20 Best Movies of Robert Downey Jr.
Once a drug addict, who would have thought that Robert Downey Jr. is now one of the highest-paid artists. It is reported that Downey earns a salary of up to $75 million, thanks to his role as the iconic Iron Man in several Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films.
Robert Downey Jr.'s appeal is still very strong. Even in his fifties, he still has a timeless charisma that is complemented by his incredible acting skills.
For those of you who are loyal fans of Robert Downey Jr, get to know some of his most outstanding movie titles. Showpoiler has carefully compiled a list, specially made for you.
1. Sherlock Holmes
In the iconic role of Sherlock Holmes, Robert Downey Jr. plays the legendary detective who collaborates with his partner, Dr. Watson (Jude Law). When a series of brutal murders occur in London, Sherlock and Watson become absorbed in the case and embark on an investigative journey.
As their investigation unfolds, they discover connections that lead to a sinister black magic cult led by the enigmatic Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong). As the pieces begin to fall into place, they both come to the same conclusion: that Blackwood is the mastermind behind these gruesome murders. In an attempt to escape justice, Blackwood ensnares Sherlock and Watson in a dark underworld, trying to silence them.
2. Chaplin
Under the direction of Richard Attenborough, Robert Downey Jr. plays the legendary Charlie Chaplin in this movie. The audience is invited to dive into the narrative of Chaplin's life, especially his younger years, as revealed through his dialog with his autobiography editor, George Hayden (Anthony Hopkins).
Chaplin tells us that his journey to fame began with a challenging childhood. Raised in a poor neighborhood, he relentlessly pursued the ideal of achieving a more dignified life. However, his aspirations were ruined by a series of accusations and complications that defined his personal struggles.
3. Oppenheimer
The movie "Oppenheimer" is filled with top-notch actors and actresses, including Robert Downey Jr. In the movie, he plays Lewis Strauss, a character of historical significance associated with the Manhattan Project, an ambitious attempt to develop an atomic bomb weapon that was masterminded by his colleague Oppenheimer.
Strauss, who came from a Jewish background, had a diverse portfolio as a businessman, industrialist and philanthropist before dedicating his entire existence to the infamous Manhattan Project. Notably, he even directly appealed to the President when he learned of Oppenheimer's change of heart regarding the atomic bomb.
4. Iron Man
Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is a brilliant and wealthy inventor, who is immersed in creating military-grade weapons. Unfortunately, a group of terrorists took the opportunity to take over this invention for illicit purposes. Determined in dealing with his stolen innovation, Tony takes action into his own hands.
He immediately designed a powerful high-tech armored suit -a masterpiece capable of conquering the enemy. As anticipated, Tony emerged victorious against the terrorists, defeating their evil plans. After returning to the United States, he dedicated himself to improving the suit's capabilities, and repurposed it as a tool to fight crime.
5. Short Cuts
In this movie, Robert Downey Jr. takes on a relatively small role, portraying the character of Bill Bush. Bill's role is one of the many stories in the movie. He is a makeup artist who is married to Honey (Lili Taylor). The complex story of "Short Cuts" is enriched by the presence of Bill's neighbors, whose life stories also become an integral part of the storyline.
These neighbors have connections that intersect with Bill's own life journey. One of these connections reveals that Honey, Bill's wife, is the daughter of Doreen Pigot (Lily Tomlin), a neighbor who works as a waitress. All the stories revolve around an apartment in Los Angeles where Bill lives.
6. Zodiac
Although this movie was released in 2007, "Zodiac" remains a suspenseful and gripping thriller. What really sets this movie apart is the gathering of some of Hollywood's most famous figures, featuring Robert Downey Jr, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Mark Ruffalo.
"Zodiac" delves into the chilling narrative of a serial killer who has a trademark of sending cryptic codes to newspaper offices after committing heinous acts.
Paul Avery (Robert Downey Jr.) acts as a journalist immersed in covering cases related to the killer. Avery becomes engrossed in cracking the mysterious codes sent by the elusive killer.
Collaborating with a master cartoonist named Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal), Avery embarks on a relentless pursuit to unravel the intricacies of this enigmatic serial killer. Amidst the mounting tension, a question arises: Can Avery and Graysmith successfully uncover the hidden truth of the puzzle, or will they unwittingly become the creepy killer's next target?
7. Kiss Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey Jr.) finds himself involved in a life of crime. In the midst of his adventures, he stumbles into an unexpected audition for a Hollywood mystery movie. To everyone's amusement, the director is captivated by Harry's authentic acting as a criminal who tries to avoid the police.
In a hilarious twist of fate, Harry, originally a fugitive, lands the role and accidentally enters into a new "profession". As he immerses himself in the glittering world of Hollywood, he meets Harmony (Michelle Monaghan), the woman he secretly admires, and attempts to turn over a new leaf in his life.
Unfortunately, his newfound start takes an unexpected turn when he becomes entangled in a murder investigation that overshadows his name.
