10 Best Josh Brolin Movies: A Ranked Exploration of a Genre-Bending Icon

Josh Brolin is like a super cool actor who can totally transform himself into any character he plays. Whether he’s being funny or scary, he always seems to totally own the role and keep us glued to the screen. Check out this list of 10 awesome movies where he totally kills it and shows off how talented he is!

10. The Goonies (1985)

The Goonies (1985) | Director: Richard Donner Summary: A group of misfit kids calling themselves "The Goonies" embark on a thrilling adventure to find a lost pirate treasure hidden beneath their Oregon town. Reason to Watch: A classic coming-of-age story brimming with nostalgia, "The Goonies" is a delightful adventure fueled by childhood dreams and unwavering friendship. A young Brolin shines as Brand, the wisecracking older brother reluctantly dragged along for the ride. Pros: Heartwarming story, iconic characters, perfect for family movie night. Cons: A bit cheesy by today's standards, some special effects haven't aged well.

© 1985 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

  • Summary: A bunch of kids who don’t really fit in with the cool crowd decide to go on an awesome quest to find a pirate’s treasure buried under their small town in Oregon. They call themselves “The Goonies” and they’re ready for some serious excitement!
  • Reason to Watch: “The Goonies” is a super fun movie about a group of kids going on a crazy adventure together. It’s all about growing up and sticking together no matter what. Josh Brolin plays Brand, the cool older brother who gets pulled into the adventure even though he’s not too thrilled about it.
  • Pros: Heartwarming story, iconic characters, perfect for family movie night.
  • Cons: A bit cheesy by today’s standards, some special effects haven’t aged well.
  • ipopkorn Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

9. Deadpool 2 (2018)

Deadpool 2 (2018) | Director: David Leitch Summary: The foul-mouthed mercenary Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) forms a makeshift team, X-Force, to protect a young mutant from the ruthless Cable (Brolin). Reason to Watch: An outrageous superhero comedy packed with action and signature Deadpool humor. Brolin brings a gruff intensity to Cable, a perfect counterpoint to Deadpool's absurdity. Pros: Hilarious script, intense action sequences, Brolin's excellent portrayal of Cable. Cons: Heavy reliance on crude humor, plot can feel secondary at times.

© 2018 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.

  • Summary: In the movie Deadpool 2, the sassy superhero Deadpool, played by Ryan Reynolds, puts together a group called X-Force to help save a young mutant from the tough guy Cable, played by Brolin.
  • Reason to Watch: Get ready for a hilarious superhero movie filled with crazy stunts and jokes that will have you laughing out loud! Josh Brolin plays Cable, a tough guy who is the complete opposite of Deadpool’s silly antics. It’s a wild ride that you won’t want to miss!
  • Pros: Hilarious script, intense action sequences, Brolin’s excellent portrayal of Cable.
  • Cons: Heavy reliance on crude humor, plot can feel secondary at times.
  • ipopkorn Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

8. Sicario (2015)

Sicario (2015) | Director: Denis Villeneuve Summary: An idealistic FBI agent (Emily Blunt) is partnered with a ruthless CIA operative (Brolin) on a dangerous mission to take down a Mexican drug cartel. Reason to Watch: A gripping and suspenseful thriller that explores the murky world of border violence. Brolin embodies the morally ambiguous nature of his character with chilling effectiveness. Pros: Tense atmosphere, excellent performances, thought-provoking themes. Cons: Bleak and unforgiving, violence can be brutal.

© 2015 Lions Gate Films Inc.

  • Summary: A super determined FBI agent named Emily Blunt teams up with a tough CIA agent named Brolin to go on a super risky mission to bring down a scary Mexican drug gang.
  • Reason to Watch: A gripping and suspenseful thriller that explores the murky world of border violence. Josh Brolin embodies the morally ambiguous nature of his character with chilling effectiveness.
  • Pros: Tense atmosphere, excellent performances, thought-provoking themes.
  • Cons: Bleak and unforgiving, violence can be brutal.
  • ipopkorn Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

7. True Grit (2010)

True Grit (2010) | Directors: Coen brothers Summary: A headstrong young woman (Hailee Steinfeld) hires a gruff marshal (Jeff Bridges) with a questionable reputation and his taciturn deputy (Brolin) to track down her father's murderer. Reason to Watch: A Coen brothers Western with a sharp script, memorable characters, and stunning cinematography. Brolin delivers a nuanced performance as the laconic but loyal deputy. Pros: Coen brothers' signature wit, strong performances, beautiful visuals. Cons: Can be slow-paced at times, violence can be graphic.

