Best Robert Duvall Movies, Ranked

Robert Duvall is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and talented actors in the history of cinema. His career spans over six decades and includes iconic roles in some of the most influential films ever made. From intense dramatic leads to memorable supporting characters he has consistently delivered performances of great depth and authenticity. This list explores the expansive filmography of a true Hollywood legend who has earned numerous accolades including an Academy Award.

‘The Betsy’ (1978)

Robert Duvall plays a hard driving executive in the automotive industry. The plot centers on a powerful family struggle to build a new fuel efficient car. He portrays a professional brought in to manage the internal conflicts and business ambitions of the company. The film is based on a novel by Harold Robbins and explores themes of corporate greed and sexual intrigue.

‘Lady Liberty’ (1971)

Robert Duvall plays the fiancé of an Italian woman who brings a giant sausage into the United States. He is a New York restaurant owner who finds himself in the middle of a bureaucratic standoff at the airport. The story follows the woman’s refusal to surrender her gift to the customs agents as a matter of pride. Duvall provides a supporting role in this comedy that highlights the cultural differences between Europe and America.

‘Assassination Tango’ (2002)

Robert Duvall plays a professional hitman who travels to Argentina for a contract killing. While waiting for his target he becomes fascinated by the world of tango dancing in Buenos Aires. The protagonist develops a bond with a local instructor who introduces him to the culture and movements of the dance. This character study focuses on the internal life of an assassin as he experiences an unexpected emotional awakening.

‘The Light at the Edge of the World’ (1971)

Robert Duvall plays a ruthless pirate leader who takes over a lighthouse on a remote island. He enters into a deadly game of survival with the lone lighthouse keeper who escaped the initial massacre. The film is based on a Jules Verne novel and features intense action sequences on the rugged coastline. Duvall brings a fierce and villainous energy to his role as the primary antagonist.

‘Countdown’ (1967)

Robert Duvall plays a civilian astronaut trainee who is part of a secretive program to beat the Soviet Union to the moon. He competes with a professional pilot for the chance to be the first man to land on the lunar surface. The film focuses on the psychological pressure and technical challenges faced by the crew during the mission. Duvall portrays a determined and ambitious candidate who must handle the stress of the space race.

‘Badge 373’ (1973)

Robert Duvall plays a suspended police officer who investigates the murder of his former partner. He navigates the criminal underworld of New York City to find the people responsible for the crime. The story is inspired by the real life experiences of a detective and emphasizes a gritty realistic tone. Duvall delivers a tough performance as a man willing to break the rules to achieve justice.

‘The Killer Elite’ (1975)

Robert Duvall plays a private security operative who betrays his partner for a massive payoff. The story follows the injured partner as he seeks revenge and attempts to complete a dangerous protection mission. Duvall portrays a cold and calculated professional who will do anything for money. The film features elaborate action scenes and explores the world of international mercenaries.

‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (1990)

In this adaptation of the famous novel Robert Duvall portrays the Commander of a dystopian society. His character is a high ranking official in the Republic of Gilead where fertile women are forced into servitude. The Commander begins an illicit relationship with his assigned handmaid that goes beyond the strict societal rules. This performance captures the quiet menace and authority of a man deeply entrenched in a fundamentalist regime.

‘A Night in Old Mexico’ (2013)

A forced retirement and the loss of his family ranch lead an elderly Texan to go on a final journey. Robert Duvall plays the stubborn rancher who takes his estranged grandson on a road trip across the border. They encounter dangerous criminals and find themselves in the middle of a drug deal gone wrong. This adventure serves as a reflection on aging and the desire to live life on one’s own terms.

‘Days of Thunder’ (1990)

Robert Duvall plays a legendary crew chief who comes out of retirement to build a winning race car. He mentors a talented but hot headed young driver through the high stakes world of professional stock car racing. The characters must work together to overcome past failures and prepare for a major championship event. Duvall brings a sense of wisdom and grit to the role of a veteran who understands the mechanics of speed.

‘Deep Impact’ (1998)

As a massive comet hurtles toward Earth Robert Duvall plays a veteran astronaut tasked with a desperate mission. He leads a team of younger pilots to land on the celestial body and plant nuclear explosives to divert its path. The story explores the global reaction to a potential extinction event and the sacrifices made by those in the line of duty. Duvall portrays a stoic leader who remains calm while facing the possibility of a final voyage.

