Robert Redford’s 25 Must-See Films That Defined His Career

Robert Redford’s 25 Must-See Films That Defined His Career

By [Ambrose], July 2025

Few actors have etched themselves so firmly into the fabric of American cinema as Robert Redford. With a career spanning more than six decades, Redford has not only captivated audiences with his golden-era charm and compelling performances, but also shaped the film industry as a director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival. From cowboy classics to political thrillers and introspective dramas, Redford’s filmography is both vast and vital.

Here are 25 must-see films that defined his extraordinary career — a legacy of artistic bravery, quiet rebellion, and timeless style.

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1. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

The film that catapulted Redford into superstardom. His role as the quick-draw Sundance Kid alongside Paul Newman turned this Western into an all-time classic.

2. The Sting (1973)

Reuniting with Newman, Redford played a con artist in this intricate caper. It won Best Picture at the Oscars and remains a masterclass in charismatic acting.

3. All the President’s Men (1976)

As Bob Woodward, Redford portrayed the real-life journalist who helped uncover the Watergate scandal. The film is a staple in political cinema.

4. The Way We Were (1973)

A romantic drama where Redford starred opposite Barbra Streisand. Their chemistry created a poignant portrayal of love divided by ideology.

5. Jeremiah Johnson (1972)

A rugged survival tale that showcased Redford’s ability to carry a film with minimal dialogue and raw emotion.

6. Out of Africa (1985)

An epic romance set in colonial Kenya, with Meryl Streep. Redford’s performance as the adventurous Denys Finch Hatton became iconic.

7. The Candidate (1972)

A sharp political satire about the corruptive nature of campaigning. Redford’s charm masked a deeper cynicism beneath the surface.

8. Barefoot in the Park (1967)

A romantic comedy that showed Redford’s lighter side. His chemistry with Jane Fonda made the film a hit.

9. Three Days of the Condor (1975)

A Cold War thriller that turned Redford into the face of 1970s paranoia cinema. A tense and cerebral performance.

10. The Natural (1984)

Redford as a mysterious baseball legend in this mythic sports drama. A visually poetic and deeply emotional performance.

11. The Great Gatsby (1974)

Though opinions on the film are divided, Redford’s turn as Jay Gatsby remains one of the most visually iconic.

12. A River Runs Through It (1992 – Director)**

Redford’s narration and direction brought poetic realism to this coming-of-age tale, launching Brad Pitt’s career in the process.

13. Quiz Show (1994 – Director)**

A critical darling that examined media ethics and American idealism. Redford directed with subtlety and depth.

14. Ordinary People (1980 – Director)**

His directorial debut won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. A quiet masterpiece about grief and guilt.

15. All Is Lost (2013)

A nearly dialogue-free survival film with Redford alone at sea. It’s a haunting, physical, and deeply moving performance.

16. Spy Game (2001)**

A slick espionage thriller where Redford mentored a young Brad Pitt. Cool, confident, and full of tension.

17. The Horse Whisperer (1998 – Director & Actor)**

A tender, wide-screen drama that cemented Redford as a director with vision. He also starred as the soft-spoken title character.

18. The Old Man & the Gun (2018)**

A fitting swan song (though he’s since returned briefly), Redford plays a charming career criminal. Graceful and nostalgic.

19. The Electric Horseman (1979)**

A modern cowboy tale starring Redford and Jane Fonda. It mixed rodeo aesthetics with anti-corporate undertones.

20. Indecent Proposal (1993)**

A controversial romantic drama where Redford’s enigmatic millionaire makes an offer that challenges moral boundaries.

21. Lions for Lambs (2007 – Director & Actor)**

An intellectual political drama that explored patriotism and responsibility. Redford starred alongside Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep.

22. Downhill Racer (1969)**

Redford plays an ambitious but aloof skier. A subtle character study that revealed his versatility early on.

23. Legal Eagles (1986)**

A blend of courtroom drama and romantic comedy, with Debra Winger and Daryl Hannah, showing Redford’s mid-’80s star power.

24. Brubaker (1980)**

A prison drama where Redford goes undercover as a warden. Gritty and reform-minded.

25. The Company You Keep (2012 – Director & Actor)**

A political thriller that reflected on aging, activism, and consequence, showing that Redford never stopped asking hard questions.

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A Legacy Beyond the Screen

Robert Redford is more than a movie star — he’s a storyteller, an environmental advocate, and a champion of independent film. Through Sundance, he gave new generations of filmmakers a voice. Through his roles, he shaped how masculinity, politics, and beauty could be portrayed on screen.

This list of 25 films is only a window into a body of work that continues to inspire audiences and artists alike.

Robert Redford didn’t just act in great films — he helped define what great films could be.