US Trends

what movies was robert duvall in

Robert Duvall has been in a very long list of movies over more than 60 years, so it’s easier to highlight his most important and recognizable films rather than list absolutely everything.

Below is a Quick overview you can skim.

Major classics he’s known for

These are the titles most people think of first when they hear “Robert Duvall.”

  • To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) – as Boo Radley.
  • M A S*H (1970) – as Major Frank Burns.
  • THX 1138 (1971) – as the lead character THX.
  • The Godfather (1972) – as Tom Hagen.
  • The Godfather Part II (1974) – again as Tom Hagen.
  • Apocalypse Now (1979) – as Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore (“I love the smell of napalm in the morning”).
  • The Great Santini (1979) – as tough Marine pilot Bull Meechum.
  • Tender Mercies (1983) – as country singer Mac Sledge, which won him the Best Actor Oscar.

1970s–1980s highlights

Through the 70s and 80s, Duvall bounced between gritty dramas, character pieces, and genre films.

  • True Grit (1969) – as outlaw Ned Pepper, with John Wayne.
  • The Rain People (1969) – an early Coppola film, as Gordon.
  • The Conversation (1974) – small but memorable part as “The Director” (uncredited).
  • Network (1976) – as network executive Frank Hackett.
  • The Eagle Has Landed (1976) – as Colonel Radl.
  • The Betsy (1978) – as Loren Hardeman III.
  • Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) – cameo as a priest.
  • True Confessions (1981) – opposite Robert De Niro as Detective Tom Spellacy.
  • The Natural (1984) – as sportswriter Max Mercy.

1990s movies you might recognize

If you watched 90s cable TV, you’ve probably seen at least a few of these.

  • Days of Thunder (1990) – as crew chief Harry Hogge.
  • A Show of Force (1990) – as Howard.
  • The Handmaid’s Tale (1990) – as the Commander in the early adaptation.
  • Rambling Rose (1991) – as the father, “Daddy.”
  • Newsies (1992) – as publisher Joseph Pulitzer.
  • Falling Down (1993) – as retiring cop Prendergast.
  • Wrestling Ernest Hemingway (1993) – as Walter.
  • Geronimo: An American Legend (1993) – as scout Al Sieber.
  • The Paper (1994) – as editor Bernie White.
  • Something to Talk About (1995) – as Wyly King.
  • The Scarlet Letter (1995) – as Roger Chillingworth.
  • Sling Blade (1996) – as Karl’s father.
  • Phenomenon (1996) – as the small-town doctor.

2000s and later films

Even into his 80s and 90s, Duvall kept showing up in big, often scene‑stealing roles.

  • Gone in 60 Seconds (2000) – as Otto Halliwell.
  • The 6th Day (2000) – as Dr. Griffin Weir.
  • John Q. (2002) – as Lt. Frank Grimes.
  • Assassination Tango (2002) – star, writer, director and producer.
  • Gods and Generals (2003) – as General Robert E. Lee.
  • Secondhand Lions (2003) – as eccentric uncle Hub.
  • Open Range (2003) – as cattleman Boss Spearman.
  • Kicking & Screaming (2005) – as Buck Weston (Will Ferrell’s competitive dad).
  • Thank You for Smoking (2005) – as “The Captain.”
  • Crazy Heart (2009) – as Wayne, plus producer credit.
  • The Road (2009) – as an old man the travelers meet.
  • Get Low (2009/2010) – as hermit Felix Bush, also executive producer.
  • Seven Days in Utopia (2011) – as Johnny Crawford.
  • Jack Reacher (2012) – as Cash, who runs the shooting range.
  • The Judge (2014) – as Judge Joseph Palmer, opposite Robert Downey Jr.
  • Wild Horses (2015) – as Scott Briggs, also writer and director.
  • Widows (2018) – as powerful politician Tom Mulligan.
  • 12 Mighty Orphans (2021) – as Mason Hawk.
  • Hustle (2022) – as team owner Rex Merrick.
  • The Pale Blue Eye (2022) – as Jean‑Pepe.

Notable Duvall‑led projects (he also wrote or directed)

These are movies where he wasn’t just acting; he was helping craft the whole thing.

  • Tender Mercies (1983) – co‑producer and star, won the Oscar.
  • Angelo My Love (1983) – director and producer.
  • The Apostle (1997) – wrote, directed, produced, and starred as a fiery Pentecostal preacher.
  • Assassination Tango (2002) – wrote, directed, produced, and acted.
  • Wild Horses (2015) – wrote, directed, and starred.

If you want the full list

Duvall’s full filmography runs from early 1960s roles like To Kill a Mockingbird all the way to recent titles like Hustle and The Pale Blue Eye, with dozens of films in between.

For a complete, line‑by‑line listing of every movie he’s been in (including small roles, cameos, and TV films), the best place to check is his dedicated filmography pages on major movie databases and encyclopedias.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.