Robert De Niro began his seven-decade career in movies with a starring role in the Vietnam War-era comedy/drama Greetings. The 1968 film would be his opening joint effort with Brian De Palma (they followed up with The Wedding Party, dark satire Hi, Mom!, and gangland epic The Untouchables), and would be the first of many fruitful actor/director partnerships that would come to define De Niro’s image.
Martin Scorsese is the most obvious director he’s worked with in this way: Their legendary collaborative run began with 1973’s Mean Streets, continuing into Taxi Driver, New York, New York, Raging Bull, The King of Comedy, Goodfellas, Cape Fear, Casino, and The Irishman. De Niro’s performances in Taxi Driver and Raging Bull especially changed the acting game, executing a method-style of performance wherein the actor not only mentally inhabits their character, but transforms their physical shape entirely. De Niro won the Best Actor Oscar for becoming boxer Jake ‘The Raging Bull’ LaMotta in 1981, topping his Best Supporting Actor win in 1975 for The Godfather: Part II as young Vito Corleone, and nominations in ’77 and ’79 for Taxi Driver and The Deer Hunter, respectively.
Just as he did in the ’70s, De Niro appeared in some of the best movies of the decades that subsequently followed. In the ’80s, he worked with Terry Gilliam for Brazil and Sergio Leone for Once Upon a Time in America, and delivered enduring action-comedy Midnight Run. Inside the ’90s, aside from the aforementioned Scorsese collaborations, De Niro starred in Michael Mann’s Heat and Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown. Wag the Dog might belong on someone’s best-of-’90s list if you asked around a bit, but Barry Levinson is another director De Niro has frequently worked with; outside of Dog, they also put together What Just Happened?, Sleepers, and The Wizard of Lies.
Towards the end of the ’90s, De Niro began to satirize his on-screen tough-guy persona, returning to the comedy mode of his early career with films like 1999’s Analyze This, 2000’s Meet the Parents, and 2007’s Stardust. He would be nominated again for an Oscar for his role in 2012’s Silver Linings Playbook, kicking off another director partnership with David O. Russell. They would continue with the decidedly Scorsese-like American Hustle, Joy, and an upcoming historical drama. Another recent Scorsese-esque movie, Joker, echoed the bleak media dystopia presented in The King of Comedy and grossed $1 billion worldwide. But why settle: After starring in and being nominated for Best Picture as a producer on The Irishman, he’s back with Scorsese for the upcoming Killers of the Flower Moon.
Now, we’re ranking all Robert De Niro movies by Tomatometer, Certified Fresh Films first! —Alex Vo
#1
Adjusted Score: 102829%
Critics Consensus: Brazil, Terry Gilliam’s visionary Orwellian fantasy, is an audacious dark comedy, filled with strange, imaginative visuals.
#2
Adjusted Score: 111209%
Critics Consensus: Drawing on strong performances by Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, Francis Ford Coppola’s continuation of Mario Puzo’s Mafia saga set new standards for sequels that have yet to be matched or broken.
#3
Adjusted Score: 102386%
Critics Consensus: Mean Streets is a powerful tale of urban sin and guilt that marks Scorsese’s arrival as an important cinematic voice and features electrifying performances from Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro.
#4
Adjusted Score: 119969%
Critics Consensus: An epic gangster drama that earns its extended runtime, The Irishman finds Martin Scorsese revisiting familiar themes to poignant, funny, and profound effect.
#5
Adjusted Score: 99724%
Critics Consensus: Enlivened by the antagonistic chemistry between Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin, Midnight Run is an uncommonly entertaining odd couple comedy.
#6
Adjusted Score: 108189%
Critics Consensus: Hard-hitting and stylish, GoodFellas is a gangster classic — and arguably the high point of Martin Scorsese’s career.
#7
Adjusted Score: 116997%
Critics Consensus: Enormous in runtime, theme, and achievement, Killers of the Flower Moon is a sobering appraisal of America’s relationship with Indigenous peoples and yet another artistic zenith for Martin Scorsese and his collaborators.
#8
Adjusted Score: 108514%
Critics Consensus: Arguably Martin Scorsese’s and Robert De Niro’s finest film, Raging Bull is often painful to watch, but it’s a searing, powerful work about an unsympathetic hero.
#9
Adjusted Score: 105854%
Critics Consensus: Riotously funny and impeccably cast, American Hustle compensates for its flaws with unbridled energy and some of David O. Russell’s most irrepressibly vibrant direction.
#10
Adjusted Score: 104456%
Critics Consensus: Silver Linings Playbook walks a tricky thematic tightrope, but David O. Russell’s sensitive direction and some sharp work from a talented cast gives it true balance.
