We’ve sadly lost a number of influential filmmakers from the New Hollywood era recently. This period, spanning the late 1960s and 70s, was a defining moment for American cinema, known for its diverse and compelling films.
Following the deaths of several prominent actors like Gene Hackman, Robert Redford, and Diane Keaton in 2025, Robert Duvall, a highly respected character actor, has died at the age of 95. His wife, Luciana, announced that he passed away peacefully at their home in Middleburg, Virginia.
She described him as a celebrated actor and director, known for his incredible storytelling. But to her, he was much more than that – he was her everything. He was equally passionate about his work, the people he portrayed, good food, and being the life of the party.
Robert Duvall enjoyed a remarkable acting career spanning over six decades, consistently delivering strong performances in both major and supporting roles. He immediately made a lasting impression with his very first film role, memorably portraying Boo Radley in the classic movie adaptation of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird.
Robert Duvall is best known for his work in the 1970s. He uniquely appeared in all four of Francis Ford Coppola’s major films from that decade – including memorable, Oscar-nominated performances as Tom Hagen in The Godfather movies and Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore in Apocalypse Now. His line about loving the smell of napalm in the morning from Apocalypse Now remains one of the most famous in film history, even though his role in The Conversation wasn’t officially credited.
I’ve always been such a fan of Robert Duvall, and it’s a little heartbreaking that despite seven Oscar nominations, he only took home the award once! That one win was so deserved, for his beautiful performance in ‘Tender Mercies’ back in 1983. It was lovely to see him nominated again much later in his career for ‘The Judge’ in 2014, though – a true testament to his enduring talent.
Beyond his well-known, classic roles, he also took on some surprising projects, like a 2002 Scottish football film called A Shot at Glory where he worked with Ally McCoist. This diverse range of work leaves behind a truly unique and captivating collection of performances.
I’ve put together a list of ten films that really showcase this incredible actor’s talent – check them out below, they’re perfect for celebrating a true Hollywood legend!
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To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
A star rating of 4 out of 5.
This beloved film, directed by Robert Mulligan and featuring Robert Duvall’s first film role, is based on Harper Lee’s award-winning novel. It tells the story of a small town during the Great Depression, highlighting issues of prejudice and narrow-mindedness.
The story is told from the perspective of two siblings growing up in Maycomb, Alabama. It focuses on two main parts: the children’s fascination with their mysterious and reclusive neighbor, Boo Radley, whom they initially believe is a frightening figure, and their lawyer father, Atticus Finch, brilliantly portrayed by Gregory Peck, defending a black man wrongly accused of assaulting a white woman – a role that became iconic and earned Peck an Academy Award.
The strong public response to the trial, and eventually learning the truth about Boo Radley, become important lessons for Scout and Jem. Andrew Collins calls To Kill a Mockingbird a beautifully written, insightful, and timeless film that appeals to all ages, just like the original novel.
THX 1138 (1971)
A star rating of 4 out of 5.
Okay, so going back to George Lucas’s very first film, it’s wildly different from Star Wars. Forget epic space battles and clear-cut heroes; this is a really dark, unsettling movie. Robert Duvall, who’s always fantastic, plays a guy subtly fighting against a totally controlled society – everyone has the same haircut, seriously! – and the police? They’re not menacing in a dramatic way, they’re just…terrifyingly ordinary, like someone you’d pass at a fast-food counter. It’s a strange, atmospheric piece, a long way from the galaxy far, far away.
The story is confusing, but visually stunning, and Lucas creates a truly frightening atmosphere. The film was produced by Francis Ford Coppola’s Zoetrope production company. – John Ferguson
The Godfather (1972)
A star rating of 5 out of 5.
Francis Ford Coppola’s early masterpiece is a beautifully tragic crime story and a landmark achievement in American film. Featuring nuanced performances and breathtaking visuals by Gordon Willis, it demonstrates that a smart, deliberately paced drama, crafted with exceptional artistry, can still be a massive popular success.
Together with its 1974 follow-up, this film perfectly captures the spirit of the era it portrays, while still feeling like a glimpse into the past. The story starts after World War II and follows the changing of the guard within the Corleone family, as the traditional values of Don Vito (played with quiet dignity by Marlon Brando) are passed down to his son, Michael (Al Pacino, in a brilliant performance that justified the initial skepticism about his casting).
Though never explicitly named, the story centers around the Mafia, but at its heart it’s a family drama about immigrants trying to fit in, the strong bonds of family, and a strict code of honor – according to Andrew Collins.
The Godfather Part II (1974)
A star rating of 5 out of 5.
The Godfather Part II depicts Don Corleone’s son, Michael (Al Pacino), transforming from a decorated war veteran into a ruthless leader who casually authorizes killings. The film portrays Michael as a representation of America itself—founded on hopeful immigrant dreams but now consumed by corruption, with only his family offering him any true support. The movie is epic in scale and also tells the story of the Don’s youth, brilliantly acted by Robert De Niro, as he escapes Sicily and immigrates to New York.
