Robert Redford’s filmography reads like a map of cinematic greatness—classics, Oscar winners, and unforgettable performances that helped define entire genres. Best known for his disarming charm, sandy blond hair, and keen eye for compelling stories, Robert Redford has played an integral role in American cinema both in front of and behind the camera. Over the years, he’s portrayed outlaws, investigative journalists, baseball legends, romantics, and renegades, each role adding fresh dimensions to his towering legend.
In this article, we’ll delve into the top 10 films that capture the essence of Redford’s artistry. We’ll highlight how these movies reflect different stages of his career, explore the synergy between star power and storytelling, and examine his influence on popular culture. Finally, we’ll address key questions surrounding his work—like “what is considered robert redford’s best movie?” or “is The Old Man & the Gun the last movie of robert redford?”—while celebrating the life and legend of this Hollywood icon.
1. A Brief Overview of Robert Redford’s Legacy
Before diving into specific titles, let’s step back and appreciate the grandeur of Robert Redford’s career. Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. in 1936, he initially studied painting before shifting gears toward acting in the late 1950s and early 1960s. His breakthrough on Broadway in Barefoot in the Park (1963) caught Hollywood’s attention, foreshadowing a robust film career that spans Westerns, dramas, romance, thrillers, and even political commentary.
- Directorial Acclaim: Redford’s directorial ventures, such as Ordinary People (1980), earned him both box office success and critical recognition, including a Best Director Oscar.
- Sundance Institution: Founded by Redford, the Sundance Film Festival has become a global beacon for independent cinema, offering a platform for emerging voices.
- Unpredictable Roles: From comedic buddy films to soul-stirring political dramas, Redford’s filmography defies easy classification, each role capitalizing on his versatility and nuanced emotive range.
His influence also extends to environmental activism and philanthropic ventures, reinforcing his status as more than just a movie star. Let’s now explore the cinematic gems that have built his enduring legend.
2. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
Why It’s Iconic:
A mesmerizing blend of Western action and comedic charm, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is not only one of robert redford most famous movies but also one of the most celebrated buddy films in cinematic history. Paired with Paul Newman, Redford’s portrayal of The Sundance Kid is breezy, witty, and brimming with chemistry that modern buddy flicks still try to replicate.
Plot Overview:
- Redford plays the laconic gunslinger Sundance, while Paul Newman is Butch Cassidy, the affable leader of the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang.
- Together, they rob trains, outrun relentless lawmen, and attempt an escape to Bolivia when the noose tightens around them in the American West.
Cultural Impact & Trivia:
- The film’s legendary comedic timing and perfectly penned script resonated across generations, transforming Redford from a promising actor into a bona fide star.
- Its influence can still be seen in modern Westerns and buddy cop movies.
- Lauded for its witty dialogue, the film also features a melancholic ending that underscores the harsh realities of the Old West.
This “New Hollywood” Western success catapulted Redford’s name onto marquee lists everywhere, establishing him as a charismatic and bankable leading man—cementing his synergy with Paul Newman, a partnership that would reappear to much acclaim.
3. The Sting (1973)
Why It’s Iconic:
Reuniting the unstoppable duo of Paul Newman and Robert Redford, The Sting soared as both a critical and commercial triumph, garnering multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Loaded with charm, suspense, and an endlessly clever con plot, it’s a film that showcases Redford’s deft ability to pair comedic timing with dramatic intensity.
Plot Overview:
- Set in the 1930s, Redford plays Johnny Hooker, a small-time grifter seeking revenge for a murdered friend.
- Partnering with Newman’s Henry Gondorff, Johnny orchestrates a complicated swindle targeting a powerful mob boss.
- Taut direction, ragtime music, and elaborate plot twists keep the audience guessing until the very last moment.
Cultural Impact & Trivia:
- The Sting is widely acclaimed for its surprising final twist and period-accurate production design.
- Redford’s performance earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
- The film reignited Hollywood’s interest in clever caper stories, influencing an entire subgenre of comedic heist films.
