Robert Downey Jr Birthday Special: From Chaplin to Oppenheimer, 7 Movies That Showcased Iron Man Star's Best Performances Beyond Marvel Franchise

Robert Downey Jr is a man who needs no introduction. As an actor with a plethora of roles spanning many years, his most iconic portrayal comes from his tenure as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Spanning nearly a decade, RDJ became synonymous with this role, serving as a prime example of an actor making a triumphant comeback after a significant downturn. Today, he stands as an Oscar-winning actor, securing the title of Best Supporting Actor in 2024 for his stellar performance in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer.  Robert Downey Jr Birthday: His Stylish Appearances That Are as Powerful as His Iron Man Suit!

Even though his MCU innings have (seemingly) ended for now, RDJ is still known best among his fans for his turn as Marvel’s billionaire philanthropist in armour. But for a change, let's look at his other movie roles beyond his Iron Man gig. So, to celebrate Robert Downey Jr’s birthday, here are seven film roles beyond Iron Man that are equally entertaining and rewatchable.

Charlie Chaplin (Chaplin)

RDJ decided to take up the task of telling the iconic comedian Charlie Chaplin’s life in the film simply titled Chaplin. Doing great work in being able to capture his mannerisms while telling the iconic comedian’s life quite well, Downey Jr was a treat to watch in the role. The film had an overly glossy look, but rest assured that the actor did a great job portraying the iconic legend.

Harry Lockhart (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang)

Before Iron Man 3 happened, director Shane Black and Robert Downey Jr had teamed up in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, a black crime comedy that deserves your attention. Playing the role of the thief Harold Lockhart, the film sees him being sent to Hollywood after being mistaken for an actor and training under a private eye for a role. A hilarious unfolding of events follows that sees Downey Jr at his funniest, sharing great chemistry with Val Kilmer.

Sherlock Holmes (The Sherlock Holmes Films)

RDJ’s take on Sherlock Holmes is instantly iconic. A sociopathic detective who can solve any case on a whim, the actor teamed up with Guy Ritchie to deliver two extremely entertaining and fun movies that unfold like a box of mysteries. RDJ is hilarious, dedicated and an extreme powerhouse in the role, and his obsessive friendship with Jude Law’s Watson is a memorable part of the movies.

James Barris (A Scanner Darkly)

In this Richard Linklater film, RDJ plays the junkie roommate of Keanu Reeves' character, who according to the novel the movie is based on, is an absolute jerk you would immediately take annoyance with. But thanks to Downey's sarcastic and cutting portrayal, the performance offers abundant comic relief amidst the film's hallucinatory and surreal atmosphere.

Paul Avery (Zodiac)

David Fincher’s Zodiac has a stacked cast, but Downey Jr’s role as Paul Avery stood out so much in the film. A reporter obsessed with uncovering the secret behind the Zodiac Killer, RDJ plays a man just driven forward by one goal; his turn as Avery very easily lines up with some of his best work to date. Oscars 2024: Robert Downey Jr Wins His First Oscar! Fans Express Happiness As He Bags Best Supporting Actor for Oppenheimer at the 96th Academy Awards.

Kirk Lazarus (Tropic Thunder)

Parodying Hollywood’s obsession with method acting in Ben Stiller’s Tropic Thunder,  Downey Jr plays the role of Kirk Lazarus, a white actor pretending to be a black man. While it can be a bit problematic on paper, the film handles the subject matter well, teetering on the edge of controversy while still offering a worthy commentary. Complementing this is, of course, RDJ’s performance, which stands out as a highlight of the movie for which he received an Oscar nomination (that he lost to the late Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight).

Lewis Strauss (Oppenheimer)

Rounding up the list is the performance that finally dropped the Oscar on Robert Downey Jr's lap this year. Robert Downey Jr gives his best performance as Lewis Strauss, the chairman of the AEC (Atomic Energy Commission) and also the film's antagonist. It's a fantastic insight into his talents as a character actor, something that playing Iron Man for nearly 11 years may have robbed him of, and yet he reaffirms why he'll always be one of our generation's most cherished stars.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 04, 2024 03:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).