Robert De Niro has built one of cinema’s most celebrated careers across more than five decades. With over 100 credited screen roles, his filmography spans groundbreaking dramas, iconic crime epics, and unexpected comedies. From his early collaborations with Martin Scorsese to his recent work in acclaimed period pieces, De Niro has earned two Academy Awards and six acting nominations, establishing himself as one of the defining talents in modern film history.
This guide presents a comprehensive overview of his movie career, organized to address the most-searched questions about his work. Whether you’re looking for his highest-rated films, want to explore his filmography in chronological order, or are curious about his recent releases and directorial efforts, this resource covers the essential facts from verified sources.
De Niro’s career trajectory reflects both artistic ambition and industry influence. His roles have ranged from method-acting deep dives into complex characters to lighter comedic turns that expanded his audience appeal. Understanding the scope and evolution of his work requires examining both the critical successes and the broader patterns across his filmography.
What Are Robert De Niro’s Best Movies?
Critical consensus consistently places a core group of films at the top of De Niro’s career achievements. These performances have shaped his reputation and influenced generations of actors. The following overview highlights four films frequently cited as his most significant work.
Rotten Tomatoes and Letterboxd user rankings show remarkable consistency across decades. The films below maintain high ratings years after release, suggesting enduring rather than temporary acclaim.
Taxi Driver (1976)
Psychological Thriller
Travis Bickle remains one of cinema’s most unsettling protagonists. De Niro’s transformation captured attention immediately.
Raging Bull (1980)
Drama / Boxing
His portrayal of Jake LaMotta set standards for physical commitment to a role. The weight gain and loss became legendary.
Goodfellas (1990)
Crime
De Niro’s Jimmy Conway demonstrated his ability to project menace through restraint rather than explosion.
The Godfather Part II (1974)
Crime Epic
As young Vito Corleone, De Niro delivered the performance that first confirmed his extraordinary talent to broader audiences.
- De Niro holds two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor for The Godfather Part II (1974) and Best Actor for Raging Bull (1980)
- He has received six total Oscar nominations across his career
- The Scorsese collaboration produced five films frequently ranked among his best work
- His range spans dramatic, comedic, and genre films without obvious categorization
- Critics particularly note his ability to disappear into characters, demonstrated across varied roles
- Recent acclaim for Joker (2019) shows continued relevance into his seventh decade of acting
| Film | Year | Genre | Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raging Bull | 1980 | Drama | Best Actor Oscar, Oscar nomination |
| Taxi Driver | 1976 | Thriller | Oscar nomination |
| The Godfather Part II | 1974 | Crime | Best Supporting Actor Oscar |
| Goodfellas | 1990 | Crime | Widely regarded as a defining crime film |
| Silver Linings Playbook | 2012 | Drama | Oscar nomination |
| Cape Fear | 1991 | Thriller | Oscar nomination |
| Killers of the Flower Moon | 2023 | Drama | Oscar nomination |
| Joker | 2019 | Drama | Strong critical response, high Letterboxd rating |
For a complete ranked list with critic scores, Rotten Tomatoes maintains a dedicated guide that updates as new data becomes available. The consensus among critics suggests that De Niro’s dramatic work in the 1970s and 1990s represents his highest achievement, though his comedic roles have also garnered substantial audience appreciation.
Robert De Niro Movies in Chronological Order
Understanding De Niro’s career evolution requires examining how his filmography developed over time. His early work laid foundations that would define his later success, while his choices across decades reveal shifting interests and collaborations.
Early Career: 1968–1972
De Niro’s credited screen roles began in 1968 with Greetings, directed by Brian De Palma. At approximately age 25, he appeared in several experimental and low-budget productions during this formative period. Following Greetings, additional early credits included The Wedding Party (1969), Bloody Mama (1970), and Hi, Mom! (1970, another De Palma collaboration).
