Robert De Niro is one of the towering figures in film history, renowned for his intense, uncompromising portrayals of complex characters.
His collaborations with directors like Martin Scorsese have produced some of cinema’s most compelling works, and his transformative acting has won him multiple Oscars.
Beyond the screen, De Niro – who turns 82 today – has been publicly vocal about his political views, notably expressing strong criticism of Donald Trump, whom he has called an “idiot” and “jerk,” emphasising concerns over democracy and leadership in recent years.
Here are seven unforgettable Robert De Niro films:
De Niro’s portrayal of the young Vito Corleone is masterful, earning him an Academy Award. His performance breathes new life into the saga, showing Vito’s rise from Sicily to New York, balancing ruthless ambition with quiet dignity. De Niro’s nuanced acting captures the origins of a crime empire with empathy and depth, grounding the film’s multi-generational narrative in a compelling personal journey.
In this psychological thriller, De Niro embodies Travis Bickle, a disturbed Vietnam War veteran turned nocturnal taxi driver in New York City. His intense portrayal captures the character’s alienation and descent into violent vigilante justice, making the character one of cinema’s most iconic antiheroes. De Niro’s commitment was evident. He trained extensively as a taxi driver to bring authenticity to the role.
Playing Michael, a steelworker who faces the horrors of the Vietnam War, De Niro anchors this epic drama with profound emotional depth. His portrayal conveys the psychological and physical scars of war, exploring friendship, trauma and survival. De Niro’s subtlety and intensity make Michael’s journey deeply affecting, contributing to the film’s critical acclaim and Academy Award success.
De Niro delivers a powerhouse performance as boxer Jake LaMotta, whose self-destructive temper and jealousy unravel his personal life. His physical transformation for the role was extreme, gaining more than 20kg to realistically depict LaMotta’s later years. This raw, visceral portrayal earned De Niro his second Oscar and remains a landmark in acting dedication and cinematic storytelling.
As Jimmy Conway, De Niro plays a seasoned mobster with ruthless charm and cunning. His charismatic yet menacing presence anchors the film, blending humour with brutal gangster reality in Martin Scorsese’s tour de force about organised crime. De Niro’s subtle performance adds layers to a character who exudes both loyalty and dangerous unpredictability.
De Niro transforms into Max Cady, a menacing ex-convict seeking revenge on the lawyer who put him behind bars. His performance balances chilling menace with charismatic intensity, creating an unforgettable villain driven by obsession and brutality. De Niro’s portrayal is darkly captivating, showcasing his ability to embody terrifying characters that linger long after the credits.
In this crime thriller, De Niro stars as Neil McCauley, a meticulous and professional bank robber. Opposite Al Pacino as a detective, De Niro brings a cold intelligence and disciplined precision to his role, elevating the film’s tension and complexity. The iconic face-off scene between De Niro and Pacino is one of the most memorable moments in modern cinema.
These films highlight Robert De Niro’s extraordinary range and dedication, underscoring why he remains a defining figure in American cinema and a voice of social commentary beyond his screen roles. His outspoken stance on political issues reveals his passionate engagement with the world beyond Hollywood.