Robert De Niro is widely regarded as one of the most formidable actors in cinema history. With a career spanning over five decades, he has portrayed gangsters, boxers, comedians, and spies, earning two Academy Awards and a reputation for intense, transformative performances. This guide covers his best films, complete filmography, streaming options, and what lies ahead for the legendary star.
What Are the Best Robert De Niro Movies of All Time?
When critics and audiences debate the finest performances in film, De Niro’s name appears repeatedly. His work from the 1970s and 1980s is frequently cited as the peak of American method acting, but his later roles also earned significant acclaim.
- Best Films: Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, The Godfather Part II, Casino
- Complete Filmography: Over 100 acting credits from 1968 to present
- Streaming Guide: Find titles on Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, and more
- Comedy Selections: Meet the Parents, Analyze This, The Intern
Key Insights About His Career
Robert De Niro is one of the most acclaimed actors of all time, with two Academy Awards (Best Supporting Actor for The Godfather Part II, Best Actor for Raging Bull). He is known for his intense method acting and long-standing collaboration with Martin Scorsese (9 films). His filmography spans drama, crime, comedy, and thriller genres, adapting to modern cinema with roles in films like Joker (2019) and The Irishman (2019). De Niro has also directed a handful of films, most notably The Good Shepherd (2006). For deeper insight into his most famous partnership, read our Martin Scorsese movies: complete guide.
Snapshot Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Robert Anthony De Niro Jr. |
| Born | August 17, 1943 (New York City, USA) |
| Academy Awards | 2 (plus 6 nominations) |
| Notable Collaborators | Martin Scorsese, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci |
| First Film | “Greetings” (1968) |
According to critics, De Niro’s most acclaimed works include The Godfather Part II, Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, Heat, The Deer Hunter, Once Upon a Time in America, The Untouchables, Casino, and The Irishman. For a complete ranking, consult Rotten Tomatoes’ comprehensive list of his films by Tomatometer.
What Is the Chronological Order of Robert De Niro Movies?
De Niro’s career began in the late 1960s and quickly accelerated into one of the most celebrated filmographies in Hollywood. Here is the chronological order of his key films.
Early Career (1968-1979)
His first credited film was Greetings (1968). He gained attention with Bang the Drum Slowly (1973) and his first collaboration with Martin Scorsese, Mean Streets (1973). He won his first Oscar for The Godfather Part II (1974) and delivered an iconic performance in Taxi Driver (1976). Other notable early films include 1900 (1976), The Last Tycoon (1976), and The Deer Hunter (1978).
1980s Golden Age
The 1980s solidified his legend. Raging Bull (1980) earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. He followed with The King of Comedy (1982), Once Upon a Time in America (1984), Brazil (1985), The Mission (1986), The Untouchables (1987), and Midnight Run (1988).
1990s
This decade brought some of his most celebrated crime dramas: Goodfellas (1990), Cape Fear (1991), Casino (1995), and Heat (1995), the latter featuring his famous on-screen face-off with Al Pacino. He also directed and starred in A Bronx Tale (1993). Other films include Awakenings (1990), This Boy’s Life (1993), Sleepers (1996), Jackie Brown (1997), Ronin (1998), and Analyze This (1999).
2000s–2010s
De Niro embraced comedy with hits like Meet the Parents (2000) and Analyze That (2002). He directed The Good Shepherd (2006) and returned to dramatic form with Silver Linings Playbook (2012). His later films include American Hustle (2013), Joker (2019), and the Scorsese epic The Irishman (2019).
2020s
Recent releases include The Comeback Trail (2020), The War with Grandpa (2020), Amsterdam (2022), and Killers of the Flower Moon (2023). Upcoming projects include The Alto Knights (2025) and Tin Soldier (2026).
For a complete and regularly updated list of every film Robert De Niro has appeared in, the Wikipedia filmography and IMDb are the most authoritative sources. These databases include early, uncredited, and upcoming projects.
What Are the Latest and Upcoming Robert De Niro Movies?
As of 2025, Robert De Niro remains active. His most recent major release was Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon (2023). According to available production reports, he has two films in various stages: The Alto Knights (2025) and Tin Soldier (2026). It is worth noting that release dates for upcoming movies are subject to change, and no official confirmation of additional 2026 projects has been made at this time. He continues to work as a producer through his company Tribeca Enterprises.
Which Robert De Niro Movies Are Comedies?
While De Niro is celebrated for his intense dramatic roles, he has successfully transitioned into comedy. His most famous comedic films include Meet the Parents (2000) and its sequels (2004, 2010), Analyze This (1999) and its 2002 sequel, Wag the Dog (1997), Last Vegas (2013), and Grudge Match (2013). Many critics and audiences consider Meet the Parents and Analyze This as his top comedies.
Where Can You Stream Robert De Niro Movies?
Streaming availability for Robert De Niro movies varies significantly by region and changes frequently. As of this writing, titles can be found on platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max, but specific availability is not fixed. For current streaming options, it is best to check individual platform catalogs directly.
