Robert De Niro is an acting legend who has been a staple in the film industry since the 1960s. His breakout role came in the 1970s with Mean Streets, where he played a young criminal in his first of many collaborations with Martin Scorsese. Throughout his career, De Niro has portrayed numerous criminals, antagonists, and morally ambiguous characters. While it’s challenging to highlight all his villainous roles, here are seven of the best villains played by Robert De Niro.
7. Max Cady in Cape Fear (1991)
Max Cady, played by Robert De Niro in Cape Fear, is perhaps his most terrifying villain. Cady is a recently released convict who seeks revenge against the public defender he blames for his imprisonment. His relentless pursuit and violent nature make him a truly horrifying character. De Niro’s portrayal of Max Cady is a performance for the ages, making him the most vile among the 7 Best Villains Played by Robert De Niro.
6. David Noodles Aaronson in ‘Once Upon a Time in America’ (1984)
In Once Upon a Time in America, De Niro plays David Noodles Aaronson, a gangster who engages in indiscriminate violence and cruelty. The film spans decades, showcasing Noodles ruthless criminal activities. De Niro’s intense and haunting performance solidifies his character as one of the 7 Best Villains Played by Robert De Niro.
5. William Hale in Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
Robert De Niro’s portrayal of William Hale in Killers of the Flower Moon is a chilling depiction of systemic evil. As a real-life historical figure, Hale orchestrates the murder of the Osage people in the 1920s to gain their wealth. His manipulative and insidious nature makes him one of De Niro’s most vile characters, earning him a place among the 7 Best Villains Played by Robert De Niro.
4. Louis Cyphre in Angel Heart (1987)
In the neo-noir film Angel Heart, De Niro plays Louis Cyphre, a character who is later revealed to be the Devil. His mysterious and sinister presence throughout the film culminates in a shocking revelation, showcasing De Niro’s ability to embody pure evil. This role undoubtedly qualifies him as one of the 7 Best Villains Played by Robert De Niro.
3. Jimmy Conway in Goodfellas (1990)
In Goodfellas, Robert De Niro portrays Jimmy Conway, a character inspired by the real-life gangster James Burke. Jimmy is a calculating mobster who orchestrates numerous crimes, often ordering murders rather than committing them himself. His dangerous and manipulative nature makes him a standout villain in this iconic film, securing his spot as one of the 7 Best Villains Played by Robert De Niro.
2. Frank Sheeran in The Irishman (2019)
The Irishman reunites Robert De Niro with Martin Scorsese, where he plays an aging hitman named Frank Sheeran. The film delves into Sheeran’s violent lifestyle through a series of flashbacks. Sheeran is a cold, detached character who commits numerous murders without remorse. Despite a slight hint of regret towards the end, his unfeeling nature cements his place among the 7 Best Villains Played by Robert De Niro.
1. Dwight Hansen in This Boy’s Life (1993)
In This Boy’s Life, Robert De Niro plays Dwight Hansen, the tyrannical stepfather of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character. Based on a real-life memoir, the film showcases the abusive relationship between Dwight and the young boy, Toby, as well as Toby’s mother. De Niro’s portrayal of Dwight Hansen is chilling, making him one of the most villainous stepfathers in recent cinema. His character’s personal and relentless abuse marks him as one of the 7 Best Villains Played by Robert De Niro.
Conclusion
Robert De Niro‘s career is filled with iconic performances, particularly in villainous roles. From tyrannical stepfathers to cold-hearted hitmen, De Niro has brought a wide range of antagonists to life on screen. These 7 Best Villains Played by Robert De Niro showcase his incredible talent and versatility as an actor, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest in film history.
