The Best Robert De Niro Movies Of All Time

Over 3.8K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Robert De Niro Movies Of All Time
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Over 3,600 movie fans have come together to cast their votes for the best Robert De Niro movies. From his Oscar-winning role in The Godfather Part 2 to the cult classic Taxi Driver, there's no denying that De Niro has made some of cinema's most memorable performances. From crime thrillers and comedies to drama and action films, De Niro consistently brings a unique intensity and depth to his characters.

One of De Niro’s earliest works is Mean Streets; an iconic film about gangsters in Little Italy directed by Martin Scorsese. This gritty crime drama set the tone for many of his later roles, showing off both his comedic timing as well as range for darker material. Heat stands out as one of the finest examples - a somber yet thrilling cat-and-mouse game between two master criminals played by himself and Al Pacino.

DeNiro can be seen at some of his funniest in Analyze This, playing opposite Billy Crystal while spoofing mobster tropes established decades earlier with Goodfellas. One thing is certain: whether he plays a mob boss or just an "ordinary Joe" trying hard to make ends meet, Robert De Niro always delivers legendary performances which leave us wanting more. So if you're looking for a great movie experience - vote up your favorites on this list.

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  • Goodfellas
    1
    Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci
    2,049 votes
    • Released: 1990
    • Directed by: Martin Scorsese
    Goodfellas, an iconic mobster film directed by Martin Scorsese, is a gritty exploration of life within the Mafia. It's based on the true story of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a small-time gangster climbing the ranks of organized crime. Joining him in this perilous journey are his partners, volatile Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) and cool-headed Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro). The movie masterfully exposes the allure and harsh realities of mob life, earning six Academy Award nominations. This includes Joe Pesci's win for Best Supporting Actor, marking a significant achievement in cinematic history. Goodfellas is a quintessential crime drama that delves into the intricate dynamics of loyalty, betrayal, and power.

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  • The Godfather Part II
    2
    Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
    1,835 votes
    • Released: 1974
    • Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
    In the mesmerizing sequel, The Godfather Part II, we plunge deeper into the Corleone saga. This time, the narrative oscillates between two compelling timelines. In one, we follow a young Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) as he navigates the gritty underworld of early 20th century New York. The parallel story presents an older Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), grappling with the family business's expanding empire and his own moral quandaries. A crime drama masterpiece, this film bagged six Academy Awards including Best Picture, affirming its cinematic legacy.

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  • Taxi Driver
    3
    Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd
    1,838 votes
    • Released: 1976
    • Directed by: Martin Scorsese
    Taxi Driver unfolds as a brooding psychological drama, tracing the slow descent into madness of a Vietnam War veteran turned New York City cabbie. The protagonist, Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), is a loner consumed by urban decay and societal corruption. His obsession with purifying the city spirals into violent intent, culminating in an explosive climax. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this classic film won the Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival and earned four Academy Award nominations. It showcases compelling performances from Jodie Foster as Iris, a teenage prostitute, and Harvey Keitel as her exploitative pimp.

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  • Casino
    4
    Sharon Stone, Robert De Niro, James Woods
    1,629 votes
    • Released: 1995
    • Directed by: Martin Scorsese
    In the heart of Las Vegas's glitz and glamour, Casino unfolds. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this crime drama features Sam Ace Rothstein (Robert De Niro), a meticulous casino operator with ties to the mob. Alongside him is Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci), an impulsive enforcer whose volatile nature threatens their empire. Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone) completes the trio as Ace's opportunistic wife, her loyalty wavering between love and greed. This gritty portrayal of ambition, power, and downfall won Stone a Golden Globe for Best Actress in 1996. As an exploration of corruption within the neon glow of Las Vegas, Casino remains a significant entry in Scorsese's filmography.

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  • Raging Bull
    5
    Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci
    1,556 votes
    • Released: 1980
    • Directed by: Martin Scorsese
    In Raging Bull, we witness the turbulent life of Jake LaMotta (Robert De Niro), a self-destructive boxer struggling with his violent tendencies. Martin Scorsese directs this biographical drama, which earned De Niro an Oscar for Best Actor. The movie is set in the world of mid-20th century professional boxing, where LaMotta battles opponents in the ring and his personal demons outside. His brother and manager Joey (Joe Pesci) tries to keep him on track, but LaMotta's fury proves to be his toughest adversary.

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  • The Deer Hunter
    6
    Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Savage
    1,466 votes
    • Released: 1978
    • Directed by: Michael Cimino
    The Deer Hunter is a gritty war drama that explores the lives of three steelworkers whose existences are irrevocably shaken by the Vietnam War. Michael (Robert De Niro), Steven (John Savage), and Nick (Christopher Walken) are drawn into the heart of darkness, their friendships tested against a backdrop of horror and heroism. Directed by Michael Cimino, this 1978 film scooped five Academy Awards including Best Picture. Notable for its harrowing Russian roulette scenes, The Deer Hunter delivers an unflinching portrayal of war's impact on ordinary lives.

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