Robert De Niro has etched his name in cinematic history, particularly through his extraordinary contributions to the gangster genre. His collaborations with renowned director Martin Scorsese are well-documented, yet his mastery extends to films helmed by iconic filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, Sergio Leone, and Michael Mann. While some of his gangster portrayals have garnered widespread acclaim, others have left much to be desired. Nonetheless, the mere mention of De Niro attached to a crime film always heightens anticipation among fans and critics alike.
Throughout his illustrious career spanning over six decades, many of De Niro’s most celebrated roles are within the gangster realm. His tough-guy persona has perfectly encapsulated the menace required to depict shrewd criminals and ruthless mobsters. Though De Niro has seen a mix of triumphs and misfires in his filmography, his magnetic presence consistently elevates even the most underwhelming entries in the genre.
15. Robert Dragna
The Bag Man (2014)
Among De Niro’s later career offerings, The Bag Man stands out as a lackluster addition to his impressive portfolio. Portraying the elderly gangster Robert Dragna, he sends John Cusack on a mission to retrieve a mysterious bag, forbidding him to peek inside. This film, a clumsy imitation of Tarantino’s style, is best skipped even by De Niro’s most ardent supporters.
14. Fred Blake/Giovanni Manzoni
The Family (2013)
Despite Martin Scorsese’s role as executive producer, The Family failed to recapture the magic of the De Niro-Scorsese collaborations. This film follows mafia boss Giovanni Manzoni’s transition to Fred Blake while in witness protection. The plot, overly familiar and uninspired, floundered as either a gripping crime drama or a comedy, leading to its dismal reception by critics.
13. Mario Trantino
The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight (1971)
Before his illustrious partnership with Scorsese, De Niro starred in The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight, which showcases his early potential. As budding thief Mario Trantino, De Niro’s performance hints at his future success, but the film itself is a chaotic blend of comedy that ultimately fails to impress.
12. Lloyd Barker
Bloody Mama (1970)
In Bloody Mama, inspired by the real-life figure Ma Barker, De Niro plays Lloyd, a troubled son caught in a web of crime orchestrated by his mother, portrayed by Shelley Winters. Even at just 26, De Niro’s portrayal offered a glimpse of the talent that would define his career, delivering a compelling if imperfect performance in a fascinating narrative.
11. Paul Vitti
Analyze This/Analyze That (1999/2002)
In the late ’90s, Analyze This paired De Niro’s comedic talents with insights into a gangster’s psyche, leading to a humorous exploration of mental health. While the film fostered a successful sequel, De Niro’s character, Paul Vitti, leaned heavily on stereotypes, making it more a comedic vehicle than a deep exploration of the character.
10. Louis Gara
Jackie Brown (1997)
Working with Quentin Tarantino proved thrilling for fans, particularly with De Niro’s role as the small-time criminal Louis Gara in Jackie Brown. With his disheveled look and sharp dialogue, Gara adds both humor and menace to the film, showcasing De Niro’s ability to switch from comedic to threatening in an instant.
9. Vito Genovese/Frank Costello
The Alto Knights (2025)
In a bold move, De Niro takes on dual roles in The Alto Knights, portraying mob bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. The film, reminiscent of Scorsese’s stylings, is enhanced by impressive makeup techniques that differentiate the two characters, making for a captivating narrative as De Niro engages in profound scenes—sometimes even against himself.
8. Al Capone
The Untouchables (1987)
De Niro’s portrayal of the infamous gangster Al Capone in The Untouchables remains one of his most iconic roles. Capturing the excess and brutality of Capone’s lifestyle, De Niro delivered a haunting performance, especially in the memorable shaving scene that showcased his chilling representation of unchecked power.
7. David “Noodles”Aaronson
Once Upon A Time In America (1984)
In Once Upon A Time In America, De Niro’s character, Noodles, embodies both the protagonist and tragic villain. His performance reflects deep remorse for his criminal actions, providing a complex portrait of a character shaped by his past, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
6. Neil McCauley
Heat (1995)
The criminal cat-and-mouse game in Michael Mann’s Heat reaches its pinnacle with De Niro as the professional thief Neil McCauley. This role is electrified by his dynamic on-screen interaction with Al Pacino, showcasing two titans of acting embodying the tension between law and crime with extraordinary depth.
5. Frank Sheeran
The Irishman (2019)
In Martin Scorsese’s sprawling epic The Irishman, De Niro revisits the gangster world as Frank Sheeran, an Italian-American hitman entwined in mob history. The film utilizes innovative CGI de-aging technology, revealing De Niro’s character across various life stages. Despite its lengthy runtime, De Niro’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary, reminding audiences of his profound talent.
4. Johnny Boy
Mean Streets (1973)
De Niro’s portrayal of Johnny Boy in Mean Streets is a pivotal moment in film history. This reckless character, deeply tied to the mob, serves as a harbinger of De Niro’s tough-guy persona, establishing the complex layers of performance that would define many of his future roles, including the grace of vulnerability blended with sheer menace.
3. Sam “Ace”Rothstein
Casino (1995)
In Casino, De Niro’s performance as Sam “Ace”Rothstein illustrates a dual identity as both a businessman and mobster navigating turmoil in Las Vegas. His intricate relationship with the environment and characters around him allows De Niro to deliver a masterclass in subtle manipulation and emotional depth, making this film a hallmark of his gangster roles.
2. Jimmy Conway
Goodfellas (1990)
De Niro’s portrayal of Jimmy Conway in Goodfellas remains one of his career-defining performances. As a meticulous yet ruthless mobster, he contrasts sharply with Joe Pesci’s volatile Tommy DeVito, providing a study in mob psychology that solidifies the film as a modern classic.
1. Vito Corleone
The Godfather Part II (1974)
In his iconic role as Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II, De Niro showcases a commanding performance that complements Marlon Brando’s original portrayal. The film artfully explores Vito’s ascent in the criminal underworld, masterfully illustrating how ambition can intertwine with morality in a gripping narrative that has earned De Niro the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor—solidifying this as the pinnacle of his gangster legacy.