© 2010 Paramount Pictures.

  • Summary: There’s this tough girl, played by Hailee Steinfeld, who decides to hire a no-nonsense marshal, played by Jeff Bridges, and his quiet deputy, played by Brolin, to help her find the person who killed her dad.
  • Reason to Watch: A Coen brothers Western with a sharp script, memorable characters, and stunning cinematography. Josh Brolin delivers a nuanced performance as the laconic but loyal deputy.
  • Pros: Coen brothers’ signature wit, strong performances, beautiful visuals.
  • Cons: Can be slow-paced at times, violence can be graphic.
  • ipopkorn Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

6. Flirting with Disaster (1996)

Flirting with Disaster (1996) | Director: David O. Russell Summary: A neurotic architect (Ben Stiller) on the verge of marriage embarks on a hilarious cross-country quest with his quirky family to find his biological parents. Brolin portrays a laid-back hitchhiker who becomes inadvertently involved in the chaos. Reason to Watch: A quirky and heartwarming comedy with an offbeat sense of humor. Brolin shines as a scene-stealer with his deadpan delivery and comedic timing. Pros: Hilarious script, great ensemble cast, heartwarming message about family. Cons: Plot can meander at times, some jokes haven't aged well.

© 1996 Miramax Film Corp.

  • Summary: Meet Ben Stiller, a super anxious architect who’s about to get married. He goes on a wild adventure across the country with his weird family to track down his real parents. Josh Brolin plays a chill hitchhiker who gets caught up in all the craziness without even trying.
  • Reason to Watch: A quirky and heartwarming comedy with an offbeat sense of humor. Josh Brolin shines as a scene-stealer with his deadpan delivery and comedic timing.
  • Pros: Hilarious script, great ensemble cast, heartwarming message about family.
  • Cons: Plot can meander at times, some jokes haven’t aged well.
  • ipopkorn Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

5. Only the Brave (2017)

Only the Brave (2017) | Director: Joseph Kosinski Summary: Based on a true story, "Only the Brave" chronicles the heroic efforts of a group of elite firefighters, the Granite Mountain Hotshots, who face a horrific wildfire that threatens their town. Brolin portrays the crew's resilient leader. Reason to Watch: A moving and inspiring true story about courage, sacrifice, and the power of brotherhood. Brolin brings gravitas and depth to the role of a flawed but dedicated leader.

© 2017 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. and LSC Film Corporation.

  • Summary: Based on a true story, “Only the Brave” chronicles the heroic efforts of a group of elite firefighters, the Granite Mountain Hotshots, who face a horrific wildfire that threatens their town. Josh Brolin portrays the crew’s resilient leader.
  • Reason to Watch: A moving and inspiring true story about courage, sacrifice, and the power of brotherhood. Josh Brolin brings gravitas and depth to the role of a flawed but dedicated leader.
  • Pros: Emotionally affecting story with strong performances. Highlights the courage and sacrifice of firefighters.
  • Cons: May feel predictable for some viewers.
  • ipopkorn Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4. No Country for Old Men (2007)

No Country for Old Men (2007) | Directors: Coen brothers Summary: A Vietnam veteran (Tommy Lee Jones) stumbles upon a fortune in the desert, setting off a relentless pursuit by a psychopathic killer (Javier Bardem) and forcing him to confront his own mortality. Brolin portrays a hapless bounty hunter caught in the crossfire. Reason to Watch: A masterfully crafted neo-Western with a bleak outlook on life and the inevitability of fate. Brolin delivers a memorable performance as a man caught in a desperate situation. Pros: Stellar performances, especially Bardem as the chilling villain, suspenseful atmosphere, thought-provoking themes. Cons: Violence can be shocking, nihilistic tone may not appeal to all audiences.

© 2007 Miramax Film Corp.

