Robert Downey Jr. is best known for portraying the self-assured Tony Stark/Iron Man in the MCU. While he undoubtedly does Tony Stark justice and is well-loved in the role, Downey is a charismatic and versatile actor whose career has spanned four decades. A true renaissance man, Downey can act, sing, and dance. He is undeniably one of the finest actors of his generation, and it should come as no surprise since performing is in his blood. Downey was well on his way to becoming a Hollywood heavyweight, having carved out a name for himself with roles in Less Than Zero (1987), True Believer (1989), Air America (1990), and Chaplin (1992), which earned him an Oscar nomination. However, his long-time struggle with drug addiction began to take its toll.

Despite continuously working throughout his troubles with addiction, Downey gained the unfortunate reputation of being a liability. The actor’s problems with drugs escalated from 1996 to 2001, which led to him being fired from the popular TV series Ally McBeal, frequent court appearances, mandated rehabilitation, and incarceration. Downey persevered and eventually tamed his inner demons when he emerged clean and sober in 2003. The actor has maintained his sobriety to become one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood. In celebration of the iconic actor and his tremendous Hollywood comeback, we have curated a list of Robert Downey Jr.’s best performances (that aren’t Iron Man).

Update February 5, 2024: In honor of Robert Downey Jr.'s Academy Award nomination for the role in Oppenheimer, this article has been updated by Soniya Hinduja with more details on Downey's best performances.

17 Back To School (1986)

Downey in Back to School
Orion Pictures

Directed by Allen Meter, the timeless comedy Back To School is mainly about a rich, uneducated entrepreneur and father, Thornton Melon (Rodney Dangerfield), signing up as a student in order to encourage his son Jason (Keith Gordon) to go to college after his graduation. As soon as he glimpses the beautiful professor (Sally Kellerman), he falls in love and decides to take his studies seriously. Downey Jr. plays Derek, a hilarious weirdo who gets to be the roommate of Rodney's son, creating many hilariously corny scenes.

Back To School Sees Downey As The Class Clown

Another ‘80s comedy that is endlessly rewatchable for many reasons, Back To School peaks in its representation of teenagehood. While the movie is more about a fish-out-of-water tycoon and his arrogant son, the supporting characters add more fun and froth to the overall story. Downey brings the right mix of bizarre humor and supportive roomie vibes to his character. His blue hair, odd tastes, and genuine young impulsivity make him a true asset to the movie. In fact, the role gives Downey one of his decent early comedy performances. Opposite fellow favorites like Gordon and Kellermen, he is simply astonishing. Stream on DirecTV

back to school
back to school
PG-13
Release Date
June 13, 1986
Director
Alan Metter
Cast
Rodney Dangerfield , Sally Kellerman , Burt Young , Keith Gordon , Robert Downey Jr. , Paxton Whitehead
Main Genre
Comedy

16 A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints (2006)

Robert Downey Jr. in A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints
First Look Studios

Dito Montiel's brilliantly made dama crime movie A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints, based on a memoir of the same name, is about a very successful writer, Dito Montiel, played by Downey Jr., who has to take an unpleasant trip down memory lane and face the tough youth that he has left behind when he decided to move from his home in Astoria, New York. His mother urges him to visit his ailing, overprotective father, which brings him right back to when he was a young, volatile boy under the wrong influence of his friend Antonio, who ended up in prison.

A Complex Portrayal of Memories And Emotion

Downey Jr.'s uniquely touching performance as Montiel is understated even today. We see him navigating a sensitive past, making amends with an angry father, and reconnecting with his high-school sweetheart in the span of an hour and forty minutes, which is when Downey allows us to sneak into Montiel’s soul and what shaped him into the adult he is today. The film is very delicate and rich and shot in a way that transports you to ‘80s Queens. Subtle yet unforgettable, Downey’s performance makes this role a one-of-a-kind in his already impressive resume. Stream on Peacock

a guide to recognizing your saints
a guide to recognizing your saints
R
Release Date
September 29, 2006
Director
Dito Montiel
Cast
Dianne Wiest , Robert Downey Jr. , Shia LaBeouf , Melonie Diaz , Julia Garro , Eleonore Hendricks
Main Genre
Crime

