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15 of Robert Downey Jr.'s Best Movie Roles, Ranked From Best to Worst

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His filmography is quite impressive...

Ivan Shahran

Entertainment - October 11th 2026, 17:00 GMT+2

Rivers Richard III 1995 — 15. Rivers — Richard III (1995)

Robert Downey Jr. appears as **Rivers** in ***Richard III***, a stylish adaptation of Shakespeare's famous play of the same name. Although his role is relatively small, the actor is able to showcase his impressive talents during a rather early period of his career. | © United Artists/First Look International

David Seton Barnes Soapdish 1991 — 14. David Seton Barnes — Soapdish (1991)

Robert Downey Jr. appears in this ensemble comedy about the chaotic world of daytime television. It's certainly a smaller role compared with his later work, but his comedic timing and screen presence as **David Seton Barnes** in ***Soapdish*** are phenomenal. | © Paramount Pictures

James Barris A Scanner Darkly 2006 — 13. James Barris — A Scanner Darkly (2006)

Robert Downey Jr. takes on a supporting role in Richard Linklater's surreal adaptation of Philip K. Dick's 1977 novel. ***A Scanner Darkly's*** rotoscoped animation gives his performance as **James Barris** an unusual visual quality. Meanwhile, his unique character fits naturally into the film's strange world. | © Warner Independent Pictures

Wayne Gale Natural Born Killers 1994 — 12. Wayne Gale — Natural Born Killers (1994)

Robert Downey Jr. plays sensationalist journalist **Wayne Gale** in Oliver Stone's controversial crime film. The actor's exaggerated Australian accent and manic energy make Gale one of ***Natural Born Killers'*** more memorable supporting characters, and the film wouldn't be the same without him. | © Regency Enterprises/Warner Bros.

Bill Bush Short Cuts 1993 — 11. Bill Bush — Short Cuts (1993)

Robert Downey Jr. plays **Bill Bush** in the comedy-drama film titled ***Short Cuts***, which tells the story of several Los Angeles residents. Though he's part of a huge cast, the actor makes an impression as a troubled young man dealing with complicated relationships and personal turmoil. | © Spelling Films International/Fine Line Features

Harry Lockhart Kiss Kiss Bang Bang 2005 — 10. Harry Lockhart — Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

***Kiss Kiss Bang Bang*** is a dark comedy film that has become an important turning point in Downey Jr.'s career. As **Harold "Harry" Lockhart**, a thief accidentally pulled into a murder mystery, he balances his classic brand of comedy with genuine vulnerability. | © Silver Pictures/Warner Bros. Pictures

Terry Crabtree Wonder Boys 2000 — 9. Terry Crabtree — Wonder Boys (2000)

Robert Downey Jr. has a supporting role in ***Wonder Boys***, an acclaimed comedy-drama. Playing **Terry Crabtree**, a charismatic but complicated editor, the actor brings plenty of charm and energy to the film, with his performance adding great depth to the character. | © Paramount Pictures

Julian Wells Less Than Zero 1987 — 8. Julian Wells — Less Than Zero (1987)

One of Robert Downey Jr.'s earliest major performances came in this adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' novel. As **Julian Wells** in ***Less Than Zero***, he gives a disturbing and vulnerable performance that gave people an early glimpse of the dramatic talent he would develop throughout his career. | © 20th Century Fox

Sherlock Holmes 2009 — 7. Sherlock Holmes — Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Robert Downey Jr. gave Arthur Conan Doyle's detective a more energetic and unconventional makeover in 2009's ***Sherlock Holmes***. The actor's chemistry with Jude Law, rapid-fire delivery, and eccentric behavior made the role a major departure from traditional portrayals of **Sherlock Holmes**. Robert Downey Jr. doubled down on the character's sharp intellect in the 2011 sequel, which was quite enjoyable. | © Village Roadshow Pictures/Warner Bros. Pictures

Kirk Lazarus Tropic Thunder 2008 — 6. Kirk Lazarus — Tropic Thunder (2008)

Playing an overly committed Australian method actor who takes his craft to absurd extremes, Robert Downey Jr. completely steals the show in ***Tropic Thunder***. **Kirk Lazarus** is outrageous, ridiculous, and a deliberately excessive character, but it's this absurdity that makes it one of his funniest roles ever. | © DreamWorks Pictures/Red Hour Productions

Joseph Wershba Good Night and Good Luck 2005 — 5. Joseph Wershba — Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)

Robert Downey Jr. plays CBS producer **Joseph Wershba** in this acclaimed historical drama about Edward R. Murrow's confrontation with Senator Joseph McCarthy. His restrained performance in ***Good Night, and Good Luck*** fits the film's understated style and adds a complex layer to its depiction of journalists standing up to political pressure. | © Warner Independent Pictures

Paul Avery Zodiac 2007 — 4. Paul Avery — Zodiac (2007)

Robert Downey Jr. plays journalist **Paul Avery** in David Fincher's meticulous crime thriller about the hunt for the Zodiac Killer. His character in ***Zodiac*** gradually becomes consumed by the case, with the actor bringing a mix of arrogance and vulnerability to a character whose life is affected by his obsession. | © Paramount Pictures/Warner Bros. Pictures

Charlie Chaplin 1992 — 3. Charlie Chaplin — Chaplin (1992)

Playing legendary silent-film star **Charlie Chaplin** in 1992's ***Chaplin*** required Downey Jr. to completely disappear into another performer. His physical comedy, emotional range, and uncanny resemblance earned him an Academy Award nomination and remain among the finest works of his career. | © Carolco Pictures/Le Studio Canal+

Tony Stark Iron Man 2008 — 2. Tony Stark / Iron Man — Iron Man (2008)

Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of **Tony Stark** is arguably the defining performance of his acting career. His combination of sarcasm, confidence, and vulnerability turned the cold billionaire character into one of the most recognizable superheroes in modern cinema and helped launch the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His performance in the original ***Iron Man*** is incredible, but he also puts on a show in other Marvel films like *Avengers: Endgame*. | © Marvel Studios/Paramount Pictures

Lewis Strauss Oppenheimer 2023 — 1. Lewis Strauss — Oppenheimer (2023)

Robert Downey Jr. delivered one of his most mature performances as **Lewis Strauss** in Christopher Nolan's **Oppenheimer**. The role allowed him to showcase a colder and more restrained side, with his stellar, calculated performance ultimately earning the actor his first Academy Award. | © Universal Pictures/Syncopy

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Robert Downey Jr. has had one of the most incredible careers in the acting scene. He has starred in various critically acclaimed dramas, quirky comedies, and blockbuster superhero movies. Some of his performances have become iconic, while others have been overshadowed by bigger hits or received less attention than they deserved. That said, here are 15 of Robert Downey Jr.'s most memorable roles, ranked from best to worst.

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Robert Downey Jr. has had one of the most incredible careers in the acting scene. He has starred in various critically acclaimed dramas, quirky comedies, and blockbuster superhero movies. Some of his performances have become iconic, while others have been overshadowed by bigger hits or received less attention than they deserved. That said, here are 15 of Robert Downey Jr.'s most memorable roles, ranked from best to worst.