‘Joe Kidd’ (1972)

Robert Duvall plays a wealthy landowner who hires a former bounty hunter to track down a group of Mexican revolutionaries. His character is a ruthless businessman willing to use any means necessary to protect his property interests. The conflict escalates as the hired tracker begins to question the morality of the men who employed him. Duvall delivers a performance that highlights the arrogance and power of a frontier mogul.

‘Phenomenon’ (1996)

Robert Duvall plays the local doctor and father figure in a small town where a man suddenly gains superhuman intelligence. He observes the physical and social changes that occur after the protagonist sees a mysterious light in the sky. The doctor remains a loyal friend even as the community begins to fear the man for his new abilities. Duvall provides an emotional anchor for the narrative as the characters grapple with the limits of human understanding.

‘A Civil Action’ (1998)

Robert Duvall plays a brilliant and eccentric defense attorney representing a major corporation in a high stakes lawsuit. The plot follows a personal injury lawyer who risks everything to prove that industrial waste contaminated the local water supply. Duvall portrays his character with a calculated intelligence that makes him a formidable opponent in the courtroom. His performance earned critical acclaim for its nuanced depiction of a veteran legal strategist.

‘The Seven-Per-Cent Solution’ (1976)

In this unique Sherlock Holmes mystery Robert Duvall portrays the famous Dr. Watson. The story follows the legendary detective as he travels to Vienna to seek treatment from Sigmund Freud for his addiction. Watson remains a dedicated companion who assists in solving a kidnapping case while his friend recovers. Duvall brings a distinct energy to the role of the loyal partner in a reimagined version of the classic literary characters.

‘THX 1138’ (1971)

Robert Duvall stars as a man living in a sterile underground future where emotions and physical contact are outlawed. His character begins a forbidden romance and stops taking the mandatory mind controlling drugs provided by the state. This defiance leads to a desperate attempt to escape the surveillance of the robotic police force. Duvall gives a restrained performance that conveys the awakening of human feeling in a cold environment.

‘Colors’ (1988)

Robert Duvall plays a veteran police officer who is partnered with a volatile rookie to patrol the gang territory of Los Angeles. The two officers have conflicting philosophies on how to handle the rising violence and drug trade in the city. Duvall represents the experienced perspective of a man who prefers mediation and community ties over aggressive tactics. The narrative explores the daily pressures and moral dilemmas faced by those on the front lines of urban conflict.

‘Widows’ (2018)

Robert Duvall portrays a powerful and corrupt political figure who is part of a long standing Chicago dynasty. He clashes with his son over the future of their family influence and the ethics of their campaign tactics. The film follows a group of women who attempt a heist to pay off a debt left behind by their deceased criminal husbands. Duvall brings a fierce intensity to the role of an old school power broker resistant to change.

‘We Own the Night’ (2007)

Robert Duvall plays a high ranking New York City police official whose two sons have taken very different paths in life. One son is a decorated officer while the other manages a nightclub frequented by Russian mobsters. The family is forced together when the criminal underworld targets the police department in a violent escalation. Duvall portrays the patriarch who must navigate his professional duty and his love for his children during a crisis.

‘The Rain People’ (1969)

Robert Duvall plays a motorcycle police officer who meets a woman traveling across the country to escape her marriage. He represents a brief connection and a possible future for the protagonist during her journey of self discovery. The film is a sensitive character study directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Duvall delivers a nuanced performance that adds emotional depth to the narrative.

‘The Eagle Has Landed’ (1976)

Robert Duvall plays a German intelligence officer who helps plan a daring mission to kidnap Winston Churchill. He coordinates with a team of paratroopers who infiltrate a small English village during the second world war. The story explores the tactical planning and the unexpected complications that arise during the operation. Duvall brings a sense of duty and gravity to his role as a military strategist.

‘The Outfit’ (1973)

After being released from prison a career criminal seeks revenge against the syndicate that killed his brother. Robert Duvall plays the determined protagonist who systematically hits several mob run operations to get the attention of the organization. He is joined by a former associate as they navigate a dangerous world of professional thieves and cold blooded killers. Duvall delivers a tough and stoic performance in this classic example of the seventies crime genre.