The film feels epic and classic, like the silent movies of D.W. Griffith or Erich von Stroheim. However, the scenes with Michael in Cuba aren’t as strong and feel a bit messy, although the ending – particularly Michael’s horrified expression when he discovers even those close to him can be eliminated – is genuinely frightening. Al Pacino’s performance is incredible, and it’s widely considered a major oversight that he never received an Oscar for this role. – Adrian Turner
Network (1976)
A star rating of 4 out of 5.
Peter Finch gave a powerful and unsettling final performance as a TV news anchor who becomes increasingly angry and frustrated with his lack of control, delivering impassioned rants on live television. Finch rightfully won an Oscar after his death for this role, and his performance is perfectly matched by Paddy Chayefsky’s bold and sharply satirical script, which relentlessly criticizes the media.
Sidney Lumet’s direction is confident and energetic, giving the lead actor plenty of freedom and maintaining a fast tempo. Though some initially found it a bit simplistic and lacking nuance, the film remains a powerfully critical look at the media’s tendency to sensationalize stories for profit. – Sue Heal
The Great Santini (1979)
A star rating of 3 out of 5.
Filmed in the charming town of Beaufort, South Carolina, and produced by Bing Crosby’s company, this movie is based on a novel by Pat Conroy. The title might make you think it’s about someone who escapes from tricky situations or a fast driver, but it’s actually the story of Bull Meechum, a former fighter pilot known as Santini, whose drinking causes hardship for his wife, Blythe Danner, and their children.
Similar to Pat Conroy’s The Prince of Tides, this film explores the troubled emotions and unique worldview of the American South, where alcohol often fuels heartfelt conversations. Robert Duvall delivers a stunning performance as the main character, earning an Oscar nomination, and Michael O’Keefe also received a nomination for his portrayal of the character’s oldest son. – Adrian Turner
Apocalypse Now (1979)
A star rating of 5 out of 5.
Francis Coppola took a simple Vietnam War story originally written by John Milius and transformed it into a surreal and captivating film. The movie follows Martin Sheen’s journey up the Mekong River with the dangerous mission of eliminating Marlon Brando’s rogue commander, using any means necessary.
Despite challenging conditions and significant cost overruns in the Philippines, Coppola created a stunning and unforgettable film. It’s filled with striking, dreamlike imagery – think Playboy models unexpectedly appearing in the jungle and a dramatic helicopter assault set to Wagnerian music, complete with marines surfing and Robert Duvall’s iconic line, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”
Well-known actors Harrison Ford and Dennis Hopper, who even appeared in the film as a photographer among Brando’s devoted fans, supported the project. Director Francis Ford Coppola added 50 minutes of previously unseen footage when he released Apocalypse Now Redux in 2001. – Adrian Turner
Tender Mercies (1983)
A star rating of 4 out of 5.
Robert Duvall’s understated and powerful performance earned him his only Academy Award. The film begins with Duvall waking up in a Texas motel, hungover after a night of drinking. The motel is run by a devout widow, Tess Harper, and her son, Allan Hubbard. A former country singer who hasn’t found success, Duvall cautiously begins to pursue a relationship with Harper, and also attempts a comeback to his music career, performing the songs himself.
In his first Hollywood film, Australian director Bruce Beresford clearly connects with the Texan setting, capturing its heat and dust. The script, by Oscar-winning Horton Foote, unfolds at a natural, unhurried pace. Like Foote’s The Trip to Bountiful, the story is told in segments and creates a strong mood, offering a touching look at finding forgiveness and hope. – Frances Lass
Falling Down (1993)
A star rating of 4 out of 5.
This powerful film began as a screenplay turned down by every major Hollywood studio. It’s a raw depiction of isolation in modern America. Some American critics accused the film of racism due to scenes where the main character, played by Michael Douglas, has a breaking point, ditches his car in traffic, and then violently lashes out, damaging a Korean-owned store and confronting a Latino gang.
Michael Douglas delivers a powerful performance in Joel Schumacher’s gripping and surprisingly humorous film, but he’s not playing a racist or a self-appointed enforcer. His character is a man driven to violence by his own feelings of helplessness, lashing out at anyone who stands between him and what he considers ‘home’ – a feeling more than a physical location. While the film slows down a bit towards the end, Douglas is brilliantly supported by Robert Duvall, who plays a tired, seasoned police officer facing his final case before retirement. – Alan Jones
The Apostle (1997)
A star rating of 4 out of 5.
Robert Duvall’s film is a deeply personal and beautifully crafted story about a Pentecostal preacher seeking forgiveness. The story starts when his wife has an affair, leading him on a journey of self-reflection, and causing him to question his life, his community in rural Texas, and his faith.
Robert Duvall masterfully utilizes unique settings in the American South and a strong ensemble cast, including Miranda Richardson and Billy Bob Thornton, to deliver a truly captivating performance. The film is a passionate, dedicated project and a remarkable showcase of his talent. – Alan Jones
Authors
Patrick Cremona writes about film for TopMob, covering new releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. He’s been with the site since October 2019, and during that time, he’s interviewed many famous actors and reviewed a wide variety of films.
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2026-02-17 18:43