These initial roles exposed him to varied working methods and genres. His first collaboration with Martin Scorsese arrived in 1973 with Mean Streets, a partnership that would produce several defining films. The progression from these early performances to his breakthrough work illustrates both natural development and strategic career-building.
The Breakthrough Period: 1973–1985
The mid-1970s marked De Niro’s emergence as a major talent. Mean Streets (1973) established the Scorsese relationship, while Bang the Drum Slowly (1973) demonstrated his ability in dramatic leading roles. The year 1974 brought The Godfather Part II, which delivered his first Oscar win and confirmed his extraordinary range.
The late 1970s continued this momentum with Taxi Driver (1976), New York, New York (1977), and The Deer Hunter (1978), each adding new dimensions to his portfolio. By 1980, Raging Bull provided the second Oscar and cemented his reputation for physical transformation and emotional depth.
For Raging Bull, De Niro gained approximately 60 pounds for the early scenes and then lost it for the later boxing sequences. This level of physical commitment became a defining characteristic of his approach to character preparation.
Expanding Influence: 1986–1999
The following decades showed De Niro exploring diverse genres. The 1980s included The King of Comedy (1983), Once Upon a Time in America (1984), Brazil (1985), The Mission (1986), Angel Heart (1987), The Untouchables (1987), and Midnight Run (1988). This period revealed increasing willingness to take risks with unconventional projects.
The 1990s brought renewed collaboration with Scorsese in Goodfellas (1990), alongside other significant work. Cape Fear (1991) earned another nomination, while Heat (1995) and Casino (1995) further explored crime themes with different approaches. The decade ended with lighter work in Analyze This (1999), suggesting a deliberate shift in career direction.
Recent Work: 2000–Present
The 2000s saw De Niro embracing comedy more consistently. The Meet the Parents trilogy (2000, 2004, 2010) demonstrated box-office success in lighter territory. Other notable work included The Good Shepherd (2006), which he also directed. More recent decades have mixed acclaimed dramatic performances with continued genre variety.
The Irishman (2019) and Joker (2019) appeared in the same year, showcasing different approaches to character depth. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) continued his trajectory of period dramas with thematic weight.
The full chronological record, including minor roles and less prominent releases, extends across multiple sources. Wikipedia maintains the most comprehensive table, organized by decade with citations to primary credits. For those seeking exhaustive lists, these archival records provide complete documentation.
What Are Robert De Niro’s Latest Movies?
De Niro’s recent filmography demonstrates continued relevance and critical recognition. Several projects from the 2010s and 2020s have garnered significant attention, with his most recent major release being Killers of the Flower Moon in 2023.
The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, received widespread acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations. Set in the early 20th century, it explored historical events surrounding the Osage Nation in Oklahoma. De Niro’s performance contributed to the film’s strong critical reception and commercial success.
Prior to this, the 2019 releases of The Irishman and Joker represented a notable milestone. Both films appeared in the same calendar year, each receiving substantial recognition. Joker achieved particular commercial success and generated significant discussion about the character’s portrayal.
As of the current available data, no confirmed Robert De Niro releases for 2025 have been verified through major sources. Wikipedia identifies some unreleased projects with a dagger symbol, but specific 2025 titles have not been confirmed. For the most accurate information about upcoming releases, consulting official production announcements or entertainment news sources is recommended.
Robert De Niro Comedy Movies
De Niro’s comedic work represents a significant portion of his filmography, particularly from the late 1990s onward. While his dramatic roles established his reputation, his comedy performances demonstrated versatility that expanded his audience considerably.
Key Comedy Films
The Analyze series provided early success in the genre. Analyze This (1999) paired De Niro with Billy Crystal in a premise that spoofed mobster films, with the sequel Analyze That following in 2002. These projects leveraged his dramatic reputation for comedic effect while maintaining accessible entertainment value.
The Meet the Parents trilogy (2000, 2004, 2010) introduced De Niro as Jack Byrnes, an intense father-in-law whose intimidating behavior drives much of the comedy. The character’s deadpan intensity echoed his dramatic work while functioning within a broadly accessible family comedy framework.
