The 15 Best Robert Redford Movies to Revisit

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The world mourned the loss of Robert Redford, a legendary figure in film, on Tuesday. He first gained fame on Broadway in the early 1960s before becoming a Hollywood star with iconic roles in films like *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*, *The Sting*, and *All the President’s Men*. He later made a significant impact as a director and by co-founding the Sundance Film Festival. To honor his incredible legacy, many are choosing to revisit his work. Here’s a selection of ten of his best acting performances – including both well-known classics and some hidden gems – and five films he directed.

Just so you know, if a movie is on a streaming service, you can also usually rent it on demand. If a movie is listed as only available for rental, it typically costs around $4 and isn’t currently included with any streaming subscriptions.

Five Acting Classics

All the President’s Men (1976)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=DC3YFyah_Yg

Let me tell you, seeing this film in 2025 feels incredibly relevant. It’s a gripping thriller, directed by Alan J. Pakula, starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as the Washington Post reporters, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, who broke the Watergate scandal and brought down Richard Nixon. It was a massive success when it came out right after Nixon resigned, earning eight Oscar nominations and winning four. Honestly, it feels as important now as it ever did. You can stream it on The Criterion Channel.

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=YdJW2UxvSFQ

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was one of Robert Redford’s breakout roles, and it’s a perfect movie to introduce someone to both his work and the Western genre. Redford stars as the charismatic Sundance Kid alongside Paul Newman as the equally charming Butch Cassidy. It’s a lighthearted take on a genre often known for being overly serious, and it still holds up today – it even helped launch the Sundance Film Festival, which revolutionized independent film. Available to rent or buy digitally.

Downhill Racer (1969)

Early in his career, Roger Ebert hailed this film as the greatest sports movie ever made, despite not truly being *about* sports. Michael Ritchie’s first feature film follows David Chappellet, a talented skier competing for the U.S. Ski Team in Europe. Robert Redford gives a compelling performance, fully embodying a man consumed by his passion for skiing. Available on demand.

Sneakers (1992)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=G_XRqJV2zdk

If you grew up in the 80s, you probably remember this thrilling 1992 movie starring Robert Redford. Looking back, it feels surprisingly relevant today, considering how much our privacy has been eroded. Redford gives a strong performance without overshadowing the amazing cast – including Ben Kingsley, David Strathairn, River Phoenix, Sidney Poitier, and Mary McDonnell. You can rent or buy it on demand.

The Sting (1973)

Redford teamed up again with his co-star and director from *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid* for what became his most successful film. It earned him his only Best Actor Oscar nomination and won the award for Best Picture. The movie is famous for its exceptional screenplay and demonstrates a time when a film could be both a critical and commercial success, largely thanks to the star’s incredible charm. It’s currently available to rent or buy on demand.

Five Underseen Acting Gems

All Is Lost (2013)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=no1rl9Gvx-s

Robert Redford was a master of subtle acting, and that’s especially true in this gripping survival story. He plays a man lost at sea with only 51 lines of dialogue, completely immersing himself in the role. His performance earned him Best Actor from the New York Film Critics Circle, and many still feel he was unfairly overlooked by the Academy Awards. You can watch it now on Prime Video.

The Old Man and the Gun (2018)

Robert Redford delivers a stunning final performance in this moving drama directed by David Lowery. The film tells the story of Forrest Tucker, a lifelong criminal, and marked Redford’s announcement of his retirement from acting, making it his last official film. It’s a beautiful and touching tribute to both the character and Redford’s enduring charisma. Available to rent or buy digitally.

Pete’s Dragon (2016)

Most live-action versions of Disney animated movies aren’t very good, but this one is a standout. It’s easily the best of the bunch, crafting its own unique story based on the 1977 original. Robert Redford is perfectly cast as a captivating storyteller, the father of Bryce Dallas Howard’s character, and the man who first shared the tale of the legendary dragon. The film cleverly connects an artist and environmental advocate with a legacy of imagination and the power of nature, making for a truly charming movie. Available now on Disney+.

Spy Game (2001)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=EH30237stWM

Robert Redford consistently delivered, carefully tailoring his on-screen charm to fit each role. This film pairs him with Brad Pitt, an actor he was frequently compared to, creating a thrilling action movie that brings together two generations of stars for a fun, exciting experience. Available to rent or buy digitally.

The Twilight Zone (1962)

In a classic episode from the third season of Rod Serling’s iconic sci-fi series, a young Robert Redford plays the role of Death. “Nothing in the Dark” features Gladys Cooper as a woman facing her final moments, triggered by opening the door to Harold, played by Redford, who pretends to be a contractor but is actually the Grim Reaper. Redford uses his natural charisma to portray death not as a frightening event, but as a peaceful transition. You can watch it now on Paramount+ and Prime Video.

Five Directorial Beauties

Lions for Lambs (2007)

Okay, so it’s not Robert Redford’s finest hour as a director, but honestly, the cast alone makes this movie worth checking out. I mean, you’ve got Redford himself, Meryl Streep, a young Tom Cruise, and Andrew Garfield all in one film! Beyond the star power, it’s a really interesting movie because Redford isn’t afraid to lay bare his political views – it’s a stark look at how governments sometimes exploit young people and their sacrifices for their own gain. You can stream it on Fubo and Paramount+.

The Milagro Beanfield War (1988)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=uuaKVk4hNAY

After eight years, Robert Redford followed up his acclaimed first film as director with a smaller, but heartfelt drama adapted from a novel by John Nichols. The film clearly reflects Redford’s connection to California and his support for the underdog, telling the story of a man, played by Rubén Blades, fighting to protect his farm. It’s currently available to rent or buy on demand.

Ordinary People (1980)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=HQKEdiQ79OM

Robert Redford’s *Ordinary People* is widely considered one of the greatest directorial debuts ever. Based on Judith Guest’s novel, the film is a deeply empathetic portrayal of a family struggling with grief after the loss of a son and brother. It earned Redford an Academy Award for Best Director, as well as Oscars for Best Supporting Actor and Best Picture. While some have historically downplayed its success, arguing it overshadowed *Raging Bull* at the Oscars, *Ordinary People* remains a crucial film from the 1980s and a defining work in Redford’s career. You can stream it on Fubo, Philo, and MGM+.

Quiz Show (1994)

Many consider this Robert Redford’s finest film as a director. It’s a based-on-a-true-story drama that goes beyond the simple facts to explore the flaws and arrogance of its central character. Ralph Fiennes stars as Charles Van Doren, caught in a 1950s scandal where game show contestants were secretly given the answers to make the show more exciting. Given how much we question what we see on television today, this film deserves a fresh look. Available to rent or buy digitally.

A River Runs Through It (1992)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=OsIolBViUmc

This film truly showcases Robert Redford’s heartfelt vision. He beautifully adapted the novella, focusing on a Montana family with genuine warmth and a deep appreciation for nature. Redford had a knack for avoiding overly dramatic scenes, instead prioritizing honest portrayals of his characters and letting their stories resonate naturally. You can stream it on Fubo, Philo, and MGM+.

Thanks for the memories

Want to revisit some of Robert Redford’s best movies? Check out these three Cinematrix grids highlighting his work.

Here’s a list of Cinematrix releases and their dates: June 11, 2024 (No. 77), September 28, 2024 (No. 186), and July 21, 2025 (No. 482).

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2025-09-16 23:56