What are the top dramas and movies of Robert Downey Jr? Undoubtedly, RDJ has become one of the most renowned actors of the present times. The American actor is widely recognized for his portrayal of the genius, billionaire, playboy, and philanthropist Tony Stark. However, success hasn’t always been a huge part of RDJ’s life. He was a prodigy since his performance in Tuff Turf, but life didn’t go well as planned for Robert. After the success of Chaplin, his career went down because of his addiction to drugs. After the downfall, Robert Downey Jr. also underwent some troubles in his personal life, like separating from his wife. He also went to prison a lot of times during this time.
However, Downey Jr. again made a comeback into acting in 2001. But he could not land a big role for himself. The terrible phase didn’t last long after his resurgence. In 2008, he eventually got the opportunity to play Iron Man and which was the turning point in his career. He not only got a big breakthrough but also got global recognition after the success of the superhero movie. Since then, it was no more turning back for Robert, and he became one of the biggest actors in the world of the present times. He has a huge fanbase all over the globe who follows his work or wants to know more about his work. Therefore, we will look at the top dramas and movies of Robert Downey Jr.
25. Dolittle
This movie is the latest work of Robert Downey Jr. He portrays the character of Dr. John Dolittle, who is a talented doctor. However, he lives in solitude after certain events in his life. He doesn’t interact with any humans except for all the animals at his place. But the young Queen Elizabeth is ill and near to her death. Therefore, the doctor was called upon from his solitude for his services. He sets on a journey to look for a cure to heal the young queen. The movie’s storytelling failed to impress the audience. The only thing which attracted the audience was Downey’s performance as Doc Dolittle.
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24. The Judge
Downey takes the role of a shady but brilliant attorney, Hank Palmer, who returns to his hometown after his death. He reunites with his father, Judge Joseph Palmer, but Hank is not on positive terms with him. Soon, Joseph got arrested for a hit-and-run murder case. Therefore, Hank takes on his father’s case even when Joseph is against Hank fighting his case. The movie received mixed reviews from the critics and audience. However, they praised Downey and Duvall’s performance in the movie. The critics claimed the interaction between Downey and Duvall actually held the audience to see the movie. It is one of the top dramas and movies of Robert Downey Jr. because of his performance.
23. Weird Science
Robert Downey Jr. appeared in the 1985 American science fiction comedy film Weird Science. However, RDJ was not part of the lead cast. Instead, he appeared as a bully in the movie. This movie features Anthony Michael Hall and Ilan Mitchell-Smith in the lead roles. They portray two geek boys, Gary Wallace and Wyatt Donnelly. Downey Jr. appears as Ian and, along with Max, played by Robert Rusler, spend his time bullying and pranking Gary and Wyatt. But the two geeks eventually take their revenge on the bullies when they hang out with a beautiful girl Lisa, who is a computer-programmed magical genie. In this movie, RDJ didn’t appear in lead roles, but he showcased his potential in comic roles. And, it is one of the top dramas and movies of Robert Downey Jr.
22. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
A Game of Shadows is the second installment in the Sherlock Holmes movie series by Guy Ritchie. However, this movie failed to match the level of the first installment and even received mixed reviews from critics and fans. But it did well in the box office, and the makers even planned the third sequel. However, Robert Downey Jr’s performance in this movie was also phenomenal as the first Sherlock Movie. RDJ returns to reprise his role as the genius detective, Sherlock Holmes. He, along with his sidekick Dr. Watson, played by Jude Law, needs to solve some mysterious murders and terrorist attacks which connect to one man, Professor Moriarty. The performance in the Sherlock Holmes series is one of the top dramas and movies of Robert Downey Jr.
21. Home For Holidays
Downey Jr. plays the role of Tommy, the fun gay brother of Claudia Larson, played by Holly Hunter in the 1995 American family comedy-drama film Home for Holidays. Jodie Foster directed this movie, whereas W. D. Richter wrote the screenplay for the film, which was based on a short story by Chris Radiant. The plot revolves around Claudia, who is a single mom and lost her job and was going back to her parent’s home to celebrate Thanksgiving with her family. She shares her worries with her younger brother Tommy, who is also her confidant. RDJ was phenomenal in his performance as the joyful younger brother in the movie. This movie was again a great example of his ability to portray comic roles. The movie received mixed reactions from the critics and audience.
