The 10 Greatest Robert Duvall Movies

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Robert Duvall, the celebrated actor famous for his role as Tom Hagen in the first two Godfather films, has died at the age of 95 (February 15, 2026). He will be remembered as one of Hollywood’s most gifted performers, with a career recognized by numerous awards including an Oscar, a BAFTA, four Golden Globes, two Emmys, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

It’s tough to pick just ten of Robert Duvall’s best movies – he’s been in so many good ones! While he’s never really made a bad film, some aren’t quite exciting enough for everyone. Take Tender Mercies, for instance, which won him an Oscar. It’s a beautifully acted movie, but the story moves very slowly – not a lot happens.

The following are the movies we will forever remember Robert Duvall by.

‘True Grit’ (1969)


Paramount  Pictures

As a fan, I always get asked which True Grit movie is better – the original with John Wayne, or the Coen Brothers’ take on it? Honestly, it really comes down to personal preference. Do you prefer classic Westerns, or something a bit more modern? And who do you like better in the role of Ned Pepper, the gang leader? In the original, Robert Duvall really nailed it, playing a guy protecting an outlaw who killed a young girl’s father. Then you’ve got John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn, a tough, old, one-eyed marshal who’s determined to bring the killer to justice – he’s iconic!

Though set in a particular time and place, the themes explored in Henry Hathaway’s True Grit – philosophical and social issues – still resonate today. The film’s intense action and violence feel purposeful, highlighting a sense of disappointment and loss. Robert Duvall delivers a standout performance, often overshadowing John Wayne. Interestingly, the rivalry between the actors extended beyond the screen; reports from The Daily Express indicate they nearly had a physical altercation due to disagreements about their acting approaches.

‘Network’ (1976)


MGM

The film Network is a smart and funny satire about the obsession with TV ratings, and it was rightfully nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. The story centers on a news show that unexpectedly becomes popular when its anchor, facing job loss, has a passionate outburst on live television. The actors, including Robert Duvall, deliver their lines in a deliberately detached style, with Duvall using surprisingly funny facial expressions to emphasize his character’s unhappiness.

Robert Duvall plays Frank Hackett, a network executive, and even the director, Sidney Lumet, was surprised by how comedic his performance was. The movie maintains a focused storyline and features a strong cast. Each frustrated character deeply feels the problems within the organization, experiencing serious personal struggles that are often tinged with humor.

‘The Great Santini’ (1979)


Warner Bros

Robert Duvall delivered a standout performance, earning an Oscar nomination for his role as the harsh and uncompromising Marine pilot, Lt. Col. Wilbur “Bull” Meechum. The film centers on his difficult relationship with his basketball-playing son, Ben (Michael O’Keefe), and the father’s inability to admit when he’s wrong. The Great Santini explores complex issues like fatherhood, prejudice, and mental wellbeing through their struggles.

Most truly memorable films feature iconic scenes, and The Great Santini is no exception. One particularly famous moment involves a one-on-one basketball game where Bull Meechum taunts Ben by bouncing the ball off his head and asking, “You gonna cry?” This scene has become widely parodied, appearing in shows like Austin Powers and The Simpsons. Many consider the film to be an improvement over the Pat Conroy novel it’s based on, and this compelling, emotionally resonant drama – which also happens to be a basketball movie – is well worth watching.

‘Sling Blade’ (1996)


Miramax

Billy Bob Thornton shines in this overlooked Southern Gothic film from the 1990s. Based on his stage play, Swine Before Pearls, Sling Blade features a well-written script, a deliberately paced story, and a strong ensemble cast. Thornton both directs and stars as Karl Childers, a man with intellectual disabilities who finds it difficult to adjust to life after leaving a mental institution. Robert Duvall plays his father, Frank.

Though Sling Blade contains some chilling scenes, it’s ultimately a heartwarming story about the battle between good and evil, told in a beautifully poetic way. It’s a strong choice if you’re looking for a thoughtful film that explores mental health. While Robert Duvall doesn’t have a huge amount of screen time, his portrayal of a troubled father is incredibly powerful and stays with you long after the movie ends.

‘Rambling Rose’ (1991)


New Line Cinema

The film Rambling Rose, based on the 1972 novel by Calder Willingham, tells the story of the Hillyer family and the disruption caused when they take in Rose (Laura Dern), a kind but free-spirited young woman escaping a difficult history. Both the teenage Buddy and his father, Daddy Hillyer (Robert Duvall), find themselves attracted to Rose, while Mother Hillyer (played by Diane Ladd, Dern’s actual mother) consistently defends her. Notably, Dern and Ladd made history as the first mother-daughter pair to receive Academy Award nominations for the same film.

