As one of the last true movie stars of his generation, Brad Pitt has delivered unforgettable performances across a remarkable range of genres. With the release of his latest project, “F1 The Movie,” it’s the perfect time to look back at the best Brad Pitt movies ranked throughout his legendary career, featuring classics, cult hits, and new additions fans won’t want to miss.
Pitt’s journey began with a standout role in “Thelma & Louise” and quickly grew to include acclaimed titles such as “Fight Club,” “Se7en,” “Moneyball,” and his Oscar-winning turn in Quentin Tarantino’s
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
Here, the 25 most significant films from his filmography are ranked, reflecting the diversity and impact of each performance.
Brad Pitt’s Enduring Star Power and Expansive Filmography
Brad Pitt became a cultural phenomenon following his breakthrough in “Thelma & Louise.” Over the years, his versatility has been showcased in crime dramas, sweeping epics, science fiction, comedies, and thrillers. Audiences have embraced roles ranging from the brooding detective in “Se7en” to the physically transformational
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
and the comic yet dangerous Ladybug in “Bullet Train.”
In 2025, Pitt adds to his storied career with “F1 The Movie,” playing the fictional Formula One driver Sonny Hayes in a high-octane collaboration between Apple Original Films and Warner Bros., directed by Joseph Kosinski. This latest role reaffirms Pitt’s dedication to complex, charismatic characters that leave a lasting impression on viewers.
The 25 Best Brad Pitt Movies Ranked
These selections highlight the range and depth of Pitt’s film roles, from classic blockbusters to genre-defining works. The list below ranks his films by cultural significance, critical acclaim, performance quality, and fan impact.
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Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019)
Set against the psychedelic backdrop of 1969 Los Angeles, this revisionist Hollywood tale tells the story of Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), a fading TV actor, and his loyal stuntman Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt), as they navigate a shifting entertainment landscape. Pitt’s relaxed, tough, and layered portrayal of Cliff Booth earned him his first acting Oscar and remains a testament to his exceptional versatility.
“In this town, it can all change… Like that.”
—Quentin Tarantino, Director
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Fight Club (1999)
David Fincher’s influential adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk’s novel features Pitt as Tyler Durden, the enigmatic soap salesman whose anarchic partnership with Edward Norton leads to the creation of an underground fight club. The role cemented Pitt’s status as a pop culture icon and challenged norms around masculinity and rebellion.
Pitt’s physical transformation and electrifying energy as Durden have continued to inspire reinterpretations of this dark, mind-bending classic.
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Se7en (1995)
Pitt joins Morgan Freeman as a young homicide detective tracking a ritualistic serial killer (Kevin Spacey) whose gruesome crimes are inspired by the seven deadly sins. The film’s unflinching intensity and Pitt’s raw performance as Detective Mills stand out, driving the horrific investigation through its unforgettable climax.
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Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Quentin Tarantino’s revisionist World War II epic features Pitt as the gruff Lieutenant Aldo Raine, leader of a team intent on striking fear into Nazi ranks. The film, blending history with dark comedy, lets Pitt command the screen with irreverence and memorable line delivery.
“Once upon a time in Nazi occupied France…”
—Quentin Tarantino, Director
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Moneyball (2011)
Pitt takes on the real-life role of Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane, who revolutionizes baseball using data analysis rather than tradition. The film’s mix of statistical strategy, sports drama, and personal struggle allows Pitt to balance charisma and vulnerability, making the story accessible to audiences beyond baseball fans.
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The Big Short (2015)
A financial drama based on real events, this film showcases the personalities who profited during 2008’s economic crash. Pitt, playing a retired banker, adds a calm but principled contrast to the frenetic energy around him, helping clarify the real-world stakes and injustices fueling the crisis.
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Burn After Reading (2008)
This Coen Brothers dark comedy unites an eccentric cast as gym employees stumble into the world of secret government files. Pitt’s comic timing as the clueless Chad is a standout, providing a lighter but equally memorable addition to his resume of complex roles.
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The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
Pitt delivers a powerful performance as Benjamin, a man born elderly who ages in reverse, in this adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s story. The film explores the complexities of love, loss, and time, as Pitt’s character meets Daisy (Cate Blanchett) at several crossroads throughout their lives. The combination of emotional depth and technical achievement marks this as a high point in Pitt’s career.
“Life isn’t measured in minutes, but in moments.”
—David Fincher, Director
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Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
This sharp, stylish heist comedy set in Las Vegas stars Pitt as Rusty Ryan, a cool and strategic member of Danny Ocean’s (George Clooney) criminal crew. The film’s chemistry and sleek pacing helped kick off one of the most successful franchise reboots in modern cinema.
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F1 The Movie (2025)
In his newest film, Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a decorated Formula 1 driver who comes out of retirement with hopes of revitalizing a struggling race team and mentoring the ambitious Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). The story, set in the world of Formula One racing and helmed by “Top Gun: Maverick” director Joseph Kosinski, is expected to deliver high-octane thrills and further demonstrate Pitt’s consistent appeal as a leading man.
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True Romance (1993)
Though Pitt’s part is smaller in Tony Scott’s cult favorite, his portrayal of a laid-back stoner adds memorable comic relief amid this violent, high-stakes crime caper. The story follows Clarence (Christian Slater) and Alabama (Patricia Arquette) as they navigate a path littered with gangsters, stolen cocaine, and Hollywood dreamers.
“Stealing. Cheating. Killing. Who said romance was dead?”