Related: Best Book to Film Adaptations, Ranked

15 Bowfinger (1999)

Robert Downey Jr. in Bowfinger
Universal Pictures

Written by Steve Martin and directed by Frank Oz, Bowfinger is a criminally underrated comedy about B Movie Producer Bobby Bowfinger (Martin) and his dream of directing a film to boost his career. With a script in hand, the only thing left to do is to land notoriously neurotic Hollywood A-lister Kit Ramsey (Eddie Murphy) for Universal to green-light the film. But when Kit refuses to acknowledge him, Bowfinger decides to begin filming him without him knowing, believing the unsuspecting footage of the actor will be his ticket to fame.

Downey’s Comedic Talents Take Center Stage

Robert Downey Jr. plays Jerry Renfro, a smarmy studio executive who makes the proposition. Downey’s screen time is short, but he makes the most of it with his hilarious performance, reminiscent of his famed Tony Stark. His comedic timing and witty sense of humor shine in every second he’s on screen. The support from a star-studded ensemble including Martin, Murphy, and more makes this cult classic a genuinely wonderful film. Plus, we’re glad fans are finally beginning to take notice of how spot-on Bowfinger is in terms of satire. Rent on Apple TV

14 Natural Born Killers (1994)

Natural Born Killers
Warner Bros.

Oliver Stone's Natural Born Killers is a manic cartoon-esque joyride through the minds of two serial killers in this disturbing yet effective satire of a violence-obsessed culture. As kids, the two murdered their abusive father and embarked on a road trip across America, leaving behind a trail of bodies. Robert Downey Jr. both captivates and repulses audiences with equal effect as television journalist Wayne Gale. He is fixated on the exploits of Mickey and Mallory Knox (Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis, respectively) to the point of glorifying their brutality.

Downey’s Most Unhinged Role To Date

In Natural Born Killers, Robert Downey Jr. is not either one of the protagonists, and yet he unleashes pure chaos as the TV journalist. His commitment to the role proves that the actor is not only versatile but also fearless when it comes to pushing the boundaries of his own on-screen presence. This is also the first time he would use an Australian accent, one that would come in handy for his role in Tropic Thunder. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, co-star Lewis describes Downey as an improv genius. And paired with her and Harrenson in their toxic best/worst characters, he makes the film as unforgettable as possible. That said, despite the criticism and controversies, Natural Born Killers continues to satisfy a certain demographic of audience. Stream on Max

Natural Born Killers
Natural Born Killers
R
Release Date
August 25, 1994
Director
Oliver Stone
Main Genre
Crime

Related: 10 Best Oliver Stone Films, Ranked

13

12 Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Robert Downey Jr. in Sherlock Holmes
Warner Bros. 

Set in 1890s London, Sherlock Holmes is a film that revolves around the iconic private detective and his loyal partner, Dr. Watson, as they join forces to investigate a series of mysterious murders. When they find out that the man behind these cunning murders is one they’d already sent to the gallows, the stakes go higher, and Holmes’ brilliance is constantly tested. The great detective meets his match in the evil Blackwood and watching them thwart each other’s devious efforts is simply too satisfying.

The Ultimate Big-Screen Iteration Of Doyle’s Character

Directed by Guy Ritchie, Sherlock Holmes is fun, fast-paced, and action-packed. It is one of Robert Downey Jr.’s best roles as he brings a fresh perspective to the popular detective in a way only Robert Downey Jr. can do. He moves the character away from the stiff depiction that popular culture had portrayed him as for years and gives him a sense of manic energy that feels both fresh and true to the spirit of the books. His performance is brilliant, and his work as Sherlock Holmes won him a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical. The long-awaited 3rd installment of the Sherlock Holmes franchise is in the works, but its release date has been delayed. Rent on Apple TV

Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes
PG-13
Release Date
January 1, 2009
Director
Guy Ritchie
Main Genre
Action

Related: HBO Max's Sherlock Holmes: Why We Can't Wait for the Spinoff Series

11

10 Ally McBeal (1997)

Robert Downey Jr. in Ally McBeal
Fox

One of the few comedy dramas that were truly worth watching is Ally McBeal. It's a very rich series about the awkward situation in which Ally, a lawyer, finds herself when she discovers she will be working side by side with an ex of hers (Billy) that she has not yet gotten over. What makes the situation even more tricky is that his wife is also working in the same firm. As a single lady, Mcbeal had many suitors throughout the seasons, but if there was one who stuck around, it was Larry Paul, played by Downey Jr.

