Before becoming Iron Man, RDJ was an accomplished actor in himself. Now, as his tenure at the MCU ends, his filmography is being rediscovered, with fans getting to know the man’s acting prowess. So, what are the greatest films by RDJ?
Who is Robert Downey Jr.? Ranking the man’s movies is complex because they appear across genres. Robert Downey Jr. movies ranked shows up his calibre as an actor. Here are the films that he starred in.
Highlights —
- Robert Downey Jr best movies
- Comedic turn
- Action filmography
Tropic Thunder
‘Tropic Thunder’ is a satirical movie about shooting a film in a third-world country. The movie stars RDJ as Kirk Lazarus, a method actor who hilariously tries to portray the role of a veteran. In the process, he gets very into his role and becomes psychotic over time.

One of Robert Downey Jr best movies, ‘Tropic Thunder’ is RDJ at his comedic best, churning out line after line of satiric talent in a movie that scores big on eccentricity.
1/9
Sherlock Holmes
Holmes is not seen as an action hero, but he is in this Guy Ritchie vehicle. The swashbuckling Holmes played by RDJ may have raised eyebrows when he first appeared on screen, but, soon people started applauding instead.
RDJ takes the rather funny script and turns it into a compelling movie with a great ending to boot.
2/9
A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints
A story based on the life of Dito Montiel and is directed by him as well. Robert Downey plays the role of Dito Montiel growing up in the New York streets, and the film is a vibrant love letter to the city. The film earned RDJ accolades for portraying life with vibrancy and eccentricity. He is energetic in this film and turns out a role that hits hard at people’s hearts.
3/9
Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang
Robert Downey Junior plays a two-bit crook who is incompetent. The story is an exploration of how he tries to crack a case. The report explores the seedy underbelly and gives out a story that shows up the level well. RDJ does a great job playing off of his co-stars in a black comedy that ends up being an excellent watch for everyone in the audience.
4/9
Good Night, and Good Luck
In a smaller role here, RDJ plays Joe Wershba beside David Strathairn and George Clooney. The political docu-drama was a critical moment of inspiration for George Clooney, who benefited from the film’s stellar premise and turned out a career-defining performance.
5/9
Weird Science
‘Weird Science’ established RDJ’s place as a comedic talent. He played a bully who tormented the hero of the story. He gets defeated at the movie’s end because of some of the hero’s inventions, but who cares? It’s still in Robert Downey Jr movies ranked list.
6/9
Chaplin
‘Chaplin’ is a biopic of Charlie Chaplin, and it does its work well. Though a rather lacklustre script bogged down the film, RDJ’s turn as the comedic actor was excellent. He created a critically acclaimed performance and earned an Academy Award nomination for the role.
7/9
Zodiac
Ah, Zodiac! Based on the real-life events of the serial killer, the movie was a goose chase. RDJ steps into the shoes of Paul Avery, depicting the story of a tired journalist who is trying his best to keep up with the changing narrative of the case. In the process, the dialogue-driven movie gives space for Robert Downey Jr. to grow into a brilliant character.
8/9
Natural Born Killers
Again, Robert Downey Junior is a journalist on the trail of destruction left by Mickey and Oliver Knox. The story follows a tired Wayne Gale who keeps sensitizing a story that is supposed to be empathetic. Quentin Tarantino penned the story. RDJ donning an Australian accent is the perfect vehicle for the dialogues from the master himself.
9/9
Charlie Bartlett
In one of his early performances, RDJ played a high-school student rebel against the school’s principal. Through the story, the character develops into a man and then becomes sinister as the story progresses. A brilliant film and a very underrated performance.
Robert Downey Junior has spent forever in the film world, and he has quite a lot of excellent films in his kitty. Over time, he has given some stellar acting performances.
