Robert Redford’s legacy in 10 essential films

I’ve always been so impressed by Robert Redford, especially how he revolutionized independent film with the Sundance Film Festival. But it wasn’t just that – he was a truly gifted director too! It was amazing to see him win an Oscar for his very first directorial effort, “Ordinary People.” It really cemented his place as a cinematic powerhouse in my eyes.

Robert Redford wasn’t just a talented director; he was also a remarkably charismatic actor. He starred in many of the most memorable films of the 1970s and 80s, movies that people still love today. In fact, he continued to impress audiences throughout his career, delivering what many consider his best performance at age 77 in the film “All Is Lost.”

It’s impossible to list everything Robert Redford has done as an actor and director – his career is vast! Here are 10 of his most outstanding films to get you started, but don’t stop there – there’s a lot more to discover.

‘All Is Lost’ (2013)

You might not be familiar with this film, but it’s a hidden gem. Robert Redford, who was 77 at the time, plays an older sailor struggling to survive after his yacht is damaged by a shipping container in the Indian Ocean. Known for his understated acting style, Redford likely embraced this challenging role, as his character – simply called “Our Man” – speaks only 51 words throughout the entire movie. This required him to draw on his decades of experience to create a compelling and complex character. It’s essentially a one-man show and, in my opinion, his finest performance. It’s a shame more people didn’t see it, but perhaps now it will finally get the recognition it deserves. – Glenn Whipp

‘All the President’s Men’ (1976)

Alan J. Pakula’s film about Watergate is considered a classic political thriller, but for Robert Redford, making it was a significant risk. He personally secured the rights to the book by Woodward and Bernstein, despite concerns that a movie focused on the often-mundane details of their investigation – phone calls, interviews, and note-taking – wouldn’t be exciting. As Bob Woodward, Redford portrays a reporter who is unglamorous, hesitant, and persistent, but becomes determined as the story develops. He contrasts with Dustin Hoffman’s Carl Bernstein, who is quick-witted and spontaneous. Together, they capture the dynamic of investigative journalism, transforming the tedious work into a suspenseful experience. Redford proved that a film could succeed through dedication rather than flashy displays, and that a star could gain respect by prioritizing authenticity without losing their appeal. The role solidified his status not just as a leading actor, but as a powerful figure in culture who could bring important stories to life on screen. – Josh Rottenberg

‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ (1969)

Jack Lemmon didn’t like horses, Steve McQueen demanded to be the main star, and Warren Beatty hesitated to play another outlaw so quickly after his role in “Bonnie and Clyde.” It was Joanne Woodward, Paul Newman’s wife, who suggested Robert Redford, and that decision changed everything. It’s hard to imagine a better duo on screen. While Redford wasn’t famous yet, director George Roy Hill’s innovative western launched his career. Redford’s quiet intensity balanced Newman’s energetic performance perfectly. As outlaws constantly on the run, they felt like a worn-in couple-always arguing, but unable to live without each other. There’s a famous scene where, trapped on a cliff, Newman suggests they jump. Redford objects, and Newman playfully insists, leading to the line, “I can’t swim!” and Redford’s exasperated response. Newman’s laughter seals the moment. This film remains a classic, and rightfully so. – *Glenn Whipp*

‘The Natural’ (1984)

I found out about Redford’s death while at the gym, and the TV showed a clip from “The Natural” – a classic baseball movie often mentioned alongside “Field of Dreams” as a favorite for dads. While it isn’t his most famous role, Redford was believable as a baseball player in the film, likely due to his own high school and college baseball experience. The movie tells the story of Roy Hobbs, a promising player whose career is derailed, only to return years later seeking a second chance. Redford perfectly conveyed the weight of that journey with his expressions and quiet strength, tapping into our desire for heroes. The film’s iconic ending – Roy hitting a home run with the game on the line, shattering the stadium lights – remains memorable, just like Randy Newman’s beautiful score, both still resonating today. – Glenn Whipp

‘Ordinary People’ (1980)

By 1980, Robert Redford was already a famous actor, but his first time directing showed he wanted to be respected as a filmmaker too. He didn’t choose a big, flashy movie for himself; instead, he adapted a quiet story about a family falling apart after a loss. The story could have become overly dramatic, but Redford directed it with subtlety, letting emotion come through small moments and unspoken feelings. He got a powerfully restrained performance from Mary Tyler Moore, drew out quiet strength from Donald Sutherland, and helped Timothy Hutton deliver a breakout, Oscar-winning performance. The film felt real and lived-in, proving Redford was just as skilled behind the camera as he was in front of it. The Academy recognized this with Oscars for Best Director and Best Picture, cementing his status not just as a Hollywood star, but as a filmmaker building a lasting legacy. –Josh Rottenberg

