Few actors makes movies audiences treasure like Robert Downey Jr. Since the 1990’s, RDJ has become an icon. Whether it’s comic-book heroes, investigators or political figures, Downey Jr. has proven he can portray several characters. Given the number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Oppenheimer
Bombings are traumatic incidents that shaped my identity. At an early age, I experienced a bombing causing emotional damage. In 2003, my family endured a bomb blast that caused insomnia in Saudi Arabia. Truth be told, I was only five years old. Through an out-of-the-ordinary miracle, my family managed to survive the worst disaster in the world imaginable. However, the traumatic aftermath of the bombing stayed with me forever. For several years, the loud sounds of bombs would ring loudly in my hears. As someone impacted by haunting memories of a bomb blast disaster, I loved “Oppenheimer”. Released in 2023, Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-winning biopic did an extraordinary job depicting the life of a historical figure whose bomb invention changed the world forever. In the greatest role of his career, Robert Downey Jr. embodies a renowned political figure that investigated a bombing causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, solemn and emotional in his most challenging role. Downey Jr. uses his voice to create a compelling political figure. For instance, the scene in which Lewis Strauss interrogates Oppenheimer is one of the most memorable moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Oppenheimer” Robert Downey Jr.’s greatest movie is its message. The film delivers a heartwarming message that would resonate with everyone that has experienced bombings at an early age. 90 years after Oppenheimer designed a commemorated bomb that changed the world forever, it’s a riveting reminder of an amazing actor that thrives playing historical figures whose movies audiences treasure.
2. Iron Man
Not many superheroes have gained a fan following as huge as Iron Man. I remember a friend that grew up to treasure a superhero that changed his life forever. Years ago, I bonded with a friend that was once a huge fan of the superhero. Through his love for a hero with charisma, my friend gave me a lifelong love for Cinema. As someone treasuring a friend that was a huge fan of Iron Man, I adored “Iron Man”. Released in 2008, Robert Downey Jr.’s blockbuster did an extraordinary job of introducing an iconic comic-book character in pop culture. In the most iconic role of his career, Robert Downey Jr. embodied a starkly rich millionaire designing suits about which he comes to care. It’s a role that gave the actor an opportunity to showcase his charisma. For instance, the iconic ending scene where Tony Stark reveals his identity as Iron Man is one of the most memorable moments of the actor’s career. Simply put, Iron Man is the role that Robert Downey Jr. was born to play. Ultimately, what makes “Iron Man” one of RDJ’s greatest movies is its message. The film delivers a poignant message about cost of being a superhero that would resonate with everyone. An incredible introduction to a starkly rich superhero that’s iconic, it’s a terrific reminder of an actor that thrives playing heroic characters whose timeless movies audiences consider fantastic.
3. Tropic Thunder
Comedies have always meant the world to my brother. During my childhood, one of the ways I bonded with my brother was by watching comedies together. We enjoyed watching all kinds of comedies that made us howl with laughter, but our favourite was always “Tropic Thunder”. We absolutely loved Ben Stiller’s comedy which we would watch on a daily basis because it was so funny. Arguably, the main reason why the film resonated strongly with us is because of Robert Downey Jr. In the riskiest role of his career, Downey Jr. transforms into an actor wearing blackface shooting a film that’s a burden to bear. Blackface is a risky technique to use in movies. Actors that use blackface to portray African-American people often attract controversy. However, Downey Jr. pulled it off in “Tropic Thunder”. It’s a role that gave the actor an opportunity to showcase his comedic timing. For instance, the scene in which Kirk Lazarus advises Tugg to never go full retard showcases the actor’s strengths at evoking humour. Ultimately, what makes “Tropic Thunder” one of RDJ’s greatest movies is its message. The film delivers a poignant message about teamwork resonating with everyone. A powerful portrait of hardships endured by actors in Hollywood, it’s a strong reminder of a star that has stood the test of time by portraying characters that are misunderstood.
4. Zodiac
Serial killers are terrifying figures which have always scared me. At an early age, I developed fears of serial killers when my housemaid was murdered causing damage. Stabbed to death in the shower, my housekeeper became the victim of a gruesome murder. Police never investigated the reason behind a murder that left my family affected. As someone haunted by the murder of a housemaid in a case detectives couldn’t crack, I loved “Zodiac”. Released in 2007, David Fincher’s movie told the true story of the Zodiac serial killer. In the most methodical role of his career, RDJ embodies a news reporter obsessed with investigating a serial killer. RDJ showcases a vulnerable side to himself that audiences haven’t seen before. For instance, the scene in which Paul Avery adopts a pessimistic attitude losing faith in solving the Zodiac case showcases the actor’s strengths. Ultimately, what makes “Zodiac” a masterpiece is its message. It delivers a poignant message about the dangers of obsession that would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years after the Zodiac serial killer got away with murders in the San Francisco Bay without a price to pay, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor whose movies deserve to be celebrated today.
