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Robert De Niro Movies In Order: Following A Legendary Career

Robert Pattinson - Profile Images — The Movie Database (TMDB)

Jul 31, 2025
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Robert Pattinson - Profile Images — The Movie Database (TMDB)

Do you ever wonder how a performer shapes a whole era of cinema? It's a question many film watchers ask, especially when thinking about someone like Robert De Niro. His work has really made a mark on how we see acting, and so it's interesting to look at his film path.

Understanding Robert De Niro movies in order gives us a clear picture of his growth. You get to see how his acting changed, and how he took on different kinds of parts. It helps us appreciate the choices he made, and how he built such a lasting name in films. It's a way, you know, to connect with his journey.

This article will guide you through his long list of films, from his earliest appearances to his most recent works. We will trace his path, showing how he became one of the most respected actors around. It's a pretty good way to spend some time, really, thinking about his impact on movies.

Table of Contents

Robert De Niro: A Life on Screen

Robert De Niro is a name that really stands out in film. He has given us so many memorable characters over the years. His way of acting has truly set a high standard for others. He's had a long and very successful career, shaping many stories we love. He was born in New York City, so he has a real connection to that place, too it's almost.

DetailInformation
Full NameRobert Anthony De Niro Jr.
BornAugust 17, 1943
BirthplaceNew York City, New York, USA
OccupationActor, Director, Producer
Years Active1963–present
Notable AwardsAcademy Awards (2), Golden Globe Awards (2), Presidential Medal of Freedom

The Early Years: Starting Out

Robert De Niro started his acting path in the early 1960s. His first few roles were in smaller, independent films. These early projects gave him a chance to learn and grow his skills. He worked with directors like Brian De Palma, and that was a good start for him, you know.

His first credited film appearance was in "The Wedding Party" from 1969. This movie was actually shot in the mid-1960s. It showed a bit of his raw talent, even back then. He played a character named Cecil, which, you know, was a pretty small part.

Another early work was "Greetings" in 1968. This film was part of the counterculture movement of the time. He worked with Brian De Palma on this one, too. It was a rather different kind of film for its time, and he was getting his feet wet in the industry.

He continued with films like "Sam's Song" in 1969. This was also directed by Brian De Palma. These early projects helped him build a foundation. He was learning how to be in front of the camera, and that really matters for an actor.

"Hi, Mom!" in 1970 was another collaboration with De Palma. It was a satirical comedy. These roles, while not huge blockbusters, were important steps. They let him experiment with different styles, and that's actually pretty cool.

The Iconic Collaborations: Scorsese and Beyond

The partnership between Robert De Niro and director Martin Scorsese is truly special. Their films together have become classics. They really pushed each other to do great work. This working relationship is something people often talk about, and for good reason, apparently.

"Mean Streets" in 1973 was their first big hit together. De Niro played Johnny Boy, a wild and unpredictable character. This role really put him on the map. It showed his intense acting style, and people took notice, you know.

Then came "Taxi Driver" in 1976. He played Travis Bickle, a lonely and troubled man. This performance is still talked about today. It was a very powerful and unsettling portrayal. He really got into that character, and it showed.

"Raging Bull" in 1980 is another huge one. De Niro played boxer Jake LaMotta. He changed his body for the role, gaining a lot of weight. This commitment to his work is something he's known for, and it earned him an Academy Award. It's a pretty intense film, too.

"Goodfellas" in 1990 showed him as Jimmy Conway, a calm but dangerous mobster. This film is a favorite for many. His presence in the movie is just so strong. He really makes you believe his character, so.

"Casino" in 1995 reunited him with Scorsese and Joe Pesci. He played Sam Rothstein, a casino boss. This film showed their continued ability to create gripping stories. It's a very visually rich movie, too, with a lot going on.

More recently, "The Irishman" in 2019 brought them back together. He played Frank Sheeran, a hitman with mob ties. This film was a big event for movie fans. It was a long movie, but it really pulled you in, and that's a good thing.

Beyond Scorsese, De Niro worked with many other great directors. He was in Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather Part II" in 1974. He played the young Vito Corleone, a role that won him an Oscar. He learned Sicilian for the part, which is pretty amazing, you know.

He also worked with Michael Mann on "Heat" in 1995. He played Neil McCauley, a professional thief. His scenes with Al Pacino were a highlight. It was the first time they had shared significant screen time, and it was a big deal for movie watchers.

His work with Quentin Tarantino in "Jackie Brown" in 1997 showed a different side. He played Louis Gara, a parolee. He always brings something unique to his roles. That's just how he is, actually.

