Robert De Niro’s 12 Highest-Grossing Movies – Adjusted for Inflation
From mob bosses and troubled boxers to animated sharks and comedies about overbearing in-laws, Robert De Niro has proven time and again why he’s one of the greatest actors in cinema history. But beyond the critical acclaim, which of his movies made the biggest splash at the box office once inflation is factored in? Here’s the countdown of De Niro’s 12 highest-grossing films, adjusted for 2025.
12) Sleepers (1996)
In this gripping drama, De Niro portrays Father Bobby, a priest who becomes a moral anchor for four friends dealing with a dark past. It’s a serious, haunting performance in a tough story about justice and revenge.
Worldwide gross in 1996: $165,600,852
Adjusted for 2025: $338,412,118.6
11) Analyze This (1999)
De Niro spoofs his own mobster persona brilliantly as Paul Vitti, a stressed-out mafia boss who ends up in therapy with Billy Crystal’s nervous shrink. The result? One of the funniest comedies of the late ’90s.
Worldwide gross in 1999: $176,885,658
Adjusted for 2025: $340,426,929.7
10) American Hustle (2013)
Though uncredited, De Niro makes a memorable cameo as Victor Tellegio, a mobster with a dangerous temper in David O. Russell’s slick crime drama. His brief appearance added extra menace to an already star-studded cast.
Worldwide gross in 2013: $257,858,943
Adjusted for 2025: $354,905,489.4
9) Backdraft (1991)
As Donald Rimgale, a fire inspector investigating a string of deadly blazes, De Niro brought gravitas to this explosive Ron Howard thriller. His presence grounded the action with gritty realism.
Worldwide gross in 1991: $152,368,585
Adjusted for 2025: $358,694,411.5
8) The Godfather Part II (1974)
De Niro’s role as young Vito Corleone is one of his most iconic — earning him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His performance as the rising crime boss in this legendary sequel helped cement his place in film history.
Worldwide gross in 1974: $57,300,000
Adjusted for 2025: $372,661,035.4
7) Heat (1995)
In Michael Mann’s epic crime thriller, De Niro plays Neil McCauley, a professional thief locked in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with Al Pacino’s detective. The coffee shop face-off between the two icons remains one of cinema’s greatest scenes.
Worldwide gross in 1995: $187,433,328
Adjusted for 2025: $394,337,549.2
6) Cape Fear (1991)
As Max Cady, a tattooed ex-con out for revenge, De Niro delivered one of his most terrifying performances. Menacing, unhinged, and unforgettable, he turned this thriller into a box office smash.
Worldwide gross in 1991: $182,291,969
Adjusted for 2025: $429,137,742.1
5) Little Fockers (2010)
Returning as Jack Byrnes — the overbearing father-in-law — De Niro kept the laughs coming in the third film of the hit comedy series. While not a critical darling, audiences turned out in droves.
Worldwide gross in 2010: $310,650,574
Adjusted for 2025: $456,691,342.1
4) Meet the Parents (2000)
De Niro as Jack Byrnes became instantly iconic — a suspicious, intimidating ex-CIA agent scrutinizing poor Ben Stiller’s every move. The comedy struck gold and gave De Niro one of his most memorable mainstream roles.
Worldwide gross in 2000: $330,425,040
Adjusted for 2025: $615,242,159.2
3) Shark Tale (2004)
Yes, even in animation De Niro made his mark – voicing Don Lino, a shark mob boss in this underwater comedy. His distinct voice and mobster flair made the role both hilarious and intimidating.
Worldwide gross in 2004: $371,741,123
Adjusted for 2025: $630,979,038
2) Meet the Fockers (2004)
The comedy sequel to Meet the Parents brought even more family chaos, with De Niro reprising his role as Jack Byrnes. The film paired him with Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand, delivering huge laughs – and even bigger box office success.
Worldwide gross in 2004: $516,567,575
Adjusted for 2025: $876,801,870
1) Joker (2019)
De Niro plays Murray Franklin, a late-night talk show host whose treatment of Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) helps spark the character’s transformation into the Joker. His presence gave the film an added meta edge, recalling his earlier work in The King of Comedy. Joker wasn’t just a cultural phenomenon — it was a box office juggernaut.
Worldwide gross in 2019: $1,072,507,517
Adjusted for 2025: $1,345,082,554
From mobsters to mob bosses (even animated ones), comedies to crime sagas, Robert De Niro has shown he can do it all – and the box office numbers prove audiences have loved every second.
