Brad Pitt is undeniably one of the best actors in Hollywood, and he’s been shining on the big screen and making waves for decades. From smaller comedic roles to action-packed blockbuster hits, there’s nothing this versatile man can’t do.
Everyone knows he’s teamed up with the Coen brothers for some humor and Quentin Tarantino for some serious thrills, so it’s time to lay out his best roles to date - from the hilarious and memorable characters he’s played to the serious dramas he’s been apart of.
Chad Feldheimer (Burn After Reading, 2008)
Any movie buff can appreciate the unique humor that Ethan and Joel Coen bring to the big screen, and this time, they got Brad Pitt to shine as there leading guy. Frances McDormand and Brad Pitt work at a gym, and they stumble upon a disc that the CIA is eager to get back.
With George Clooney, Burn After Reading is as outrageous and entertaining as they come. It's a breath of fresh air for those that love Pitt, but need a more light-hearted binge.
Mickey O’Neil (Snatch, 2000)
Directed by Guy Ritchie, starring Brad Pitt, Jason Statham, and Benicio Del Toro, that's all fans should need to know about Snatch. This crime comedy has corrupt boxing promoters, bookmakers trying to make ends meet, a Russian gangster, and amateur thieves.
Brad Pitt is Mickey O'Neil, a 'pikey' that's also a pretty stellar fighter, and his character will immediately become a fan favorite for all those who love him. This flick is violent and intense, but it's also absolutely hysterical.
Lt. Aldo Raine (Inglorious Basterds, 2009)
Director and writer Quentin Tarantino might just be the king of mixing morbid violence and comedic brilliance, and Inglorious Basterds is definitely no exception. During World War II, a cruel, guerilla American group is out to kill Nazis. Plus, a Jewish girl woman tries to turn a movie premiere into a big political statement.
There's so many things happening at once in this movie, but all of it is entertaining and totally hysterical. With Brad Pitt (as the guerilla leader), Mélanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz, and Michael Fassbender, it's a must-see. Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood also certainly deserves a shout-out.
Ben Rickert (The Big Short, 2015)
The Big Short is an Oscar-winning biography drama with the perfect tough of comedic relief. Directed by Adam McKay, this story follows the 2006 housing market crash, and the investors that begin to uncover its corruption.
Christian Bale is a collapsing hedge-fund manager, Steve Carell is a risky money manager, Ryan Gosling is an eccentric young buck, and Brad Pitt is a retired trader that everyone needs. Plus, Margot Robbie narrates it from a bathtub.
Rusty Ryan (Ocean’s Eleven, 2001)
Taking a turn away from comedy, Ocean's Eleven slides more into thrills and crime, with of course, some funny punchlines. Everyone knows this famous franchise and Danny Ocean, and this flick is about robbing Las Vegas casinos.
George Clooney is joined by Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, and Brad Pitt (as Rusty Ryan). Brad Pitt as a con-man in a casino is everything all fans never knew they needed, and is a classic of the decade.
Billy Beane (Moneyball, 2011)
With 6 Oscar nominations, Moneyball deserves some serious recognition. Brad Pitt is Billy Beane, a general manager of a baseball team. He seeks to get a new team on a limited budget, using new computer software.
Based on a true story, this fascinating drama is a timeless classic and is one of the best of Pitt's performances from the 2010s. With Robin Wright and Jonah Hill, this biography flick is a home run.
Tyler Durden (Fight Club, 1999)
There's really no Brad Pitt without the movie that no one's supposed to talk about. Fight Club is directed by the brilliant David Fincher and stars the equally iconic Brad Pitt and Edward Norton. This drama has crime, thrills, twists, and romance, and all of it is an unexpected ride.
It certainly has its ridiculous and comedic moments, but for the most part, it's a pretty hard-hitting and dark flick. A highly-rated and totally timeless film, it's hard to celebrate Pitt without including this one.
Roy McBride (Ad Astra, 2019)
The newest on the list, Ad Astra is an adventure drama that takes viewers up into space. Taking place in the near future, Roy McBride, an astronaut, must go across the solar system to find his missing father.
This flick has very few light-hearted moments, but is an infatuating space drama for all those who love the genre and love Brad Pitt. It's a great dive into the vast universe.
Detective Mills (Se7en, 1995)
Se7en might just be one of the best serial killer thrillers of all time, and Brad Pitt's first role that no one could ignore. Also directed by David Fincher, this film follows a rookie (Pitt) and a veteran detective (Morgan Freeman), who are trying to catch a serial killer (Kevin Spacey) who murders his victims based on the seven deadly sins.
For fans of crime and thrills, this movie is a must-see. While there is certainly some comedic relief from Pitt's arrogant character, this violent flick is definitely serious. Fans are still shouting "what's in the box?!" along with Brad Pitt.
Serious: Bass (12 Years A Slave, 2013)
This Best Picture winner takes place in pre-war United States, where a black man from New York is sold into slavery. Based on Solomon Northup's (Chiwetel Ejiofor) true experience, 12 Years a Slave is tragic, heartbreaking, and also inspiring.
This raw and brilliant film tells a tale needed to be told, and is done so in a masterful way. Brad Pitt is Bass, a Canadian abolitionist. Probably the most serious of Pitt's entire acting career, it's also one of his best, and certainly the most influential.