Robert De Niro, known for his intense portrayals of gangsters and villains, has notably added comedy to his acclaimed repertoire in recent years. With the arrival of The Intern (2015) on Netflix, audiences now have the chance to experience Robert De Niro’s comedy roles in The Intern and Dirty Grandpa, which reveal his ability to move effortlessly between likable charm and outrageous antics.
For over fifty years, De Niro has been synonymous with multifaceted villainous characters, bringing depth to each role with signature intensity. His recent turn toward comedy has surprised many, especially as he’s embraced playing grandfathers with distinct personalities and energies. This shift has added a new dimension to his celebrated career, inviting both longtime fans and new viewers to see De Niro’s versatility in action.
The Heartwarming Approach of The Intern
Premiering on Netflix in the US and UK, The Intern introduces viewers to Ben, played by Robert De Niro, a 70-year-old retiree who recently lost his wife. With time on his hands and a desire to reengage with the world, Ben seizes the opportunity to be a senior intern at a modern online fashion start-up, leaving behind his quiet post-retirement life. Set within a youthful company, Ben soon becomes popular thanks to his relatable sense of humor, worldly wisdom, and natural charm.
Central to the film’s appeal is Ben’s relationship with Jules, the company’s founder, played by Anne Hathaway. Their growing friendship forms the emotional core of the story, as Ben supports Jules through crucial professional and personal decisions. The chemistry between De Niro and Hathaway makes for an effective duo, providing both comedic relief and heartfelt moments as they navigate day-to-day challenges at the start-up.
Under the direction of Nancy Meyers, The Intern distinguishes itself with warmth and astute observation, sidestepping clichés that typically mar films about older adults re-entering the workforce. The screenplay, crafted by Meyers, is notable for its creation of likable yet genuine characters without veering into condescension. The film intentionally avoids romantic subplots, a feature of Meyers’s earlier works such as The Holiday and What Women Want, opting instead for genuine personal growth and intergenerational friendship.
Audiences responded positively as the film landed a strong 73% approval score from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes. The Intern demonstrates the crowd-pleasing aspects of De Niro’s comedy, blending gentle humor with heartfelt interactions and offering his fans a glimpse of a softer, more approachable side.
Dirty Grandpa: A Wildly Different Portrait of Aging
In stark contrast to his role in The Intern, De Niro transformed for Dirty Grandpa, which debuted in cinemas a year later. Instead of portraying the universally likable Ben, he embodies Dick, a recently widowed, foul-mouthed former Army officer who embraces a wild, unfiltered lifestyle in his senior years. Gone is the well-mannered grandfather; in his place is a character willing to shock and indulge in any outrageous opportunity he encounters.
Dirty Grandpa follows Jason, a straight-laced lawyer played by Zac Efron, on an unruly road trip to Florida with his grandfather Dick. What starts as a supposedly innocent family outing reveals Dick’s hidden agenda to enjoy newfound freedom, pushing Jason out of his comfort zone and forcing him to reassess both his priorities and his identity. The film is reminiscent of archetypes like Sergeant Hartmann from Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket, reimagined in retirement and cut loose in society. The comedic tone is deliberately coarse, contrasting sharply with the genteel style of The Intern.
Though critics gave a mixed reception, audiences found entertainment in the film’s brash humor, leading to a global box office of over $94 million on a $25 million budget. Critics debated whether the film signaled a decline in De Niro’s career, but his continued roles—including acclaimed performances in The Irishman (2019) and Killers Of The Flower Moon (2023)—have demonstrated his ongoing range and relevance, defying expectations and showing he is not bound by any single genre or style.
Demonstrating Versatility Across Generations and Genres
Taken together, Robert De Niro’s comedy roles in The Intern and Dirty Grandpa illustrate his breadth as an actor and his willingness to surprise audiences by playing against his own legend. In The Intern, he brings a nuanced, endearing perspective to later life, becoming a steady presence and a source of gentle laughter for the young and ambitious team. His character Ben, described as “Everybody’s Grandpa,” connects with both colleagues and viewers alike, reflecting the evolving perception of aging in cinema.
Meanwhile, in Dirty Grandpa, De Niro leans into the absurd, challenging standard portrayals of older men by embracing outrageous behavior. The journey with Zac Efron’s character, Jason, is as much about generational conflict as it is about self-discovery, making for a comedy that is as raucous as it is unconventional. Critics may have disagreed about the film’s artistic merits, but audiences turned out in large numbers, proving there remains an appetite for bold comedic experimentation.
The role of Dick, as an anti-hero grandfather, is the polar opposite of Ben, highlighting De Niro’s capacity to play completely different characters at similar stages in his career, each reflecting contrasting philosophies of aging and life after loss.
Continued Relevance and Cultural Impact
The streaming availability of both films demonstrates how Robert De Niro’s comedy roles in The Intern and Dirty Grandpa still attract attention and conversation. Audiences on Netflix in the US and UK can enjoy The Intern, while viewers in the US can watch Dirty Grandpa on Prime Video, and those in the UK have access via Apple TV Plus. The comedic personas of Ben and Dick reflect not only De Niro’s enduring appeal, but also shifting trends in what audiences seek—whether it is warmth and wisdom or the thrill of outrageous adventure.
De Niro’s progression from iconic gangster roles to multifaceted comedic performances marks him as one of cinema’s most dynamic talents. By stepping confidently into these divergent granddad roles, he reminds audiences that both charm and boldness can coexist, no matter the character’s age or circumstances. For both longtime fans and newcomers, Robert De Niro’s comedy roles in The Intern and Dirty Grandpa offer a glimpse into the full spectrum of aging, humor, and human experience—now just a click away on today’s leading streaming platforms.