Versatility and Range: From Drama to Comedy

Robert De Niro is known for his serious, intense roles. But he has also shown a great talent for comedy. This range is a big part of what makes him such a respected actor. He can really surprise you with his choices, you know.

For example, in "Analyze This" from 1999, he played a mob boss who needed therapy. It was a funny take on his tough guy image. People really enjoyed seeing him in a comedic light. It was a rather fresh change for him.

Then came "Meet the Parents" in 2000. He played Jack Byrnes, a very protective father-in-law. This movie was a huge success. His deadpan humor was perfect for the role. He just has a way of delivering lines that makes them funny, basically.

He continued with comedies like "Meet the Fockers" in 2004. He reprised his role as Jack Byrnes. These films showed he could be just as good at making people laugh. It's a different skill set, but he mastered it, too.

Even in serious films, he brings different shades to his characters. In "Awakenings" from 1990, he played a patient waking up from a long sleep. It was a very touching performance. He showed a lot of heart in that role, so.

His role in "Cape Fear" in 1991 was terrifying. He played Max Cady, a vengeful ex-convict. This was another intense character. He can truly make you feel uneasy, which is a sign of a good actor, you know.

He also explored different genres, like thrillers and action films. "Ronin" in 1998 was an action-packed spy film. He played a former intelligence agent. It had some great car chases, and he fit right into that world, apparently.

His ability to switch between heavy dramas and lighthearted comedies is quite something. It shows his deep understanding of acting. He's not afraid to try new things, and that's a really good quality for an artist, in some respects.

Later Career: Still Going Strong

Even after decades in the business, Robert De Niro keeps working. He continues to take on interesting roles. His presence in films still draws in audiences. He's not slowing down, which is pretty amazing, you know.

In the 2000s, he appeared in films like "Stardust" in 2007. He played a cross-dressing pirate captain. This was a surprising and fun role for him. It showed he still had a playful side, too.

"Silver Linings Playbook" in 2012 earned him another Oscar nomination. He played Pat Solitano Sr., a father with OCD. His performance was very heartfelt. He connected with many viewers in that part, so.

He also starred in "Grudge Match" in 2013 with Sylvester Stallone. They played rival boxers. It was a fun nod to their past boxing films. It showed he still had that fighting spirit, in a way.

More recently, "Joker" in 2019 saw him in a supporting role. He played a talk show host. His scene with Joaquin Phoenix was very memorable. He always brings a certain weight to his characters, and that's a good thing.

He also worked on "Killers of the Flower Moon" in 2023. This was another reunion with Martin Scorsese. He played William Hale. It shows his ongoing commitment to important stories and strong directors, naturally.

His continued work proves his lasting passion for acting. He remains a significant figure in Hollywood. He's an inspiration for many younger actors. He just keeps going, and that's something to admire, actually.

He is still active today, with new projects always in the works. This shows his dedication to his craft. He really loves what he does, and it comes through in his performances. It's clear he's not ready to step away from the screen just yet, so.

A Look at His Method

Robert De Niro is known for his intense approach to acting. He often fully immerses himself in his roles. This dedication helps him create very believable characters. It's a way of working that many actors try to follow, you know.

He researches his characters deeply. For "Taxi Driver," he drove a cab for a time. For "Raging Bull," he trained as a boxer and later gained weight. These efforts show his commitment. He really goes the extra mile, and that's a fact.

He pays attention to small details. This helps him build a complete person on screen. His performances feel real because of this care. It's not just about saying lines, it's about being the person, apparently.

His method often involves staying in character, even off set. This helps him maintain the mindset of his role. It's a demanding way to work, but it yields strong results. He takes his work very seriously, and that's pretty clear.

He works closely with directors and fellow actors. This collaboration helps shape the final performance. He's always looking for ways to make the scene better. He's a true professional, you know, and that's what makes him stand out.

Robert De Niro's Movies in Order: A Comprehensive List

Here is a look at some of Robert De Niro's films, listed by year. This list shows his long career and the many roles he has taken on. It's a lot of movies, as a matter of fact, and it shows his dedication.

