Brad Pitt is an icon of cinema. A man once referred to by his looks overcame the stigma like Robert Redford and Paul Newman before him, and has become one of the greatest actors of all time. From his breakout performance in Thelma and Louise, to his starring role in Interview With The Vampire, to his Oscar nominated performance as Benjamin Button, Pitt has making it rain in the business for decades. This list alone should remind us of how accomplished he actually is. Giving us years of great performances along with entertaining movies. Think about all the incredible ones that didn’t even make the list! Pitt is a gift to cinema.
10. Legends Of The Fall
Legends Of The Fall seems to be all about death and tragedy, but the closing, mystical, shuttered freeze-framed death of wild, reckless, now old and weathered Tristan (Brad Pitt) grappling with the grizzly bear he wounded as a teenager is one of the best finale’s in a film. With Native American One Stab’s (Gordon Tootoosis) narrating the film, he closes the tale by saying:
“It was a good death”
9. Kalifornia
The film focuses on a psychology student and his girlfriend who are traveling cross-country to research serial killers, when ironically the couple that they is sharing the ride on the trip is exactly what they are searching for. Pitt plays Early Grayce, the serial killer on the trip. Just losing his job at the mirror factory he is planning on leaving the state. His parole officer tells him if he doesn’t find a new job he’ll be arrested, so Early plans an escape after picking up an ad. In route he has a confrontation with his landlord that ends in the landlord being killed and disposed of by Early, and thus a trip that involves carnage and destruction, not to mention an ending that you won’t forget. Brad Pitt is anything but the playboy heartthrob he’s considered as. In one of his best roles ever, he is diabolical and terrifying as Early.
8. Oceans Eleven
When Daniel Ocean is released from prison in New Jersey, his next heist is already planned. Danny’s target are three Las Vegas casinos: The Bellagio, the Mirage and the MGM Grand. They all belong to ruthless entrepreneur Terry Benedict, who, by the way, also shows a certain interest in Danny’s beautiful ex-wife Tess.
7. Troy
Troy is not Oscar quality nor does it pretend to be. It’s better than most movies in it’s genre and offers an epic adventure of breath taking battles, romance, betrayal, and the hunger for power. The imminent price each character pays for their fortunes are not comparable to pain and sorrow each of those paths lead. What Troy does best is focus on it’s individual character’s and lets them shine. The violence of this film is brutal and earns it’s “R” rating. For anyone who enjoys a great epic movie, Troy should be on your list to rent, it’s on my shelf as property.
6. Snatch
Bare Knuckle Boxing, British gangsters, pigs with a taste for man, and Pikeys are the recipe for the film Snatch. Countered by an insanely talented and charismatic cast, with a cleverly written script by Guy Ritchie, and a nonstop pace of entertainment for the audience makes this one of the most exciting and enjoyable movies to begin a new decade. A twisting story told from individual perspectives that eventually connect together one way or another, with an absolutely fantastic array of characters that make this movie an adventure of a wild and crazy surrounding the fate of a stolen diamond.
5. Interview With The Vampire
What made this movie so amazing was a perfect cast, but also the adapted screenplay by Anne Rice herself. Taking her own masterpiece and working it into a dark vampire movie unlike any that had been made before it. The story is motivated by Louis’s inner conflict. He has the cravings of a killer, and yet the conscience of a man. Refusing to let go of his humanity and acknowledging all that he truly is and once was, is Louis’s source of strength and yet simultaneously his weakness. The story is told in the same methodical manner as Rice’s novel version. The inner turmoil of Louis’s conflict is so desperate and yet so tangible. Tangled into the mix with the gleeful and maddening Lestat who revels in everything he is, Louis finally understands he is not just a companion to Lestat, he is his own obsession. When Louis realizes Lestat’s real affection is for Louis’s humanity and not Louis himself, he and the child vampire Claudia leave the America’s and head to Europe in search of other vampires like them. Now Louis has Lestat’s demise to wallow over as well, and together he and Claudia are the perfect couple of lamentable despair. I would recommend this film to anyone who loves Anne Rice, it pays such a beautiful homage to her genius of the written word. Even if you’re not a fan of her novels this movie is worth a couple hours just to watch one of the greatest character’s of all time being visualized so perfectly with Cruise as Lestat. This epic tale of loneliness, regret, and accepting the gamble of life is a story like none other told, and it’s a vampire film like you’ve never seen before. The brutality of them and the beauty of them is a most enjoyable paradox.
