As we move into the world of the Fockers once again, set for release in November of this year, there’s a lot of chatter as to whether it’s a movie that’s needed and whether it will live up to the likes of Meet the Parents, the first of the series.
Focker-in-Law is a largely new cast, with the kids all grown up and Ariana Grande taking a starring role as a potential new in-law for De Niro’s former-FBI agent character, Jack.
Of course, it could get five stars when reviewed by critics later in the year, but it’s unlikely to be challenging his top five movies anytime soon. Probably not even the top 10. But what makes up that prestigious list? We delve into the great man’s filmography to unveil our top five De Niro movies…
Casino (1995)
It’d be impossible to leave out Casino, especially in this day and age, where many of us are big fans of casinos. Many of us have been enjoying the social casinos like Real Prize and other gaming sites, and that’s followed up with an interest in the subject matter on screen, too.
The Scorsese flick, Casino, predates the birth of online casinos and is all about the bright lights of Las Vegas and its underworld. De Niro plays Sam Ace Rothstein, a calm, methodical and detail-oriented casino operator – or at least he is until things start to unravel.
It’s a brilliant movie and shows the capabilities of what the Hollywood film studios can do. and also stars Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci, with De Niro providing a compelling portrait of a man full of ambition, power and the inevitable downfall that comes with that.
Taxi Driver (1976)
Another Scorsese movie, Taxi Driver, is arguably the film that cemented De Niro as one of the greatest actors of his generation, and many will say it is his finest role. Playing Travis Bickle, a Vietnam veteran trying to navigate the mean streets of New York City, is haunting and unforgettable, and is, of course, famous for his “You talkin’ to me?” line.
Perhaps no other actor could have pulled this off, and it will always be one of his defining roles.
Raging Bull (1980)
Speaking of which, it’s often between Taxi Driver and Raging Bull when movie fans discuss his finest performance. His performance as Jake LaMotta is a real masterpiece, and the effort De Niro put in to play the legendary boxer was quite remarkable, gaining weight and losing weight to portray the fighter at different stages of his life.
It’s the emotional depth that he brings to the role, though – a man consumed by rage, jealousy and self-destruction – which really turns this into a classic. In fact, it earned him an Oscar for Best Actor, and rightfully so.
The Godfather Part II (1974)
In Francis Ford Coppola’s epic sequel, De Niro takes on the role of a young Vito Corleone, originally portrayed by Marlon Brando. Rather than imitate Brando, De Niro crafts his own interpretation, subtly showing the rise of Vito from humble beginnings to powerful mafia don. Much of his performance is delivered in Italian, demonstrating his commitment to authenticity. The result is a portrayal that feels both distinct and perfectly aligned with the character’s legacy, earning De Niro his first Oscar.
Goodfellas (1990)
Returning once more to familiar territory with Scorsese, De Niro shines in Goodfellas as the cool and calculating gangster Jimmy Conway. While the film features a stellar ensemble cast, including Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci, De Niro’s understated performance anchors the story. He exudes quiet menace, particularly in the latter half of the film, where suspicion and greed begin to unravel the crew. His ability to convey danger with minimal dialogue is a testament to his skill.
Rick Heicksen is the Vice President of Sales at Chetu, Inc., a renowned global software development company. He manages accounts in multiple sectors, including Food & Beverage, Agriculture, Transportation, Energy, and IT Service Management. With his expertise in business development and exceptional customer service, Rick has helped many clients grow their businesses. Rick is known for his versatility and ability to keep pace with technological advancements, which has significantly influenced his success at Chetu. He earned his degree from Chapparal Community College and is passionate about staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends. Since joining Chetu in 2019, he has risen quickly and established himself as a thought leader within the Food and Beverage community, helping the company grow into an award-winning organization.