  • 1968: Greetings – He appeared in this early Brian De Palma film.
  • 1969: The Wedding Party – This was shot earlier but released later.
  • 1969: Sam's Song – Another film from his early working days.
  • 1970: Hi, Mom! – He reunited with De Palma for this comedy.
  • 1971: Bloody Mama – He played a gangster in this crime drama.
  • 1971: Born to Win – He played a heroin addict in this drama.
  • 1971: The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight – A comedic crime film.
  • 1973: Bang the Drum Slowly – He played a dying baseball player.
  • 1973: Mean Streets – His first major work with Martin Scorsese.
  • 1974: The Godfather Part II – He won an Oscar for young Vito Corleone.
  • 1976: Taxi Driver – An iconic role as Travis Bickle.
  • 1976: The Last Tycoon – He played a Hollywood studio head.
  • 1976: 1900 – A long Italian epic film.
  • 1977: New York, New York – A musical drama with Liza Minnelli.
  • 1978: The Deer Hunter – A powerful film about Vietnam War veterans.
  • 1980: Raging Bull – He won another Oscar for Jake LaMotta.
  • 1981: True Confessions – He played a priest in this crime drama.
  • 1982: The King of Comedy – A unique role as a deluded comedian.
  • 1984: Once Upon a Time in America – A sprawling gangster epic.
  • 1984: Falling in Love – A romantic drama with Meryl Streep.
  • 1985: Brazil – A cult classic dystopian film.
  • 1986: The Mission – He played a former slave trader turned Jesuit.
  • 1987: Angel Heart – A supernatural thriller.
  • 1987: The Untouchables – He played Al Capone.
  • 1988: Midnight Run – A popular action-comedy.
  • 1989: Jacknife – A drama about Vietnam veterans.
  • 1989: We're No Angels – A comedy with Sean Penn.
  • 1990: Stanley & Iris – A romantic drama.
  • 1990: Goodfellas – Another classic with Scorsese.
  • 1990: Awakenings – A moving drama about a doctor and his patients.
  • 1991: Cape Fear – A terrifying villain role.
  • 1992: Mistress – A comedy about Hollywood.
  • 1992: Night and the City – He played a struggling lawyer.
  • 1993: Mad Dog and Glory – A comedy with Uma Thurman.
  • 1993: This Boy's Life – A drama with Leonardo DiCaprio.
  • 1994: Frankenstein – He played the creature.
  • 1995: Casino – Another collaboration with Scorsese.
  • 1995: Heat – His first major screen time with Al Pacino.
  • 1996: The Fan – He played a obsessed fan.
  • 1996: Sleepers – A drama about childhood friends seeking revenge.
  • 1996: Marvin's Room – A family drama.
  • 1997: Cop Land – A crime drama with Sylvester Stallone.
  • 1997: Jackie Brown – A Quentin Tarantino film.
  • 1998: Great Expectations – A modern adaptation.
  • 1998: Ronin – An action spy thriller.
  • 1999: Analyze This – A successful comedy.
  • 1999: Flawless – A drama about a stroke victim.
  • 2000: The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle – He played Fearless Leader.
  • 2000: Meet the Parents – A very popular comedy.
  • 2001: 15 Minutes – An action thriller.
  • 2001: The Score – A heist film with Marlon Brando.
  • 2002: Showtime – A buddy cop comedy.
  • 2002: City by the Sea – A crime drama.
  • 2004: Godsend – A horror film.
  • 2004: Meet the Fockers – The sequel to Meet the Parents.
  • 2004: Shark Tale – He voiced a character in this animated film.
  • 2005: Hide and Seek – A psychological thriller.
  • 2006: Arthur and the Invisibles – He voiced a character.
  • 2006: The Good Shepherd – He directed and starred in this spy drama.
  • 2007: Stardust – A fantasy adventure.
  • 2008: What Just Happened – A comedy about Hollywood.
  • 2008: Righteous Kill – Another film with Al Pacino.
  • 2009: Everybody's Fine – A drama about a father visiting his children.
  • 2010: Machete – An action film.
  • 2010: Stone – A thriller.
  • 2010: Little Fockers – The third film in the Meet the Parents series.
  • 2011: Limitless – A thriller about a smart drug.
  • 2011: Killer Elite – An action thriller.
  • 2011: New Year's Eve – A romantic comedy ensemble.
  • 2012: Being Flynn – A drama.
  • 2012: Red Lights – A supernatural thriller.
  • 2012: Silver Linings Playbook – An Oscar-nominated performance.
  • 2013: The Big Wedding – A romantic comedy.
  • 2013: Killing Season – An action thriller with John Travolta.
  • 2013: Last Vegas – A comedy about friends on a bachelor party.
  • 2013: Grudge Match – A boxing comedy.
  • 2014: The Family – A crime comedy.
  • 2015: Joy – A biographical drama.
  • 2015: Bus 657 (Heist) – An action thriller.
  • 2016: Dirty Grandpa – A raunchy comedy.
  • 2016: Hands of Stone – A biographical boxing film
Robert Pattinson - Profile Images — The Movie Database (TMDB)
Robert Pattinson - Profile Images — The Movie Database (TMDB)
Robert Downey Jr. says it was for the best that he didn't win an Oscar
Robert Downey Jr. says it was for the best that he didn't win an Oscar
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Robert Thomas Pattinson - The actor - The musician: About Robert

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