Remembered For Adding Levity To The Fox Drama

Downey’s character debuted in season 4 and has already stole the show with the incredible chemistry he brings on screen thanks to his irresistible charm and good looks. He came in like the last saving grace that could save Ally from her bad luck in men. Unfortunately, we did not get to watch the two actor's blissful chemistry unfold in season five because of Downey's eventual arrest on drug charges. It's very interesting to see that despite his turbulent personal life, Downey gave a brilliant performance worthy of its place on this list. Currently unavailable to stream.

9 True Believer (1989)

Robert Downey Jr. in True Believer
Columbia Pictures

In the unique crime drama, True Believer, that has all the elements of a murder mystery as well, Downey Jr. plays the role of a recent law graduate, idealistic in nature, named Roger Baron who decides to follow in the footsteps of a previous social activist and lawyer Eddie Dodd (James Woods) who decides to leave it all behind in order to represent drug dealers in court. Roger, his new apprentice, urges him, however, to accept a murder case based on a woman's claim that her son is falsely accused. The two lawyers embark on a thrilling rollercoaster of unfolding the truth which puts their lives in danger.

If Downey can play a role all too well, it is that of a lawyer, his inspective eyes, and generally quiet but alert demeanor make him perfect for the role of any lawyer searching for the truth. With Joseph Ruben’s True Believer, he leaves an indelible impression from the first time he appears on screen. From being a cynical newbie to an earnest apprentice, we wisens under Eddie’s mentorship. The film is laced with themes of justice and corruption, which stirs many conversations. Downey’s co-star, James Woods, acts as the perfectly dignified lawyer who wants to do more. Rent on Apple TV

8 Fur (2006)

Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of DFur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbusiane Arbus

Fur is a fictionalized depiction of the extraordinary artist Diane Arbus (Nicole Kidman), who sought to represent marginalized groups through her photography. Fur follows the fictional Arbus on her journey of self-discovery as she falls in love with her new neighbor, Lionel Sweeney (Robert Downey Jr.), a mysterious man afflicted with hypertrichosis, or excessive hair growth on the face and body.

A Visually Stunning And Emotional Film

Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus is a film that was heavily criticized about its connection to Arbus, as it is less about Arbus herself and more of a Beauty and the Beast fable. But that does not diminish the fact that it is an unforgettable gem; Kidman and Downey have tremendous chemistry in this touching albeit odd love story. This is one of Downey’s best performances due to his delicate yet bold portrayal of the enigmatic Lionel Sweeney. Under director Steven Shainberg’s tender gaze, he dons many complex layers but is always driven with compassion. The film showcases Downey’s diverse acting range. Stream on Kanopy

7 Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)

Good Night, and Good Luck
Warner Independent Pictures

Directed by George Clooney, Good Night, and Good Luck is a stylish, and well-researched movie about the Red Scare of the 1950s. The film describes the conflict between television journalist Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn) and Senator Joe McCarthy. He sought out and blacklisted Communists in the U.S., regardless of their status as a member of the party, because of the fear that they would add trouble to his campaign. Along with a dedicated staff, Murrow dedicates himself to taking McCarthy down. Robert Downey, Jr. gives an anguished performance as Joseph Wershba, a CBS reporter whose career is put in jeopardy as he tries to keep his marriage to a co-worker (Patricia Clarkson) under wraps. He lets his steadfast eyes do all the talking and is patient when required.