#11
Adjusted Score: 110509%
Critics Consensus: A must-see film for movie lovers, this Martin Scorsese masterpiece is as hard-hitting as it is compelling, with Robert De Niro at his best.
#12
Adjusted Score: 96057%
Critics Consensus: Largely misunderstood upon its release, The King of Comedy today looks eerily prescient, and features a fine performance by Robert DeNiro as a strangely sympathetic psychopath.
#13
Adjusted Score: 96173%
Critics Consensus: Though Al Pacino and Robert De Niro share but a handful of screen minutes together, Heat is an engrossing crime drama that draws compelling performances from its stars — and confirms Michael Mann’s mastery of the genre.
#14
Adjusted Score: 92789%
Critics Consensus: Sergio Leone’s epic crime drama is visually stunning, stylistically bold, and emotionally haunting, and filled with great performances from the likes of Robert De Niro and James Woods.
#15
Adjusted Score: 94373%
Critics Consensus: Although somewhat lackadaisical in pace, Jackie Brown proves to be an effective star-vehicle for Pam Grier while offering the usual Tarantino wit and charm.
#16
Adjusted Score: 101509%
Critics Consensus: Its greatness is blunted by its length and one-sided point of view, but the film’s weaknesses are overpowered by Michael Cimino’s sympathetic direction and a series of heartbreaking performances from Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, and Christopher Walken.
#17
Adjusted Score: 90990%
Critics Consensus: Smart, well-acted, and uncomfortably prescient political satire from director Barry Levinson and and all-star cast.
#18
Adjusted Score: 90708%
Critics Consensus: Despite sometimes sitcom-like execution, Meet the Parents is a hilarious look at familial relationships that works mostly because the chemistry between its two leads is so effective.
#19
Adjusted Score: 86952%
Critics Consensus: Marvin’s Room rises above the pack of dysfunctional family dramas thanks to an impeccable cast that includes Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton, and Leonardo DiCaprio.
#20
Adjusted Score: 89872%
Critics Consensus: Slick on the surface but loaded with artful touches, Brian DePalma’s classical gangster thriller is a sharp look at period Chicago crime, featuring excellent performances from a top-notch cast.
#21
Adjusted Score: 84130%
Critics Consensus: Impressive ambition and bravura performances from an outstanding cast help Casino pay off in spite of a familiar narrative that may strike some viewers as a safe bet for director Martin Scorsese.
#22
Adjusted Score: 84757%
Critics Consensus: A faithful interpretation that captures the spirit of whimsy, action, and off-kilter humor of Neil Gaiman, Stardust juggles multiple genres and tones to create a fantastical experience.
#23
Adjusted Score: 79222%
Critics Consensus: Cop Land matches its star-studded cast with richly imagined characters while throttling the audience with carefully ratcheted suspense, although it lacks the moral complexity of classic crime thrillers.
#24
Adjusted Score: 80216%
Critics Consensus: It’s not particularly deep, but Backdraft is a strong action movie with exceptional special effects.
#25
Adjusted Score: 79624%
Critics Consensus: Smart and stylish, Cape Fear is a gleefully mainstream shocker from Martin Scorsese, with a terrifying Robert De Niro performance.
#26
Adjusted Score: 77229%
Critics Consensus: Though the movie treads familiar ground in the heist/caper genre, Robert DeNiro, Edward Norton, and Marlon Brando make the movie worth watching.
#27
Adjusted Score: 76426%
Critics Consensus: Old friendships are awakened by the need for revenge, making Sleepers a haunting nightmare burdened by voiceover yet terrifically captured by Barry Levinson.
#28
Adjusted Score: 75066%
Critics Consensus: The Wizard of Lies doesn’t really shed much new light on its fact-based story, but thanks to solid direction and a talented cast, it still proves consistently watchable.
#29
Adjusted Score: 77661%
Critics Consensus: Machete is messy, violent, shallow, and tasteless — and that’s precisely the point of one of the summer’s most cartoonishly enjoyable films.
#30
Adjusted Score: 99640%
Critics Consensus: A Bronx Tale sets itself apart from other coming-of-age dramas thanks to a solid script, a terrific cast, and director Robert De Niro’s sensitive work behind the camera.
#31
Adjusted Score: 93475%
Critics Consensus: Bang the Drum Slowly is a touching melodrama that explores the inner workings of a baseball club and its players’ personalities with remarkable depth.
#32
Adjusted Score: 89485%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
#33
Adjusted Score: 86501%
Critics Consensus: Elevated by some of Robin Williams’ finest non-comedic work and a strong performance from Robert De Niro, Awakenings skirts the edges of melodrama, then soars above it.