8. Good Night, and Good Luck
Robert Downey Jr. acts as Joseph Wershba in this movie. He embodies a journalist who works at the CBS news studio with his wife, Shirley (Patricia Clarkson). During the Red Scare era, Joseph and Shirley are faced with demands to emphasize that they were never affiliated with the Communist Party.
Joseph's immediate response is one of disagreement, as he immediately takes on the task of reporting a story highlighting the senator who advocated for the oath, despite the pressure given by the senator. Determined and unyielding, Joseph stuck to his commitment to cover these stories, undaunted despite facing personal danger.
9. The Judge
Hank Palmer (Robert Downey Jr.) is an extremely talented lawyer. Despite his professional prowess, Hank's achievements have never earned the approval of his father, Joseph Palmer (Robert Duvall), who holds the esteemed position of judge. Their relationship was strained and they never got along with each other.
One day, Hank returns to his hometown to attend his mother's funeral. Instead of reconciling because of the grieving period, Hank had a big fight with his father. On his way back to the city, Hank's father is involved in a hit-and-run case. Despite the burden weighing on his heart, Hank finds himself needing to stand up in defense of his father.
10. Richard III
Based on the writings of William Shakespeare, "Richard III" is a movie that reveals the story of a cunning king. Before ascending to the throne, Richard (Ian McKellen) secures his position through clever maneuvers, manipulating the rivalry between King Edward IV (John Wood) and his brother, George (Nigel Hawthorne).
In this movie, Robert Downey Jr. takes on a relatively simple role. He portrays the character of Rivers, the younger brother of Queen Elizabeth (Annette Benning). Rivers acts as a mediator in the fiery conflict between King Edward IV and George. However, the plot takes a dramatic turn when Richard kills Rivers, then uses the situation to ruin the queen's reputation.
11. Natural Born Killers
Mickey (Woody Harrelson) and Mallory (Juliette Lewis) are a psychopathic couple who love to take the lives of others without cause. They kill their victims randomly.
Strangely, in the midst of their acts of murder, a recurring pattern emerges -after dispatching a group of people, they consistently leave behind one survivor, who is tasked with spreading their guilt around the world: Mickey and Mallory are the culprits.
Wayne Gale (Robert Downey Jr.) is a journalist fascinated by the cruelty committed by Mickey and Mallory. Gale becomes consumed by the relentless pursuit to get an interview with these dangerous lovers.
Without Gale's knowledge, his dependence on Mickey and Mallory puts his own safety in danger. Unfortunately, the journalist is unaware of the grim reality that he is entangled with psychopaths whose actions defy logic and have no reason to take lives.
12. Wonder Boys
Professor Grady Tripp (Michael Douglas) is a novelist who teaches creative writing at a university in Pennsylvania. In his professional field, he enjoys the full support of his editor, Terry Crabtree (Robert Downey Jr.), who takes a keen interest in Grady's literary endeavors and achievements.
The movie's narrative takes a turn when Terry becomes entangled in an unusual relationship with James (Tobey Maguire), one of Professor Grady's students. Tragically, their relationship triggers a series of events that unfold in Professor Grady's neighborhood, plunging Terry and James into a tumultuous situation.
As the plot unfolds, Terry and James must extricate themselves from the labyrinthine web of events surrounding Professor Grady, and try to clear their names again.
13. Chef
Carl (Jon Favreau) is a skilled chef who honed his culinary skills at a restaurant in Los Angeles. However, a conflict with the owner of the restaurant caused him to lose his job. As a result, not only did he lose his job, but his personal relationships, especially with his family, also fell apart. In the midst of these hardships, the only thing that is constant is his ex-wife, Inez (Sofía Vergara), who still has her eyes on him.
In the midst of the gloom that surrounds Carl, an unexpected ray of hope emerges from an unlikely source: Inez's other ex-husband, Marvin (Robert Downey Jr.). Marvin offers Carl a used truck to sell. Upon receiving the offer, Carl's desire to become a chef is reignited.
With newfound determination, Carl embarked on a journey of self-renewal. Driven by his aspirations, he begins the process of rebuilding his life and restoring fractured family ties, while reigniting the fire of his culinary passion.
14. A Scanner Darkly
Bob Arctor (Keanu Reeves) is a police officer who goes undercover as a surveillance agent of a high-tech system to curb the use of a powerful hallucinogenic drug called Substance D. In his undercover operation, he shares a house with his close partner, Barris (Robert Downey Jr.).
While Bob becomes a surveillance agent, it turns out that Barris is using the drug with his other colleagues. Once all of their secrets are revealed, Bob and Barris' relationship is thrown into turmoil, and they become involved in a complicated police operation. Can the two reconcile afterward?
15. A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints
Dito Montiel (Robert Downey Jr.) emerges as a successful writer who comes from Los Angeles. A twist of fate forces him to return to his hometown of New York, due to his father's poor health. As he steps back into his hometown, a flood of memories from his youth in 1986 come rushing back.
