Quick answer: If you want one place to start, the best robert redford films are often cited as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, All the President’s Men, The Sting, Out of Africa and The Way We Were—each showcasing different sides of his acting and directorial range. Now, here’s where it gets interesting: recent restorations and streaming windows mean Swiss viewers can catch rare prints and new extras this season, so timing matters.
Why the “Best robert redford” search is trending
Something subtle but powerful happened: a mix of nostalgia and availability. Film festivals and major streaming platforms have been quietly reissuing restored cuts and curated retrospectives, and that drives search interest. People remember the name, they see a banner on Netflix or a festival program (Sundance still carries his imprint), and they ask: what should I watch first?
How to think about Robert Redford’s career (a quick framework)
Redford’s career splits into three overlapping roles: star actor, leading man in studio-era dramas, and director/producer. Understanding which hat he wears in a film helps you pick the right entry point:
- Actor — charismatic, often laconic leading-man turns (e.g., Butch Cassidy).
- Ensemble player — scenes where he blends into a larger political or social canvas (e.g., All the President’s Men).
- Director — films that reveal his tastes: nature, subtle character studies, and moral ambiguity (e.g., Ordinary People).
Best robert redford films: Top 10 list (ranked, with why they matter)
Below I rank the top ten films that best represent his range. These picks are based on cultural impact, critical reputation and what modern audiences often look for.
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) — youthful charm, comic timing, and a chemistry with Paul Newman that still feels electric. A must-watch for the legend of the Sundance name.
- The Sting (1973) — slick, entertaining, and a showcase of Redford’s penchant for clever, old-Hollywood storytelling.
- All the President’s Men (1976) — subtle, committed; Redford anchors a film about journalism and democracy. See context on Wikipedia.
- Out of Africa (1985) — romantic, visually sumptuous; Redford provides a steady center to Meryl Streep’s luminous performance.
- The Way We Were (1973) — melancholic and romantic; it shows the emotional cost of politics and love.
- Jeremiah Johnson (1972) — rugged, meditative mountain drama that leans into Redford’s understated intensity.
- A River Runs Through It (1992) — directed by Redford, it’s one of his finest behind-the-camera achievements; delicate, nostalgic, wise.
- Ordinary People (1980) — Redford directed this Oscar-winning drama; it’s raw, controlled and emotionally precise.
- Lions for Lambs (2007) — polarizing, but interesting as political cinema with Redford both directing and performing.
- The Candidate (1972) — sharp political satire where Redford plays a reluctant politician—timely even now.
Notable honorable mentions
Films like The Great Gatsby (1974) and later career pieces deserve attention for different reasons—style and longevity rather than pure critical consensus.
Best robert redford performances — what to watch for
Redford’s best work isn’t about fireworks. It’s about shading. Watch for:
- Economy of expression — minimal gestures that communicate a lot.
- Quiet leadership — characters who carry moral authority without grandstanding.
- Collaborative chemistry — his best roles often depend on co-stars (think Newman, Streep, Hoffman).
Where to watch: streaming, restoration and Swiss availability
Availability shifts. Right now, restored versions are turning up on major platforms and festival circuits. Check festival lineups (Sundance often reappraises classics) and major platforms’ classic sections. For factual filmography and release history, see Robert Redford on Wikipedia and for credits and watch options consult his IMDb page.
How to build a Robert Redford watchlist (for Swiss cinephiles)
Here’s a simple, three-tier watchlist depending on mood:
- Starter (charisma & fun): Butch Cassidy, The Sting
- Deep dive (serious themes): All the President’s Men, Ordinary People
- Director-focused: A River Runs Through It, Quiz Show (if you want more Redford’s directorial voice)
Local tips
Swiss arthouse cinemas sometimes run thematic retrospectives; libraries and cultural institutes also carry restored Blu-rays. If you love extras, seek out festival editions or national film archives.
Why critics (and viewers) still debate “the best” Robert Redford
The debate stems from taste. Do you reward star turns, cultural impact, or directors’ achievements? Redford’s versatility invites disagreement. Some rank him by box-office hits; others value directorial bravery.
Practical takeaways — what to watch this weekend
- If you have two hours and want charm: start with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
- Want a political thriller that still feels urgent? Watch All the President’s Men and read contemporary coverage on Reuters for context on journalism’s role in society.
- Prefer introspective cinema? Queue A River Runs Through It or Ordinary People—both show Redford’s best directorial instincts.
How to evaluate a performance: checklist for viewers
Try this quick rubric when deciding if a film is one of his “best”:
- Does the role reveal a different facet of Redford’s range?
- Does the film hold cultural or historical significance?
- Is direction, cinematography or script unusually strong?
- Does the movie reward rewatching?
Quick comparisons (to help pick your next watch)
If you like classic capers and chemistry, pick The Sting. If you want political tension, choose All the President’s Men. For pastoral, meditative work, A River Runs Through It is your go-to.
Resources and further reading
For verified facts on filmography and awards, consult Robert Redford’s Wikipedia page. For credits, release dates and streaming flags, see his IMDb profile. And for festival programming and retrospectives tied to his legacy, the Sundance Institute provides official updates and historical context.
What to take away
Robert Redford’s best work is a mix of charm, restraint and solid filmmaking instincts. Whether you’re drawn to his acting or his role as a director and cultural curator, there’s a clear path: start with the iconic films listed here, then dig into the direction-focused pieces. If you’re in Switzerland, watch festival schedules and platform windows—some restorations are limited-time.
Final thought
Rediscovering Redford can feel like finding a familiar song you haven’t heard in years—comforting, revealing, and sometimes surprising. Pick one film, watch it with attention, and let the rest follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many recommend starting with “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” for charm and pacing, or “All the President’s Men” for a tighter, political drama. Both are widely considered essential.
Yes. As a director, Redford won acclaim for films like “Ordinary People” (which won the Oscar for Best Picture) and “A River Runs Through It,” both showing his strengths behind the camera.
Check major streaming platforms’ classic sections, Swiss arthouse cinemas, and festival schedules (like Sundance retrospectives or local film festivals). Library and national film archives sometimes offer restored Blu-rays.
Critics weigh cultural impact, the actor’s range shown in the role, the film’s artistic merit, and longevity—how well the performance holds up over time.
Yes. Film festivals and streaming platforms occasionally run restorations and retrospectives. Keep an eye on festival lineups and platform announcements for limited-time releases.