Brad Pitt has long been recognized as one of Hollywood’s leading actors, taking on a diverse range of characters and consistently delivering memorable performances. In this ranked list of the best Brad Pitt movies, we explore the highlights of his career, from cult classics to recent blockbusters, ensuring fans and newcomers alike can appreciate his evolving talent.
The Enduring Legacy of Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt quickly rose to stardom after achieving widespread recognition with his breakout role in ‘Thelma & Louise’. As one of the last great movie stars, Pitt’s filmography includes major works such as ‘Se7en’, ‘Fight Club’, ‘Moneyball’, and an Academy Award-winning performance in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’.
His career demonstrates remarkable variety, with roles spanning from romantic dramas to intense thrillers and action-packed heists. Pitt continues to push artistic boundaries, remaining relevant with his performance in the upcoming ‘F1 The Movie’, directed by Joseph Kosinski, set to debut June 27th.
In celebration of ‘F1 The Movie’, here are the 25 best Brad Pitt movies ranked, covering legendary performances and roles that have defined his legacy.
25. Bullet Train (2022)
In ‘Bullet Train’, Pitt plays Ladybug, an unlikely assassin aiming to leave his violent lifestyle behind but pulled into a perilous mission onboard the world’s fastest train. The plot weaves through a cast of dangerous characters with clashing motives, leading to an adrenaline-fueled journey. The film’s momentum and Pitt’s portrayal underline his skill in blending action with dark humor.
“The end of the line is just the beginning.”
—Unattributed
24. Troy (2004)
Set during the late Bronze Age, ‘Troy’ sees Pitt as the legendary warrior Achilles, embroiled in an epic conflict after the Trojan prince Paris persuades Helen, Queen of Sparta, to flee with him to Troy. This triggers an immense war between the Greeks and Trojans, with Pitt’s stoic performance at the film’s center. The massive scale and intense battles showcase Pitt’s versatility in historical epics.
“For passion. For honor. For destiny. For victory. For love.”
—Unattributed
23. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
Pitt stars as the infamous outlaw Jesse James, whose legend is challenged by the ambitions of Robert Ford, played by Casey Affleck. Robert joins James’ notorious gang but ultimately turns on his idol, catalyzing the myth of America’s most famous betrayal. The film stands out for its atmospheric drama, with Pitt delivering a nuanced performance as a complex, larger-than-life character.
“Beyond the myth lies America’s greatest betrayal”
—Unattributed
22. Ocean’s Thirteen (2007)
Rejoining Danny Ocean’s crew, Pitt’s character helps execute a personal mission against ruthless casino owner Willy Bank after a friend suffers a heart attack. With the stakes more personal than ever, the story blends caper excitement with camaraderie, keeping Pitt at the heart of the ensemble as they orchestrate an elaborate revenge.
21. Fury (2014)
As World War II nears its conclusion, Pitt is ‘Wardaddy’, a veteran sergeant leading a tank crew through dangerous missions behind enemy lines. Facing overwhelming odds, he guides his men through harrowing battles, embodying the grit and resilience of Allied forces. The film’s intensity is amplified by Pitt’s fierce and grounded performance.
20. World War Z (2013)
Pitt takes on the role of Gerry Lane, a former UN investigator forced into action when a mysterious infection decimates the globe, transforming people into zombies. Lane’s global search for the pandemic’s origin drives the film’s urgency, offering a plausible human anchor amid apocalyptic chaos.
“There will come a day when the world we know will end.”
—Unattributed
19. Spy Game (2001)
On the day of his retirement, veteran operative Nathan Muir (Robert Redford) learns his protégé, Tom Bishop (Pitt), faces execution in China. With limited time, Muir must navigate CIA politics to save Bishop, with the film examining trust and loyalty. Pitt’s portrayal reflects the emotional burden of espionage entanglements.
“It’s not how you play the game. It’s how the game plays you.”
—Unattributed
18. Snatch (2001)
Pitt stands out as the unpredictable boxer Mickey in Guy Ritchie’s crime comedy ‘Snatch’, in which criminals and thieves clash over a priceless diamond. Amid rapid-fire storytelling, Pitt’s comedic timing and accent display his flair for offbeat roles, contributing to the film’s energetic style.
17. Ocean’s Twelve (2004)
Continuing the adventures of Danny Ocean’s crew, Pitt reprises his role as Rusty Ryan, navigating complex heist plots across Europe. As the team seeks to pay back casino owner Terry Benedict, they encounter new rivals and relentless law enforcement. Pitt’s cool demeanor and chemistry with the ensemble remain highlights.
16. Legends of the Fall (1995)
Pitt’s emotionally charged role as Tristan Ludlow in this sweeping Montana saga explores themes of family bonds, war, and loss. Alongside Anthony Hopkins, Pitt depicts the passions and tragedies affecting the Ludlow family over several decades in the American wilderness.
“After the Fall from Innocence the Legend begins.”
—Unattributed
15. Interview with the Vampire (1994)
Pitt stars opposite Tom Cruise as the brooding Louis, a centuries-old vampire sharing his tormented life story. The film delves into immortality, love, and betrayal, with Pitt’s depiction of loneliness and inner conflict grounding the movie’s gothic horror atmosphere.
“Drink from me and live forever”
—Unattributed
14. Twelve Monkeys (1996)
In a future ravaged by a deadly virus, convict James Cole (Bruce Willis) is sent back in time to prevent catastrophe. Pitt plays Jeffrey Goines, a mentally unstable activist whose erratic behavior is pivotal to the chain of events. Pitt’s intense performance earned him critical notice, providing striking unpredictability throughout the film.