‘Quiz Show’ (1994)

Robert Redford’s best directorial work fits perfectly with his overall career themes: a dedication to finding the truth, even when it’s not glamorous. However, unlike his film *All the President’s Men*, this movie shows understanding for those who deceive. The intelligently written script, by Paul Attanasio, tackles the 1950s quiz show scandals. Interestingly, Redford subtly incorporates his own recurring interests as a performer. Ralph Fiennes plays Charles Van Doren, a man tempted to cheat by his sudden fame – a role Redford himself could have played years ago. John Turturro’s character, a critical but honest whistleblower, seems to be the kind of part Redford wishes he’d been offered. And when Martin Scorsese appears as a cunning executive, Redford feels he’s rightfully earned his place alongside such masterful filmmakers. – *Joshua Rothkopf*

‘Sneakers’ (1992)

It’s hard to say exactly why I find this lighthearted comedy so reliably enjoyable. It came out at a time when terms like “hackers” and “black boxes” still felt exciting and mysterious. The story is a fun, chaotic mix of spy tropes – Dan Aykroyd delivers plenty of rambling conspiracy theories – but “Sneakers” really shines when you simply let it be the easygoing, conversational movie it aims to be. The cast is fantastic: David Strathairn, Ben Kingsley, Mary McDonnell, River Phoenix, and the always-impressive James Earl Jones. And Redford anchors the film with a seriousness it maybe doesn’t earn, leading his team of security experts with a perfect blend of world-weariness, hope, and confidence. It’s refreshing to see a great cast just interacting and chatting. For those who appreciate that style of filmmaking, “Sneakers” is something of a foundational text – a conspiracy thriller that’s accessible and comfortable, like a good starting point.

‘The Sting’ (1973)

Four years after their hit film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” director George Roy Hill brought Robert Redford and Paul Newman together again in “The Sting,” a movie that solidified Redford’s status as a major star. Set in Chicago during the Great Depression, the film centers on two con artists who team up to swindle a dangerous mob boss. Newman plays the experienced and calm leader, while Redford portrays the younger, more impulsive Johnny Hooker, whose charming exterior hides his anxiety. Redford’s energetic performance added a crucial spark to the film and demonstrated he could hold his own alongside Newman in both charisma and screen presence. “The Sting” was a huge success, winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and earning Redford his only Oscar nomination for acting. Following films like “Jeremiah Johnson” and “The Candidate,” it represented the high point of Redford’s early career, establishing him as a leading man capable of drawing audiences on his own. Ironically, despite this success, Redford never received another acting nomination from the Academy. – *Josh Rottenberg*

‘Three Days of the Condor’ (1975)

If you’re a fan of those classic, suspenseful conspiracy thrillers from the 1970s – and if you aren’t, you might want to reconsider – you’ll recognize a certain path to truly getting hooked: start with films like “Chinatown” and “Klute,” then move on to “The Parallax View” and “The Conversation.” “Three Days of the Condor,” starring Robert Redford, represents the peak of this genre. It’s a chillingly cool and subtle spy story, so understated it feels like a quiet murmur. The plot involves serious international issues surrounding Middle Eastern oil, but Redford plays a bookish CIA analyst who isn’t directly involved in field work at first. It’s one of his most restrained and compelling performances. While his coworkers are murdered, and a kidnapping involving Faye Dunaway occurs, the film focuses more on a simmering tension than overt romance. Redford’s character runs through New York City in a casual blazer and jeans, offering a peek at the down-to-earth action hero persona he’d become known for. – *Joshua Rothkopf*

‘The Way We Were’ (1973)

Robert Redford possessed a timeless, romantic appeal – partly due to his handsome, yet distant, demeanor. While strikingly good-looking, he always remained slightly out of reach. This film, a popular hit from the Nixon era, truly established him as a star and led to many other romantic roles, like those in “The Natural” and “Out of Africa.” In the movie, his character represents an unattainable desire for Barbra Streisand’s activist, and it even gets a mention in “Sex and the City.” However, what’s most notable is that Redford consistently allowed his female co-stars to shine, creating a sense of longing and depth in their performances through his reserved presence. He masterfully played the aloof romantic lead, perhaps finding the role too simple. Redford will always be remembered as a star who seemed to be running from his own charisma, always searching for something more meaningful. And he’ll forever be associated with the character of Hubbell. – *Joshua Rothkopf*

2025-09-17 00:02