David O. Russell's recent murder-mystery Amsterdam boasts a hugely talented lineup of veteran actors including Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and even Robert De Niro - and despite the film's mixed reviews, many audiences are praising the cast for their assortment of entertaining performances.
De Niro is often cited as one of the greatest actors of his generation, appearing in some of the most popular films of the past few decades. He's worked alongside the industry's most successful directors, including greats like Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Michael Mann.
Brazil (1985) - 4.04
Rent On Apple TV
Terry Gilliam's Brazil is not only one of De Niro's most exciting projects to date but also one of the most underrated sci-fi thrillers of the entire 1980s. The film effectively blends a grounded story of law and order with some absurd science fiction concepts that make it stand out from the crowd.
De Niro plays the role of a wanted terrorist named Harry Turtle, and it's the actor's dedication to this part that really makes Brazil soar. It's not often that De Niro is given roles like this, but Brazil proves once again that he's capable of handling any character thrown his way.
The Deer Hunter (1978) - 4.08
Rent On Vudu
The Deer Hunter was one of many great '70s movies about the Vietnam War, telling a harrowing story of love and nobility on the battlefront. It's one of De Niro's most emotionally impactful movies to date, mostly thanks to the astute direction from Michael Cimino.
De Niro stars opposite John Cazale and Christopher Walken in the film, all of whom provide some of the most devastating performances of their careers. It certainly isn't an easy film to watch, but it's one that all audiences should be exposed to.
Casino (1995) - 4.10
Stream On Hulu
Martin Scorsese's Casino sees Robert De Niro adopt the eccentric role of Sam Rothstein, a powerful casino owner who finds himself caught up in some dangerous Vegas business. The film follows many of Scorsese's traditional twists and turns, but his creative vision makes it stand out from his other gangster flicks.
Casino also features an all-time great performance from Joe Pesci, whose character serves as one of Rothstein's biggest sources of trouble in the story. The pair are absolutely electric together, bringing out each other's greatest strengths on-screen.
The King Of Comedy (1982) - 4.15
Rent On Apple TV
The King of Comedy tells the story of Rupert Pupkin, an aspiring comic whose professional failures push him to the outskirts of society. The film has served as a source of inspiration for many other thrillers of its era, but the pure originality of Scorsese's original is yet to be replicated.
Ultimately, Pupkin is one of De Niro's best movie characters to date, not only because of the actor's outstanding performance but also because of how complex and intriguing Scorsese's screenplay allows the character to be. There isn't a single predictable moment in the film, which keeps the audience on the edge of their seats throughout.
Heat (1995) - 4.17
Stream On Starz
Michael Mann's Heat pretty much encapsulates everything that makes the thriller genre so exciting - it's filled with entertaining dialogue, heart-pounding action sequences, and some of the most ethically complex characters ever put to the screen.
Mann's films are well-known for their over-the-top action and gritty realism, and Heat is no different. De Niro stars opposite Al Pacino in the classic thriller, crafting one of the most engaging cat-and-mouse chases in cinematic history.
Raging Bull (1980) - 4.19
Stream On Tubi
Though Martin Scorsese is best known for his gritty gangster dramas, Raging Bull proves that the director's talent isn't restricted to a single genre. Jake LaMotta's thrilling story of ambition and success is actually little more than a sports drama on paper, but De Niro and Scorsese's unmatched talents bring it to life.
Raging Bull is primarily a story of two halves - the film features some expertly-crafted set pieces that advance LaMotta's professional journey, but it also displays the intimate complexities of his life in a way that many films wouldn't dare to do.
Once Upon A Time In America (1984) - 4.19
Stream On Showtime
Sergio Leone's Once Upon A Time In America follows the story of one gangster's long-awaited return to Manhattan several decades after his departure, forced to face the ghosts of his old life. The film is a sprawling epic whose dedication and craftsmanship land at the peak of Leone's filmography.
Once Upon A Time In America also features one of De Niro's most underrated performances to date, with the character of David Aaronson challenging the actor in ways that few other roles have. Needless to say, De Niro completely embraces the character's difficulties and navigates them in a genius way.
Taxi Driver (1976) - 4.20
Stream On Showtime
If there's one role that Robert De Niro is most frequently associated with, it's Taxi Driver's Travis Bickle. The character represents a certain brand of misaligned, self-righteous heroes that are inexplicably thrilling to watch, and Scorsese's story really brings out the best in De Niro's ability.
Taxi Driver also features one of Jodie Foster's best early roles, with the actress somehow sharing the screen with a legend like De Niro and never faltering her ability. Foster offers one of the greatest child performances ever in Taxi Driver, and there's an argument to be made that she's actually the film's main focus.
Goodfellas (1990) - 4.43
Stream On HBO Max
Scorsese has made a huge selection of gangster flicks over the years, but it's (rightfully) Goodfellas that receives the most praise. It represents the heights of the director's ability, with some stunning narrative decisions and creative flairs that make it stand out within his filmography.
Goodfellas stars Ray Liotta in the lead role as an up-and-coming gangster named Henry Hill, but supporting actors Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci really bring the story to life with their stunning turns as James Conway and Tommy DeVito, two hot-headed gangsters who serve as Hill's mentors in the criminal world.
The Godfather: Part II (1974) - 4.53
Stream On Peacock
Robert De Niro was immediately at a disadvantage in The Godfather: Part II, portraying the iconic role of Vito Corleone, which was originally played by Marlon Brando in the original installment. However, De Niro managed to make the character his own by channeling the same intensity and unpredictability that Brando captured.
Although the Godfather trilogy is essentially the story of Al Pacino's Michael Corleone, the narrative couldn't exist without his father Vito. De Niro and Pacino might never share the screen in this saga, but there's something about both of their performances that prove just how powerful and similar they are as individuals