13. Thelma & Louise (1991)
Pitt burst onto the scene as the charming drifter J.D., whose brief but memorable encounter with the titular friends sets pivotal events into motion. The story’s themes of friendship and resilience still resonate, with Pitt’s breakthrough role introducing a new Hollywood leading man.
“Somebody said get a life…so they did.”
—Unattributed
12. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
Pitt and Angelina Jolie star as a married couple whose mundane life is revealed to be a facade, since both are secretly professional assassins. When assigned to eliminate each other, their marriage becomes a battleground. The film’s blend of action, wit, and chemistry between the leads contributed to its box-office appeal.
11. True Romance (1993)
Pitt appears as Floyd, a quirky supporting character in a story centered on Clarence (Christian Slater) and Alabama (Patricia Arquette), who wind up on the run after a heist goes wrong. Although not the lead, Pitt adds memorable comic relief to this vibrant Tarantino-scripted story.
“Stealing. Cheating. Killing. Who said romance was dead?”
—Unattributed
10. F1 The Movie (2025)
Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a celebrated Formula 1 racer lured out of retirement to guide a struggling team and mentor a rising driver, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). Directed by Joseph Kosinski and premiering June 27th, the film brings audiences into the heart of high-speed racing, pairing Pitt’s gravitas with action-packed spectacle. The film promises to be another highlight in Pitt’s evolving career.
9. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
In the slick heist caper ‘Ocean’s Eleven’, Pitt joins George Clooney’s team as Rusty Ryan, part of a plot to rob Las Vegas casinos in one daring night. The movie’s stylish direction, rapid pacing, and the effortless chemistry among the main cast, including Julia Roberts and Andy Garcia, redefined the heist genre for a new generation.
8. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
Pitt delivers a remarkable performance as Benjamin Button, a man who ages in reverse. The film travels through 20th-century history, focusing on Benjamin’s unusual life and love story with Daisy, played by Cate Blanchett. Pitt’s nuanced acting provides emotional depth, making the fantastical premise deeply relatable.
“Life isn’t measured in minutes, but in moments.”
—Unattributed
7. Burn After Reading (2008)
Pitt adopts a comedic approach in this darkly satirical Coen Brothers film, portraying Chad Feldheimer, a hapless gym employee who stumbles upon a CIA analyst’s memoirs. The chaos that unfolds sees Pitt’s character thrown into a web of misunderstandings and intrigue. His energetic, offbeat performance stands out even among an ensemble cast.
6. The Big Short (2015)
Telling the true story of the people who profited from the 2008 financial crisis, Pitt plays the understated but shrewd investor Ben Rickert. The film mixes black comedy with sobering real events, and Pitt’s low-key portrayal complements the film’s message about greed and economic collapse.
5. Moneyball (2011)
Pitt steps into the shoes of Billy Beane, the Oakland Athletics’ general manager, who revolutionized baseball by using data-driven strategies to build a competitive team on a limited budget. The film, based on real events, is celebrated for its smart screenplay and Pitt’s nuanced, heartfelt performance.
4. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Set in Nazi-occupied France, Pitt leads a squad of Jewish-American soldiers, known as The Basterds, intent on terrorizing Nazis. As the charismatic yet ruthless Lt. Aldo Raine, Pitt brings an audacious energy to Quentin Tarantino’s revisionist World War II drama, making his character unforgettable in a story fraught with tension and dark humor.
“Once upon a time in Nazi occupied France…”
—Unattributed
3. Se7en (1995)
Pitt stars as Detective David Mills, a rookie investigator teamed up with Morgan Freeman’s veteran Somerset as they hunt a serial killer whose crimes mirror the seven deadly sins. The film’s bleak atmosphere, shocking twists, and Pitt’s emotional intensity create a chilling portrait of obsession and justice.
2. Fight Club (1999)
As Tyler Durden, Pitt embodies the enigmatic antihero in David Fincher’s subversive thriller. Alongside Edward Norton’s disaffected narrator, Pitt’s performance fueled the film’s exploration of masculinity, consumerism, and rebellion. The movie’s iconic status is in part due to Pitt’s magnetic—and chaotic—screen presence.
1. Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019)
Pitt’s Oscar-winning role as Cliff Booth, stuntman and loyal friend to Leonardo DiCaprio’s Rick Dalton, anchors this vivid look at late 1960s Los Angeles. Their friendship and encounters with Margot Robbie’s Sharon Tate reflect a changing Hollywood. Pitt’s smooth charisma and understated pathos define the film’s unique mix of nostalgia and danger.
“In this town, it can all change… Like that.”
—Unattributed
Brad Pitt’s Lasting Influence and What Lies Ahead
From his earliest appearance as J.D. in ‘Thelma & Louise’ through to his latest venture in ‘F1 The Movie’, Brad Pitt has continually evolved, choosing roles that challenge, surprise, and entertain. His presence elevates thrillers, epics, comedies, and dramas alike, making him a driving force in the film industry. As Pitt prepares to captivate audiences once again with his portrayal of Sonny Hayes, moviegoers can anticipate yet another standout addition to the list of the best Brad Pitt movies ranked.
With an impressive arc that includes complex characters, genre-defining hits, and both ensemble and leading parts, Brad Pitt’s work remains central to contemporary cinema, influencing generations of actors and directors. Each film on this list demonstrates not only Pitt’s talent but also his ability to engage with ever-shifting trends in Hollywood, promising that there are still new layers of his artistry to come.