4. Inglourious Basterds
Watching a Quentin Tarantino movie is one of the greatest events a movie goer can have. Each of his films are so strikingly different, yet they all still have a common thread and feel about them. The personal touch of Tarantino’s personality reigns deeply in each of them. He goes down as one of the greatest film makers of all time. It’s a bold statement but one I have no problem arguing. There is something personal about his films, but also his own love and adoration of them that somehow bursts into each scene, each minuscule moment. Every detail feels like it was put together with love and the greatest respect and attention. This is what the movies is about. Go see Inglourious Basterds this instant.
3. 12 Monkeys
Twelve Monkey’s has gotten a bad reputation for being a movie too complicated for people to understand, and yes it might be a light complex, but it’s also ridiculously scary and intelligent, not to mention entertaining. Mankind has barely survived a virus that destroyed the majority of it’s population. Years into the future, criminals are sent through time travel to find the pieces of the puzzle that ended in mans demise. All signs point to something involving “Twelve Monkeys”. In order to save humanity James Cole (Bruce Willis) is a criminal sent back to find this information. For some reason he has more tolerance to the travel and can remember more. This movie is a whirlwind up till the climactic shooting by airport security, filmed in slow-motion, of James which is perceived through a young incarnation of himself (Joseph Melito ) watching witnessing his own death. Talk about twisted. In this one the virus gets us even with trying to alter the time continuum.
2. Fight Club
This film had incredible depths, entertainment value, and a shocking balance of all the elements that make a good movie. Fight Club is without question one of the greatest films ever made, with some of the most extreme concepts, perplexing questions, and moreover a plot that will drive those who are compelled to look further into it than it being a “cool” movie, even though it IS cool. Hands down one of my favorite movies of all time and by far one of the most relevant movies of a generation ending and a new age opening. This is the transition of a lifestyle and ideology of people while still entertaining. What more can you ask for? Guys beating each other up? Check. Buildings exploding? Check. Brad Pitt? Check. Ed Norton? Check. Telling your boss to take a flying leap? Check. A twisted plot so complex in it’s levels of self exploration it never fully meets an end? Check. This pulls out all the stops. Go watch it now. It’s more important today than when it was released.
1. Se7en
Se7en is possibly my favorite film of all time. It has every element of excellent story telling, the intricate look inside the head of a maniacal serial killer, and the development of characters that are unforgettable. It is a film that delves into the depths of mankind in darkest light. So many different emotions run like water during the course of it’s story. Be prepared to be shocked and dismayed. Pure genius film making.
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Wow excellent list Heather! I agree that Se7en may well be my favorite Brad Pitt movie and one of my favorite movie of all time. I also liked him Ocean’s Eleven, man love I guess
I would also recommend The Assassination of Jesse James if you haven’t seen it. Pretty slow movie but he was good in it.
I agree he was great in it. The movie itself lost me at a certain point, just too slow even for me. Pitt was awesome. I love him as Rusty!
good list again Heather. I agree with most of these films and their placement, although i wouldn’t have placed Ocean’s Eleven or perhaps even Troy in the Top 10. I think that his role in Kalifornia should have been higher on the list. And what about his roles in The Devil’s Own, and who doesn’t love Cool World?
Thanks Rob!
Troy I’ve always been partial to, even though I know it’s not a fan favorite. Pitt as Achilles is one of my favorite roles of all time.
Cool World was awesomely bad, but I never really liked The Devils Own. Pitt and Ford were good in it, but the movie itself was rather lackluster for me.