  • Summary: A Vietnam veteran (Tommy Lee Jones) stumbles upon a fortune in the desert, setting off a relentless pursuit by a psychopathic killer (Javier Bardem) and forcing him to confront his own mortality. Josh Brolin portrays a hapless bounty hunter caught in the crossfire.
  • Reason to Watch: A masterfully crafted neo-Western with a bleak outlook on life and the inevitability of fate. Josh Brolin delivers a memorable performance as a man caught in a desperate situation.
  • Pros: Stellar performances, especially Bardem as the chilling villain, suspenseful atmosphere, and thought-provoking themes.
  • Cons: Violence can be shocking, a nihilistic tone may not appeal to all audiences.
  • ipopkorn Rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars

3. Milk (2008)

Milk (2008) | Director: Gus Van Sant Summary: This biographical drama chronicles the life and assassination of Harvey Milk (Sean Penn), the first openly gay elected official in California. Brolin plays Dan White, a conflicted supervisor who becomes Milk's political rival. Reason to Watch: A powerful and poignant film that sheds light on the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Brolin portrays a complex character with nuance and empathy, showcasing his dramatic range. Pros: Powerful performances, important historical story, sheds light on social issues. Cons: Can be emotionally draining, some historical liberties taken.

© 2008 Focus Features LLC.

  • Summary: This biographical drama chronicles the life and assassination of Harvey Milk (Sean Penn), the first openly gay elected official in California. Josh Brolin plays Dan White, a conflicted supervisor who becomes Milk’s political rival.
  • Reason to Watch: A powerful and poignant film that sheds light on the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Josh Brolin portrays a complex character with nuance and empathy, showcasing his dramatic range.
  • Pros: Powerful performances, important historical story, sheds light on social issues.
  • Cons: Can be emotionally draining, some historical liberties taken.
  • ipopkorn Rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars

2. Dune (2021)

Dune (2021) | Director: Denis Villeneuve Summary: An adaptation of Frank Herbert's sci-fi epic, "Dune" follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), the son of a noble Duke, who is entrusted with safeguarding the spice-rich desert planet Arrakis. Brolin portrays Gurney Halleck, a loyal warrior mentor to Paul. Reason to Watch: A visually stunning and sprawling epic with a captivating blend of action, political intrigue, and ecological themes. Brolin brings gravitas and experience to his role as a hardened warrior. Pros: Visually breathtaking, ambitious story, strong performances, first part of a larger saga. Cons: Complex plot may be challenging for some viewers, cliffhanger ending leaves you wanting more.

© 2021 Legendary and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

  • Summary: An adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic, “Dune” follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), the son of a noble Duke, who is entrusted with safeguarding the spice-rich desert planet Arrakis. Brolin portrays Gurney Halleck, a loyal warrior mentor to Paul.
  • Reason to Watch: A visually stunning and sprawling epic with a captivating blend of action, political intrigue, and ecological themes. Josh Brolin brings gravitas and experience to his role as a hardened warrior.
  • Pros: Visually breathtaking, ambitious story, strong performances, first part of a larger saga.
  • Cons: Complex plot may be challenging for some viewers, cliffhanger ending leaves you wanting more.
  • ipopkorn Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

1. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Avengers: Infinity War (2018) | Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo Summary: The culmination of years of storytelling within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, "Avengers: Infinity War" sees Earth's Mightiest Heroes unite to stop the intergalactic tyrant Thanos (Brolin) from wiping out half of all life in the universe. Reason to Watch: A thrilling and epic superhero showdown that delivers on the promise of the franchise. Brolin is menacing and compelling as the film's central villain, Thanos. Pros: Non-stop action, high stakes, culmination of a larger narrative, Brolin's iconic portrayal of Thanos. Cons: Reliance on prior MCU films for context, some character arcs feel underdeveloped.

© 2018 MARVEL.

  • Summary: The culmination of years of storytelling within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Avengers: Infinity War” sees Earth’s Mightiest Heroes unite to stop the intergalactic tyrant Thanos (Josh Brolin) from wiping out half of all life in the universe.
  • Reason to Watch: A thrilling and epic superhero showdown that delivers on the promise of the franchise. Josh Brolin is menacing and compelling as the film’s central villain, Thanos.
  • Pros: Non-stop action, high stakes, culmination of a larger narrative, Josh Brolin’s iconic portrayal of Thanos.
  • Cons: Reliance on prior MCU films for context, some character arcs feel underdeveloped.
  • ipopkorn Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This list showcases the remarkable versatility of Josh Brolin. From comedic scene-stealer to dramatic powerhouse, he consistently delivers captivating performances across various genres. Whether you crave heartwarming adventures, thought-provoking thrillers, or epic superhero clashes, there’s a Josh Brolin movie waiting to be discovered.

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