The streaming landscape for De Niro’s films is fluid. A movie available on Netflix in one country may not be available in another. Always verify current availability through the streaming service itself.
What Movies Did Robert De Niro Direct?
Robert De Niro has directed two feature films. His directorial debut was A Bronx Tale (1993), a coming-of-age crime drama in which he also starred. He later directed and starred in The Good Shepherd (2006), a historical spy drama. The Letterboxd community includes these titles among his filmography.
Career Timeline: Key Milestones
The following timeline highlights the most significant periods and films in Robert De Niro’s career.
- 1968–1970s: First film “Greetings” (1968); “Mean Streets” (1973) – first Scorsese collaboration; “The Godfather Part II” (1974) – Oscar win; “Taxi Driver” (1976) – Palme d’Or, iconic role; “The Deer Hunter” (1978)
- 1980s: “Raging Bull” (1980) – Academy Award for Best Actor; “The King of Comedy” (1982); “Once Upon a Time in America” (1984); “The Untouchables” (1987)
- 1990s: “Goodfellas” (1990); “Cape Fear” (1991); “Casino” (1995); “Heat” (1995) – iconic face-off with Pacino
- 2000s–2010s: Comedy renaissance: “Meet the Parents” (2000), “Analyze That” (2002); “The Good Shepherd” (2006) – directorial debut; “Silver Linings Playbook” (2012); “The Irishman” (2019)
- 2020s: “The Comeback Trail” (2020); “The War with Grandpa” (2020); “Amsterdam” (2022); “Killers of the Flower Moon” (2023); Upcoming: “The Alto Knights” (2025), “Tin Soldier” (2026)
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain?
This table clarifies what is established about De Niro’s career and what remains unclear.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Filmography up to 2024 is well-documented on Wikipedia and IMDb. | Release dates for 2026 movies (e.g., “Tin Soldier”) are subject to change. |
| Academy Award wins and nominations are official. | Streaming availability varies by region and changes frequently. |
| Collaborations with Scorsese are confirmed. | Some early or uncredited roles may not be fully listed. |
What Is the Context of His Career Evolution?
Robert De Niro’s career demonstrates a remarkable evolution from intense method acting in gritty dramas of the 1970s and 1980s to a later embrace of comedic roles and producing. His early work with Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Michael Cimino defined a generation of American cinema. From the 2000s onward, he balanced massive commercial comedies with serious dramatic work, including historical epics like Killers of the Flower Moon. His impact on method acting and the crime drama genre is considered foundational.
Sources and Where to Find More Information
The most reliable sources for Robert De Niro’s filmography and career details include the Wikipedia filmography, his IMDb page, and the Rotten Tomatoes ranked list. The Academy Awards database provides official Oscar records.
“Robert De Niro is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished and respected actors of the 20th century and beyond, known for his intense, formidable presence and collaborations with acclaimed directors including Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Quentin Tarantino.”
— Wikipedia / Research Notes
Summary: The Definitive Guide to Robert De Niro Movies
This guide has covered the best films, chronological order, comedy roles, streaming considerations, directorial work, and upcoming projects for Robert De Niro. His legacy is built on a massive body of work spanning over a hundred credits. For a deeper look at his collaborations, see our guide on Martin Scorsese movies: complete guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Robert De Niro’s first movies?
His first credited film was Greetings (1968), followed by The Wedding Party (1969). He also appeared in Bloody Mama (1970) and Hi, Mom! (1970).
How many movies has Robert De Niro been in?
He has over 100 acting credits as of 2025, counting films, television, and voice work.
Did Robert De Niro win an Oscar for Goodfellas?
No, he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor but did not win. He won Oscars for The Godfather Part II (1974) and Raging Bull (1980).
What is Robert De Niro’s best comedy movie?
Many consider Meet the Parents (2000) and Analyze This (1999) as his top comedies.
How many Oscars has Robert De Niro won?
He has won two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor for The Godfather Part II (1974) and Best Actor for Raging Bull (1980). He has six additional nominations.
What are Robert De Niro’s upcoming movies?
Upcoming projects include The Alto Knights (2025) and Tin Soldier (2026), though release dates are subject to change.
Which actor most frequently co-stars with De Niro?
Martin Scorsese has directed him in 9 feature films. Among actors, Joe Pesci and Al Pacino have co-starred with him multiple times.
Did Robert De Niro direct any movies?
Yes, he directed A Bronx Tale (1993) and The Good Shepherd (2006).
What is considered Robert De Niro’s best performance?
Many critics point to Raging Bull (1980) as his finest work, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. Taxi Driver (1976) is also frequently cited.
Is Robert De Niro still acting?
Yes, he remains active. His most recent major film was Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), and he has projects in development for 2025 and 2026.
Jack Thomas Clarke Thompson is a staff writer for PopCultureDaily.co.uk, covering entertainment news, film, television, streaming and celebrity culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Harriet Winslow and Managing Editor Lucas Bennett, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.