Nailing The Quiet Intensity Of The True Story

Directed by George Clooney, the movie is a historical drama that feels more poignant and relevant today than it did two decades ago. With stellar turns from the likes of Strathairn, Clarkson, Jeff Daniels, and Frank Langella, the film lingers in your memory as one where Downey is at his most reserved. Released the same year as Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Good Night, and Good Luck helped make 2005 the year that Downey Jr. was officially back and on his way to becoming Iron Man. Rent on Apple TV

Good Night, And Good Luck.
Good Night, And Good Luck.
PG
Release Date
September 16, 2005
Director
George Clooney
Cast
Jeff Daniels , David Strathairn , Alex Borstein , Rose Abdoo , Dianne Reeves , Peter Martin
Main Genre
Drama

6 Short Cuts (1993)

Short Cuts
New Line Cinema

Based on the musings of short story author Raymond Carver, Short Cuts is another film from the ‘90s that deserves more recognition. It chronicles the day-to-day lives of several Los Angeles residents struggling with work, love, and death. There are 22 protagonists featured in the film whose stories intertwine with one another in subtle, intimate, and profound ways. From a housewife who gets lonely as her husband works to a bitter jazz musician plotting revenge, there are characters whose silent struggles do not seem strange at all.

An Incredible Ensemble Of Actors And Stories

Short Cuts is directed by Robert Altman, and apart from Robert Downey Jr., it stars actors like Matthew Modine, Julianne Moore, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jack Lemmon, Frances McDormand, and more. Downey shines in this critically acclaimed character-driven drama as Bill Bush, a makeup artist who is having an affair with his neighbor’s wife (Lili Taylor). His is one of nine stories that weave together over the course of the film, but his melancholy spirit and complex soul stand out among the rest. Altman’s minimalist cinematography absorbs you into the frame and makes you feel like you’re a part of the movie. Currently unavailable to stream.

5 Tropic Thunder (2008)

Robert Downey Jr. in Tropic Thunder
Paramount Pictures

Despite the controversial nature of the film, director Ben Stiller and Robert Downey Jr. have always been clear in their intent for creating this satirical action comedy. It follows a group of pampered actors and a film crew in the middle of shooting a Hollywood movie. But things go south and they find themselves in the middle of a real war zone. Downey gives one of his best comedic performances as Australian actor Kirk Lazarus, who surgically dies his skin to play an African-American Vietnam Sargent.

Flawless In Every Sense

Back in the time, Tropic Thunder was never meant in a derogatory way but rather to highlight the ignorance of method actors who go too far in their race for Oscar glory. Not only was the fact that Downey darkened his skin to play the role shocking, but it was also a revelation of his genius acting skills. He anchors Stiller’s script of big laughs and bigger hearts and finds art in the dumbest situations, proving that some risks are worth taking. Controversy aside, Downey’s performance earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, a rare achievement for a comedic actor, and interestingly enough, he lost to Heath Ledger for the Joker in The Dark Knight, a movie directed by Christopher Nolan. Now, fifteen years later, he finds himself nominated in the same category, this time directed by Christopher Nolan. Stream on Paramount+

Tropic Thunder
Tropic Thunder
R
Release Date
August 9, 2008
Director
Ben Stiller
Cast
Jeff Kahn , Robert Downey Jr. , Anthony Ruivivar , Jack Black , Jay Baruchel , Brandon T. Jackson
Main Genre
Action

4 Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (2005)

Downey in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Warner Bros.

Shane Black’s directorial debut Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang marks Downey’s triumphant return to Hollywood. The film is part black-comedy, part mystery, and nothing but fun. Robert Downey Jr. plays Harry Lockhart, a petty thief posing as an actor researching a part. When he is flown to L.A. for a screen test, he teams up with his former high school flame (Michelle Monahan) and hard-boiled private investigator Perry Van Shrike (Val Kilmer) to solve a string of mysterious murders. But not everyone they meet in LA’s seedy underbelly is who they seem.

Expertly Delivered Thriller With More Than A Tinge Of Black Humor

Loosely based on a novel written by Brett Halliday, the essence of Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang lies in its script, which has plenty of tongue-in-cheek satire and unusual likeability. Downey’s character, Harry, is vital to the film’s success as well. He unleashes his quirky self and makes the movie a juicy comedy that packs a lot of surprises. His rapport with Val Kilmer and chemistry with Michelle Monaghan has also been praised by the critics as “riotous and charming.” with Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, Robert Downey Jr. proves that he is a gifted actor and comedian. Plus, according to Republic World, Downey considers it to be some of his best work. Rent on Apple TV

Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang
Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang
R
Release Date
September 5, 2005
Director
Shane Black
Main Genre
Action

3 Zodiac (2007)

Zodiac
Warner Bros.

