10 Unforgettable Robert De Niro Movies You Need to Watch Before You Die!



Robert De Niro is an acting legend whose performances have shaped some of the most iconic films in cinematic history. With a career spanning decades, he’s played roles that range from ruthless gangsters to troubled protagonists, each performance adding depth and intensity. Here are the top 10 must-watch Robert De Niro movies, complete with summaries, box office stats, and key details.

1. Taxi Driver (1976)

  • Summary: De Niro plays Travis Bickle, a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who becomes a taxi driver in New York City. His growing disgust with the city's crime and corruption pushes him toward violent extremes.
  • Director: Martin Scorsese
  • Producer: Michael Phillips, Julia Phillips
  • Box Office: $28 million
  • Cast: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Harvey Keitel
  • Why It’s Iconic: The line "You talkin' to me?" became a cultural landmark. De Niro’s portrayal of a disturbed loner is both unsettling and captivating.

2. The Godfather Part II (1974)

  • Summary: De Niro stars as a young Vito Corleone in this mafia classic, showing Vito's rise from a poor Sicilian immigrant to a feared and respected Mafia boss in New York.
  • Director: Francis Ford Coppola
  • Producer: Francis Ford Coppola, Gray Frederickson
  • Box Office: $47.5 million
  • Cast: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall
  • Why It’s Iconic: De Niro’s Oscar-winning performance in this prequel to The Godfather demonstrates his versatility and precision in embodying one of the most powerful characters in cinema.

3. Raging Bull (1980)

  • Summary: Based on the life of boxer Jake LaMotta, De Niro portrays a champion who rises to fame only to succumb to personal demons and self-destructive behavior.
  • Director: Martin Scorsese
  • Producer: Robert Chartoff, Irwin Winkler
  • Box Office: $23 million
  • Cast: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Cathy Moriarty
  • Why It’s Iconic: De Niro’s dedication is unmatched; he gained 60 pounds to portray LaMotta's later years, winning an Academy Award for his role.

4. Goodfellas (1990)

  • Summary: De Niro plays Jimmy Conway, a high-ranking member of the mob in this true-crime story that follows Henry Hill’s life in the mafia.
  • Director: Martin Scorsese
  • Producer: Irwin Winkler
  • Box Office: $47 million
  • Cast: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco
  • Why It’s Iconic: The film is celebrated for its authentic portrayal of organized crime, and De Niro's role adds depth to the dangerous allure of mob life.

5. The Deer Hunter (1978)

  • Summary: This intense war drama follows a group of friends before, during, and after the Vietnam War. De Niro plays Michael, whose life changes drastically due to the traumas of combat.
  • Director: Michael Cimino
  • Producer: Barry Spikings, Michael Deeley, Michael Cimino
  • Box Office: $49 million
  • Cast: Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Savage, Meryl Streep
  • Why It’s Iconic: With Oscar-winning performances and powerful scenes, this film showcases De Niro’s range as he explores the emotional scars of war.

6. Casino (1995)

  • Summary: De Niro plays Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a gambling expert and casino operator in Las Vegas. His rise in the world of crime brings power and wealth but also betrayal and tragedy.
  • Director: Martin Scorsese
  • Producer: Barbara De Fina
  • Box Office: $116 million
  • Cast: Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci
  • Why It’s Iconic: The glitz and grit of Las Vegas, combined with De Niro’s intense portrayal of a man trapped by ambition, makes this a crime classic.

7. Heat (1995)

  • Summary: In this heist thriller, De Niro plays Neil McCauley, a career criminal in a cat-and-mouse game with detective Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino).
  • Director: Michael Mann
  • Producer: Art Linson
  • Box Office: $187 million
  • Cast: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Val Kilmer
  • Why It’s Iconic: The iconic coffee shop scene between De Niro and Pacino is one of the most celebrated face-offs in movie history.

8. Meet the Parents (2000)

  • Summary: De Niro shows his comedic chops as Jack Byrnes, a strict former CIA agent who makes life difficult for his daughter’s new boyfriend.
  • Director: Jay Roach
  • Producer: Nancy Tenenbaum, Jay Roach
  • Box Office: $330 million
  • Cast: Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Teri Polo, Blythe Danner
  • Why It’s Iconic: His deadpan performance in this comedy proves De Niro can handle humor as well as drama.

9. The Irishman (2019)

  • Summary: Based on true events, De Niro stars as Frank Sheeran, a hitman who reflects on his life of crime and involvement with notorious figures like Jimmy Hoffa.
  • Director: Martin Scorsese
  • Producer: Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Emma Tillinger Koskoff
  • Box Office: Limited theatrical release, estimated $8 million
  • Cast: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci
  • Why It’s Iconic: The film uses groundbreaking de-aging technology to span decades of De Niro’s character, and his portrayal is both haunting and heartfelt.

10. Cape Fear (1991)

  • Summary: De Niro plays Max Cady, a brutal and unhinged ex-con seeking revenge on the lawyer who failed to keep him out of prison.
  • Director: Martin Scorsese
  • Producer: Barbara De Fina
  • Box Office: $182 million
  • Cast: Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, Juliette Lewis
  • Why It’s Iconic: De Niro’s terrifying transformation into the sadistic Cady earned him an Oscar nomination, and the role has become a staple in the psychological thriller genre.

Each of these films showcases different sides of Robert De Niro’s incredible talent. Whether playing a hero, villain, or something in between, De Niro’s unforgettable characters and compelling storylines make these films unmissable. Watch these ten movies, and experience the versatility and depth that have made De Niro a cinematic icon.

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