Robert Redford’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked

Robert Redford is 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 as The Twilight Zone and Alfred 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 spans iconic 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.

10

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Joe and Anthony Russo

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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 in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

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Captain America: The Winter Soldier

PG-13

Adventure

Action

Sci-Fi

Superhero

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8/10

23

9/10

Release Date

April 4, 2014

Runtime

136 Minutes

Director

Joe Russo, Anthony Russo

Writers

Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely

Prequel(s)

Captain America: The First Avenger

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Chris Evans

    Chris Evans

    Steve Rogers / Captain America

  • Samuel L. Jackson headshot

    Samuel L. Jackson

    Nick Fury

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.

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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 in Avengers: 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.

9

The Way We Were

Sydney Pollack

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Between romance and drama, The Way We Were is 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.

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The Way We Were

PG

Drama

Romance

Release Date

October 19, 1973

Runtime

118 Minutes

Director

Sydney Pollack

Writers

Arthur Laurents

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Robert Redford In The North America Rights Only

    Robert Redford

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Robert Redford

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Bradford Dillman

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Lois Chiles

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.

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The Way We Were leaves 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, this sad romance from the 1970s is a timeless exploration of the limitations and strengths of love.

8

The Candidate

Michael Ritchie

The Candidate

An astute political satire, The Candidate came out in 1972 and was described in The New York Times as “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.

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The Candidate

PG

Comedy

Drama

Release Date

June 29, 1972

Runtime

110 minutes

Director

Michael Ritchie

Writers

Jeremy Larner

Producers

Robert Redford

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Peter Boyle

    Peter Boyle

    Marvin Lucas

  • Headshot Of Robert Redford In The North America Rights Only

    Robert Redford

    Bill McKay

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Melvyn Douglas

    John J. McKay

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Don Porter

    Senator Crocker Jarmon

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.

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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 Candidate engages 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.

7

Jeremiah Johnson

Sydney Pollack

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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 (1972) - Poster

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Jeremiah Johnson

PG

Western

Adventure

9/10

Release Date

December 21, 1972

Runtime

108 Minutes

Director

Sydney Pollack

Writers

Vardis Fisher, John Milius, Edward Anhalt

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Robert Redford In The North America Rights Only

    Robert Redford

    Jeremiah Johnson

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Will Geer

    Bear Claw

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.

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Jeremiah Johnson stands 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 Johnson delves 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 put Jeremiah Johnson among the 1970s’ best Westerns.

6

Three Days of the Condor

Sydney Pollack

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A suspenseful thriller released one year after the Watergate Scandal, Three Days of the Condor is 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 (1975) - Poster - Robert Redford and Faye Dunaway Kissing each other

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Three Days Of The Condor

R

Thriller

Mystery

8/10

Release Date

August 1, 1975

Runtime

117 Minutes

Director

Sydney Pollack

Writers

Lorenzo Semple Jr., David Rayfiel

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Robert Redford In The North America Rights Only

    Robert Redford

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Faye Dunaway

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.

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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 Three Days of the Condor was 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 political thriller starring Redford has been recommended by real CIA agents.

5

Barefoot in the Park

Gene Saks

Jane Fonda and Robert Redford in Barefoot in the Park-2

After rising to fame in the theatre landscape with the role of Paul Bratter in the play Barefoot 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.

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Barefoot in the Park

G

Romance

Comedy

Release Date

May 25, 1967

Director

Gene Saks

Cast

  • Headshot Of Robert Redford In The North America Rights Only

    Robert Redford

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Jane Fonda

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Charles Boyer

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Mildred Natwick

Main Genre

Comedy

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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 Park captures the joy and utter chaos of early marriage in a small, top-floor apartment in New York’s Greenwich Village.

Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton stand over Dabney Coleman as he's tied to an office chair in 9 to 5

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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.

4

All Is Lost

J. C. Chandor

All is Lost sees 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 - Poster - Robert Redford In A Ship at the sea

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all is lost

PG-13

Action

Adventure

Drama

ScreenRant logo

5/10

5/10

Release Date

August 23, 2013

Runtime

106 Minutes

Director

J.C. Chandor

Writers

J.C. Chandor

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Robert Redford In The North America Rights Only

    Robert Redford

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.

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Despite the silent performance of the protagonist and the isolated circumstances depicted, All is Lost never 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.

3

The Sting

Robert Shaw

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A masterpiece of clever storytelling, The Sting allowed, 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 - Poster

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The Sting

PG

Comedy

Crime

Drama

9.3/10

Release Date

December 25, 1973

Runtime

129 minutes

Director

George Roy Hill

Writers

David S. Ward

Cast

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  • Paul Newman

    Paul Newman

  • Headshot Of Robert Redford In The North America Rights Only

    Robert Redford

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.

Main Genre

Comedy

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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 Sting was a huge success when it premiered in 1973.

Robert Redford holding up a newspaper with Paul Newman standing behind him in The Sting (1973)

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2

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.

2

All the President’s Men

Alan J. Pakula

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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 with All 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.

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All the President’s Men

PG

Drama

History

Mystery

Thriller

Release Date

April 9, 1976

Runtime

138 minutes

Director

Alan J. Pakula

Writers

William Goldman

Producers

Walter Coblenz

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Dustin Hoffman In The Los Angeles Premiere Of 'Kung Fu Panda 4'

    Dustin Hoffman

    Carl Bernstein

  • Headshot Of Robert Redford In The North America Rights Only

    Robert Redford

    Bob Woodward

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Jack Warden

    Harry Rosenfeld

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Martin Balsam

    Howard Simons

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.

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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 Men is a timeless reminder that speaking truth to power is a duty that spans generations.

1

Butch Cassidy

George Roy Hill

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The truth is, there will never be a duo of outlaws as iconic as Butch 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.

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Butch Cassidy

TV-PG

Animation

Mystery

Drama

Adventure

Action

Release Date

1973 – 1974-00-00

Network

NBC

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Frank Welker

    Frank Welker

    Elvis (voice)

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    John Stephenson

    Mr. Socrates (voice)

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Judy Strangis

    Merilee (voice)

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Kristina Holland

    ‘Steffy’ (voice)

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.

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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 of the 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. While Robert Redford has 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.