Jeff Bridges is one of the most likable and versatile actors to have ever appeared on film. Though he comes from a family of famous actors, Bridges carved out his own amazing career filled with iconic performances that showcase his unbelievable talents. Even after a career that has spanned many decades, Bridges can still be counted on to deliver great performances.
With one Oscar win and another six nominations, Bridges is no stranger to critical acclaim. His movies cover many different genres, from comedy to drama to superhero adventures, and Bridges seems to have a talent for finding great projects. Here are Jeff Bridges' best movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Crazy Heart (90%)
Bridges won his first Oscar for his moving performance as 'Bad' Blake in Crazy Heart. The film follows an aging country music star (Bridges) whose struggles with alcoholism. When he meets a young music journalist (Maggie Gyllenhaal), he finds a shot at redemption.
Critics acknowledged that Bridges' performance is one of the main reasons the film works so well. He is charming yet destructive as he battles his demons. The music and tender love story also elevate this film above similar redemption tales.
Cutter's Way (91%)
Early in his career, Bridges had yet to be solidified as a leading man but was headlining some smaller, critically acclaimed projects. Cutter's Way stars John Heard as a disabled war veteran who teams up with his friend (Bridges) to solve the murder of a young woman who the pair are mixed up with.
The movie was praised as an engrossing neo-noir film with a plot that effectively draws you in. It is a captivating character piece anchored by great performances by the two leads and a dark outlook that seems to fit with the era.
Bad Company (92%)
In another film from early in Bridges' career, he appears in this revisionist Western drama. Bad Company stars Bridges as a young man trying to avoid being drafted in the Civil War. As a runaway, he joins in with a group of young outlaws.
Critics liked the film's unique take on the genre and the decidedly unromantic depiction of life as a runaway. it was also applauded for its stirring central message and the surprising comedic tone peppered throughout the story.
The Little Prince (93%)
The Little Prince is one of the few animated films Bridges has lent his talents to. The film is based on the beloved children's book of the same name and follows a young girl who finds an escape from her structured life by carrying out an adventure for her elderly neighbor (Bridges).
Critics appreciated the film's faithful telling of the source material, as well as the amazing visuals from the mix of different animation styles. It's been called a beautiful family-friendly gem with an engaging story.
Iron Man (94%)
Bridges had the honor of joining the very first MCU film with 2008's Iron Man. The film stars Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, a billionaire weapons manufacturer who is captured by terrorists and builds a super-suit to escape and become a new hero for the world.
The movie was a massive hit with critics and audiences who were thrilled by the fun action and energetic tone. Most critics agreed that the shining aspect of the film was Downey Jr.'s hilarious and charismatic performance in the lead role.
True Grit (96%)
Stepping into John Wayne's shoes must be daunting for an actor, but Bridges actually managed to improve on one of Wayne's most famous roles. True Grit is a thrilling Western from Joel and Ethan Coen and stars Bridges as a U.S. Marshal hired by a young girl to capture her father's killer.
The movie is a brilliant and entertaining adventure, with plenty of action and humor to satisfy fans of the genre. It is also packed with great performances from Bridges, Matt Damon, and Hailee Steinfeld in her debut role.
The Fabulous Baker Boys (96%)
Bridges had the opportunity to star alongside his real-life brother, Bean Bridges, in The Fabulous Baker Boys. The film stars the two Bridges as brothers who perform a two-piano act at bars and lounges. Their relationship gets tested when they decide to add a new female singer to the act (Michelle Pfeiffer).
Critics hailed the performances from the three central stars as brilliant and for adding life to the familiar story. It is a funny, charming, and engaging drama that holds a special spark at its center.
Hell Or High Water (97%)
Bridges received another Oscar nomination for his excellent supporting role in the neo-Western Hell or High Water. Chris Pine and Ben Foster play two brothers who go on a robbery spree across their state with a specific goal in mind. Bridges plays the lawman on their trail.
Along with Bridges' funny yet powerful performance, the movie is an exciting and thoughtful genre film. The heist sequences are thrilling and there is a central message about the desperation in middle America.
The Last Picture Show (100%)
Bridges earned his first Oscar nomination for one of his first film roles in the classic The Last Picture Show. The beautiful black-and-white film centers on the lives of high school teens living in a dying rural town and looking for some way to escape. Bridges plays the school's top athlete faced with an uncertain future.
Critics praised the film's grounded take on the coming-of-age story and the effective way it used the period setting. They also made note of the many wonderful performances from the young cast that helped sell the heartbreaking story.
Fat City (100%)
Bridges followed up The Last Picture Show with another stellar performance in the boxing drama Fat City. The film stars Stacy Keach as a washed-up boxer who takes a young and promising fighter (Bridges) under his wing.
Unlike many films that tell similar stories, Fat City is not interested in inspiring stories of redemption. It is a hard-hitting and bleak story anchored by fantastic performance, including Bridges who holds his own against the accomplished veterans.