience that lingers in the viewer’s memory.