Even half a century later, The Sting remains a masterclass in cinematic entertainment—suspenseful, witty, and the ultimate expression of on-screen camaraderie between Redford and Newman.
4. All the President’s Men (1976)
Why It’s Iconic:
Considered by many critics as one of the defining political dramas in cinematic history, All the President’s Men tackled the real-life investigative work of Washington Post reporters Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) and Bob Woodward (Robert Redford). Its stark realism and diligent focus on journalistic integrity make it a top contender for what is considered robert redford’s best movie.
Plot Overview:
- The film dissects the Watergate scandal that led to President Nixon’s resignation, capturing how the persistent efforts of two reporters uncovered layers of corruption.
- Redford’s portrayal of Bob Woodward brims with quiet resolve, highlighting both the challenges and moral imperatives of investigative journalism.
- Directed by Alan J. Pakula, it’s praised for its taut pacing, understated tension, and documentary-style approach.
Cultural Impact & Trivia:
- The movie influenced generations of journalists, often cited as an inspiration for those entering investigative reporting.
- Credited with adding to the cinematic lexicon phrases like “Follow the money,” it remains a cultural milestone reflecting a post-Vietnam War, post-Watergate American psyche.
- Alongside Network and Taxi Driver, All the President’s Men defined the 1970s era of gritty, socially aware films.
Unflinching and thought-provoking, All the President’s Men seamlessly integrates real-world events with cinematic storytelling—a hallmark of Redford’s artistic sensibilities.
5. The Great Gatsby (1974)
Why It’s Iconic:
Fans of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel flocked to theaters to see how Robert Redford would embody the enigmatic Jay Gatsby. Channeling the novel’s themes of elusive dreams and the decadence of the Jazz Age, the 1974 adaptation features Redford at his most elegant and mysterious.
Plot Overview:
- Redford steps into the polished shoes of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy gentleman harboring an unrelenting love for the married Daisy Buchanan.
- The film’s lavish parties, stylish costumes, and romantic conflicts highlight the moral and social complexities of the Roaring Twenties.
- Directed by Jack Clayton, the film unfolds from narrator Nick Carraway’s perspective, capturing the ephemeral nature of Gatsby’s dream.
Cultural Impact & Trivia:
- Though modern audiences may associate Gatsby with Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 adaptation, Redford’s performance remains iconic for its subtlety and period-perfect sophistication.
- Mia Farrow’s portrayal of Daisy, coupled with Redford’s refined approach, offered a romantic tension that critics still debate.
- While critical reception was mixed, the movie’s aesthetic remains influential on 1920s-inspired fashion and filmic interpretations of Fitzgerald’s classic.
Although overshadowed in some circles by newer adaptations, Redford’s Gatsby remains a vital entry in his catalog, capturing an air of yearning and magnetic poise that cements his status among Hollywood’s golden era leading men.
6. Jeremiah Johnson (1972)
Why It’s Iconic:
Venturing into the rugged American frontier, Jeremiah Johnson offers a stark, lyrical portrayal of survival and self-reliance, driven by Redford’s introspective performance. A shift away from the comedic buddy Westerns, it reveals another facet of Redford’s range—an ability to thrive in nearly solitary, nature-heavy narratives.
Plot Overview:
- Redford plays Jeremiah Johnson, a Mexican War veteran who abandons civilization to become a mountain man.
- Against the backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Johnson grapples with harsh winters, hostile tribes, and the emotional toll of isolation.
- Sydney Pollack’s direction adds poetic touches, emphasizing the clash between man and untamed wilderness.
Cultural Impact & Trivia:
- The film’s production took place in remote mountainous locations, adding authenticity to each grueling challenge Jeremiah faces.
- Celebrated for its visually immersive cinematography, it also spurred interest in frontier narratives exploring man’s spiritual connection to nature.
- Redford’s collaboration with Sydney Pollack became one of Hollywood’s most enduring actor-director partnerships, also seen in The Way We Were (1973) and Out of Africa (1985).
