# Robert De Niro's First Movie Was X-Rated Comedy

> Brian De Palma's 1968 film 'Greetings' starred young Robert De Niro and earned an X rating before adult film industry co-opted the label.
- Title: Robert De Niro's First Movie Was X-Rated Comedy · SlashFilm
- Summary: Brian De Palma's 1968 film 'Greetings' starred young Robert De Niro and earned an X rating before adult film industry co-opted the label. Brian De Palma's…
- Keywords: robert de niro, brian de palma, greetings, x rating, 1968, comedy, adult film industry, no wave movement, entertainment, culture, Robert, Niro's
- Source: SlashFilm — https://slashfilm.com/2281028/robert-de-niro-first-major-movie-controversial-comedy-greetings
- Author: Witney Seibold
- Published: 2026-10-11T21:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: robert de niro, brian de palma, greetings, x rating, 1968, comedy, adult film industry, no wave movement, entertainment, culture
## First major film for De Niro
Robert De Niro starred in Brian De Palma's 1968 comedy film 'Greetings', which was the first narrative film to receive an X rating.
## X rating meaning in 1968
In 1968, the X rating referred exclusively to porn and was not yet co-opted by the adult film industry.
## De Palma's filmography
De Palma directed 'Greetings' as his second feature after 'Murder a la Mod' and later worked with De Niro on 'The Wedding Party', 'Hi, Mom!', and 'The Untouchables'.
## Film's plot and themes
The film follows three friends exploring 1968 social and political issues, including the Vietnam War and JFK assassination.
## Roger Ebert's review
Roger Ebert gave 'Greetings' three stars, noting it wasn't entirely successful as a comedy but had charm and freshness.
## Film's cultural impact
The film influenced the no wave movement and is available on Prime Video for fans of experimental 1960s art films.
## Key takeaway

Brian De Palma's 1968 comedy 'Greetings' was Robert De Niro's first major film and received an X rating due to nudity and profanity.