Fight club is an easy winner for me with Se7en a close second
1- Fight Club
2 – Se7en
3 – Inglourious Basterds
4 – 12 Monkeys
5 – Spy Game (hugely underrated film)
6- Interview With The Vampire (hasn’t aged well)
7 – Snatch
8 – Oceans Eleven
9 – Babel
10 –
Can’t decide between: Kalifornia, Mr. & Mrs. Smith and A River Runs Through It for the final place.
Spy Game would have been my 11 spot. I actually have a review drafted that I was going to post this weekend!
I still haven’t seen Babel.
I wasn’t partial to Mr. and Mrs. Smith though.
I agree with Andy, Spy Game is hugely underrated. I love Brad Pitt movies.
what about path finder………………….?
Good list, glad to see someone else is recongising Pitt’s acting talent. Fight Club probably tops mine, or perhaps Benjamin Button and Burn After Reading.
Burn After Reading was great. I know it got mixed reviews but it had me in hysterics.
I’m surprised you put seven before fight club as much as you love fight club. Great list once again Heather!!!!!
Thank you George!
Great list!
Brad really is such a brilliant actor and has had to do so much to prove it, as he just happens to be extremly good looking. Which has benefited us movie-goers the most with performances he has been putting in for well over a decade now.
I still have to see a couple of the films on this list and even have them on DVD ready to watch. 12 Monkeys I have seen once but feel it is a film you have to watch a few times to get different things from it.
Lets hope Brad keeps putting in these brilliant performances.
I’m not complaining about his studly looks. He’s the source of many man crushes as well.
12 Monkeys is awesome, and is more enjoyable each watch. You really begin to see how clever it actually is.
I agree with that I’m not complaining either its even better watching a great performance and a very gorgeous face.
As he gets older he just becomes more handsome in different ways too. I swoon I swoon! I do I do!
Great list – but lest we forget his unforgettable role on Growing pains as Jonathan Keith…the rock star young Ben idolizes who turns out to be a gigantic tool?
(PS – Count me as a disciple of ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES)
We also can’t discount the amazing hair of Johnny Suede. Some of his earlier TV roles and films certainly are hilarious and iconic for good or for bad.
You guys are starting to make me think I should give Jesse James a second chance?
I can’t believe I forgot The Assassination of Jesse James, only seen it once but I really enjoyed it.
This seems like one that has slipped under everyone’s radar. I think I might see it again, just for Pitt’s performance, but I just remember it being so slow and boring and it’s not a boring story. Ah well. I’m turning on it already. Maybe I should let sleeping dogs lie.
It was really interesting reading this, because I did a post like this one a while ago with a cache of entirely different movies. It’s just a testament to how many awesome films he’s been in. I think in recent years Brad Pitt has been glorified a bit too much, but you have to give him credit that he’s even stayed steady in the public eye this long.
I’ve never seen Kalifornia or Snatch, but after reading this I really want to.
Here are my two lists if you want to compare (I like that we both had Se7en on the Best Of List):
http://themoviemistress.blogspot.com/2009/08/most-overrated-brad-pitt-movies.html
http://themoviemistress.blogspot.com/2009/08/best-brad-pitt-films.html
I don’t think he’s glorified at all. I think this list is a testament of that. And while clearly we are all entitled to our opinions I didn’t really feel like any of the films you noted overrated his performance. And some movies like Ocean’s Eleven weren’t meant to be extensions of his talent, but rather his charisma.
I always loved in him in Legends of the Fall. As much as I loved him in Interview ( I know you disagree ) I do agree that Cruise and Dunst were the stars of that film. In Legends he was quietly present and the complexity of Tristan still has me intrigued. I just love it.
Oh well. To each their own. I am glad you have some respect for him. I think it would be hard to like movies and not appreciate what he’s given to cinema over the years.
that list is totally insane ….. i think fight club would be included on no 1… and legends of fall on no2 and troy on no3…….
No love for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button? Either way it’s a great list!
Yeah, that one just barely didn’t make it. It’s tough! Brad Pitt is brilliant and his movies are great. At least the Academy acknowledged that performance.
