7 Best Thriller Movies by Robert De Niro You Must Watch

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)