The Robert De Niro Movie Draft

The Robert De Niro Draft drafting Robert De Niro's filmography

Amanda Dobbins

Drama

Goodfellas 1990

First overall pick. She'd told her brother Zach beforehand that Goodfellas would be her pick if she got first; his response was 'what do you know about Goodfellas?'

Comedy

The Intern 2015

Directed by Nancy Meyers. De Niro as a retired widower interning at Anne Hathaway's startup; sets off a long tangent about the plot mid-draft.

Action/Horror/Thriller

Midnight Run 1988

Taken from under Chris Ryan, who wanted it and objects that it's a comedy, not action. Amanda credits Charles Grodin as much as De Niro.

Supporting Role

The Untouchables 1987

De Niro as Al Capone, including the baseball-bat scene. Also the first De Niro movie Chris Ryan ever saw.

Oscar Nominee

The Irishman 2019

A sentimental, personal pick. Amanda and Sean were both at the premiere, seated across the theater from each other.

Wildcard

Analyze This 1999

Possibly the first De Niro movie Amanda ever saw, thanks to her aunt Betty's impression of him.

Chris Ryan

Drama

The Deer Hunter 1978

One of five movies CR says will 'live forever.' Also the movie Amanda's dad had at No. 1 and No. 2 on his own De Niro top five, prepared for the episode.

Comedy

Jackie Brown 1997

As Louis Gara, just out of prison and pulling a heist with his old partner Ordell. CR calls it a performance that plays into De Niro's taciturn public image.

Action/Horror/Thriller

Cape Fear 1991

Picked over Limitless; CR says the De Niro performance here outweighs the other film.

Supporting Role

Cop Land 1997

Picked over Backdraft. De Niro and Harvey Keitel share a diner scene.

Oscar Nominee

Taxi Driver 1976

CR calls it maybe the pick he'd have made first overall if categories didn't exist.

Wildcard

Casino 1995

The Rewatchables episode about this movie is the one where Bill Simmons forgot to plug in CR's microphone.

Sean Fennessey

Drama

Raging Bull 1980

The Oscar-winning performance Sean calls the signal, post-Brando lesson in great acting for actors of his generation.

Comedy

The King of Comedy 1982

One of Sean's five favorite Scorsese movies. He calls it maybe the cleverest movie of the 1980s about fame.

Action/Horror/Thriller

Heat 1995

Taken over Chris Ryan's objections, which he holds a grudge about for the rest of the episode.

Supporting Role

Mean Streets 1973

De Niro's breakthrough as Johnny Boy in Scorsese's directorial debut, and the pick Sean calls the one that changed the trajectory of American movies.

Oscar Nominee

The Godfather Part II 1974

One of two picks Sean makes back to back. Calls it one of the greatest films of all time.

Wildcard

Once Upon a Time in America 1984

Sergio Leone's final film. Sean saw a rough cut of it in 1984 at Anthology Film Archives, with John Cage playing a live score.

On the board, undrafted honorable mentions

Wag the DogThe Wizard of LiesThe Good ShepherdThe MissionMad Dog and GloryTrue ConfessionsBang the Drum SlowlyStanley & IrisAwakeningsHi, Mom!GreetingsSleepersBrazilMeet the ParentsThe ScoreThe FanMacheteNew York, New YorkGreat ExpectationsSilver Linings Playbook1900Angel HeartJokerAnalyze ThatThis Boy's Life

Also mentioned raised along the way

Personal De Niro origin stories, before the draft started All About My FatherSam's SongThe SwapLast VegasSavage SalvationA Bronx TaleMarvin's Room

In passing The GodfatherKillers of the Flower MoonAmsterdamMaster GardenerGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3Uncut GemsTop Gun: MaverickDune: Part TwoOppenheimerFerrariHeaven's GateThe SicilianYear of the DragonDesperate HoursDinerTin MenThe BayRebeccaIn the EarthZero Dark ThirtyNightcrawlerMurder by NumbersDriveCrazy, Stupid, Love.The Place Beyond the Pines

Not films filtered out: TV, games, ads

TV Inside the Actors StudioSaturday Night LiveMADtvThe DiplomatDead RingersYellowstoneMare of EasttownCopenhagen CowboyBeef

Unreleased Heat 2

Games FIFA World Cup Launch Edition

Ads 60 Songs That Explain the 90s (podcast promo)NOS Energy Grand Prix GuavaCarvanaBoar's HeadFanDuel