Robert Duvall’s Legendary Career
Robert Duvall’s career spanned decades, genres, and some of the most acclaimed films in cinema history — from war epics and Westerns to intimate character dramas. Best known for his nuanced portrayals of complex, rugged, and deeply human men, Duvall helped define American film for generations. Here, we honor his legacy by ranking his best films.
#24. Kicking & Screaming (2005)
A comedy in which Duvall plays a gruff soccer dad opposite Will Ferrell’s intensity; lighthearted and fun but far from the actor’s dramatic best. His grounded charisma brings weight to a silly sports comedy, even if critics were mixed.
Screenshot from Kicking & Screaming, Universal Pictures (2005)
#23. The Judge (2014)
In this courtroom drama, Duvall plays a stern judge—and estranged father—earning award nominations for his layered performance. The film itself received mixed reviews, but Duvall’s emotional gravitas elevates predictable material.
Screenshot from The Judge, Warner Bros. Pictures (2014)
#22. Secondhand Lions (2003)
A family adventure where Duvall and Michael Caine play eccentric uncles imparting wisdom. Critics enjoyed the chemistry, even if the film isn’t among Duvall’s most potent dramas.
Screenshot from Secondhand Lions, New Line Cinema (2003)
#21. Falling Down (1993)
A gritty thriller about a man’s breakdown. Though Duvall is in strong support, the film polarized critics — impressive but controversial.
Screenshot from Falling Down, Warner Bros. Pictures (1993)
#20. Get Low (2009)
Duvall lends warmth and quiet humor to this rural story about a hermit planning his own funeral. Critics liked the performance more than the film itself.
Screenshot from Get Low, Sony Pictures Classics (2009)
#19. True Confessions (1981)
A noir-tinged crime drama with Duvall and Robert De Niro as conflicted brothers. Solid performances anchored a tense story, though not a universal critics’ favorite.
Screenshot from True Confessions, United Artists (1981)
#18. Open Range (2003)
A Western where Duvall’s calm wisdom melts into something powerful when injustice arrives. A strong ensemble and thoughtful pacing garnered critical respect.
Screenshot from Open Range, Buena Vista Pictures Distribution (2003)
#17. The Natural (1984)
Though Duvall plays a supporting role in this beloved baseball classic, the film earned solid reviews for its nostalgic heart and impressive performances.
Screenshot from The Natural, TriStar Pictures (1984)
#16. THX 1138 (1971)
George Lucas’ dystopian debut features Duvall in a thought‑provoking sci‑fi world. Critics appreciated its ambition even if the story divides audiences.
Screenshot from THX 1138, Warner Bros. Pictures (1971)
#15. Geronimo: An American Legend (1993)
Duvall plays a seasoned soldier in this western‑history hybrid. The film offers solid performances and sweeping themes, though it wasn’t a critical standout.
Screenshot from Geronimo: An American Legend, Columbia Pictures (1993)
#14. The Eagle Has Landed (1976)
A WWII adventure with strong ensemble work — Duvall brings class and depth even if the story didn’t thrill every critic.
Screenshot from The Eagle Has Landed, Columbia Pictures (1976)
#13. The Rain People (1969)
A contemplative drama about a woman searching for purpose. Duvall supports a strong cast, and critics tended to appreciate the film’s introspection.
Screenshot from The Rain People, Warner Bros.–Seven Arts (1969)
#12. A Family Thing (1996)
Duvall’s performance in this multigenerational drama earned praise for its sincerity, even if it’s not among his most iconic works.
Screenshot from A Family Thing, MGM / Rysher Entertainment (1996)
#11. Assassination Tango (2002)
Duvall directs and stars in this unusual thriller, a passion project that critics admired for ambition more than polish.
Screenshot from Assassination Tango, Paramount Classics (2002)
#10. The Great Santini (1979)
Duvall’s explosive turn as a domineering Marine dad earned an Oscar nomination. It’s a compelling character study that critics generally praised.
Screenshot from The Great Santini, Warner Bros. Pictures (1979)
#9. Tender Mercies (1983)
Duvall won his Best Actor Oscar here as a country singer seeking redemption. The film’s gentle pace and emotional honesty earned strong critical respect.
Screenshot from Tender Mercies, Universal Pictures (1983)
#8. M*A*S*H (1970)
A landmark war comedy with biting satire; Duvall’s quirky supporting role contributes to one of the 1970s’ most beloved ensemble films.
Screenshot from MASH*, 20th Century Fox (1970)
#7. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
Duvall’s first major film role as Boo Radley is small but unforgettable in a near‑universally acclaimed adaptation of the Harper Lee classic.
Screenshot from To Kill a Mockingbird, Universal Pictures (1962)
#6. Network (1976)
Duvall plays a corporate villain in this still‑sharp critique of media culture. Critics laud the film’s biting script and fearless performances.
Screenshot from Network, United Artists (1976)
#5. Sling Blade (1996)
Though a smaller part, Duvall’s textured performance in this deeply human drama helped elevate an already acclaimed picture.
Screenshot from Sling Blade, Miramax Films (1996)
#4. Apocalypse Now (1979)
A towering achievement of surreal war cinema, Duvall’s Lt. Col. Kilgore is unforgettable in a film critics widely hail as a masterpiece.
Screenshot from Apocalypse Now, United Artists / Zoetrope Studios (1979)
#3. The Godfather: Part II (1974)
One of the greatest sequels in history, this sprawling crime saga deepens the Corleone legacy and showcases Duvall’s cool, calculated Tom Hagen.
John Springer Collection, Getty Images
#2. The Godfather (1972)
A seismic moment in cinema history — Duvall’s performance as Tom Hagen helped anchor one of film’s most revered classics.
Paramount Pictures, Getty Images
#1. Apocalypse Now / The Godfather (Joint Legacy)
Though differing in genre, both Apocalypse Now and The Godfather sit at the apex of critical rankings — epics that define modern cinema and Duvall’s unforgettable contributions.
His Legacy Lives On
From his humble beginnings as Boo Radley to iconic roles in The Godfather universe and surreal war cinema, Robert Duvall’s filmography is a masterclass in versatility and depth. His legacy lives on in performances that remain among the most admired in film history.
You May Also Like:
Prestigious Facts About Robert Duvall, The World's Best Character Actor
Everyone loves The Godfather movies, but there are a lot of things that don't make much sense.
