Robert Redfordis one of the most talented and versatile actors ever to conquer the big screen. After appearing as a guest star on various television programs such asThe Twilight ZoneandAlfred Hitchcock Presents, he gained notoriety in 1963 with the Broadway play Barefoot in the Park. However, his cinematic breakthrough arrived in the mid-1960s. From the very beginning of his fame,Redford has always gravitated towards diverse roles, refusing to be typecast as the classic handsome romantic lead.
Because of his unwavering commitment to authenticity and often subtle, emotionally intelligent performances, Redford became a champion of character-driven and clever storytelling. His filmography spansiconic Westerns, political thrillers, dramas, and intimate character studies—each marked by thematic depth and creativity. Despite this impressive variety, a few of his movies rise to the top as highlights of a legendary career.
10Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Joe and Anthony Russo
It might have been surprising to see one of the cinema’s most famous anti-heroes play the role of a secret villain in a comic book movie.Nevertheless, Redford was not only terrifying but also surprisingly authentic as Alexander Pierce inCaptain America: The Winter Soldier.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Cast
Captain America: The Winter Soldier, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, follows Steve Rogers as he adapts to contemporary life while confronting a new adversary, the mysterious Winter Soldier, amidst internal threats to S.H.I.E.L.D. The film explores themes of trust and loyalty as Rogers teams up with allies to uncover hidden conspiracies.
The second installment of the Marvel saga dedicated to Steve Rogers is an intense, action-driven watch with a political acuteness that simultaneously thrills and engages the viewer into deeper thoughts, tapping into real-world reflections.The suspenseful writing, continuous albeit clever plot twists, and the emotional stakes keep the viewer on edge throughout the watch.
DID YOU KNOW:Robert Redford reprised his role as Alexander Pierce inAvengers: Endgame.
However,Robert Redford’s performance is also a driving force behind the movie’s success. Pierce is one of the scariest and well-written antagonists in the MCU because of how real he is. Instead of being a monster or a super-soldier, Redford’s character represents the ugly truth about the government’s corruption, contributing to creating a thematically complex and thought-provoking political thriller.
9The Way We Were
Sydney Pollack
Between romance and drama,The Way We Wereis one of the most tragically iconic love stories on the big screen.The movie follows Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand in their tumultuous and passionate relationship, made difficult by the characters' mutual differences. Although Streisand has frequently been described as the highlight of the movie, Redford is also worthy of recognition for his more subdued but profoundly convincing role.
The Way We Were
This romantic drama stars Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford as a politically active Jewish woman and a WASP, whose love is tested by their differing backgrounds and the political turmoil of their time.
The Way We Wereleaves a bitter taste in the mouth of the viewer, but there is an emotional sincerity to the narrative that aches and comforts at the same time.Although the movie depicts the unraveling of a relationship that struggles to survive, it also captures its beauty and quiet resilience. At the end of the day, thissad romance from the 1970sis a timeless exploration of the limitations and strengths of love.
8The Candidate
Michael Ritchie
An astute political satire,The Candidatecame out in 1972 and was described inThe New York Timesas"one of the few good, truly funny American political comedies ever made.“The movie sees Robert Redford step into the shoes of Bill McKay, a young and idealistic California lawyer who is reluctantly lured into a seemingly unwinnable Senate race.
The Candidate
The Candidate is a political drama film released in 1972, starring Robert Redford as Bill McKay, a political novice running for the U.S. Senate in California. With no expectation of victory, McKay is free to challenge the political establishment, offering a candid and unconventional campaign.
Despite his initial lack of interest in political power, his unexpected but welcomed popularity leads him into a web of compromises and moral concessions.
The Oscar-winning script was written by Jeremy Larner, the speechwriter for Eugene J. McCarthy during the Senator’s campaign for the 1968 Democratic presidential nomination.