Directed by David Fincher, Zodiac is one of the most underrated movies of all time. It carefully examines the unsolved Zodiac murders of the 60s and 70s in San Francisco, when a killer terrorized the citizens and mocked police with coded messages. The film is told through two intertwining storylines. It is primarily a crime thriller following the lead detectives and their investigation. However, it's also a drama about a cartoonist and a reporter who become fixated on the killer. Their relentless pursuit is what makes the movie more engrossing.

An All-Consuming Edge-Of-Your-Seat Thriller

Downey gives one of his best performances as the obsessive alcoholic Paul Avery, whose life begins to crumble when he is targeted by the notorious killer. He unleashes both anxiety and intensity as his personal demons threaten to catch up to him. Fincher has a gift for storytelling, and he uses the thriller genre as one defined by subtle tense moments and meticulous details that reveal nothing and everything at once. Co-stars Mark Ruffalo and Jake Gyllenhaal also disappear into their roles, and the latter likens working with Robert Downey Jr. to playing jazz. Stream on Hoopla

Zodiac
Zodiac
R
Release Date
March 2, 2007
Director
David Fincher
Main Genre
Crime

Related: Iron Man: Why Tony Stark is Robert Downey Jr.’s Best Role

2 Chaplin (1992)

Downey in Chaplin
TriStar Pictures

Robert Downey Jr. embodies iconic actor and director Charlie Chaplin in Richard Attenborough’s 1992 biopic Chaplin, which marks Downey's best performance of his career. He effortlessly captures the mischief, magic, and melancholy that was Charlie Chaplin by narrating his life to an editor. From his humble origins as a nobody to earning global fame, the movie paints an intimate portrait of a legend. It also focuses on Chaplin’s personal battles, his relationship conflicts, and run-ins with the FBI.

Biopics May Just Be Downey’s Strongest Suit

Beyond the period details and the sublime storytelling, Chaplin also boasts Downey as the perfectly cast actor in the role of a mischievous man shrouded in pathos. The film earned Downey his first Academy Award nomination; however, in one of the greatest Oscar travesties of all time, the award went to Al Pacino for Scent of A Woman, seemingly because he had not been honored in prior years for his roles in The Godfather and The Godfather Part II. Despite fans' cajoling, Downey would later turn down the opportunity to campaign for an Oscar for his work on Avengers: Endgame. Stream on Prime Video

Chaplin
Chaplin
PG-13
Release Date
December 17, 1992
Cast
Robert Downey Jr. , Geraldine Chaplin , Paul Rhys , John Thaw , Moira Kelly , Anthony Hopkins
Main Genre
Biography

1 Oppenheimer (2023)

Robert Downey Jr. in Oppenheimer
Universal Pictures

Downey Jr.'s most recent performance was in Christopher Nolan's three-hour controversial drama Oppenheimer. The movie is set in World War Two and tackles the morally gray story of the development of the deadly atomic bomb after Dr. Robert Oppenheimer is recruited to lead the crucial project. As the team wrestles with the bomb's unimaginable power and its consequences on human lives, the movie shifts its perspectives to the future, where several forces acted against Oppenheimer. The movie's instant success is definitely the result of the incredible performances given by the actors, most notably Downey Jr. In Oppenheimer, Robert Downey Jr. plays the role of Lewis Strauss, a businessman and philanthropist who became a government official to fight Oppenheimer by stripping him of his security clearance and chasing him to his downfall.

Brilliant Showcase Of Empathy, Quite Dissonance, And Scale

Downey Jr.'s incredibly strong performance of the villain whose hatred for Oppenheimer gradually unfolds to show more layers to his agenda than the fight for what is right is another testimony of the actor's huge talent and unmatched acting skills. His performance, many think, calls for an Oscar as a tribute to the profoundly touching deliverance of this important historical role. Downey has already taken home the Critics Choice Award and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor In Supporting Role and has also received an Academy Award nomination for the same category, making his performance memorable for decades to come. Rent on Apple TV