20. Chaplin
The 90s was the time when Robert Downey Jr. became a big star and was considered the best time of his career by many. In 1992, RDJ played the role of the greatest comedic actor in history, Charlie Chaplin, in the biographical comedy-drama movie about Chaplin. Robert’s performance in this movie was unbelievable, and it was even hard to believe that Downey was actually portraying a character in a movie. However, the movie failed to perform at the box office, but RDJ received a lot of appreciation and awards for this movie. Robert Downey Jr. was even nominated for the Academy Awards for Best Actor. Chaplin is one of the top dramas and movies of Robert Downey Jr.
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19. Chances Are
This 1989 American romantic comedy movie revolves around a man named Louie Jeffries, who loved his pregnant wife dearly. One day Louie dies but is reborn again 23-years later as a writer named Alex Finch. He dates a girl named Miranda, who turns out to be his daughter from his past life. Later, Alex members his past life and wants to get back to Corinne, his wife, in a past life. But Alex has to face Philip, his friend from a past life, and also a man in love with Corinne. Robert Downey Jr. did a phenomenal job playing the role of Louie/Alex. The movie received mixed reviews, but critics and fans appreciated Downey’s performance.
18. A Scanner Darkly
Nothing could be more exciting than a movie featuring the two most beloved and talented actors. A Scanner Darkly features Robert Downey Jr. and Keanu Reeves in the lead roles. Further, both the actors did the movie when they were not at their peak and lost their fame. Richard Linklater directed this adult animated psychological sci-fi film. It is based on a 1977 novel of the same name by Philip K. Dick. The movie is set in a future world where most of the world is under the strict surveillance of police because most of the world’s population has become addicted to drugs. A Scanner Darkly didn’t do well at the box office, but the film received praises for the cinematography along with Reeves and Downey’s performance.
17. Restoration
The 1995 American historical drama, Restoration, directed by Michael Hoffman. This movie features Robert Downey Jr. in the lead role as a young doctor, Robert Merivel. He was enjoying a pleasurable and rich lifestyle under King Charles IIs rule. Further, the king even prepared the young doctor to marry his’s favorite mistress, Celia, and also gave him an estate. However, the doctor can’t get intimate with her, and also the king will have an affair with Celia. But Robert falls for his wife, and therefore, the king banishes him. Later, Robert focuses on his duties as a doctor and helps the common people fight the plague. While helping the people, Robert meets a poor woman Katherine and develops romantic feelings for her. The movie’s storytelling received some harsh critics, but the set and costume design, along with Downey’s performance, were highly appreciated.
16. Sherlock Holmes
After Robert Downey Jr.’s breakthrough in 2008 with Iron Man, he appeared as one of the smartest detectives from the thriller novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The film was directed by Guy Ritchie, and RDJ appeared as the main protagonist, Sherlock Holmes, along with Jude Law as Dr. John Watson, Sherlock’s sidekick. Sherlock has to solve the mysteries behind the murders and crimes going on in London. Further, the crimes have some satanic cult connections. This movie was the first installment in the Sherlock Holmes series, and the movie mostly received positive reviews. Further, the fans and critics appreciated Downey’s performance as Sherlock. He brought the character from Doyle’s novel to life. Further, the audience appreciated Downeys British accent in the movie, which was very convincing.
15. Iron Man 2
Robert Downey Jr., after his success with Iron Man, returned to reprise his role as the genius billionaire superhero. Iron Man 2 is the third movie in Marvel’s Phase One and also the second movie in the Iron Man series. The story continues from where it left in the first movie. Tony, after announcing him being the Iron Man, the whole wants his armor’s technology. However, Tony doesn’t want his technology to fall into the wrong hands, but he has to face an enemy from his family’s past and also his business rival. Besides all these enemies, Tony is being haunted by the very thing that is protecting his life as the palladium used in his arc reactor is poisoning him. Thus, he also needs to look for an alternative.
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14. Avengers: Age Of Ultron
The second installment in the Avengers franchise and part of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase Two. Further, the movie is the second most expensive movie in history, and it also made a profit in billions. The movie features Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, and Jeremy Renner, who return to reprise their superhero characters. Also, Elizabeth Olsen and Aaron Taylor-Johnson join the squad as Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. Fans appreciated the visuals and actors’ performance in the movie. Especially RDJ, who did a great job as Tony Stark, who was afraid of losing his loved ones. This fear leads to Stark creating advanced artificial intelligence to protect Earth. But instead of protecting, the AI plans to eradicate Earth. Therefore, the Avengers need to team up again to stop the threat.
