Robert Downey Jr’s 5 Best Performances

His accolades include 2 Oscar nominations, 2 Golden Globe wins from 4 nominations and 1 Primetime Emmy nomination

Robert Downey Jr’s career has had it’s fair share of ups and downs. But, when he’s on an up he ascends higher than any other actor. From playing beloved characters of literature to filling up his comedy chops, Downey Jr gives 110% to his performances every time.

But, out of an impressive filmography, which performances are his best? Let us give you our verdict on this.

5. Tony Stark/Iron Man in Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Endgame may have marked his final performance as Tony Stark, but he didn’t take his foot off the gas. In this final film in the infinity Saga, Stark gives up his heroic life to live in domestic bliss after half the universe was snapped out of existence by Thanos. However, when the remaining Avengers hatch a plan to bring everyone back, Stark suits back up.

This film ultimately shows how far Downey Jr’s Tony Stark has grown from when we first meet him. His final act in the film also proves to be one of the most heartbreaking moments in all of the MCU.

Being the man who was around from the beginning of the MCU, the actor found that position to have a few perks on this film. One of which being that he was the only actor who read the entire script in all it’s spoiler-y glory.

4. Sherlock Holmes in Sherlock Holmes (2009)

What happens when you hand one of literature’s most beloved characters to Guy Ritchie and Robert Downey Jr? Well, this. That’s right, the actor swapped out his arc reactor for a magnifying glass as he took on the character of Sherlock Holmes.

A very different interpretation from what we are used to. But the murkier, rough-edged version was a very nice change of pace from the traditional takes. Just thank God our leading man was able to give an accurate British accent. We also can’t help but adore the clear chemistry between him and Jude Law who portrays Dr John Watson.

Upon getting the role, Downey Jr began to do his homework. He read many of Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories and watched the 80’s series The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes in order to learn as much as he could about the character.

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3. Tony Stark/Iron Man in Iron Man (2008)

Arguably the film that put this actor back on the map. Directed by Jon Favreau, this film serves as the first film in the official MCU. It features Downey Jr in the title role of Tony Stark; a selfish, narcissistic billionaire who decides to use his knowledge and wealth for good after a life changing experience being held in captivity.

Many viewers agree that Downey Jr brought a lot of himself to the character. This very much includes the sense of humour the character has. This performance effectively set up a sequel and also helped to propel Marvel Studios to inhabit one of cinema’s biggest franchises.

Favreau himself has commented saying Downey Jr’s past makes him right for the role:

The best and worst moments of Robert’s life have been in the public eye. He had to find an inner balance to overcome obstacles that went far beyond his career. That’s Tony Stark. Robert brings a depth that goes beyond a comic book character having trouble in high school, or can’t get the girl.

2. Kirk Lazarus in Tropic Thunder (2008)

A risky role, but one that was definitely worth it. Directed by and starring Ben Stiller, Tropic Thunder tells the story of a group of very different actors who are cast in an epic war movie. Before long, the film’s director grows tired of their disruptions, and sets out to make everything seem as real as possible when filming…only for this to accidentally send the actors into conflict with the heroin-producing gang, Flaming Dragon.

Downey Jr portrays an intense Australian method actor, Kirk Lazarus, who goes to the extreme length of “pigmentation alteration” surgery to darken his skin for the role of African-American Staff Sergeant Lincoln Osiris. This portrayal could have caused a lot of controversy for obvious reasons. But thankfully Downey Jr was able to make the role humorous whilst also being delicate with the subject matter.

The role actually earned the actor an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 81st Academy Awards.

1. Charlie Chaplin in Chaplin (1992)

From us, Robert Downey Jr’s best performance can only be none other than his portrayal of comedy pioneer, Charlie Chaplin. Directed by the late great Richard Attenborough, the film charters us right across Chaplin’s life, from his infancy in poverty to his return to the USA for the Academy Awards in 1972.

Without a doubt, the actor flexes his muscles unlike every before in this film and makes this one of his most memorable performances. His change in accent as chaplin gets older, his mimicry of Chaplin’s slapstick comedy acts and his movement from comedy to drama is top notch.

Downey Jr beat out many big names for the role. This reportedly included Billy Crystal, Tom Hanks and Johnny Depp.

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What are your thoughts on our picks for Robert Downey Jr’s best 5 performances? Do you have picks of your own? Let us know in the comment section below.