Jeremiah Johnson stands apart from typical Western tropes, offering a meditative examination of resilience, solitude, and humanity’s ties to the natural world—all anchored by Redford’s quietly riveting performance.
7. The Natural (1984)
Why It’s Iconic:
To baseball aficionados, The Natural is the quintessential sports fantasy, echoing baseball’s timeless magic. Redford’s portrayal of Roy Hobbs—a gifted player robbed of his prime but determined to reclaim glory—radiates both hope and nostalgia, epitomizing the American Dream’s resilience.
Plot Overview:
- After a promising start ends abruptly due to a tragic incident, Hobbs returns to the game as an older rookie.
- Armed with his legendary bat “Wonderboy,” Hobbs revitalizes a struggling team, culminating in one of cinema’s most rousing final sequences.
- Barry Levinson’s direction capitalizes on baseball’s mythic aura, turning each pitch and swing into a testament of perseverance.
Cultural Impact & Trivia:
- The film’s iconic final home run scene, set against exploding stadium lights, is etched into sports cinema folklore.
- Critics often classify The Natural among the greatest baseball movies, lauding Redford’s graceful, almost ethereal take on an aging athlete chasing redemption.
- It taps deeply into the mythology of baseball as a microcosm for life’s challenges and second chances.
To fans of both cinema and sports, The Natural remains an uplifting exploration of lost opportunities and unwavering hope—a perfect blend for Redford’s charismatic presence.
8. Out of Africa (1985)
Why It’s Iconic:
Sweeping romance, epic landscapes, and star power converge in Out of Africa, the 1985 film that won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Redford’s portrayal of Denys Finch Hatton opposite Meryl Streep’s Karen Blixen served up a lavish cinematic experience, featuring breathtaking safari vistas and a poignant love story.
Plot Overview:
- Set in early 20th-century colonial Kenya, the film centers around Danish author Karen Blixen’s tumultuous life on a coffee plantation.
- Redford’s Finch Hatton is a free-spirited hunter who embodies the wild spirit of Africa, engaging in a tender yet tragic romance with Blixen.
- The film examines themes of personal freedom, colonial complexities, and the ephemeral nature of love.
Cultural Impact & Trivia:
- Directed by Sydney Pollack, this marks another synergy between Pollack and Redford, blending stirring cinematography with nuanced storytelling.
- The film’s grand scale, from Karen’s lavish home to the dramatic African plains, invests the viewer in a cultural setting rarely depicted in mainstream Hollywood at the time.
- Its iconic love scenes, set amid the Kenyan wilderness, remain a cinematic staple for epic romance.
Indulgent yet deeply human, Out of Africa underscores Redford’s allure as a romantic lead—where quiet intimacy and sweeping landscapes collide in a timeless love tale.
9. All Is Lost (2013)
Why It’s Iconic:
All Is Lost exemplifies minimalistic storytelling at its peak. Redford is the lone actor on screen, speaking barely a handful of lines while adrift on a sinking yacht in the Indian Ocean. Despite the near-total absence of dialogue, this survival drama enthralls viewers through Redford’s raw physicality and emotional vulnerability.
Plot Overview:
- The unnamed protagonist (played by Redford) awakens to a breached hull after a collision with a shipping container.
- Stranded with a disabled radio and limited supplies, he endures violent storms and battling thirst, with each day bringing new perils.
- Direction by J.C. Chandor places the audience intimately within the character’s isolation, relying on expression and environment more than spoken words.
Cultural Impact & Trivia:
- Redford was 77 at the time of filming, yet he performed many of the physically demanding stunts himself.
- The film’s bold narrative approach, featuring no backstory or other characters, demanded an emotionally resonant performance to carry the entire plot.
- Widely praised by critics, it reestablished Redford as a performer of remarkable depth and dedication, even in the twilight of his career.
For viewers seeking an illustration of Redford’s versatility, All Is Lost is an essential watch—a masterclass in subtlety and storytelling power stripped to its bare essentials.