Dito finds himself retracing the footsteps of his past, where the lives of many friends are in deep troubles. Among them is Antonio (Eric Roberts), who takes revenge by killing a gang leader. Then there's Giuseppe (Adam Scarimbolo), whose carelessness leads to a tragic death. The story also touches on Mike (Martin Compston), who dreams of a career in music but meets a heartbreaking end.
16. Charlie Bartlett
Charlie (Anton Yelchin) is a wealthy ADHD teenager who has just been expelled from a private school. Determined to get his education back on track, Charlie attempts to enroll in a new institution, and succeeds. During his time at the school, he befriends the daughter of the principal Nathan Gardner (Robert Downey Jr.).
Susan (Kat Dennings) is a rebellious girl who becomes friends with Charlie, who is favored by many for being a "therapist" who provides advice and medication to help a depressed student.
Her ability to provide guidance and solutions to students who are struggling with depression has earned her a good reputation. Principal Nathan himself is dumbfounded when Charlie's influence begins to change his daughter's attitude into a better person.
17. Heart and Souls
The story begins with the birth of a baby named Thomas (Robert Downey Jr.), an event that coincides with a tragic bus accident that claims the lives of all its passengers. While the bus driver is transported to another world, four other souls remain tethered in the mortal realm with Thomas, unable to understand the reason behind their predicament.
Over time, the four spectral companions - Harrison (Charles Grodin), Penny (Alfre Woodard), Julia (Kyra Sedgwick), and Milo (Tom Sizemore) - become the ones who faithfully accompany Thomas journey from childhood to adulthood. Bound by circumstance, they cross the milestones of life with Thomas.
At a crucial moment, when Thomas faces a profound life crisis, his friends step forward as guardians, committed to helping him in his pursuit of serenity. United by an unbreakable bond, they mobilize their subtle energies to guide Thomas towards a peaceful and fulfilling life.
18. The Soloist
Nathaniel Anthony Ayers (Jamie Foxx) is a talented musician whose journey takes an unexpected direction, leading him to navigate the challenges of life on the streets. In this newfound reality, Nathaniel channels his musical prowess into the role of a street performer, his talent sometimes overlooked by passersby.
Then there's Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.), a journalist who sees the talent in Nathaniel. Over time, an unlikely friendship develops between the two. Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) utilizes his skills in writing articles and helps Nathaniel realize his dream of playing music at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
19. True Believer
Eddie Dodd (James Woods), once a passionate advocate for civil rights and justice as a lawyer, he experiences a shocking change and turning into a drug dealer. The demands of his previous job force him to accept this unusual change.
At the same time, we meet Roger Baron (Robert Downey Jr.), a young legal assistant who seeks to revive Dodd's legal spirit. Baron's aim is clear, he seeks to persuade Dodd to return to the legal world, urging him to work on the case of Kim (Yuji Okumoto), a young Korean man imprisoned for the murder of a gang member in New York's Chinatown.
As Kim's situation worsens, compounded by accusations of killing a fellow inmate, the stakes rise. In the midst of difficulties, Kim is insisting that his actions are a means of self-defense. In addition, his mother is convinced that her son is just a victim of wrongful accusation.
20. Restoration
A young doctor named Robert Merivel (Robert Downey Jr.) finds himself suddenly appointed as the royal physician for saving King Charles II's (Sam Neil) beloved spaniel. Merivel enjoys a life of luxury and prosperity in the palace.
One day, the King arranged a scenario for Merivel. Merivel was to be married off to Celia (Polly Walker), the king's favorite concubine. The purpose was to reduce the jealousy of the other concubines who resented Celia's higher status.
Merivel was given a farm and a house. He lived there with Celia. However, there was a deal that Merivel had to fulfill: the king could come to visit Celia anytime and Merivel was not allowed to fall in love with Celia.
At first, Merivel enjoyed all the luxurious facilities provided by the king. However, he had to be willing to be kicked out when the king discovered that he had fallen in love with his favorite concubine.
After being exiled, Merivel meets Katharine (Meg Ryan), a distressed woman abandoned by her husband after the tragic loss of their daughter. Unexpectedly, Merivel and Katharine fall in love and become lovers. In fact, Katharine is pregnant with Merivel's child.
Merivel and Katharine's happiness did not last long as a deadly disease outbreak struck. Katharine, who was heavily pregnant, was infected with the plague. Their baby was born healthy and long, but not Katharine. Before Katharine's death, Merivel had promised to take care of their daughter, Margaret.
As Katharine's life drew to a close, she extracted a promise from Merivel - to care for and keep their daughter, Margaret. This poignant commitment resonated in Merivel's heart.
Poor Merivel realized that his happiness with Katharine and his little daughter who had just seen the world meant more than his luxurious life in the palace.
Among the 20 Robert Downey Jr. movies we've listed, which one would you consider watching first? If you have any other Robert Downey Jr. movie recommendations that haven't been covered here, feel free to share your suggestions in the comments!