Discover the incredible range of Josh Brolin’s performances in our roundup of his top 10 movies, where he showcases his talent as both a badass and a weirdo.
Badasses and Weirdos: The Top 10 Josh Brolin Movies
Josh Brolin is undoubtedly one of the finest actors of our time. He consistently collaborates with visionary directors and embraces challenging roles, pushing his limits with every performance.
Whether portraying a fierce badass or an eccentric weirdo, Brolin has brought some of the most captivating characters to life on the big screen.
In this article, we will explore ten standout roles that solidified his status as a star and showcase his best work.
1. No Country for Old Men (2007)
This Coen Brothers masterpiece features Brolin in a breakout role as Llewelyn Moss, a Vietnam veteran who stumbles upon a bloody crime scene and a suitcase full of cash. This role was pivotal for Brolin, demonstrating his ability to convey depth with just a look or a grunt. His gritty performance is central to the film’s neo-western essence.
2. Sicario (2015)
Even in smaller roles, Brolin leaves a lasting impression. In this gripping thriller directed by Denis Villeneuve, Brolin plays Matt Graver, a cocky and enigmatic CIA operative leading a task force against a powerful Mexican drug cartel. It takes half the movie to realize he’s a bad guy, but perhaps he’s a bad guy fighting for the right side. His talent and nuance make it easy to empathize with a character who is simultaneously terrifying.
3. Avengers: Infinity War (2018) & Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Marvel needed a formidable villain to elevate these films, and Brolin embodied Thanos with a motion-capture performance that was both menacing and surprisingly nuanced.
4. Milk (2008)
Brolin earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Dan White, the murderous political rival of Harvey Milk. His performance is a complex and layered depiction of a man grappling with the evolving social landscape while harboring dark intentions.
5. True Grit (2010)
In this film filled with remarkable performances, Brolin reunites with the Coen Brothers to portray the villainous Tom Chaney in this critically acclaimed adaptation of Charles Portis’ novel. Although his screen time is limited and his character is a fool, Brolin’s portrayal is both terrifying and eliciting a strange sympathy, presenting a morally ambiguous view of the Old West.
6. Inherent Vice (2014)
In Paul Thomas Anderson’s psychedelic neo-noir, Brolin shines as the straight-laced LAPD detective Christian “Bigfoot” Bjornsen. This film required balance, and Brolin provides it, allowing others to be eccentric while delivering dry wit and stoicism.
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7. Dune (2021)
Brolin brings rugged charm and fierce loyalty to the role of Gurney Halleck, the weapons master of House Atreides and a mentor to Paul Atreides. His gruff exterior and poetic soul perfectly complement Denis Villeneuve’s epic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s novel.
8. The Goonies (1985)
In his film debut, a teenage Brolin played Brand, the older brother and reluctant chaperone to the adventurous group known as “The Goonies.” He excels in this role, showcasing his versatility as a romantic lead, mentor, and comedic presence.
9. W. (2008)
Tackling the monumental challenge of portraying a sitting U.S. President, Brolin delivered a remarkable and transformative performance as George W. Bush in Oliver Stone’s biopic. His portrayal is both humorous and bizarre, revealing the multifaceted nature of the character.
10. Hail, Caesar! (2016)
This film is often underrated, yet it serves as a delightful homage to genre, Hollywood, and zany antics. In his fourth collaboration with the Coen Brothers, Brolin stars as Eddie Mannix, a 1950s Hollywood “fixer” attempting to manage his studio’s numerous scandals. Brolin’s comedic timing and expressions make his performance a highlight of the film.
Summing It All Up
Josh Brolin is a remarkable artist who seamlessly adapts to any role, infusing each performance with a sense of gravity. I look forward to witnessing the diverse roles he will take on in the years to come.
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