Robert De Niro’s career spans decades and includes a wide variety of roles that showcase his ability to portray everything from hardened criminals to comedic fathers. His commitment to his craft, willingness to take on diverse roles, and collaboration with top directors like Martin Scorsese have made him one of the greatest actors in cinematic history.
From his early work in Taxi Driver to his more recent performances in Joker and Zero Day, Robert De Niro has proven time and time again that his talent knows no bounds. Read on to learn more about the Hollywood legend and discover where to watch the best Robert De Niro movies and TV shows online!
Early Career: The Breakthrough Years
Robert De Niro’s breakthrough came with Mean Streets (1973), where he first worked with Martin Scorsese and established his gritty, intense acting style. But it was his role in The Godfather: Part II (1974) that cemented his status as a Hollywood icon. De Niro won an Academy Award for his portrayal of the young Vito Corleone, an intricate performance that balanced power with vulnerability.
His early career was marked by other standout roles like the heartbreaking Taxi Driver (1976), where De Niro played Travis Bickle, a troubled Vietnam War veteran. This performance, alongside his role in The Deer Hunter (1978), which won him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, established him as a leading man capable of tremendous emotional depth.
The 1980s and 1990s: Rise to Legendary Status
The 1980s and 1990s were De Niro’s golden years. His role in Raging Bull (1980), directed by Scorsese, remains one of his finest performances, earning him another Oscar nomination for his portrayal of boxer Jake LaMotta. His collaboration with Scorsese during this period resulted in several classics, including Goodfellas (1990), where De Niro played Jimmy Conway, a gangster with a tragic downfall.
In the 1990s, De Niro's career expanded to include roles that blended drama with comedy. He starred in Awakenings (1990), for which he received another Academy Award nomination, and Analyze This (1999), where he showcased his comedic chops alongside Billy Crystal. De Niro’s ability to move between intense drama and lighter fare made him one of the most versatile actors of his generation
The 2000s and 2010s: Reinventing and Expanding Roles
In the 2000s, Robert De Niro continued to deliver exceptional performances, though many of his roles were more focused on broadening his range. He starred in Meet the Parents (2000), playing the overbearing father-in-law Jack Byrnes, a role that showcased his comedic timing and earned him a new audience.
De Niro’s versatility was on full display during this period, as he moved between genres with ease. His work in The Irishman (2019) once again paired him with Scorsese, delivering a quiet, powerful performance in a sweeping crime drama that spanned decades of history. Equally important roles followed such as that of a talk show host in Joker (2019), a corrupt land baron in Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) and a government official in Netflix’s cyber-thriller Zero Day (2025).
Why is Taxi Driver the best Robert De Niro movie to watch?
Taxi Driver is the best Robert De Niro movie to watch because it showcases his unparalleled ability to embody a deeply troubled character. His portrayal of Travis Bickle, a disillusioned Vietnam War vet, is haunting and transformative, capturing the complexities of isolation, rage, and societal alienation with mesmerizing intensity.
Where to watch the best Robert De Niro movies and shows streaming online in India
Check out JustWatch’s guide below for the several iconic movies and shows starring the two-time Oscar winner streaming online in India. We also provide offers to buy, rent, or watch these movies for free (if available).
Whether playing a mobster, a sensitive father, or a politician in a thriller, Robert De Niro’s career continues to thrive, and his influence on film and television remains undeniable.
