Robert Duvall Movies: A Best-Of Watchlist (With Where to Start)

Robert Duvall has a huge filmography, so here’s a practical, high-signal list of his most essential movies, grouped by vibe—so you can pick what to watch next.

The must-see classics

• The Godfather (1972) — Tom Hagen, the calm brain in a violent family

• The Godfather Part II (1974) — same role, even sharper stakes

• Apocalypse Now (1979) — one of the most iconic supporting turns in film history

• To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) — early role in an all-time classic

His best lead performances

• Tender Mercies (1983) — quiet, heartbreaking, career-defining lead role

• The Apostle (1997) — intense and human; he also wrote/directed

• The Great Santini (1979) — brutal, complicated father figure

• Assassination Tango (2002) — offbeat, character-forward, Duvall in full control

Modern favorites and crowd-pleasers

• Open Range (2003) — outstanding modern western with Kevin Costner

• The Judge (2014) — commanding late-career drama performance

• Secondhand Lions (2003) — warm, funny, and surprisingly moving

Great supporting roles (where he steals scenes)

• The Conversation (1974) — subtle, paranoid masterpiece

• Network (1976) — razor-sharp satire era, stacked cast

• A Civil Action (1998) — smart legal drama

• The Client (1994) — tense courtroom thriller

If you only watch 5

1. The Godfather

2. Apocalypse Now

3. Tender Mercies

4. The Conversation

5. Open Range

If you tell me what you’re in the mood for (crime / western / war / courtroom / emotional drama), I’ll narrow it to the best 3 for tonight.