5. Avengers: Endgame
The Avengers have shaped my teacher’s identity. I remember a high school teacher that loved a heroic team in pop culture. A huge comic-book nerd, he adored heroes that made him feel heard. His classroom would be decorated with posters of a team he appreciated. Through his love for the Avengers, my teacher gave me an appreciation for comic-book characters. As someone that became fond of a teacher that loved the Avengers, I adored “Avengers: Endgame”. Released in 2019, Robert Downey Jr.’s blockbuster brought the Avengers journey to a closure. In his final outing as Iron Man, RDJ brought out an emotional side to the superhero. If previous films depicted Tony Stark as an invincible hero, this time RDJ showcased the character’s sorrow. For instance, the scene in which Iron Man snaps his fingers saving the world is one of the best moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Avengers: Endgame” a masterpiece is its message. It delivers a message about sacrifice that would resonate with everyone. A fantastic farewell towards a hero facing an endgame, it’s a fabulous reminder of an actor whose timeless movies deserve fame.
6. Chaplin
Charlie Chaplin is an iconic actor in cinematic history that built a lasting legacy. A commemorated icon of the silent film era, Chaplin was a legendary performer. With his larger-than-life presence, sharp sense of humour and powerful presence, Chaplin gained a huge fan following. In 1992, Robert Downey Jr. did an excellent job of portraying Charlie Chaplin his film “Chaplin”. In the most transformative role of his career, Downey embodies a legendary icon about whom audiences came to care. It’s not easy to portray a real-life icon in Cinema, but RDJ succeeded tremendously. Not only does RDJ bear a striking resemblance towards Chaplin but he captures the performer’s personality. A captivating tribute towards an icon in a past era, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor with charisma whose movies deserve to be treasured in Cinema.
7. Captain America: Civil War
Captain America has always been one of the most beloved heroes in the comic-book genre. Ever since his creation in the 1940’s, Captain America has appeared in several movies. In 2016, Robert Downey Jr. raised the bar for the comic-book genre when he appeared in the film “Captain America: Civil War”. In his most emotional turn as Iron Man, RDJ showcased a vulnerable side to the superhero. For instance, the scene where Tony is shocked to discover Bucky’s role participating in his parents’ death is the most emotional performance the actor has given. It’s a testament to strength of RDJ’s performance that he stands out in a film that’s about Captain America. A captivating tribute to a superhero engaging in civil war, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a star that thrives playing conflicted heroes in movies that have raised a high bar.
8. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Robert Downey Jr. has always been one of those actors with a sharp sense of humour. Ever since his career began in the 1990’s, RDJ has had an aptitude for comedy. The actor’s strength for playing comedic characters that create a bang through their jokes is evident in his film “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”. Released in 2005, Shane Black’s movie found the actor playing a clumsy detective investigating a murder mystery. In the most comical role of his career, RDJ embodies a clumsy detective that becomes involved in a murder mystery that’s a heavy burden to bear. Working alongside Val Kilmer who is also excellent, RDJ creates a commemorated portrait of a detective. A magnificent murder mystery, it’s a marvellous reminder of an actor that thrives when he takes on risky roles in groundbreaking movies showcasing his aptitude for comedy.
9. The Avengers
When it comes to the greatest movies ever made about superheroes saving the world from dangers, it’s worth discussing “The Avengers”. Released in 2012, Joss Whedon’s movie introduced the iconic superhero team in popular culture changing the world forever. Watching five amazing superheroes uniting on the big-screen proved to be exciting. Each of the actors got their opportunity to shine, but its Robert Downey Jr. that left the greatest impression. In his most lighthearted role, Robert Downey Jr. embodied a superhero driven to achieve his goal. It’s a role that gave the actor an opportunity to prove why he’s the perfect actor to play Iron Man. As strong as the Avengers’ desire to assemble, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to impress audiences whose memorable movies audiences consider special.
10. Sherlock Holmes
Few characters in English literature are as beloved as Sherlock Holmes. Ever since he was introduced by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in 1887, Holmes has become one of the most celebrated characters in English literature. With his charming personality, intelligence and strong presence, Holmes has gained a huge fan following. In 2009, Robert Downey Jr. did an extraordinary job of portraying the legendary detective in the film “Sherlock Holmes”. In the most intelligent role of his career, RDJ embodies a methodical detective solving murders in a town that faces fear. Working alongside Jude Law who is also excellent, RDJ embodies a detective solving a murder. As unforgettable as crimes Sherlock Holmes seeks to investigate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to captivate whose movies I will forever appreciate.
The Film Buff 
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