Oh I agree!!! The Curious Case of BEnjamin Button is one of my all time favourites! I mean, his performance was just amazing and the story is simply fantastic. I was actually very dissapointed to not see it in the list.
no Thelma and Louise? Heather, you surprise me
Spy Game is one of my favourites, but i love it more for Redford rather than Pitt’s performance. Redford should just play an ageing spy in every movie he’s in.
Pitt’s best ever performance, bizarrely, was in Snatch. hes never been better
This was a hard list! Brad Pitt is easily my favorite actor in the last two decades, save maybe Viggo Mortensen, and I still enjoyed movies like Meet Joe Black, A River Runs Through It, and yes even Cool World. What made me discount Thelma and Louise was the fact that it was more of a supporting role. Nothing techinically purposeful, just enough to narrow my list down a little more.
Wait till my Spy Game review. Today or tomorrow. I’m a huge fan, but I also agree that it was Redfords show. The only actor I possibly love as much as Pitt is easily Robert Redford. Best dose of Redford save The Sting for me is always Sneakers.
Good list. He’s excellent in Kalifornia and Fight Club. I would have considered Babel too, and I thought he was strong in Spy Game.
Babel is one I haven’t seen yet, but Spy Game was a great movie. It’s difficult to associate with Tony Scott, it’s a bit above par for his usual creations. I always felt Redford was star of that, but together he and Brad Pitt are incredible. I’d like to see them do another film before Redford gets too old.
Talented, handsome, quirky and original. One’s got to admire Brad. Globe trotting with six adorable children and Angelina, gifting hundreds of thousands to charity. Who de better man? No one!
He is one of those rare movie stars that truly has it all and you are right his body of work speaks for itself.
Does anyone know a Brad Pitt movie where he can remember what happened 5 minutes ago? He goes through the entire movie lost because he’s relying entirely on these notes that he has written to himself. In one scene you see a woman telling him that she is going to manipulate him. She walks out the door and then walks right back in, and he can’t remember that she was just there… Never seen the whole movie, just snaps on TV. Wanted to know what it’s called. Thanks.
that is called memento.. but brad pitt is not in it..
Sorry, don’t know how I got that confused. Memento, not a Brad Pitt movie. I saw it a long time ago & must have replaced the main character in my mind with Brad Pitt cause of Brad’s hotness factor…
Again with Troy?
Loving this list only Tyler Durden is easily #1. Loving going back thru your old lists from before I had a blog!!!
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Does not anyone know of Meet Joe Black, one of my favorite movies
It’s a fantastic film, and generally under-appreciated from my point of view.
i can’t believe .a great list.but no place for “the curious case of benjamin button”……..why?
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button is the best movie of Brad Pitt.
Meet Joe Black…
Yes, one of my favorites.
lets not forget sleepers and curious case of benjamin button
Legends of the fall is my favorite movie of all time, wonderful story. I also really enjoyed Seven Years in Tibet.
Hi Heather! thanks for this post about Brad Pitt, I love Brad Pitt. For me the #1 is Troy..
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great list! For me troy is best of them.
Brad really talented parson in hollywood…brad pitt always rocks…god bless you brad
If Brad had played no role other than Aldo Raine, I would consider his theatrical contributions complete. To have been ignored by the Academy when his compatriots were being lauded is the very definition of unjust. There is no denying Tarantino’s genius, but without Brad’s masterful performance, it would have fallen short.
The Academy must be a bunch of “Natsi’s”
I enjoyed TROY a lot. Though I have not seen his other movies listed, I would like to watch them. Anyhow, I became his fan after his magnificent role in TROY. Great Brad Pitt.
awesome list, this kinda helped me with my assignment as well and i’ve been hunting down some more of his movies so this helped
I enjoyed TROY a lot.Brad really talented parson in hollywood…brad pitt always rocks…god bless you brad
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You listed several movies that were panned by critics. Some of them were box office failures as well…..
Troy, Legends of the Fall, and Interview with a Vampire…?
Movies that exceed those:
Babel
The Assassination of Jesse James
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind
Burn After Reading
Moneyball
Tree of Life
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button