Decade in Review: Best Robert De Niro Movies of the 2010s
Robert De Niro spent the 2010s proving he’s not done making an impact. The two-time Oscar winner, known for defining roles in films like Raging Bull and Goodfellas, delivered a decade’s worth of performances that ranged from prestige dramas to self-aware comedies.
Some critics wondered if he was taking too many light roles for a quick paycheck; others saw a seasoned actor willing to take risks, reinvent himself, and have fun doing it.
The Irishman (2019): De Niro’s Epic Return to Form
If one movie defined De Niro’s late-career power, it’s The Irishman. Reuniting with Martin Scorsese, De Niro stepped into the shoes of hitman Frank Sheeran, delivering a performance that’s slow-burn, tragic, and deeply human.
The film scored 10 Oscar nominations, with critics calling it a career bookend for De Niro’s mobster legacy. From the digitally de-aged flashbacks to the haunting final scenes, The Irishman reminded everyone why De Niro remains a force to be reckoned with.
Silver Linings Playbook (2012): Oscar-Worthy (Again)
Comedy? Drama? Family dysfunction? Silver Linings Playbook gave De Niro the perfect blend of all three. Playing Pat Sr., a football-obsessed, emotionally volatile father, he earned his first Oscar nomination in over 20 years.
His chemistry with Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence was electric, and his portrayal added layers of humor and heartbreak that elevated the entire film.
The Wizard of Lies (2017): True Crime with Chilling Realism
In The Wizard of Lies, De Niro stepped into the shoes of Bernie Madoff, and the result was as chilling as you’d expect. There’s no scenery-chewing here. Instead, De Niro plays Madoff with an eerie sense of emotional vacancy; a man who wrecked thousands of lives and barely blinked doing it.
The performance earned him an Emmy nomination, and more importantly, served as a reminder that when it comes to complex, morally gray characters, De Niro still knows exactly how to hit a nerve.
The Family (2013): A Mob Comedy with Bite
What happens when a mob boss enters witness protection in rural France? You get The Family. Directed by Luc Besson, this dark comedy allows De Niro to poke fun at his own gangster persona while still delivering moments of genuine menace.
It’s violent, funny, and self-aware. Precisely the kind of genre mashup that made De Niro’s 2010s career unpredictable in the best way.
Joker (2019): A Small Role with Big Impact
De Niro’s screen time was limited in Joker, starring as the late-night TV host Murray Franklin. However, he still became a critical part of the film’s most shocking and talked about scene.
The casting was a clever nod to De Niro’s earlier work in The King of Comedy, giving long-time fans an Easter egg while introducing him to a new generation of moviegoers.
Red Lights (2012): Psychological Thrills and Misdirection
Red Lights flew under the radar, but De Niro’s performance as Simon Silver, a blind psychic at the center of a paranormal investigation, drew attention from fans of psychological thrillers.
The movie asked big questions about belief and science, and De Niro played his role with just enough mystery to keep audiences guessing.
Killing Season (2013): A Gritty Two-Hander
Killing Season paired De Niro with John Travolta in a survival thriller set deep in the Appalachian wilderness. Critics were mixed, but De Niro’s portrayal of a battle-worn war veteran added gravitas to this tense drama about revenge and reconciliation.
The Big Wedding (2013): Comedy, De Niro Style
Sometimes, an actor just wants to have fun, and The Big Wedding was exactly that moment for De Niro. In this lighthearted rom com, De Niro plays a divorced dad pretending to still be married for the sake of family harmony. It’s goofy, over-the-top, and filled with ensemble charm.
Hands of Stone (2016): Back in the Boxing Ring (Sort of)
In Hands of Stone, De Niro played legendary boxing trainer Ray Arcel, mentoring Roberto Durán (played by Édgar Ramírez). It’s not quite Raging Bull, but it’s a strong reminder that De Niro brings heart and history to any sports drama.
Limitless (2011): Short but Memorable
Although not the star, De Niro’s supporting role in Limitless as a ruthless corporate tycoon demonstrated that he can still play intimidating characters better than almost anyone in the business.
His scenes with Bradley Cooper were tense, calculated, and pure De Niro.
A Decade of Evolution and Range
The 2010s were a decade in which this Hollywood legend took on a wide range of roles. Whether he was anchoring an Oscar contender or diving headfirst into a dark comedy, De Niro’s 2010s legacy proves one thing: You don’t stay Hollywood royalty by playing it safe.
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