Robert Duvall’s performance, while perhaps overlooked by major awards, is excellent, showcasing his signature calm and confident delivery. The film itself is a beautifully crafted and subtle experience. It powerfully portrays the sacrifices made through generosity and the stress of taking on too much. Plus, the small cast keeps the story focused and easy to follow.

‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979)


Paramount Pictures

Robert Duvall’s line, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning!” from the film Apocalypse Now is often considered a classic movie quote. The film follows Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore, who leads a cavalry division, as he’s tasked with a dangerous mission: to find and eliminate Colonel Kurtz, a renegade officer operating in Vietnam.

Despite a famously difficult and turbulent production, Apocalypse Now is a stunning film. It’s filled with beautifully shot, immersive scenes that are truly captivating. The visuals are groundbreaking and unforgettable, and the film’s cinematography is exceptional. Everyone involved gave it their all, and Robert Duvall particularly shines, going above and beyond by consulting with military experts to create a realistic and compelling portrayal of a hardened officer.

‘The Apostle’ (1997)


October Films

The Apostle was a deeply personal film for Robert Duvall. He not only starred in it, but also wrote, directed, and financed the project himself. The film centers on a charismatic preacher whose ambitions for a large church are threatened by his struggle with alcohol. After a violent confrontation with his wife’s lover that results in a death, he goes on the run and finds a new life as a respected preacher in Louisiana—until his past catches up with him.

Robert Duvall’s performance is truly something special – he’s up for an Oscar, and rightfully so. He plays this character as utterly detached, weak, and a bit shady, but it’s fascinating because he never feels like a simple villain. The supporting cast is also fantastic, each actor bringing a different energy – sometimes charming, sometimes bold, sometimes surprisingly insightful. But what really grabbed me was how the director uses the inner thoughts of multiple characters to get inside the preacher’s head. It’s a really honest and unflinching look at faith, and that’s rare.

‘The Godfather: Part II’ (1974)


Paramount

As a huge film fan, I always appreciate seeing familiar faces do their thing, and Robert Duvall’s Tom Hagen is exactly that in The Godfather: Part II. He’s still the Corleone family’s calm and collected advisor, keeping everything running smoothly. What’s really fascinating in this film is watching Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone expand the family’s power. And brilliantly, the movie weaves in flashbacks showing Robert De Niro as Vito Corleone learning the ropes when he was younger – it really gives you a complete picture of the family’s history.

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Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather: Part II is widely considered a masterpiece, with strong performances and a consistently compelling story. It’s often praised as a perfect example of how to create a successful sequel. It’s unfortunate, then, that his more recent films haven’t been well-received. Some believe he excels at gangster movies and perhaps should return to that genre.

‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ (1962)


Universal International Pictures

I always love discovering fun facts about classic movies! Did you know that To Kill a Mockingbird was actually Robert Duvall’s very first film role? He was 31 when it came out! The movie itself is amazing – it’s about a lawyer trying to defend an innocent Black man, and Duvall plays this quiet, withdrawn character who gets a chance to protect kids from a really dangerous, prejudiced man. It just goes to show, it’s never too late to start something new!

I absolutely love this film – it’s one of the most powerful explorations of racism I’ve ever seen. It’s based on Harper Lee’s incredible novel, and it feels like it was written specifically for Robert Duvall; he’s just perfect in it. Robert Mulligan’s direction is so sensitive, really capturing the emotional weight of the trial and how it impacts everyone, especially the children. And visually, it’s stunning – the way they filmed Alabama during the Depression era is just breathtaking, showing both the beauty and the hardship of the time.

‘The Godfather’ (1972)


Paramount Pictures

For many film fans, The Godfather is considered the best movie ever made. It’s visually stunning, features incredible performances, and tells a compelling, original story. It’s easy to be captivated by the film, as it portrays the Corleone family striving for a normal life amidst the challenges, pressure, and constant threat of their dangerous business.

Robert Duvall’s calm and collected performance as Tom Hagen was critically acclaimed, earning him an Oscar nomination. Director Francis Ford Coppola always envisioned Duvall in the role, even considering many other actors. This memorable and ultimately heartbreaking portrayal of a Mafia insider remains Duvall’s most iconic performance, and he likely embraced being recognized as Tom Hagen.

Rest in Peace Robert Duvall! Thanks for contributing to the magic of cinema!

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2026-02-17 06:40