#34
Adjusted Score: 84570%
Critics Consensus: Angel Heart lures viewers into its disturbing, brutal mystery with authentic noir flair and a palpably hypnotic mood.
#35
Adjusted Score: 80426%
Critics Consensus: Inspired casting and a prevailing sweetness make Mad Dog and Glory an oddball treat.
#36
Adjusted Score: 78961%
Critics Consensus: A harrowing, moving drama about a young boy, his single mother, and his abusive stepfather, This Boy’s Life benefits from its terrific cast, and features a breakout performance from a young Leonardo DiCaprio.
#37
Adjusted Score: 73917%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
#38
Adjusted Score: 72836%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
#39
Adjusted Score: 74064%
Critics Consensus: Ronin earns comparisons to The French Connection with strong action, dynamic road chase scenes, and solid performances.
#40
Adjusted Score: 75983%
Critics Consensus: Although its script is uneven, Neil Burger directs Limitless with plenty of visual panache, and Bradley Cooper makes for a charismatic star.
#41
Adjusted Score: 73984%
Critics Consensus: Analyze This is a satisfying comedy with great performances by De Niro and Crystal.
#42
Adjusted Score: 69715%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
#43
Adjusted Score: 101408%
Critics Consensus: Joker gives its infamous central character a chillingly plausible origin story that serves as a brilliant showcase for its star — and a dark evolution for comics-inspired cinema.
#44
Adjusted Score: 68316%
Critics Consensus: The Mission is a well-meaning epic given delicate heft by its sumptuous visuals and a standout score by Ennio Morricone, but its staid presentation never stirs an emotional investment in its characters.
#45
Adjusted Score: 68876%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
#46
Adjusted Score: 64433%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
#47
Adjusted Score: 73175%
Critics Consensus: Joy is anchored by a strong performance from Jennifer Lawrence, although director David O. Russell’s uncertain approach to its fascinating fact-based tale only sporadically sparks bursts of the titular emotion.
#48
Adjusted Score: 68495%
Critics Consensus: The Intern doesn’t do enough with its timely premise, but benefits from the unorthodox chemistry of its talented leads.
#49
Adjusted Score: 63084%
Critics Consensus: Martin Scorsese’s technical virtuosity and Liza Minelli’s magnetic presence are on full display in New York, New York, although this ambitious musical’s blend of swooning style and hard-bitten realism makes for a queasy mixture.
#50
Adjusted Score: 57426%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
#51
Adjusted Score: 62850%
Critics Consensus: Though ambitious and confidently directed by Robert De Niro, The Good Shepherd is ultimately a tedious drama that holds few surprises and succumbs to self-seriousness.
#52
Adjusted Score: 59201%
Critics Consensus: Michael Caine’s excellent performance makes Flawless something more than an average heist movie.
#53
Adjusted Score: 57121%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
#54
Adjusted Score: 54337%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
#55
Adjusted Score: 54246%
Critics Consensus: Robert De Niro gives a sincere, gripping performance, but Being Flynn is an uneasy mix of drama and comedy that fails to emotionally resonate as a whole.
#56
Adjusted Score: 55364%
Critics Consensus: What Just Happened has some inspired comic moments, but this inside-baseball take on Hollywood lacks satirical bite.
#57
Adjusted Score: 53664%
Critics Consensus: Stone boasts a cast that includes Robert De Niro, Edward Norton, and Milla Jovovich, and it features strong dialogue, but it’s ultimately undone by its heavy-handed symbolism and overabundant plot twists.
#58
Adjusted Score: 52341%
Critics Consensus: A calm, charismatic performance from Robert De Niro nearly saves the movie, but ultimately, Everybody’s Fine has the look and feel of a stereotypical Christmas dramedy.
#59
Adjusted Score: 52504%
Critics Consensus: Even though the movie is well acted, it sinks under an abundance of melodrama and cliches.
#60
Adjusted Score: 46055%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
#61
Adjusted Score: 52277%
Critics Consensus: The cast of Last Vegas keep things amiably watchable, but the film is mostly a mellower Hangover retread for the older set.
#62
Adjusted Score: 48649%
Critics Consensus: Hands of Stone‘s strong cast and fascinating real-life story aren’t enough to compensate for a crowded narrative and formulaic script.
#63
Adjusted Score: 46560%
Critics Consensus: Though the film stays true to the nature of the original cartoon, the script is disappointing and not funny.
#64
Adjusted Score: 45740%
Critics Consensus: De Niro and Goodings Jr. manage to turn in performances that make this by-the-numbers inspirational movie watchable.