13. A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints
In 2006, Robert Downey Jr. appeared in the American drama, A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, which is the adaptation of a novel with the same name. Downey portrays the role of the main protagonist, Dito Montiel. He is an author, director, and musician. Furthur, Dito is the writer of the novel on which the movie is based, and also he’s the one who directed this 2006 movie. This movie is about Montiel’s early life in a violent and rough neighborhood in New York. Downey’s performance in the movie was mind-blowing. His portrayal as Dito Montiel was so convincing that sometimes it felt he was Dito himself.
12. Iron Man 3
This is the third and the last installment in the Iron Man series. Also, Iron Man 3 was the first movie in phase two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Like other Ironman Man movies, this one also features RDJ as Tony Stark. This time Stark puts on his suit of armor to stop a new rising threat called Artemis. The movie was a massive success, and Robert Downey Jr. was again mind-blowing as Tony Stark. Also, Robert introduced more maturity in character, unlike his previous appearances as Iron Man. Tony Stark was not that narcissist as he was in earlier MCU movies. But Tony cared more about the people around him in his life, especially Pepper Potts. Therefore, the American actor received lots of praises from the critics and audience. Besides RDJ’s performance, the movie’s visuals were highly appreciated by the audience.
11. Tropic Thunder
We know that Robert Downey Jr. is a phenomenal actor. Thus, for him to play a successful and mind-blowing actor in a movie won’t be a tough job. RDJ appears as a successful Australian actor, Kirk Lazarus, who is playing a role of an African-American soldier for a Vietnam war film. Thus, Lazarus underwent pigmentation surgery to get the look for his role. Also, throughout the shooting, Kirk talks in an African-American accent to stay in his character. Because of his tantrums, the director sends Lazarus and other actors into the real jungle, where they need to survive, relying on their acting prowess. Further, he was accompanied by other talented actors like Ben Stiller and Jack Black. However, Downey stood out the most among the other actors. He was even nominated for many awards.
10. Wonder Boys
Downey appeared in the 2000 comedy-drama movie Wonder Boys. But casting RDJ was a tough choice which the director made as the actor was going through a rough time. Robert was under probation and had a bad reputation because of his addiction to drugs. But the actor convinced the director about his commitment to the movie. The American actor appeared as Terry Crabtree, an editor. He works for Professor Grady Tripp, played by Michael Douglas, the novelist who once wrote a best-selling novel, but since then, he’s unable to. Thus, he was trying to write a book but misfortune followed him, which prevented him from working.
He was accompanied by a young author and his student, James Leer. The novelist was going through a lot, but Terry arrives to increase his troubles. Terry came to check whether Grady finished the second novel or not, as both their career depended on that novel. The movie was financially disastrous, but the actors’ performances were really appreciated. The film even won three Academy Awards.
9. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang
Robert Downey Jr. appeared in the Shane Black directorial black crime comedy movie in 2005. RDJ played the role of a small-time delinquent, Harold “Harry” Lockhart, who ends up in a film audition while running from the police. Harry passes the audition and reunites with his childhood sweetheart, Harmony Faith Lane, and a private detective, “Gay” Perry van Shrike. However, things change a turn when Harry, along with Harmony, gets involved in a murderous conspiracy. RDJ’s performance in the movie was again mind-blowing, and he did receive praises from the critics and audience for his performance. Undoubtedly, Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang is one of the top drama and movies of Robert Downey Jr.
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8. Avengers: Infinity War
Infinity War was the beginning of the end for phase one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This is one of the most expensive movies ever made, and the premise for this movie has been building up for over a decade with many MCU movies. The movies feature many superheroes from past Marvel movies. Therefore, Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as Tony Stark, one of the founding members of the Avengers series. This movie takes place after the events of Captain America: Civil War. Tony was getting married to Pepper, but a dangerous evil force from the other space is threatening the safety of the universe. Thus, Iron Man, along with other heroes, needs to stop that threat. Avengers: Infinity War is one of the top drama and movies of Robert Downey Jr.
