Legendary actor, director, and pioneer of independent cinema Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at the age of 89. He died peacefully at his home in Sundance, Utah, surrounded by loved ones. Redford’s death marks the end of an era: a career that spanned over five decades, combining star power, thoughtful performance, directorial vision, activism, and a love for storytelling.
To honor his legacy, here are five Robert Redford films everyone should see—movies that showcase his range, heart, and enduring contribution to cinema.
1. Robert Redford Movies: All the President’s Men (1976)
Directed by Alan J. Pakula, All the President’s Men casts Redford as journalist Bob Woodward, partnering with Dustin Hoffman’s Carl Bernstein to uncover the Watergate scandal. The film is a master class in suspense without violence—cold calls, anonymous tips, lead-following, persistent digging.
Why it’s essential: it demonstrates Redford’s ability to carry a film with subtlety and intelligence, to show moral conviction and the quiet power of journalism. Also, the movie helped define political thrillers in Hollywood.
Celebrate the life and work of Robert Redford with one of his finest and most iconic performances as Bob Woodward in ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN (1973), Alan J. Pakula’s deeply engrossing political thriller.
Watch now on @criterionchannl: https://t.co/TfeGgzbXB4 pic.twitter.com/nEcK43CVkh
— Criterion Collection (@Criterion) September 16, 2025
2. All Is Lost (2013)
This survival drama is nearly wordless: Redford is alone at sea, stranded after his sailboat is damaged. No big rescue, no side characters—just a man and the elements.
Why it’s essential: it’s a raw testament to Redford’s screen presence—even without dialogue, he conveys vulnerability, resilience, determination. It’s a meditation on survival, loneliness, and human will. Also, it’s one of his later, critically acclaimed films, showing how his skills matured over time.
Robert Redford deserved an Oscar nomination for his performance in the 2013 film All is Lost. Redford barely has any dialogue in this film but his physicality defines this performance. And to do this at 77?? Redford did nearly all his own stunts in this film. An Oscar snub. pic.twitter.com/PWAca2Efs3
— Cinema Tweets (@CinemaTweets1) September 17, 2025
3. Robert Redford Movies: The Horse Whisperer (1998)
Redford directed and starred in this neo-western drama based on Nicholas Evans’s novel. He plays Tom Booker, a “horse whisperer” with a rare gift for healing traumatized horses—and their riders. When a teenager (Scarlett Johansson) and her horse are injured, it’s Booker’s job to help them recover.
Why it’s essential: the film shows Redford behind the camera as well as in front, balancing emotional intimacy, gorgeous natural landscapes, and the bond between human and animal. It’s a slower film, but one that lingers.
RIP Robert Redford 😢 An underrated and forgotten gem is 1998’s The Horse Whisperer directed by and starring Redford. A beautiful adaptation of a best-seller that helped introduce the world to a young Scarlett Johansson. Kristin Scott Thomas is terrific. pic.twitter.com/b1PJC6Z1Zj
— Scott Cole (@ColeCommaScott) September 16, 2025
4. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
One of Redford’s signature roles: the Sundance Kid in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, alongside Paul Newman. They are outlaws on the run—charming, witty, resilient. The film mixes humor, action, beauty, and a sense of doomed friendship.
Why it’s essential: it made Redford a star. It blends genre (Western, buddy film) with great style—dialogue by William Goldman, direction by George Roy Hill—and it still holds up. It’s part of what defines Redford’s romantic ruggedness and his ability to be both charming and tough.
Some great behind the scenes footage on BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID with Paul Newman and Robert Redford #RIP pic.twitter.com/tUPYiCkvlB
— All The Right Movies (@ATRightMovies) September 16, 2025
5. The Old Man & the Gun (2018)
Redford’s final major screen role before retiring (though he made some small appearances after). He plays Forrest Tucker, a career criminal and escape artist, who despite his age, keeps pulling off heists—almost with a cheerful acceptance of his chosen life.
Why it’s essential: it’s a fitting farewell. The movie is contemplative about age, purpose, identity, and what it means to live with passion—even when the world expects you to slow down. Redford carries it with charm, subtle humor, and humanity. It’s not just about crime; it’s about character.
Robert Redford’s final on-screen role came in 2018 when he starred in The Old Man & The Gun. I have a hard time watching this movie because it’s so emotional and so nostalgic. Redford’s final act is all heart. Hell, his entire career was all heart. Please see this movie. pic.twitter.com/q0QH5dnKAT
— Cinema Tweets (@CinemaTweets1) September 16, 2025
Robert Redford Movies & Career
Robert Redford’s career was vast, but these five films offer a cross-section of his strengths—moral conviction, emotional depth, understated heroism, and an ability to tell stories that matter. Whether you prefer classic Westerns, political thrillers, survival dramas, or character pieces, there’s something in his work that resonates deeply.
Redford was more than an actor: he was a storyteller, a director, an activist, a builder of independent film through Sundance. His passing is a reminder of how rare it is to sustain artistry, integrity, and influence over so many years. As new audiences discover these films, his legacy will live on.
