Johann Hunt
When you think of Hollywood’s golden era, Robert Redford is a name that shines brightly. This legendary actor has wowed audiences for decades, but his talents are phenomenal as a director and producer, too. Here are 15 emotional and visually stunning Robert Redford films that you should check off your list. Spoilers ahead!
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
This classic buddy movie features the charismatic duo Butch Cassidy (Paul Newman) and Sundance Kid (Robert Redford). Two charming bandits who are on the run because they couldn’t resist a good heist. As they pull off daring robberies, their carefree lives take a turn when a relentless posse starts to chase them down.
The Sting (1973)
Reuniting with Paul Newman, Redford stars as Johnny Hooker, a small-time con artist looking to avenge his partner’s death in The Sting. He teams up with the legendary conman Henry Gondorff (Newman) to pull off the ultimate scam against a ruthless mob boss. It won seven Academy Awards, Best Picture inclusive.
The Way We Were (1973)
Redford stars alongside Barbra Streisand in this romantic drama about two opposites who fall in love. He plays Hubbell Gardiner, a charming and laid-back writer, while Streisand’s character, Katie, is an outspoken political activist. The film captures how love can blossom despite vast differences and how those differences can lead to heartbreak.
All the President’s Men (1976)
This political thriller takes you into the gripping world of journalism. It follows reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, portrayed by Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman. They investigate the Watergate scandal and reveal a web of corruption that led to President Nixon’s resignation. The film highlights the importance of journalism in holding power accountable.
Jeremiah Johnson (1972)
If you’ve ever fantasized about ditching society and living in the wild, this one’s for you. Jeremiah Johnson is about a guy who decides to live off the grid in the mountains. Redford plays Jeremiah, who faces off against everything nature throws at him—wild animals, Native American tribes, and the harshest elements.
The Great Gatsby (1974)
Playing the mysterious and wealthy Jay Gatsby, Robert Redford portrays a man obsessed with winning back Daisy Buchanan despite her marriage to Tom. Gatsby throws lavish parties to impress her, but his love leads to a tragic accident when Daisy kills Tom’s lover in a hit-and-run. Gatsby takes the blame, ultimately leading to his downfall, while Daisy and Tom walk away unscathed.
Ordinary People (1980)
In his directorial debut, Redford presents a raw and emotional portrayal of an upper-middle-class family struggling to hold it together after the accidental death of one son and the suicide attempt of the other. This film is a heart-wrenching scrutiny of loss, guilt, depression, and redemption.
The Natural (1984)
Here’s one for the sports fans! In this inspiring sports drama, Redford plays Roy Hobbs, an aging, super-talented baseball prodigy with a mysterious past who gets a second shot at greatness. As he joins a struggling team, he aims to prove that chasing your dreams is never too late.
Out of Africa (1985)
This one’s a tearjerker, but it’s worth it for the gorgeous African landscapes. Redford stars opposite Meryl Streep in this sweeping romantic drama about love and loss set in colonial Africa. He plays Denys Finch Hatton, a rugged big-game hunter who has a passionate, complicated love affair with Streep’s character.
Sneakers (1992)
In this part heist, part comedy, and part thriller, Redford leads a team of misfits who specialize in breaking into security systems. They get roped into stealing a mysterious black box that can crack any code. After stumbling upon a dangerous secret, they must use their skills to outsmart powerful adversaries.
Indecent Proposal (1993)
This provocative, emotionally charged film features Robert Redford as a wealthy billionaire, John Gage, who makes a shocking offer to a young, financially struggling couple, Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson: $1 million for one night with his wife! This offer sparks a moral dilemma that tests their relationship.
A River Runs Through It (1992)
Directed by Redford, this slow and reflective semi-autobiographical film follows two brothers growing up in Montana, united by their love of fly fishing. As they maneuver the complexities of life and family, their differing personalities and paths lead to profound lessons about love, loss, the passage of time, and life’s ups and downs.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
In a surprising turn, Redford dipped his toes into the Marvel universe! In The Winter Soldier, he plays Alexander Pierce, a high-ranking official at S.H.I.E.L.D. hiding some dark secrets. His sharp, cutting, villainous character adds depth and intrigue to Captain America’s superhero narrative.
Three Days of the Condor (1975)
This compelling, tension-filled film stars Redford as Joe Turner, code-named “Condor.” Condor is a bookish CIA analyst whose routine life shatters when he returns from lunch to find his entire office has been assassinated. Suddenly, he’s on the run, and the mild-mannered Condor is forced to reveal the truth behind the massacre while evading assassins.
The Old Man & the Gun (2018)
Bidding farewell to acting, Redford plays Forrest Tucker, an aging but unrelenting bank robber who escapes from prison and pulls off heists with a smile. His final acting role in The Old Man and the Gun is significant because he ends his career the same way he started it—with a thief’s role.