With its boldly realistic depiction of the intricate and ethically ambiguous world of politics,The Candidateengages the viewer by exploring a fundamentally dramatic subject with humour and insight. The result is a tragicomic story of ambition and integrity. It is not a surprise that the film won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
7Jeremiah Johnson
An unusual Western directed by Sydney Pollack, this 1972 gem drew inspiration from the legendary story of Mexican War veteran and mountain man Jeremiah Johnson.Robert Redford plays the titular character with an authenticity and depth that match the introspective nature of the story, giving life to a sincere, albeit still rough, character study about a fascinating historical figure.
Jeremiah Johnson
Jeremiah Johnson is a Western film directed by Sydney Pollack, starring Robert Redford as the titular character, a mountain man who seeks solitude in the Rocky Mountains. The film chronicles his struggle for survival and adaptation to the harsh wilderness, set against the backdrop of natural beauty and fraught relations with Native American tribes. It highlights themes of solitude, resilience, and the human relationship with nature.
Jeremiah Johnsonstands out from other movies of the same genre due to its more contemplative quality.There is a quiet, poetic rhythm to the narrative.Nevertheless, the movie does not sacrifice the more brutal aspects typical of Old West films.Jeremiah Johnsondelves into the silent solitude of a man determined to survive the unforgiving wilderness of the Rocky Mountains. The character-driven direction of Pollack and Robert Redford’s performances putJeremiah Johnsonamong the 1970s' best Westerns.
6Three Days of the Condor
A suspenseful thriller released one year after the Watergate Scandal,Three Days of the Condoris a gripping exploration of government secrecy and institutional betrayal.Robert Redford plays the role of Joe Turner, a brainy CIA agent whose colleagues end up murdered. Thrust into a cat-and-mouse game of survival, Joe has to understand who he can rely on, using his intelligence to outwit his enemies.
Three Days Of The Condor
Three Days of the Condor is a thriller film directed by Sydney Pollack, starring Robert Redford as Joseph Turner, a CIA analyst who uncovers a conspiracy within the agency. When his entire office is massacred, Turner must go on the run to survive and uncover the truth behind the conspiracy. Faye Dunaway co-stars as Kathy, a civilian who becomes embroiled in Turner’s quest for answers.
The movie captures with cold precision the rising paranoia of the post-Watergate era.Redford gives life to a charismatic figure whose analytical skills and cleverness serve as his ultimate weapons. Although ThreeDays of the Condorwas a product of its time, the story is still able to confuse and intrigue the viewer while also playing with the feelings of mistrust that, regardless of the historical period, are still present in society. This politicalthriller starring Redford has been recommended by real CIA agents.
5Barefoot in the Park
Gene Saks
After rising to fame in the theatre landscape with the role of Paul Bratter in the playBarefoot in the Park, Robert Redford could not give up on the piece’s cinematic adaptation. With Jane Fonda as the romantic co-lead, the movie ended up being one of the most hilarious and authentic rom-coms in the history of cinema.
Redford and Fonda’s characterizations of their opposite yet equally magnetic protagonists had such a natural chemistry that the movie became a cult classic.Barefoot in the Parkcaptures the joy and utter chaos of early marriage in a small, top-floor apartment in New York’s Greenwich Village.
Despite its lighthearted nature and the charming late ’60s setting,the film is surprisingly touching and timeless.Redford’s characterization of an uptight yet sarcastic lawyer and Fonda’s sweet and free-spirited allure provide entertainment and emotional nuance.
4All Is Lost
J. C. Chandor
All is Lostsees Robert Redford in one of the most complicated and intense roles of his career.The movie is a survival drama set in the unforgiving waters of the Indian Ocean. Redford, as the only actor on screen, is a resourceful sailor whose vessel is damaged after colliding with a drifting shipping container. As storms rage and supplies diminish, the film transforms into more than just a tale of survival, but an exploration of human perseverance and mortality.
all is lost
All Is Lost is a survival drama film starring Robert Redford as a lone sailor facing life-threatening challenges after his yacht collides with a shipping container in the Indian Ocean. Directed by J.C. Chandor, the film features minimal dialogue and focuses on the protagonist’s resourcefulness and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. Through meticulous attention to detail, the narrative explores themes of human endurance and isolation.