#65
Adjusted Score: 45582%
Critics Consensus: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is ambitious and visually striking, but the overwrought tone and lack of scares make for a tonally inconsistent experience.
#66
Adjusted Score: 41270%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
#67
Adjusted Score: 43166%
Critics Consensus: Talented cast is wasted as the movie is content with recycling jokes from its predecessor, Meet the Parents.
#68
Adjusted Score: 40497%
Critics Consensus: Great Expectations is all surface tension: beautiful people shot in beautiful locations without any depth or emotion.
#69
Adjusted Score: 38371%
Critics Consensus: Tony Scott’s visceral flash proves to be an ill fit for The Fan, a queasy tale of obsession that succeeds at making audiences uncomfortable, but strikes out when it comes to delivering the thrills.
#70
Adjusted Score: 40801%
Critics Consensus: Derivative and full of pop culture in-jokes.
#71
Adjusted Score: 30390%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
#72
Adjusted Score: 36063%
Critics Consensus: As critical as it is about sensationalism in the media, 15 Minutes itself indulges in lurid violence, and its satire is too heavy-handed to be effective.
#73
Adjusted Score: 45527%
Critics Consensus: Amsterdam has a bunch of big stars and a very busy plot, all of which amounts to painfully less than the sum of its dazzling parts.
#74
Adjusted Score: 29623%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
#75
Adjusted Score: 37128%
Critics Consensus: Grudge Match is sporadically funny but meandering, and its strong cast largely mired in a plot that’s overrun with clichés.
#76
Adjusted Score: 34809%
Critics Consensus: Wasting the talents of an impressive cast on a predictable mystery, Red Lights lacks the clairvoyance to know what audiences want.
#77
Adjusted Score: 34432%
Critics Consensus: Fitfully funny but mostly misguided, The War with Grandpa will leave audiences with a handful of chuckles — and a lot of questions about what this talented cast was thinking.
#78
Adjusted Score: 30402%
Critics Consensus: Heist stacks its deck with an all-star cast but this humorless action potboiler doesn’t give them a good hand to play.
#79
Adjusted Score: 33978%
Critics Consensus: Luc Besson’s The Family suffers from an overly familiar setup and a number of jarring tonal shifts.
#80
Adjusted Score: 32592%
Critics Consensus: A rote, utterly disposable Jason Statham vehicle that just happens to have Clive Owen and Robert De Niro in it.
#81
Adjusted Score: 31774%
Critics Consensus: The one joke premise is stretched a bit thin in this messy sequel, but a few laughs can be had here and there.
#82
Adjusted Score: 28696%
Critics Consensus: Showtime starts out as a promising satire of the buddy cop genre. Unfortunately, it ends up becoming the type of movies it is satirizing.
#83
Adjusted Score: 28750%
Critics Consensus: The Comedian boasts an incredibly talented cast, but they’re put to poor use in an aimless rom-com whose handful of memorable moments never add up to a compelling story.
#84
Adjusted Score: 23627%
Critics Consensus: Al Pacino and Robert De Niro do their best to elevate this dowdy genre exercise, but even these two greats can’t resuscitate the film’s hackneyed script.
#85
Adjusted Score: 14220%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
#86
Adjusted Score: 17496%
Critics Consensus: Robert De Niro and especially Dakota Fanning have earned some praise for their work in Hide and Seek, but critics have called the rest of the film derivative, illogical and somewhat silly.
#87
Adjusted Score: 12341%
Critics Consensus: Busy with attitude and light on intrigue, The Bag Man is a mystery box with nothing surprising inside.
#88
Adjusted Score: 15870%
Critics Consensus: Like a Werther’s Original dropped down a sewer drain, Dirty Grandpa represents the careless fumbling of a classic talent that once brought pleasure to millions.
#89
Adjusted Score: 10047%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
#90
Adjusted Score: 14663%
Critics Consensus: As star-studded as it is heartbreakingly lazy, Little Fockers takes the top-grossing trilogy to embarrassing new lows.
#91
Adjusted Score: 12253%
Critics Consensus: Shallow, sappy, and dull, New Year’s Eve assembles a star-studded cast for no discernible purpose.
#92
Adjusted Score: 11533%
Critics Consensus: The Big Wedding‘s all-star cast is stranded in a contrived, strained plot that features broad stabs at humor but few laughs.
#93
Adjusted Score: 8157%
Critics Consensus: A murky thriller with few chills, Godsend features ludicrous dialogue, by-the-numbers plotting, and an excess of cheap shocks.
#94
Adjusted Score: 3588%
Critics Consensus: Despite an all-star cast and some impressive visuals, The Bridge of San Luis Rey is a lifeless, slow-going adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s classic novel.