Robert De Niro, a name synonymous with incredible acting, celebrates his 81st birthday.st Birthday. Over the course of his remarkable six-decade career, De Niro has given us some of the most memorable performances in film history. From his beginnings in small-screen films to his evolution into a Hollywood icon, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
With a career spanning over 60 years, it’s no surprise that De Niro has built up an impressive filmography. His roles in crime dramas, comedies and more prove he’s a versatile actor. Here’s a look at ten of his best films that showcase his remarkable talent.
10. Brazil (1985)
In Brazil, Robert De Niro steps out of his usual gangster roles and into a dystopian science fiction world. The film was directed by Terry Gilliam and although he only played a supporting role, De Niro stood out for his performance. The film is set in a dark, oppressive future where the government controls everything. It controls it through overwhelming bureaucracy and constant surveillance. De Niro plays the role of Harry Tuttle, a renegade heating engineer who bucks the system.
9. The King of Comedy (1982)
In The King of Comedy, directed by Martin Scorsese, De Niro plays Rupert Pupkin, an aspiring comedian with some troubling ambitions. Although the film received mixed reviews upon its release, De Niro’s portrayal of Pupkin is haunting and unforgettable. He masterfully made the character both disturbing and oddly sympathetic. Pupkin is obsessed with becoming a famous comedian and is willing to go to extremes to achieve it.
8. Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in America is an epic crime film in which De Niro plays David Noodles Aaronson. The film is known for its great storytelling and spans nearly four hours. It’s a long film, but it’s worth watching. De Niro’s performance is a major part of what makes the film so powerful.
7. Killer of the Flower Moon (2023)
In this new epic from Martin Scorsese, De Niro plays William Hale, a manipulative figure involved in the murders of members of the Osage Nation. Set in the 1920s, the film tells the true story of the Osage Nation murders, when members of the wealthy Native American tribe were targeted and killed for their oil-rich land. At the age of 80, Niro has proven once again that his talent and dedication remain unchanged.
6. Casino (1995)
De Niro plays Ace Rothstein in Casino, another Scorsese classic. Set in the glitzy world of 1970s Las Vegas, De Niro chronicles the rise and fall of a gangster in a story about greed and power. In Casino, De Niro delivers a standout performance that is both powerful and nuanced.
5. Heat (1995)
In Michael Mann’s 1995 crime thriller “Heat,” Robert De Niro plays the role of Neil McCauley. He plays a master thief with strict rules. McCauley is a professional criminal who leads a gang of skilled thieves in Los Angeles. One of the most iconic moments in the film is the diner scene where McCauley and Hanna meet face to face for the first time.
4. Raging Bull (1980)
In Martin Scorsese’s Raging Bull, Robert De Niro gave one of the most impressive performances of his career. He played the role of Jake LaMotta, a real-life boxer whose life is filled with intense fights and devastating lows. De Niro shows LaMotta to be a man driven by his anger and insecurities, which then leads to his downfall.
What makes De Niro’s performance so remarkable is his complete transformation for the role. He trained for months to achieve the physicality of a professional boxer and even got into the ring for real fights.
3. Taxi Driver (1976)
In Taxi Driver, Robert De Niro gives one of his most memorable performances as Travis Bickle. Bickle is a troubled Vietnam War veteran who feels disconnected from the world around him. The film takes us deep into Bickle’s mind. We see his struggles and frustrations as he tries to make sense of his life in a chaotic city.
2. Goodfellas (1990)
Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas is a classic gangster film characterized by its fast-paced and gripping plot. In this film, Robert De Niro plays the role of Jimmy Conway, a key figure in the mafia world. Conway is involved in high-risk robberies and plays a central role in the film’s exciting plot.
1. The Godfather – Part II (1974)
One of Robert De Niro’s most famous roles is The Godfather Part II (1974). In this film, De Niro plays the young Vito Corleone. This is the same character that Marlon Brando originally brought to life in the first Godfather film. The film is set in the early 20th Set in the 19th century, the film explores Vito’s journey from powerful immigrant to powerful crime boss.
For his role in “The Godfather Part II,” De Niro received an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
All of these films are a classic example of why De Niro is considered one of the greatest actors of all time. Be sure to let us know your favorite De Niro film.
ALSO READ: Happy birthday, Steve Carell: The actor’s 10 most iconic roles on his 62nd birthday
