Robert De Niro Filmography
Robert De Niro is one of the most iconic actors in the history of cinema, renowned for his powerful performances and unparalleled ability to immerse himself in a diverse range of characters. Born on August 17, 1943, in New York City, De Niro’s journey into the world of acting began at an early age. He studied at the Stella Adler Conservatory and soon found his way into the film industry, where he would eventually become a symbol of excellence in acting.
De Niro’s career spans over five decades, during which he has starred in numerous critically acclaimed films. His collaborations with legendary director Martin Scorsese are particularly noteworthy, as they have produced some of the most memorable films in American cinema. Below is a detailed look at De Niro’s extensive filmography, highlighting the key films that have defined his career.
Early Career (1960s)
De Niro’s film career began in the late 1960s with small roles in independent films. His first credited role was in “The Wedding Party” (1963), but it was his performance in “Greetings” (1968) that caught the attention of critics and audiences alike. In this dark comedy, De Niro played a young man dodging the draft during the Vietnam War, showcasing his early talent for portraying complex characters. His first major breakthrough came with “Mean Streets” (1973), where he starred as Johnny Boy, a small-time hoodlum navigating the treacherous streets of New York. This film marked the beginning of his successful partnership with director Martin Scorsese.
Rise to Fame (1970s)
The 1970s were a transformative period for De Niro. In 1974, he received widespread acclaim for his role as young Vito Corleone in “The Godfather Part II,” for which he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. This performance not only established him as a leading man in Hollywood but also solidified his reputation for intense, immersive acting.
In “Taxi Driver” (1976), directed by Scorsese, De Niro delivered an unforgettable performance as Travis Bickle, a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran. The film’s exploration of loneliness and violence resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning De Niro an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. His infamous line, “You talkin’ to me?” has since become a cultural reference.
Another significant film from this decade is “New York, New York” (1977), where he played a troubled saxophonist opposite Liza Minnelli. While the film received mixed reviews, De Niro’s performance showcased his range and commitment to his characters.
The Pinnacle of Success (1980s)
De Niro’s career reached new heights in the 1980s, beginning with his portrayal of boxer Jake LaMotta in “Raging Bull” (1980). Directed by Scorsese, the film is often regarded as one of the greatest ever made. De Niro’s transformation for the role, which involved gaining and losing significant weight, earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Following this, he starred in “The King of Comedy” (1982), playing a struggling comedian who resorts to kidnapping to achieve fame. This dark comedy further showcased De Niro’s ability to tackle unconventional roles.
In “Once Upon a Time in America” (1984), he portrayed David “Noodles” Aaronson, a Jewish gangster navigating the complexities of life in early 20th-century America. Although the film received mixed reviews upon release, it has since been re-evaluated and is considered a classic.
De Niro continued his streak of successful films with “The Untouchables” (1987), where he played the infamous gangster Al Capone. His charismatic performance earned him another Academy Award nomination.
“Midnight Run” (1988) marked a shift toward comedy for De Niro. He played a bounty hunter tasked with transporting a mob accountant, showcasing his ability to blend action and humor effectively.
Continued Excellence (1990s)
The 1990s saw De Niro continue to excel in a variety of genres. In “Awakenings” (1990), he starred alongside Robin Williams in a touching story about patients who awaken from catatonia due to a new drug. The film garnered critical acclaim and highlighted De Niro’s emotional depth.
His role as Max Cady in “Cape Fear” (1991) further showcased his talent for portraying menacing characters. Directed by Scorsese, the film was a gripping psychological thriller that reaffirmed De Niro’s status as one of the leading actors of his generation.
In “A Bronx Tale” (1993), which De Niro also directed, he played the role of Lorenzo, a bus driver trying to instill values in his son amidst the temptations of street life. The film is a semi-autobiographical tale reflecting De Niro’s own upbringing in the Bronx.
In “Casino” (1995), De Niro once again teamed up with Scorsese, delivering a riveting performance as Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a casino operator entangled in the world of organized crime. His portrayal earned him critical acclaim and another Academy Award nomination.
The decade continued with films like “The Fan” (1996), where he played a baseball player stalked by an obsessed fan, and “Jackie Brown” (1997), directed by Quentin Tarantino, where he portrayed a small-time criminal.
Recent Work and Legacy (2000s to Present)
In the 2000s, De Niro remained a prominent figure in Hollywood. He starred in “Meet the Parents” (2000), a comedy that introduced a new generation to his talents. The film’s success led to several sequels, including “Meet the Fockers” (2004) and “Little Fockers” (2010), further showcasing his comedic prowess.
In “The Good Shepherd” (2006), De Niro not only starred but also directed the film, which explored the origins of the CIA. His multifaceted involvement in the project highlighted his deep understanding of the filmmaking process.
De Niro returned to serious roles in “The Irishman” (2019), directed by Martin Scorsese. He portrayed Frank Sheeran, a hitman involved in organized crime and the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. The film received critical acclaim and marked a significant return to form for De Niro.
As of 2023, De Niro continues to work on new projects, including “Killers of the Flower Moon,” directed by Martin Scorsese, which examines the Osage Nation murders in the 1920s.
Complete Filmography
Here is a comprehensive list of Robert De Niro’s films:
1960s
- The Wedding Party (1963)
- Greetings (1968)
- The Irishman (1968, uncredited)
1970s
- Bang the Drum Slowly (1973)
- Mean Streets (1973)
- The Godfather Part II (1974)
- Taxi Driver (1976)
- New York, New York (1977)
1980s
- Raging Bull (1980)
- The King of Comedy (1982)
- Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
- The Untouchables (1987)
- Midnight Run (1988)
1990s
- Awakenings (1990)
- Cape Fear (1991)
- A Bronx Tale (1993)
- Casino (1995)
- The Fan (1996)
- Jackie Brown (1997)
2000s
- Meet the Parents (2000)
- The Score (2001)
- Meet the Fockers (2004)
- The Good Shepherd (2006)
2010s
- The Intern (2015)
- Hands of Stone (2016)
- The Irishman (2019)
2020s
- Killers of the Flower Moon (2023, upcoming)
Conclusion
Robert De Niro’s filmography is a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication to the craft of acting. With a diverse range of roles and collaborations with some of the greatest filmmakers in history, De Niro has left an indelible mark on the film industry. As he continues to take on new projects, audiences eagerly await the next chapter in the storied career of this cinematic legend.
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