7. Zodiac
There is no doubt that Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo make a great duo in the Avengers series as the “mad scientists”. However, the two worked together even prior to the first Avenger movie or even before becoming part of MCU. Downey and Ruffalo as a journalist Paul Avery and American inspector Dave Toschi. Further, the movie also features another actor who recently became part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Jake Gyllenhaal as the author Robert Graysmith. The three have to join hands to uncover the identity of the infamous Zodiac killer, who is threatening the lives of the people living in San Fransisco. The movie received positive reviews for the writing, directing, historical accuracy, and acting, especially of Downey, Ruffalo, and Gyllenhaal.
6. Captain America: Civil War
Who doesn’t remember when the MCU fans were separated into two teams? Civil War is the third Captain America movie, but it more felt like an Avenger movie as it got so many superheroes. The Avengers are divided into two teams. As the two leading members: Steve Rogers and Tony Stark, fell apart because of their clashing ideologies, which led to the entire team got divided into two teams. These conflicts led to a civil war between the two parties. The movie features all the actors like Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, and Elizabeth Olsen reprising their superhero characters. Meanwhile, the movie also introduced Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, who is the King of Wakanda and also the superhero Black Panther.
5. The Avengers
The Avengers is the final movie of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s phase one and also the first Avenger movie. All the superheroes characters were introduced in MCU until 2011, like Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor, Black Widow, and Hawkeye, teamed up in this movie. However, all these characters were different individuals with no similarities, but the threat coming towards Earth brought these misfits into the same team. Downey’s performance in this movie was mind-blowing, and he also got the infamous definition for his character Tony Stark. He is not only a big man in a suit of armor but also a genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist.
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4. Spider-Man: Homecoming
The Spider-Man series has been rebooted twice. After Toby Maguire and Andrew Garfield, Tom Holland took the role of the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Tom Holland as the new Peter Parker was introduced in the 2016 movie Captain America: Civil War, where he fought on the side of Iron Man. Later, new Peter got his own movie, Spider-Man: Homecoming. But unlike previous Spider-Men, Tom’s Spidey had a mentor this time, and that too was none other than the genius billionaire Tony Stark. Downey’s character was more mature, and we also see a parental characteristic in him when he was teaching Spidey the meaning of Spider-Man. RDJ did a great job of portraying that his character grew and learned from his past experiences and now is capable of teaching those lessons to the newer generation of heroes.
3. Iron Man
Undoubtedly, the 2008 superhero movie Iron Man was the founding stone for the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. Iron Man was the first movie in the MCU, and thus, the studio was really careful about the casting for the movie. The movie’s director, Jon Favreau, wanted to cast Downey in the main role but faced opposition from production because of his history with drugs. However, RDJ proved that he was meant for this role in the audition.
Robert not only brought the fictional character to life but also helped Favreau to write the dialogues for his character. The movie was a huge hit and received lots of praises, especially for RDJ’s performance. This movie not only opened the path for Marvel from being a comic book company to becoming one of the most successful movie studios but also made RDJ a worldwide known name and one of the greatest actors. Therefore, Iron Man is one of the best top dramas and movies of Robert Downey Jr.
2. True Believer
This 1989 American courtroom drama has to be one of the top drama and movies of Robert Downey Jr. The actor plays the role of a passionate young law graduate Roger Baron. He works under Eddie Dodd, a famous lawyer who once worked for civil rights but left that work and now is a hippie who defends drug dealers. However, Dodd’s passionate young apprentice rekindles the flame of the lawyer to fight for once justice when a mother asks them to fight for her, son who was wrongly accused of committing the murder. Roger and Dodd unveil mysteries surrounding the crime to prove the Korean man innocent. His’s performance in this movie is one of the best dramas and movies of Robert Downey Jr.
1. Avengers: Endgame
Endgame is the final chapter of what the Marvel Cinematic Universe was building up from the first movie, Iron Man. This movie is the fourth installment in the Avengers series and the last in phase four. This movie is one of the most expensive movies ever made and also the highest-grossing movie ever. In this movie, the Avengers do a time heist to get the infinity stones so that they can bring back the ones who “blipped” in the Infinity War. Robert Downey Jr. reprises his character of Tony Stark, however, for the last time.
RDJ’s character has evolved a lot, as he has a family now, which he doesn’t want to lose. But as a superhero, Tony also can’t turn away from the hope of saving the world. But in doing so, he lost his life. Also, his act in Endgame proved Captain America’s statement about him wrong. Cap said Tony is all about himself, and he’s not the guy to make the sacrifice play. But in Avengers: Endgame, Tony fought for everyone else and sacrificed himself to protect the universe. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best top dramas and movies of Robert Downey Jr.
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