—Tony Scott, Director
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Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
This high-concept action-comedy pairs Pitt and Angelina Jolie as married assassins tasked with eliminating each other. Their on-screen chemistry and impressive stunt work drive the film, blending thrills, humor, and relationship drama to create a huge box office hit.
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Thelma & Louise (1991)
Pitt’s breakout role as the charismatic hitchhiker J.D. caught the attention of critics and audiences alike. The film chronicles the transformation of Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon) as they embark on a life-changing road trip, marking a major turning point in Pitt’s trajectory to stardom.
“Somebody said get a life…so they did.”
—Ridley Scott, Director
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Twelve Monkeys (1996)
Pitt’s portrayal of an unstable activist in this mind-bending time travel film earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. As Jeffrey Goines, he captivates alongside Bruce Willis’s time-jumping convict, with the film delivering a haunting vision of apocalyptic futures and questionable realities.
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Interview with the Vampire (1994)
Starring alongside Tom Cruise, Pitt’s turn as the melancholy vampire Louis spans centuries of sorrow, survival, and transformation. The gothic atmosphere and complex relationships power this adaptation of Anne Rice’s beloved novel.
“Drink from me and live forever.”
—Anne Rice (via adaptation)
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Legends of the Fall (1995)
Pitt stars as Tristan Ludlow in this sprawling family saga set in Montana. The film traces the turbulent journeys of the Ludlow brothers through love, war, and heartbreak. Pitt’s commanding screen presence and emotional range anchor the multi-generational drama.
“After the Fall from Innocence the Legend begins.”
—Edward Zwick, Director
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Ocean’s Twelve (2004)
Pitt returns as Rusty Ryan in this globetrotting sequel, which sees the ensemble cast carry out elaborate heists in Rome, Paris, and Amsterdam. The playful tone and international intrigue maintain the franchise’s momentum and spotlight Pitt’s comedic timing.
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Snatch (2001)
Pitt adopts an accent and a frenetic style as Mickey O’Neil, an unpredictable bare-knuckle boxer, in Guy Ritchie’s chaotic crime comedy. The film’s breakneck storylines and vibrant characters make for a memorable showcase of Pitt’s range and comic sensibility.
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Spy Game (2001)
In this espionage thriller, Pitt plays Tom Bishop, a CIA operative whose life depends on the loyalty and last-minute schemes of his mentor Nathan Muir (Robert Redford). The film’s tense pacing and moral ambiguities underline Pitt’s ability to shine amid high-stakes plots and complex characters.
“It’s not how you play the game. It’s how the game plays you.”
—Tony Scott, Director
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World War Z (2013)
As UN investigator Gerry Lane, Pitt races against time to track the origins of a devastating global zombie outbreak. By balancing action, suspense, and family-driven stakes, Pitt anchors this modern thriller, adapting Max Brooks’s expansive source material to mainstream audiences.
“There will come a day when the world we know will end.”
—Marc Forster, Director
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Fury (2014)
In the final months of World War II, Pitt stars as “Wardaddy,” the hardened leader of a Sherman tank crew battling overwhelming odds across the European theater. The film’s gritty realism and camaraderie highlight the psychological and physical toll of war, with Pitt leading a compelling cast into the heart of conflict.
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Ocean’s Thirteen (2007)
Pitt once again teams up with George Clooney and company for a high-stakes revenge plot set in the glitzy Las Vegas casino world. This third installment is personal for the crew and adds new wrinkles to the franchise’s signature blend of wit and style.
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The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
Pitt delivers a nuanced turn as legendary outlaw Jesse James, with Casey Affleck as Robert Ford, his ambitious and envious associate. The film explores the seductive nature of notoriety and betrayal in the haunting landscape of the American West.
“Beyond the myth lies America’s greatest betrayal.”
—Andrew Dominik, Director
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Troy (2004)
Pitt embodies Achilles in this grand retelling of the Trojan War. With epic battle sequences and Shakespearean drama, the film showcases Pitt’s physicality and charisma as a mythic hero caught between honor, destiny, and love.
“For passion. For honor. For destiny. For victory. For love.”
—Wolfgang Petersen, Director
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Bullet Train (2022)
Bringing a quirky energy to the role of Ladybug, Pitt takes on the role of a weary but well-intentioned assassin on an action-packed train ride full of international intrigue, deadly adversaries, and ruthless humor. The film’s blend of chaos and comedy provides a fresh late-career showcase for Pitt’s adaptability.
“The end of the line is just the beginning.”
—David Leitch, Director
The Lasting Impact of Brad Pitt’s Diverse Roles
Pitt’s body of work has influenced moviegoers and industry professionals alike, showcasing a fearless willingness to experiment with genres, characters, and collaborators. His performances have ranged from flawed heroes and complex villains to comedic foils and emotionally resonant leads. Collaborations with influential filmmakers such as Ridley Scott, Quentin Tarantino, David Fincher, and the Coen Brothers have solidified Pitt’s place as a dynamic, enduring icon of American cinema.
With “F1 The Movie” adding to his rich legacy, Brad Pitt’s career demonstrates that stardom does not rest solely on box office numbers but on memorable, transformational portrayals that continue to ignite debate, admiration, and reflection among audiences and critics. Whether leading high-stakes heists, commanding a tank in a war-torn Europe, or mentoring a new generation in the world of racing, Pitt’s selection of roles ensures his presence will endure for years to come, inspiring future generations of movie fans and actors alike.