10. The Old Man & The Gun (2018)
Why It’s Iconic:
Often cited by fans when asked about the latest movie with robert redford or the last movie of robert redford in a starring role, The Old Man & The Gun is an exquisitely nostalgic send-off to one of cinema’s most cherished icons. Directed by David Lowery, this warm-hearted crime comedy-drama features Redford as a real-life gentleman bank robber who refuses to quit.
Plot Overview:
- Redford’s character, Forrest Tucker, is based on a real figure known for his extraordinary string of heists and escapes.
- Rather than painting Tucker as a heartless criminal, the film revels in his polite, whimsical approach to robbing banks—he never forgets to say “please” and “thank you.”
- In a parallel storyline, Detective John Hunt (Casey Affleck) grows increasingly fascinated by Tucker’s unstoppable spree.
Cultural Impact & Trivia:
- Redford announced The Old Man & The Gun would likely be his final acting role, though he made a brief cameo in Avengers: Endgame (2019). This film, however, remains his full, stand-alone performance swan song.
- Critics lauded it for capturing the essence of Redford’s persona—charming, rebellious, and unyielding in optimism.
- A reflection of Redford’s own career, the movie gracefully juxtaposes the thrill of living life on one’s terms with the inevitable passage of time.
Though Redford later clarified he hadn’t fully closed the door on acting, The Old Man & The Gun stands as a poignant near-farewell from a star whose screen presence defined several generations.
11. Three Days of the Condor (1975)
(Bonus entry to ensure we cover 10 distinct starring roles plus an extra “must-watch” film.)
Why It’s Iconic:
A tense political thriller that merges espionage and paranoia, Three Days of the Condor is part of Redford’s trifecta of investigative/political roles (alongside All the President’s Men). Here, Redford plays a low-level CIA analyst who finds himself a target after his co-workers are mysteriously assassinated.
Plot Overview:
- Codename “Condor,” Redford’s Joe Turner flees shadowy killers, forced to rely on his wits to survive while unraveling a high-level conspiracy.
- Directed by Sydney Pollack, the film’s pacing is equal parts methodical and suspenseful, painting an environment where no one can be trusted.
- The movie’s setting—a post-Watergate, Cold War America—fuels a pervasive sense of unease around government intelligence agencies.
Cultural Impact & Trivia:
- Revered for its commentary on secret government agendas and moral ambiguity, Three Days of the Condor influenced future spy thrillers.
- Showcases Redford’s skill at playing an everyman thrust into extraordinary circumstances—an approach that endears the character to audiences.
- Another synergy with director Sydney Pollack, who guided Redford in an array of genre-defining films.
Within Redford’s career tapestry, Three Days of the Condor remains a testament to his agility in high-stakes drama—a near-perfect blend of conspiratorial tension and star-driven relatability.
12. Honorable Mentions
While the 10 (plus one) films above epitomize the high-water marks of Redford’s career, numerous other titles merit recognition:
- Barefoot in the Park (1967): A charming early comedic role alongside Jane Fonda, showcasing Redford’s flair for lighthearted romance.
- The Way We Were (1973): A classic romantic drama featuring Barbra Streisand, famed for its exploration of opposing ideologies in love.
- Brubaker (1980): A gritty prison film emphasizing social justice themes, with Redford’s warden character challenging entrenched corruption.
- A River Runs Through It (1992): Directed and narrated by Redford, starring Brad Pitt—celebrated for its visually poetic depiction of family, nature, and tradition.
- Quiz Show (1994): Another directorial triumph, examining the 1950s TV quiz-show scandals and moral dilemmas. Though Redford does not star, his directorial brilliance shines.
With a filmography this expansive, condensing Robert Redford’s career into a neat list can be daunting. Still, each film above captures facets of his multifaceted legacy, making them must-watch experiences for anyone eager to understand or revisit his cinematic influence.
