5 Robert Downey, Jr. Performances More Memorable Than Tony Stark

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Robert Downey Jr. is strongly associated with his role as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, perhaps even more so than other stars like Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, or Scarlett Johansson. But his acting career began much earlier – at age five, with appearances in films directed by his father, and a small part in the 1983 movie *Baby It’s You*. Though he’s had a long career, Downey Jr. publicly battled drug addiction throughout the 1980s and 90s, which unfortunately led to him losing opportunities, including a role in the popular show *Ally McBeal*.

Whether before, during, or after his struggles with public image, Robert Downey Jr. has always been captivating on screen. He even managed to elevate the 2006 film *The Shaggy Dog*. Throughout these different phases of his career, he’s given several performances that are just as memorable as his iconic role as Tony Stark.

5) Harry Lockhart in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Robert Downey Jr. is perfectly suited for roles in Shane Black’s films, and that’s especially clear in Black’s first movie as a director, *Kiss Kiss Bang Bang*. In it, Downey Jr. plays Harry Lockhart, a thief who unexpectedly becomes an actor.

Robert Downey Jr.’s performance in this film is a departure from his confident portrayal of Tony Stark in *Iron Man 3*. Here, he plays a charming but deeply insecure character – someone who doubts himself, fumbles his words, and even makes a serious mistake during questioning. Despite a few rough edges (though he’s not as abrasive as Stark was), it’s easy to root for him. His connection with the late Val Kilmer was fantastic, and it’s a pity they didn’t collaborate again. This role actually helped him land the part of Iron Man, and while it’s disappointing he couldn’t play the character in the director’s latest film, *Play Dirty*, it feels inevitable that the director and actor will work together again in the future.

4) Julian Wells in Less than Zero

Robert Downey Jr.’s life has often mirrored his roles, as seen in films like *A Scanner Darkly*. However, *Less Than Zero*, adapted from Bret Easton Ellis’s novel, offers an even more striking parallel, even if it’s not a superior film.

While *Less Than Zero* can sometimes feel overly dramatic and doesn’t fully capture the intensity of the novel (a change likely made to appeal to a wider audience), it truly shines when Robert Downey Jr. is on screen. His portrayal of Julian Wells is captivating and authentic, conveying a sense that the character’s anxieties are deeply felt and personally informed by the actor’s own understanding.

3) Paul Avery in Zodiac

Paul Avery was an American journalist famous for his coverage of the Patty Hearst kidnapping and the Zodiac killer case. While David Fincher’s movie *Zodiac* portrays him as a deeply troubled man who relied heavily on alcohol, this depiction isn’t entirely accurate.

The performance really elevates the film. Downey Jr. brilliantly portrays Avery, capturing both his bold, independent spirit and his vulnerability as someone who’s been through a frightening experience. Even sharing the screen with actors like Mark Ruffalo and Jake Gyllenhaal, and having a less prominent role in the latter half of the movie, he still manages to deliver the most captivating performance.

Stream Zodiac on Paramount+.

2) Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer

Despite being a war film, *Oppenheimer* notably avoids showing actual combat, and many consider it Christopher Nolan’s best work. It generated just as much excitement and attention as his other blockbusters like *The Dark Knight* and *Inception*.

The film boasts incredible performances across the board, making it hard to pick a standout. Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, and David Krumholtz are all exceptional. Robert Downey Jr. is particularly impressive as Lewis Strauss, portraying him as a confident man who reveals his insecurities when faced with someone more intelligent and ambitious.

Stream Oppenheimer for free with ads on The Roku Channel.

1) Charlie Chaplin in Chaplin

Despite being directed by the filmmaker behind *Jurassic Park*, Richard Attenborough, and starring a fantastic cast including Kevin Kline, Dan Aykroyd, Marisa Tomei, Anthony Hopkins, Diane Lane, and James Woods, the film *Chaplin* isn’t very well remembered. This is understandable, as it doesn’t quite reach the same level of impact as Attenborough’s more famous biographical film, *Gandhi*.

Both actors deliver truly exceptional performances in their respective roles. While Ben Kingsley is fantastic as Gandhi, Robert Downey Jr. is just as captivating as Charlie Chaplin. In fact, this is arguably Downey Jr.’s finest work to date.

Stream Chaplin on MGM+.

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2025-10-07 19:45