Additional comedy credits include The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle (2000), Dirty Grandpa (2016), and The Comedian (2016). These projects maintained his presence in lighter fare while demonstrating continued willingness to explore varied material.
Comedy in Context
The shift toward comedic work became more pronounced after the mid-1990s. This transition reflected both career considerations and demonstrated that his dramatic talents translated effectively to lighter material. The success of these films expanded his commercial appeal without necessarily diminishing his dramatic credentials.
Robert De Niro Movies on Netflix
Streaming availability for De Niro’s films varies across platforms and regions, with specific titles appearing on different services over time. Current Netflix offerings include several of his notable works, though the catalog changes as licensing agreements evolve.
Recent Apple TV+ releases like Killers of the Flower Moon demonstrate that his work appears across multiple streaming platforms rather than exclusively on one service. The availability of specific films depends on current licensing arrangements, which may vary by country and change without notice.
Streaming catalog contents change regularly as platforms acquire and lose rights to specific titles. For the most current information about which De Niro films are available on Netflix or other services, checking the platform directly or using a streaming search tool is recommended.
De Niro has not appeared in a Netflix original comedy as of the available search data. However, his earlier work remains accessible through various streaming arrangements. The relationship between major actors and streaming platforms continues to evolve, with exclusivity deals becoming more common.
Movies Directed by Robert De Niro
De Niro has directed three feature films, establishing a separate creative identity beyond his acting career. Each directorial project reflects different thematic interests and stylistic approaches.
Feature Film Direction
A Bronx Tale (1993) marked his debut as both writer and director. The coming-of-age story set in 1960s New York drew from his own childhood experiences and demonstrated comfort with working with established actors. The film’s critical reception encouraged further directorial work.
Good Shepherd (2006) expanded his scope to encompass a multi-generational spy drama. The ensemble cast included multiple prominent actors, and the production demonstrated ambition appropriate to a larger-scale project. This film showed willingness to tackle complex narrative structures.
His third directorial effort, The Good Shepherd, maintained his pattern of selective involvement in directing projects. Unlike his acting work, his directorial career has proceeded at a measured pace, with significant gaps between releases.
Directorial Approach
In both A Bronx Tale and The Good Shepherd, De Niro also appeared on screen, a practice that allowed him to control both performance and direction simultaneously. This dual role requires balancing competing demands, which he managed by limiting the frequency of his directorial projects.
The themes explored in his directed films suggest interests in loyalty, identity, and moral complexity. These concerns mirror preoccupations visible in his acting choices, particularly in Scorsese collaborations.
Robert De Niro Career Timeline
- 1968 — First credited screen role in Greetings, directed by Brian De Palma
- 1973 — First collaboration with Martin Scorsese on Mean Streets
- 1974 — First Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in The Godfather Part II
- 1976 — Taxi Driver released; first Oscar nomination for Best Actor
- 1980 — Second Academy Award for Best Actor in Raging Bull
- 1990 — Goodfellas released, widely regarded as a defining achievement
- 1993 — Directorial debut with A Bronx Tale
- 1999 — First major comedy success with Analyze This
- 2006 — Second directorial effort with The Good Shepherd
- 2019 — Two major releases: The Irishman and Joker
- 2023 — Killers of the Flower Moon receives Oscar nominations
This timeline captures only the most prominent milestones. A comprehensive record would include dozens of additional releases spanning each decade since 1968. The progression from experimental early work to internationally recognized achievements reflects both individual artistic development and broader changes in the film industry.
