We all have those actors who we instantly associate with a particular character or franchise. For instance, just hearing the name Daniel Radcliffe takes us back to those elementary school days watching Harry Potter, and Harrison Ford’s name sparks debates over Indiana Jones versus Han Solo. When it comes to Robert Downey Jr., it’s hard not to think about his iconic portrayal of the genius and emotionally scarred Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Iron Man is undoubtedly one of the most iconic superhero roles ever, and RDJ’s portrayal is a huge part of that. However, while the MCU has been a significant part of Downey Jr.’s career, it’s essential to remember that he’s a versatile actor with a diverse filmography. In this list, we’ll explore the best 8 Robert Downey Jr movies, from his early days in the industry to his superhero stardom and everything in between.
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
 | Sherlock Holmes (2009) | |
| Genre Action, Adventure, Mystery | Runtime 2h 05m | |
| Directed by Guy Ritchie | 7.6/10 | |
| Cast Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan, Kelly Reilly | ||
Following the massive success of Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. took on the role of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. Alongside Jude Law’s portrayal of John Watson, the duo’s chemistry adds a captivating twist to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous mystery stories. It was a promising sign that RDJ might explore more non-Marvel projects in the 2010s, even though this didn’t fully materialize.
Tropic Thunder (2008)
 | Tropic Thunder (2008) | |
| Genre Action, Comedy, War | Runtime 1h 47m | |
| Directed by Ben Stiller | 7.2/10 | |
| Cast Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, Jay Baruchel, Brandon T. Jackson, Steve Coogan | ||
Released during Downey Jr.’s resurgence in the late 2000s, Tropic Thunder might raise some eyebrows today due to its humor involving sensitive topics like racism, mental disabilities, and drug addiction. However, if you can look past that, the film offers a sharp satire of Hollywood’s absurdities. RDJ’s performance as an actor who uses blackface for a role is controversial but undeniably memorable, alongside Ben Stiller and Jack Black.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
 | Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) | |
| Genre Black comedy, Crime, Mystery, Thriller | Runtime 1h 43m | |
| Directed by Shane Black | 7.5/10 | |
| Cast Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer, Michelle Monaghan, Corbin Bernsen, Dash Mihok, Larry Miller | ||
After recovering from addiction in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Robert Downey Jr. starred in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, a hilarious comedy where he plays a thief who accidentally auditions for a movie role. The ensuing antics provide plenty of laughs, and Val Kilmer shines in a supporting role, making this mid-2000s classic a must-watch.
Richard III (1995)
 | Richard III (1995) | |
| Genre Drama, History, War | Runtime 2h 04m | |
| Directed by Richard Loncraine | 8.6/10 | |
| Cast Ian McKellen, Annette Bening, Robert Downey Jr., Jim Broadbent, Maggie Smith, Timothy Spall | ||
While Ian McKellen delivers a standout performance in this modernized adaptation of Shakespeare’s Richard III, Robert Downey Jr. shines in his supporting role as Rivers. The movie captures the classic deceit and power struggles found in Shakespearean literature, with director Richard Loncraine’s unique style adding a fresh touch to the story.
Chaplin (1992)
 | Chaplin (1992) | |
| Genre Biography, Drama, History | Runtime 145 minutes | |
| Directed by Richard Attenborough | 7.9/10 | |
| Cast Robert Downey Jr | ||
Watching actors portray other actors is always intriguing, and RDJ’s portrayal of Charlie Chaplin is nothing short of astonishing. Chaplin was a defining performer of the early 20th century, and at this point in his career, Robert Downey Jr. was a rising star with much to prove. He flawlessly embodied Chaplin’s life and career, showcasing his incredible attention to detail. This performance marked the beginning of his journey to stardom.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
 | Avengers: Endgame (2019) | |
| Genre Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi | Runtime 3 hours 2 minutes | |
| Directed by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo | 9.4/10 | |
| Cast Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson | ||
The culmination of Robert Downey Jr.’s journey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Avengers: Endgame, showcases one of his best performances as Tony Stark. Dealing with the aftermath of Thanos’ actions and his responsibilities as an original member of the Avengers, RDJ delivers a compelling and emotionally charged performance. He has always been Marvel’s poster boy, and this final film in the saga was nothing short of epic.
Oppenheimer (2023)
 | Oppenheimer (2023) | |
| Genre Biography, Drama, History | Runtime 3 hours | |
| Directed by Christopher Nolan | 9.2/10 | |
| Cast Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh | ||
After his tenure as Iron Man came to an end, Robert Downey Jr. took a break from the spotlight. His return in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer was met with critical acclaim, revealing a new side of the actor. Oppenheimer is a gripping exploration of the atomic bomb’s development during World War II, with Downey Jr. portraying Lewis Strauss, a key figure in the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.
Iron Man (2008)
 | Iron Man (2008) | |
| Genre Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi | Runtime 2 hours 6 minutes | |
| Directed by Jon Favreau | 8.2/10 | |
| Cast Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges | ||
Jon Favreau’s Iron Man not only revolutionized superhero movies but also allowed Robert Downey Jr. to breathe life into a character that might have remained unexplored. RDJ’s portrayal of the smug and cocky Tony Stark is irresistibly charming, blending real-life struggles with comic book heroics. Jeff Bridges’ iconic turn as the Iron Monger adds to the film’s appeal.
Wrapping it up!
So, whether you’re a devoted admirer of RDJ’s unforgettable Tony Stark or a curious explorer of his multifaceted film repertoire, these eight movies are your gateway to experiencing the remarkable depth of his acting prowess. Dive into the world of Robert Downey Jr. and savor the cinematic journey as he effortlessly transitions from a charismatic superhero to a masterful detective and beyond. With each role, he leaves an indelible mark on the silver screen, reminding us of his enduring legacy in the world of cinema. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let RDJ’s captivating performances take you on an unforgettable ride through the world of film!