13. FAQs About Robert Redford
To shed more light on Redford’s career trajectory, below are some frequently asked questions:
Q: What is considered robert redford’s best movie?
A: Opinions vary, but All the President’s Men often tops critical lists for its cultural impact and Redford’s resonant portrayal of journalist Bob Woodward. Many also cite Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting for their classic status and widespread appeal.
Q: Which titles are robert redford most famous movies?
A: Redford is famously associated with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, All the President’s Men, Out of Africa, and The Natural. These films not only performed well but also shaped his star persona.
Q: What is the latest movie with robert redford in a starring role?
A: The Old Man & The Gun (2018) is commonly recognized as his final full leading role. He does appear in Avengers: Endgame (2019) briefly, but that’s more of a cameo than a starring performance.
Q: Is The Old Man & The Gun truly the last movie of robert redford?
A: Redford has indicated that The Old Man & The Gun might be his last major starring role. However, he made a cameo in Avengers: Endgame post that film’s release. Whether he returns to a leading role in the future remains uncertain.
Q: Did Robert Redford direct any of the films mentioned in this list?
A: Among the top 10 we’ve covered, Redford did not direct those titles. However, he has directed several acclaimed works, including Ordinary People (1980), A River Runs Through It (1992), and Quiz Show (1994).
Q: Why is Robert Redford considered a significant figure in independent cinema?
A: Robert Redford founded the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, which have championed independent film productions since the 1980s, providing a global platform for emerging filmmakers.
Q: Which of Redford’s movies garnered the most awards?
A: Out of Africa (1985) won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The Sting (1973) also swept multiple Oscars, including Best Picture. Redford personally earned a Best Director Oscar for Ordinary People.
Q: Are there any Robert Redford remakes worth noting?
A: Remakes like The Great Gatsby (2013) drew comparisons to Redford’s 1974 portrayal. While each iteration has its distinct style, Redford’s performance remains a classic portrayal of Fitzgerald’s iconic character.
Q: Which of these movies best showcases Redford’s comedic timing?
A: The Sting and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid reveal Redford’s knack for witty banter, comedic camaraderie, and a playful sense of charm that has become legendary.
Q: Where can I watch these Robert Redford classics?
A: Many of these titles rotate across streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, or specialty services offering older or classic films. Physical DVD or Blu-ray collections remain popular for those desiring a permanent library.
14. References & Further Reading
- American Film Institute (AFI) – AFI Catalog: Robert Redford
- Rotten Tomatoes – Top Robert Redford Movies
- IMDb – Robert Redford Filmography
(These sources provide detailed film information, critic reviews, and production notes.)
15. Conclusion: A Cinematic Legend
From his early days as a charming drifter in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to the near-silent desperation in All Is Lost, Robert Redford has traversed genres, styles, and epochs—always bringing a magnetic presence to the screen. His filmography spans breezy Westerns, political thrillers laced with social commentary, stirring romances under the African sun, and introspective, existential dramas at sea.
Every step of the way, Redford infused his characters with a balance of vulnerability and quiet confidence, a combination that has captivated audiences for over five decades. Beyond acting, his directorial accolades and the founding of the Sundance Institute underscore a passion for storytelling in every form—nurturing fresh talent, experimenting with themes, and championing new voices.
In addressing the question, “What is considered robert redford’s best movie?” the answer invariably depends on personal preference—some love the taut suspense of All the President’s Men, while others are enthralled by the comedic synergy in The Sting. Many may point to the latest movie with robert redford in a starring role—The Old Man & The Gun—as a fitting reflection of the star’s timeless appeal. Whichever you choose, the unwavering quality and emotional resonance of Redford’s performances remain constant.
Robert Redford’s enduring legacy stands as a testament to the timeless power of cinema to inspire, question, and enchant. Whether as the Sundance Kid or a grizzled yachtsman adrift, Redford’s presence on screen feels both reassuringly familiar and courageously new. For as long as movies are watched and celebrated, his place in the pantheon of Hollywood greats is assured.
Leave a Reply