Despite the silent performance of the protagonist and the isolated circumstances depicted,All is Lostnever bores the viewer. On the contrary, the story is darkly absorbing and anxiety-provoking.The mystery surrounding Redford’s character adds a touch of intrigue to the plot.Between hopeful resilience and courageous acceptance, the film has the audience suspended in a state of continuous dread and confusion throughout the whole watch.
3The Sting
Robert Shaw
A masterpiece of clever storytelling,The Stingallowed, after their 1969 collaboration, the two most beloved actors of the time, Robert Redford and Paul Newman, to reunite.The movie follows two grifters (Redford and Newman) as they join forces to take down and con a cruel mob boss.
The Sting
The Sting is a 1973 film directed by George Roy Hill, featuring Paul Newman and Robert Redford as con artists who team up to execute a complex scam against a powerful mob boss. Set in the 1930s, the film intricately combines elements of suspense, deception, and humor. It was well-received for its engaging plot and period-authentic production design, going on to win multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Between intricate schemes and endless plot twists,the film features one of the most creative heists in the history of cinema,leading to a conclusion that leaves the viewer in utter shock. With its stylish photography, ingenious and convoluted script, and mesmerizing performances,The Stingwas a huge success when it premiered in 1973.
The movie was nominated for a total of ten Academy Awards and won seven, including Best Picture and Best Screenplay. Sadly, Redford, despite also being a nominee, lost to Jack Lemmon. Nevertheless, the movie remains one of the most iconic and intelligent crime stories ever created.
2All the President’s Men
Alan J. Pakula
Despite the specific sub-genre that delves into the field of investigative journalism, you do not have to be a reporter to fall in love withAll the President’s Men, one of the most intense political thrillers ever made. Released in 1976,the film is an adaptation of the non-fiction book written by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward,the two journalists who investigated and exposed the Watergate Scandal.
All the President’s Men
All the President’s Men follows Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein as they uncover the Watergate scandal during the 1972 elections. Their investigation exposes a political conspiracy that ultimately leads to President Nixon’s resignation. The film, released in 1976, stars Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman.
Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford are exceptional in their respective roles. Their performances pay tribute to a socially significant story that is much more than a historical account but also an exploration of themes such as press accountability and the essential role of journalism in a democratic society. The movie was nominated for multiple Academy Awards and was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry. Although it was a depiction of a specific event in history,All the President’s Menis a timeless reminder that speaking truth to power is a duty that spans generations.
1Butch Cassidy
George Roy Hill
The truth is, there will never be a duo of outlaws as iconic asButch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.George Roy Hill’s 1969 classic follows the adventures of two legendary bandits—Butch Cassidy, played with charm and wit by Paul Newman, and the more reserved but deadly Sundance Kid, brought to life by Robert Redford. Chased by the law, the two men, accompanied by Sundance’s lover, flee to Bolivia in search of a fresh start.
Butch Cassidy
Butch Cassidy is a 1973 Saturday morning cartoon produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions for NBC. The series features a music group called the Sundance Kids, drawing a playful connection to the title of the 1969 film, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Incredibly, despite receiving seven Academy Award nominations, the film was met with lukewarm reviews upon its release. Nevertheless, it has garnered retrospective reappraisal and gone down in history as one ofthe best real-life-inspired Western movies. Its legacy endures and has often been cited amongst the best movies ever, praised for the stunning visuals, the clever and vivacious screenplays, and the rarely beautiful chemistry between the two leads. WhileRobert Redfordhas made other, more critically acclaimed films,Butch Cassidy, with its heartening portrayal of camaraderie in a criminal context and its legendary ending, remains the pinnacle of his career.
