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When Robert Redford stepped away from acting in 2016, he left a cinematic legacy few can rival. His vast array of classic films is so impressive that five people could each choose a different set of top-five Redford movies, and all would be filled with exceptional works. Among these, Looper ranks his 1973 caper “The Sting” as the top pick. You can experience this masterpiece on Netflix and see if you agree with their choice.
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In “The Sting,” Redford takes on the role of Johnny Hooker, who partners with fellow con artist Henry Gondorff, played by Paul Newman, to execute an intricate plan of revenge. Their target is the man responsible for a friend’s death, and their elaborate heist story captivated audiences and critics alike, sweeping up numerous Oscars. The film won awards for best picture, director, screenplay, art direction, costume design, editing, and score. Although nominated for best actor, Redford lost to Jack Lemmon in “Save the Tiger,” yet his portrayal of Hooker remains one of his most acclaimed performances.
This film marked the second collaboration between Redford and Newman, who had previously set the screen alight in the 1969 Western classic “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” Both films, directed by George Roy Hill, feature the duo as charismatic criminals scheming their way through the plot, inviting constant debate over which film reigns supreme. With their release dates so close and shared talent, these movies often spark discussions on their comparative merits.
In our ranking, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” follows closely behind “The Sting.” It also missed the top spot in our list of Paul Newman’s greatest films. While “Butch Cassidy” won the Oscar for best screenplay, it fell short in the best picture and director categories, and neither lead was nominated for their roles.
Fans have debated about which Redford and Newman movie is better for decades
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Both movies are undeniably excellent, and while Looper leans towards “The Sting,” the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal taste in genre and tone. Unfortunately, “Butch Cassidy” isn’t currently available on Netflix, ruling out a back-to-back viewing. As the film community continues to feel the loss of Robert Redford since his passing in 2025, revisiting “The Sting” serves as a reminder of his remarkable talent.
In our aforementioned ranking of Redford’s movies, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” came in a close second to “The Sting.” It also failed to clinch the top spot on our list of the greatest Paul Newman movies, so it’s pretty clear where we here at Looper stand on the issue. For what it’s worth, “Butch Cassidy” took home less Oscars than “The Sting,” scooping the statuette for best screenplay but notably losing the best picture and best director prizes. Neither Redford nor Newman were nominated for their performances.
Ultimately, both movies are excellent. While we side with “The Sting,” there really is no definitive winner in this match up, with it all coming down to personal opinion swayed in part by preference for each film’s specific subgenre and tone. But “Butch Cassidy” isn’t currently available on Netflix, so no dice on a double feature at the moment. The film world is still reeling from Robert Redford’s death in 2025, and watching “The Sting” will remind you of just how great he really was.