‘Jack Reacher’ (2012)

Robert Duvall plays a retired Marine who owns a shooting range and becomes a key ally to a wandering investigator. He assists the protagonist in uncovering the truth behind a mass shooting that appears to be a random act of violence. The character provides essential tactical information and support during a high stakes confrontation with professional mercenaries. Duvall brings a sense of authenticity and humor to the role of a veteran who still knows how to handle a rifle.

‘Get Low’ (2009)

Robert Duvall stars as a mysterious hermit who decides to throw his own funeral party while he is still alive. He enlists the help of a local funeral director to organize the event and invite the entire town to hear his secrets. The story slowly reveals the tragic event from his youth that caused him to live in isolation for forty years. Duvall delivers a powerful performance that captures the eccentricity and hidden pain of his character.

‘The Judge’ (2014)

Robert Duvall plays a respected small town judge who finds himself accused of a hit and run murder. His estranged son who is a successful big city lawyer returns home to defend him in court. The legal battle forces the two men to confront their troubled past and reconcile their differences. Duvall portrays a man of iron will who is struggling with the loss of his mental faculties and his reputation.

‘True Grit’ (1969)

In this classic western Robert Duvall plays the outlaw leader Ned Pepper who is being hunted by a federal marshal. He serves as a formidable antagonist who challenges the authority and skill of the lawmen pursuing him. The story follows a young girl who hires a tough marshal to track down the man who killed her father. Duvall brings a sense of menace and grit to the role of a bandit who refuses to back down from a fight.

‘The Great Santini’ (1979)

Robert Duvall stars as a highly decorated Marine Corps pilot who treats his family like a military unit. He struggles to transition his aggressive leadership style to his roles as a husband and father during a time of peace. The narrative focuses on the tense relationship between the patriarch and his eldest son who wants to pursue his own path. Duvall delivers a commanding performance that explores the complexities of a man defined by his profession.

‘Open Range’ (2003)

Robert Duvall stars as a veteran cattle driver who leads his crew across the vast plains of the American West. He and his companions are forced into a violent confrontation with a corrupt land baron who dislikes free grazers. Duvall plays a man of strong moral principles who values the traditional code of the frontier. The film features realistic gunfights and a deep appreciation for the beauty and danger of the open landscape.

‘The Road’ (2009)

In a post apocalyptic world Robert Duvall plays an elderly man who is barely surviving among the ruins of civilization. He encounters a father and son who are traveling toward the coast in search of warmth and safety. Their brief meeting provides a moment of shared humanity and a reflection on what has been lost in the global catastrophe. Duvall portrays a character who has witnessed the end of the world and has become detached from his own identity.

‘The Apostle’ (1997)

Robert Duvall wrote directed and stars in this film as a charismatic Pentecostal preacher who flees his home after a violent incident. He relocates to a small town in Louisiana and starts a new church under a different name to seek redemption. The narrative follows his journey as he attempts to build a community and reconcile with his past actions. Duvall provides an intense and authentic look at the fervor of religious devotion and the flaws of a complicated man.

‘Tender Mercies’ (1983)

Robert Duvall plays a washed up country singer who finds a chance at a new life through the kindness of a young widow. He begins working at her roadside motel and slowly builds a relationship with her and her young son. The story focuses on his quiet struggle with sobriety and his attempt to find peace away from the spotlight. Duvall won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his understated and moving performance in this drama.

‘Tomorrow’ (1972)

Robert Duvall plays a lonely handyman who works at a remote sawmill in the deep south. He takes in a pregnant woman who has been abandoned and forms a deep emotional bond with her and her child. The film is a poignant adaptation of a William Faulkner story and features a stark black and white visual style. Duvall delivers a powerful and sensitive performance that is often cited as one of his finest.

‘Bullitt’ (1968)

Robert Duvall plays a taxi driver who provides essential information to a police detective during an intense investigation. His character helps the protagonist navigate the streets of San Francisco as they track down a group of hitmen. The film is famous for its groundbreaking car chase sequences and its cool aesthetic. Duvall delivers a natural performance in a supporting role that adds to the realistic tone of the crime thriller.

