College Times

Media Credit: Couresty Overture Films

With Righteous Kill Opening this weekend, it would be almost too easy to put together a list of DeNiro or Pacino’s best works. “Godfather” for both, “Raging Bull” for DeNiro, “Dog Day Afternoon,” for Pacino. Hell, anyone could put out a list of made up of “Goodfellas,” “Scarface,” “Serpico,” and of course, “Heat.”

After looking at these guys’ body of work, it becomes apparent that DeNiro has endured a longer, and much more successful career. While Pacino, especially in his later years, has merely rehashed the same angry archetype again and again.

With that in mind, we present the best DeNiro movies out there (not listed above), and a fun little bit of Pacino counter-programming as well.

A Bronx Tale
DeNiro directed this Bronx drama written by uber-mob actor Chazz Palmenteri – before he started hocking Vanilla coke.
Or you could watch “Donnie Brasco” – probably Pacino’s best work.

The Fan
Wesley Snipes plays a successful Giants player (essentially Barry Bonds) who’s stalked by Deniro’s rabid fan.
Or you could watch “Insomnia” – featuring Robin Williams as a creepy serial killer.

We’re No Angels
This forgotten comedy features Sean Penn and DeNiro posing as priests after escaping from jail. Way before Catholic pedophilia reached the mainstream.
Or you could watch “Frankie and Johnny” – to see that Pacino’s softer side is only reserved for Michelle Pfiefer.   

Once Upon a Time America
While never as impressive as the cast that made it, DeNiro deserves credit for playing an even skuzzier version of his trademark character.
Or you could watch “Glengarry Glen Ross” – because you can never hear the word ‘fuck’ too many times.

Midnight Run
Starring alongside the M.I.A. Charles Grobin, DeNiro basically fathered the buddy-cop movie seen once every two years.
Or you could watch “Scent of a Woman” – With Chris O’Donnell, it’s kind of a buddy movie.

The Untouchables
DeNiro plays Al Capone. ‘nuff said.
Or you could watch “Dick Tracy” – Pacino plays Big Boy Caprice. ‘nuff said.

Backdraft
Firefighter drama features all star cast and lots of boom.
Or you could watch “Any Given Sunday” – because football is just as important as fighting fires.

Cape Fear
DeNiro plays a psychotic sadist who tortures a poor family and beats the ever living snot out of Illeana Douglas.
Or you could watch  “S1m0ne” ­– Basically it’s the complete opposite of “Cape Fear.”

Cop Land
Sylvester Stallone packed on the pounds for this cop drama.
Or you could watch “The Insider” – aka Rusell Crowe’s Oscar picture that didn’t win a single Oscar.

Angelheart
Mickey Rourke fights off DeNiro’s version of the Devil.
Or you could watch The Devil’s Advocate – Keanu Reeves fights off Pacino’s version of the Devil.

DeNiro wins.

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