What a career Sean Astin has had. Not many actors can say that they have successfully made the transition from cute child star to serious, award-winning actor, but Astin has been able to do just that. Comedy, fantasy, sports, sci-fi, adventure, you name it, Sean Astin has starred in something related to that genre and has excelled in his role.

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It would a fool's game to try to pick Sean Astin's 10 best movies. He has done such a wide variety of films that it is nearly impossible to compare some of them. Best to stick with the experts on this one. Here are Sean Astin's 10 highest-rated movies (that he has starred or co-starred in), according to Rotten Tomatoes.

Memphis Belle (1990) - 67%

In the World War II drama Memphis Belle, Astin plays Richard "Rascal" Moore, a ball turret gunner. Astin almost always plays a nice guy, but not in Memphis Belle. In this film, he plays a rather obnoxious young man who relishes any opportunity to mock other members of his crew.

He also fancies himself as a bit of a playboy. Astin does not have many roles like this one, but he is still convincing as this type of character.

Woodlawn (2015) - 73%

Sean Astin returns to the football field to make fans happy-cry once again. This time, instead of suiting up for Notre Dame like he did in Rudy, he plays a chaplain who counsels a high school football team in Alabama that is dealing with the effects of racism, both on and off the field.

Astin, whose character is named Hank Erwin, preaches unity and helps the team realize the foolishness of their squabbles, leading to success on the field and in their lives.

Unleashed (2017) - 75%

Similar to his role in Stranger ThingsSean Astin plays the lovable Carl in Unleashed, who may or may not get the girl in the end. It is certainly not one of Astin's more notable roles, but it is a solid performance in a low-budget film (by his standards) that fans loved.

Astin might never be in another production as large as the Lord of the Rings films, but he has consistently delivered good performances in films and TV shows of all kinds.

The Goonies (1985) - 75%

Much of the world was introduced to Sean Astin's dramatic gifts in 1985, with the release of The GooniesAstin played Mikey Walsh, the leader of a gang of kids that embarks on a quest for lost treasure.

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Even as a child, Astin had a knack for playing a character who made up for his lack of size with sheer determination and endless optimism. Many child actors fizzle out after their big breaks. Not Astin, however.

Rudy (1993) - 78%

Sean astin and Jon Favreau standing next to each other in Rudy

There are two types of people in the world; those who cry while watching Rudy, and liars. Sean Astin's portrayal of Rudy Ruettiger, the diminutive Notre Dame football player with a bottomless well of resilience, makes Rudy one of the best sports films ever made.

Watching Rudy bounce back after each setback is absolutely infectious, and the film's climactic final sequence makes all of his hard work worth it in the end.

Where The Day Takes You (1992) - 80%

Sean Astin got really intense for this role. He once again reunites with Dermot Mulroney, who he starred alongside in Staying Together. 

In Where the Day Take You, though, Astin is not a cute little brother, but a drug addict living on the streets of L.A. Astin's portrayal of Greg is one of the darkest performances of his career, but it showed audiences that he was capable of playing much more than just the lovable underdog.

Staying Together (1989) - 80%

Astin was barely a teenager when Staying Together was released. This film centers on three brothers trying to keep their family together after their father sells off his restaurant, which was to be their ticket to a successful future.

This film is funny in parts, but is definitely heavier than The Goonies. Staying Together helped show off some of Astin's range, proving that he was not meant to be a one-hit-wonder.

The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001) - 91%

The Fellowship of the Ring was the first time we saw Sean Astin's Samwise Gamgee portrayal. Astin has made a living out of playing the little guy who's never out of the fight, so Sam was the perfect role for him to take on.

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Astin did not need the Lord of the Rings trilogy to establish himself in the world of show business, but these films helped cement his status as an elite actor.

The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (2003) - 93%

The Return of the King is the climactic conclusion to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Frodo, Sam, and co. face their toughest challenge yet, as Sauron has finally returned to form and is looking to eradicate the rebellion that threatens his power.

Sean Astin delivers Sam's epic monologue beautifully, which culminates in the famous line, "I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you." Frodo could not have made it without Sam.

The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (2002) - 95%

LOTR Two Towers

The second installment in Peter Jackson's monumental trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novels, Astin plays Samwise "Sam" Gamgee, Frodo Baggins's loyal sidekick that is helping him on his quest to destroy The One Ring.

Sean Astin's range is incredible, and it is on full display here as Sam puts his life on the line to help out his friends and keep his group's hopes alive.

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