1. Jaws (1975) – A groundbreaking thriller by Steven Spielberg featuring Dreyfuss in a memorable performance as marine biologist Matt Hooper. With an almost perfect score, it’s not just one of Dreyfuss’ best but one of the greatest films ever made.

2. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) – Another Spielberg classic, where Dreyfuss stars as Roy Neary, an electrical lineman who experiences a close encounter with a UFO. The movie is highly acclaimed for its storytelling and visual effects.

3. American Graffiti (1973)– Directed by George Lucas, this coming-of-age film follows a group of teenagers over one night. Dreyfuss plays Curt Henderson, adding to the ensemble’s critically lauded performances.

4. The Goodbye Girl (1977) – A romantic comedy-drama that won Dreyfuss an Academy Award, with him playing an arrogant actor who shares an apartment with a single mother and her daughter.

5. Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995) – Dreyfuss stars as a high school music teacher who aspires to compose his own music. The film celebrates the profound impact a passionate teacher can have on generations of students.

6. Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986) – A comedy where Dreyfuss plays a rich but troubled businessman who befriends a homeless man, resulting in numerous comedic situations.

7. What About Bob? (1991) – This comedy pits Dreyfuss against Bill Murray, with Dreyfuss playing Dr. Leo Marvin, a psychiatrist whose life becomes chaotic due to one of his patients following him on vacation.

8. Always (1989) – In this romantic drama directed by Steven Spielberg, Dreyfuss plays a pilot who fights forest fires and must come to terms with his own mortality. The movie is noted for its emotional depth and strong performances.

9. Stand By Me (1986) – Although not the lead role, Dreyfuss’ part as the film’s narrator adds gravitas to this adaptation of Stephen King’s novella about four boys on a quest to find a dead body.

10. The Big Fix (1978) – A lesser-known film where Dreyfuss plays Moses Wine, an unconventional private detective investigating political intrigue in California. It showcases his range as an actor and stands out for its unique blend of mystery and humor.

This list ranks Richard Dreyfuss’ top movies according to their Rotten Tomatoes scores at the time of writing and could change with future reviews and ratings.