Robert De Niro’s career is undoubtedly one of cinema’s greatest. A man who paved the way for many an iconic actor after him (and, in doing so, became one of the most influential figures in the acting world),De Niro is considered by many to be the greatest of his craft in modern memory. With such an acting pedigree comes the chance to work on the best projects, something De Niro has more than achieved across his more than 60 years in the business. With that in mind, and with a vast and impressive catalog of De Niro projects for fans to choose from, here’s a look at the best De Niro movies and shows currently streaming on Netflix.
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Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
‘Zero Day’ (2025)
Rotten Tomatoes: 54% | IMDb: 7.0/10
Despite being in his 80s and having worked as an actor for more than 60 years, remarkably, it took until 2025 for De Niro to star in his first television series. That series isZero Day, a politically-charged thriller that follows De Niro’s popular former President, George Mullen, who is put in charge of stopping a fatal cyberattack on the country. Enthralling from start to finish,Zero Dayis the sort of stylish, big-budget drama that Netflix is so often successful at. Despite some viewers finding faults with the series, there is simply no doubting the genius of De Niro, who proves inZero Dayyet again that he’s still one of the best actors in the world. -Jake Hodges
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‘The Irishman’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 7.8/10
The Irishman
Almost 50 years after the pair first collaborated on 1973’sMean Streets, De Niro and directorMartin Scorsesecrafted this epic tale of crime and politics. Based on the 2004 bookI Heard You Paint HousesbyCharles Brandt,The Irishmandetails the life of World War II veteran Frank Sheeran (De Niro), leaving no stone unturned as the now-aged Sheeran details the most important moments in his life, including the mysterious death of his long term friend Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino). A spectacular feat of modern filmmaking,The Irishmanbenefits from the genius and now highly experienced mind of its director, as well as a central cast bursting with veteran talent. In 2020,The Irishmanwas nominated for an astonishing 10 Academy Awards. -Jake Hodges
‘GoodFellas’ (1990)
Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 8.7/10
Goodfellas
ThisMartin Scorseseclassic follows the life ofRay Liotta’s Henry Hill, a man who had dreamed of becoming a gangster since he was a child. Surrounded by the glorified high-life crime offers, Henry eventually reaches the pinnacle of his industry and associates with the biggest names in the criminal world. However, every empire must crumble, with Henry’s falling in spectacular fashion. Simply one of the greatest movies of all time,GoodFellasmixes dark, gritty drama with fast action and a deeply realized set of central characters. Scorsese’s masterpiece captures both the romance and the evil of this criminal world, leaving audiences breathless upon completion, with the entire story sinking in as the credits roll. -Jake Hodges
‘Heat’ (1995)
Rotten Tomatoes: 84% | IMDb: 8.3/10
Considered by many to beMichael Mann’s magnum opus,Heatfollows the cat-and-mouse chase between a group of high-end criminals and the Los Angeles Police Department. After an uncharacteristic mistake leaves a clue at the scene of a heist, the heat of the chase is dialed up as law enforcement closes in. A remarkable achievement in filmmaking from one of its best directors, Mann takes a stunning array of talented Hollywood A-listers, including De Niro andAl Pacino, and makes each just as vital as the other. A movie cruelly overlooked by awards ceremonies in its day,Heathas only gathered momentum ever since and now sits atop many people’s all-time lists. -Jake Hodges
‘Awakenings’ (1990)
Rotten Tomatoes: 81% | IMDb: 7.8/10
Awakenings
When one thinks of a De Niro movie, the medical drama is perhaps the last thing to come to mind. However, one of the best of his catalog currently on Netflix hails from that very genre, withPenny Marshall’s 1990 effortAwakenings. The movie follows Dr. Malcolm Sayer (Robin Williams), a pioneering medical professional who helps develop a drug to help those with debilitating Parkinson’s disease. After the drug has startling effects on a once-catatonic man, the world of medicine looks set to change forever. A captivating drama bursting with heart,Awakeningsis also deftly educational and, for many, will feel like required viewing. Not just a hit now, the film was also a major success upon arrival, even earning an impressive three Academy Award nominations. -Jake Hodges
‘Hands of Stone’ (2016)
Rotten Tomatoes: 44% | IMDb: 6.6/10
Hands of Stone
Written and directed byJonathan Jakubowicz,Hands of StonefollowsEdgar Ramirezas Robert Duran, an iconic boxer whose career began at just 16 years old. Together with his trainer, Ray Arcel (De Niro), the two would help revolutionize the face of boxing, all culminating in a legendary bout withSugar Ray Leonardin June 1980. If you’re a fan of the sport of boxing, this is the next movie for you. A visually enthralling and historically adept tale told by a team who clearly love the subject of their film,Hands of Stoneis without a doubt one of the most underrated offerings from De Niro’s catalog currently available on Netflix. -Jake Hodges