Confirmed Information vs. Areas of Uncertainty
When examining De Niro’s filmography, certain information remains well-established while other areas require ongoing verification.
| Confirmed Information | Information Requiring Verification |
|---|---|
| Filmography began with Greetings (1968) | Specific streaming availability varies by region and changes frequently |
| Two Academy Awards, six nominations total | Any planned 2025 releases remain unconfirmed through major sources |
| Three directed features: A Bronx Tale, The Good Shepherd | Minor early roles may lack complete documentation in some sources |
| Long-standing collaboration with Martin Scorsese | Specific box office figures may vary across reporting sources |
Understanding Robert De Niro’s Career Impact
De Niro’s career provides a case study in sustained artistic development across multiple decades. His early work in experimental cinema built foundations that informed his later approach to character development. The collaborations with Scorsese and Coppola during the 1970s and 1980s produced some of the most cited performances in film history.
The shift toward comedy in the 2000s demonstrated strategic career management. Rather than repeating earlier dramatic approaches, he expanded his range while maintaining visibility across different audience segments. The continued critical recognition for recent work suggests this diversification did not diminish his dramatic capabilities.
His directorial work, though limited in frequency, demonstrates coherent artistic concerns. The themes of loyalty, identity, and moral ambiguity that appear in his acting choices also inform his directing projects. This consistency suggests integrated artistic vision rather than disconnected experimentation.
Sources and Further Reading
Multiple authoritative sources document De Niro’s filmography and career achievements. Wikipedia maintains a comprehensive chronological table organized by decade, with citations to primary sources for each entry. Rotten Tomatoes provides aggregated critic scores alongside audience ratings, enabling comparison between professional and public assessment.
Rotten Tomatoes critic consensus consistently places Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, and Goodfellas among the highest-ranked films of their respective decades.
IMDb offers detailed credits including minor roles and uncredited appearances, providing exhaustive documentation of screen work. Letterboxd aggregates user ratings and watch history, reflecting contemporary audience assessment of his filmography.
Summary
Robert De Niro’s movie career spans more than five decades, with over 100 credited screen roles. His filmography includes two Academy Awards, six nominations, and consistent critical recognition for both dramatic and comedic performances. The progression from experimental early work through breakthrough collaborations with Scorsese to recent acclaimed performances demonstrates sustained artistic development.
For those interested in exploring his work, the films most frequently cited by critics include Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, The Godfather Part II, Goodfellas, and Joker. The chronological record shows evolution in genre focus and collaboration patterns while maintaining consistent quality across periods. Information about streaming availability and upcoming releases should be verified through current sources, as these details change frequently.
Those interested in British television may find the Cast of The Office UK: Ricky Gervais (David Brent), Martin Freeman (Tim) & More relevant, as Gervais has cited De Niro’s work as an influence on his own comedic approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are movies with Robert De Niro?
De Niro has appeared in over 100 films including Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, The Godfather Part II, Joker, The Irishman, and numerous comedies like Meet the Parents.
What are good Robert De Niro movies to watch?
What are good Robert De Niro movies to watch?
Critically acclaimed options include Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, The Godfather Part II, Goodfellas, and Joker. For comedies, the Meet the Parents trilogy and Analyze This provide accessible entry points.
What is Robert De Niro’s first movie?
What is Robert De Niro’s first movie?
His first credited screen role was in Greetings (1968), directed by Brian De Palma. This was followed by several experimental films before his breakthrough in Mean Streets (1973).
What are Robert De Niro’s best comedy movies?
What are Robert De Niro’s best comedy movies?
Key comedies include the Meet the Parents trilogy (2000, 2004, 2010), Analyze This (1999), Dirty Grandpa (2016), and The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle (2000).
Are Robert De Niro movies on Netflix?
Are Robert De Niro movies on Netflix?
Some De Niro films appear on Netflix, though availability varies by region and changes as licensing agreements update. His recent work like Killers of the Flower Moon streamed on Apple TV+ rather than Netflix.
What movies did Robert De Niro direct?
What movies did Robert De Niro direct?
De Niro directed A Bronx Tale (1993) and The Good Shepherd (2006), appearing in both as an actor as well. These represent his two major directorial efforts to date.
Sophie Marlowe is Culture & Lifestyle Editor at TheUKDaily.uk, covering culture, entertainment, lifestyle, events, media trends and consumer features.