Robert Redford’s Top 10 movies that defined the legend's legacy
Robert Redford’s career was a masterclass in versatility, Whether it’s Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, All the President’s Men, or his gripping solo survival in All Is Lost, Redford’s performances remain timeless. Here are 10 essential films that define his legacy.
1/10

Barefoot in the Park (1967)
In Greenwich Village, Redford plays Paul Bratter, a prim newlywed who clashes with Jane Fonda's free-spirited Corie. The comedy, which is based on Neil Simon's Broadway play, demonstrates Redford's early talent for subtle humor. Fonda's carefree charm is perfectly balanced by his anxious energy, creating a vibrant depiction of young love, conflicting ideals, and small apartments.
2/10

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
Redford's stardom was solidified by this iconic buddy western. He teamed up with Paul Newman's Butch Cassidy as the Sundance Kid, combining charisma and toughness. An outlaw story was transformed into something more—funny, tragic, and unforgettable—by the two of them's chemistry. Redford became an icon due to his cool demeanor and quick draw, particularly during that renowned cliff-jumping escape scene.
3/10

The Sting (1973)
Redford, who rejoins Newman, portrays a con artist planning a complex retaliation scheme in Chicago during the Great Depression. The film is full of slick period detail, jazzy Scott Joplin songs, and clever twists. Redford received an Oscar nomination for his charming and witty performance. Even though you know trouble is coming, you can't help but cheer for the schemers in this classic caper.
4/10

The Way We Were (1973)
In contrast to Barbra Streisand, Redford gave Hubbell Gardner, the golden-boy author whose relationship with Streisand's ferocious activist is doomed due to conflicting morals, heart and nuance. One of the most bittersweet love stories in cinema was created by their captivating on-screen chemistry. Redford's subtly devastating performance serves as the backdrop for the political context, which intensifies the heartbreak.
5/10

The Great Gatsby (1974)
Together with Mia Farrow as Daisy, Redford played the mysterious Jay Gatsby in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel with grace and restraint. Redford's eerie depiction of a dreamer torn apart by obsession endures despite the 1920s opulence. His Gatsby is a man consumed by nostalgia for the past, polished but frail. It's among his most eerie parts.
6/10

All the President’s Men (1976)
Redford's portrayal of Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward, who co-wrote the Watergate investigation with Dustin Hoffman's Carl Bernstein, was one of his most significant roles. Without any car chases or shootouts, the film is a masterwork of tension that is both captivating and subtle. Redford demonstrates the ability of journalism to hold the powerful accountable by capturing Woodward's tenacity. It is timeless, compelling, and urgent.
7/10

Jeremiah Johnson (1972)
As a disillusioned war veteran looking for peace in the Rockies, Redford withdraws into the wilderness in this frontier drama. Rather, he encounters hostile tribes, harsh winters, and solitude. The movie combines a survival story with a contemplation of the conflict between nature and humanity. Redford's gritty, heartfelt performance perfectly conveys the freedom and loneliness of living off the grid.
8/10

The Horse Whisperer (1998)
Starring and directing, Redford portrays a reclusive horse trainer who is called upon to heal a traumatized horse and a wounded girl (Scarlett Johansson). What follows is a tale of gentle romance and recovery. The drama is anchored in serene, expansive landscapes, showcasing Redford's exceptional naturalistic style. It demonstrates his acting and storytelling skills and is gentle and patient.
9/10

All Is Lost (2013)
A nearly wordless survival drama, Redford is alone at sea after his yacht collides with a shipping container. The film strips away everything but his will to survive. At 77, Redford gave one of his most daring performances—raw, stripped down, and utterly human. Watching him battle the elements is as hypnotic as it is heartbreaking.
10/10

The Natural (1984)
Redford created one of the most adored sports heroes in movie history by portraying middle-aged baseball player Roy Hobbs, who makes a miraculous comeback. With its glowing bats and last-minute heroism, the movie has the feel of a contemporary myth. Redford transforms the part into a timeless tale about destiny and second chances by bringing dignity, nostalgia, and just the right amount of swagger to it.
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