Remember the gripping climax of Taxi Driver? Robert De Niro’s unforgettable portrayal of Travis Bickle rescuing Iris and taking down Sport remains a masterclass in acting. It is a scene that’s stuck with us for decades. Not a lot of actors can pull that off. The raw emotion and intensity make it hard to watch yet impossible to look away. But Taxi Driver is just one of many crime and gangster classics in Robert De Niro’s career. In this blog, we’ll explore the best crime and gangster movies ever by Robert De Niro. Let’s dive in!"
1. Taxi Driver (1976)
Starting with a classic—Taxi Driver. In one of his most iconic roles, Robert De Niro plays Travis Bickle, a lonely, troubled cab driver who takes justice into his own hands. His descent into madness is both terrifying and fascinating. The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a cornerstone of Robert De Niro’s best movies, and it’s hard not to feel both uncomfortable and mesmerized by the performance. Can any other actor bring such depth to a character like this?
2. Goodfellas (1990)
Can we talk about Robert De Niro movies without mentioning Goodfellas? Robert De Niro’s portrayal of Jimmy Conway, a ruthless mobster, is nothing short of legendary. Alongside Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci, he helps elevate this film to the pinnacle of best gangster movies. With Scorsese, Goodfellas takes us into the criminal underworld—how do they pull off such a portrayal of mafia life?
3. Casino (1995)
Robert De Niro brings his A-game once again in Casino, where he plays Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a mob-connected casino operator in Las Vegas. With Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci also delivering stellar performances, Casino explores the blend of greed, power, and betrayal. As a fan of Al Pacino movies, you’ll recognize the intensity here. What happens when you mix high stakes and high emotions? Casino answers that question with style.
4. Heat (1995)
In Heat, De Niro plays Neil McCauley, a career criminal with a strict code. This is where he meets his match in Al Pacino’s Detective Hanna. The iconic diner scene between the two is a perfect clash of legends. As far as Al Pacino movies go, this one is right up there as a must-watch. But how often do we see such a deep dive into the psyche of both the cop and the criminal?
5. The Untouchables (1987)
Robert De Niro takes on the role of infamous gangster Al Capone in The Untouchables. His performance exudes menace, and with Kevin Costner and Sean Connery by his side, this movie brings history to life in an unforgettable way. When you think of Robert De Niro’s best movies, this one deserves a top spot.
6. Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
This sprawling epic follows Robert De Niro’s character, Noodles, through a lifetime of crime, love, and betrayal. The film spans several decades and is as reflective as it is gripping. With James Woods and Elizabeth McGovern, this is one of Robert De Niro’s most emotionally complex roles.
7. Mean Streets (1973)
One of the earliest collaborations between Robert De Niro and Scorsese, Mean Streets introduces us to Johnny Boy, a reckless and unpredictable character who finds himself in over his head in the criminal world. This film laid the groundwork for Robert De Niro’s career in best gangster movies. With Harvey Keitel by his side, it’s clear that this film is where it all started.
Wrap-Up
From mobsters to troubled anti-heroes, Robert De Niro’s movies continue to define the crime and gangster genres. Remember his role in The Godfather? Which of these films have you seen, and what’s next on your watchlist?
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