‘The Natural’ (1984)

Robert Duvall plays a cynical and influential sports journalist who follows the career of a mysterious older baseball player. His character is determined to uncover the truth about the athlete who appears from nowhere to become a legendary hitter. He represents the skeptical media that scrutinizes the hero during his rise to fame and his moments of struggle. Duvall brings a sharp intelligence to the role of a man who values a good story over the myths of the game.

‘Secondhand Lions’ (2003)

Robert Duvall stars as one of two eccentric and wealthy uncles who are forced to raise their young nephew for a summer. He portrays a man with a mysterious past involving adventures in the French Foreign Legion and the Middle East. The story blends humor and heart as the boy learns about bravery and the importance of believing in the impossible. Duvall has great chemistry with his co star as they play two old men refusing to settle into a quiet retirement.

‘Thank You for Smoking’ (2005)

Robert Duvall plays the powerful and wealthy head of a major tobacco conglomerate known as the Captain. He serves as a mentor and boss to the charismatic lobbyist who defends the cigarette industry in the media. The character represents the old guard of corporate power who is unapologetic about his business interests. Duvall delivers his lines with a sense of authority and southern charm that makes the character memorable.

‘Falling Down’ (1993)

Robert Duvall plays a veteran police detective who is on his final day of work before retirement. He begins tracking a frustrated man who has abandoned his car in traffic and is now walking across Los Angeles committing acts of violence. While others see only random chaos the detective uses his intuition to connect the dots and predict the man’s path. Duvall provides a calm and professional contrast to the erratic behavior of the protagonist in this urban thriller.

‘The Conversation’ (1974)

In this psychological thriller Robert Duvall has a brief but impactful role as the mysterious Director of a large corporation. He is the man who hires a surveillance expert to record a conversation between two people in a crowded park. The plot follows the surveillance professional as he becomes obsessed with the meaning of the recording and the potential danger to the subjects. Duvall appears at the climax of the film to represent the cold and impersonal nature of corporate power.

‘Sling Blade’ (1996)

Robert Duvall plays the estranged father of a developmentally disabled man who has just been released from a psychiatric hospital. Their brief and tense encounter reveals a history of neglect and cruelty that shaped the protagonist’s difficult life. Duvall delivers a chilling performance in a single scene that provides essential context for the main character’s motivations. The story follows the man as he returns to his small hometown and forms an unlikely friendship with a young boy.

‘Network’ (1976)

Robert Duvall plays a ruthless corporate executive who is focused on maximizing television ratings at any cost. He is part of the management team that decides to exploit the mental breakdown of a news anchor for financial gain. The character represents the cold calculation of a media industry that prioritizes profit over journalistic integrity. Duvall brings a sharp and aggressive energy to the boardroom scenes as the network spirals into sensationalism.

‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ (1962)

Robert Duvall makes his film debut as the mysterious and misunderstood Arthur Boo Radley. His character is a recluse who becomes a figure of fascination and fear for the children living in a small southern town. He remains hidden for most of the story until he emerges in a crucial moment to protect the children from a violent attack. Duvall delivers a poignant performance without speaking a single word of dialogue in this timeless adaptation.

‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979)

Robert Duvall portrays Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore who is a surfing obsessed officer in the middle of the Vietnam War. He leads a helicopter assault on a coastal village so that his soldiers can ride the waves during a combat mission. Duvall delivers some of the most famous lines in cinema history with a terrifying and charismatic intensity. His performance captures the madness and surreal nature of the conflict as seen through the eyes of a career soldier.

‘The Godfather Part II’ (1974)

Robert Duvall reprises his role as Tom Hagen who is the loyal lawyer and advisor to the Corleone crime family. He remains the calm voice of reason as the new head of the family moves to expand the criminal empire into Nevada. The story alternates between the present day struggles of the son and the origins of the father in early twentieth century New York. Duvall portrays a man who understands the legal and strategic nuances required to maintain power in a dangerous world.

‘The Godfather’ (1972)

In this masterpiece of American cinema Robert Duvall plays Tom Hagen who is the adopted son and trusted advisor to a powerful mob boss. He serves as the primary liaison between the family and the outside world while handling sensitive negotiations with rivals. Duvall provides a disciplined and understated performance that balances the violent actions of the other characters. The narrative follows the transition of power within the family as a reluctant son enters the world of organized crime.

Which of these Robert Duvall performances do you think is his most iconic so please share your thoughts in the comments.