1. Up Close & Personal (1996)
A glossy newsroom romance with Michelle Pfeiffer, this film reminded audiences that even in his late 50s, Redford could still play the charming leading man. It wasn’t groundbreaking, but it showed his staying power.
2. The Horse Whisperer (1998)
Redford directed and starred in this sweeping drama about a man who heals horses and people. It’s beautifully shot, deeply emotional, and introduced a young Scarlett Johansson to the world.
3. The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000, director)
As director, Redford brought a fable-like quality to this golf story starring Will Smith, Matt Damon, and Charlize Theron. Divisive at release, but admired for its ambition and mood.
4. Spy Game (2001)
A stylish spy thriller pairing Redford with Brad Pitt. Redford plays the seasoned CIA mentor pulling strings behind the scenes, showing he could shift into elder-statesman mode without losing charisma.
5. Lions for Lambs (2007, director/actor)
Starring alongside Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep, Redford tackled America’s post-9/11 politics. It wasn’t a box office hit, but it underlined his commitment to using cinema as a political conversation.
6. The Conspirator (2010, director)
This historical courtroom drama, about Mary Surratt’s trial after Lincoln’s assassination, showed Redford’s fascination with justice and overlooked history.
7. All Is Lost (2013)
One of the greatest late-career performances by any actor. Redford plays a sailor stranded at sea with almost no dialogue. It’s just his face, his body, his will to survive. Pure cinema - and a reminder of his raw power.
8. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Yes, Redford went to Marvel. Playing a high-ranking government official with a sinister twist, he surprised a whole new generation of moviegoers, proof he could still reinvent himself in his late 70s.
9. Our Souls at Night (2017)
Reuniting with Jane Fonda for this tender Netflix romance, Redford delivered a quiet, touching performance. Two legends, older but no less magnetic, sharing the screen one more time.
10. The Old Man & the Gun (2018)
Redford’s swan song (at least officially). He plays an aging bank robber who refuses to quit, and you can feel him winking at his own career. Charming, bittersweet, and the perfect final note.
🎬 Looking Back
Redford’s last three decades remind us that he never coasted. He directed politically charged dramas, acted in survival stories that pushed him physically, and even dipped into superhero films. He chose roles that challenged both himself and his audience, proving that age never dulled his curiosity.
For those of us who grew up with him, whether in The Sting, The Natural, or Spy Game, his loss is enormous. But these films, especially the ones from his late years, ensure that Robert Redford will always remain larger than life.
