Throughout his career, Brad Pitt has taken on a variety of challenging and diverse roles, showcasing his talent and ability to transform himself into each character. From his breakout role in Thelma & Louise to his iconic turn in Fight Club, Pitt has become a beloved figure in Hollywood. In addition to his successful acting career, Pitt has also made a name for himself as a producer. His production company, which he has since sold 60% of, Plan B Entertainment, earned critical acclaim for films such as 12 Years a Slave and Moonlight.
He has also been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, including his work with the Make It Right Foundation to rebuild homes in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Below, we’ll take a closer look at some of the Brad Pitt’s most impressive and memorable performances, according to worldwide box office earnings from The Numbers.
32Interview With A Vampire
Film Gross: $224 Million
Starring Role – Louis de Pointe du Lac
Brad Pitt stars in Interview with a Vampire alongside Tom Cruise as Lestat de Lioncourt, a vampire who turns Pitt’s character, Louis de Pointe du Lac, into a vampire in 18th century New Orleans. The film is based on the 1976 novel of the same name by Anne Rice and was directed by Neil Jordan.
Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Louis was widely praised, earning him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama. Together, Pitt and Cruise create a captivating on-screen dynamic that drives the story forward with intensity and intrigue.
31Legends Of The Fall
Film Gross: $161 Million
Starring Role – Tristan Ludlow
In Edward Zwick’s 1994 epic drama film Legends of the Fall, Brad Pitt plays Tristan. The film is set in the early 20th century and follows the lives of three brothers who live on a ranch in Montana.
Brad Pitt’s character, Tristan, is the middle brother and is known for his rebellious nature and adventurous spirit. The film was a commercial success and earned Pitt his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
30Se7en
Film Gross: $328 Million
Starring Role – David Mills
In the movie Se7en Detective David Mills, played by Brad Pitt, is a young and ambitious detective who works with Morgan Freeman’s seasoned Detective William Somerset. Together, they investigate a series of gruesome murders that are based on the seven deadly sins. As the investigation progresses, Mills becomes increasingly emotionally involved and struggles to maintain his professionalism.
Se7en is known for its dark and intense atmosphere as well as its shocking ending, which has become one of the most iconic in cinematic history.
2912 Monkeys
Film Gross: $169 Million
Supporting Actor – Jeffrey Goines
Brad Pitt stars in the movie 12 Monkeys as a convict who is sent back in time to prevent a deadly virus from wiping out humanity. The film, directed by Terry Gilliam, explores themes of fate, mental illness, and the consequences of time travel.
Brad Pitt’s performance as the eccentric and unpredictable Jeffrey Goines earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
28Sleepers
Film Gross: $166 Million
Starring Role – Michael Sullivan
Sleepers stars Brad Pitt as a man who works as a casino employee and also participates in illegal activities. After a heist goes wrong, he and his friends are sent to prison, where they endure brutal treatment. Years later, they are released and seek revenge against those who wronged them.
Sleepers is based on the novel by Lorenzo Carcaterra and explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and justice. Pitt’s performance is praised for its intensity and emotional depth, making Sleepers a gripping crime drama that leaves a lasting impact on its viewers.
27The Devil’s Own
Film Gross: $141 Million
Starring Role – Rory Devaney
In the movie The Devil’s Own, Brad Pitt stars as an IRA terrorist named Rory Devaney who seeks refuge in New York City. He is taken in by an unsuspecting cop, played by Harrison Ford, who soon realizes the true identity of his house guest.
As their relationship becomes increasingly tense, both men are forced to confront their own beliefs and loyalties amidst the backdrop of political turmoil and violence. The film offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of terrorism and its impact on individuals and society.
26Seven Years In TibetFilm Gross: $131 Million – Starring Role
In the movie Seven Years in Tibet, Brad Pitt portrayed Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer, who becomes friends with the young Dalai Lama during his travels in Tibet. The film is based on Harrer’s own memoirs and offers a unique perspective on Tibetan culture and the impact of Chinese occupation.
Pitt’s portrayal of Harrer is nuanced and complex, showcasing the character’s transformation from a self-centered adventurer to a compassionate friend and ally to the Tibetan people. Seven Years in Tibet is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that offers a powerful message about the importance of understanding and empathy in the face of cultural and political differences.
25Brad Pitt – Fight Club – $101 Million – Starring Role
Brad Pitt stars in the movie Fight Club as the character Tyler Durden, a charismatic and mysterious man who leads an underground fight club. The film explores themes of masculinity, consumerism, and the search for identity in a society that values conformity. Throughout the movie, Tyler Durden challenges societal norms and encourages his followers to reject the traditional expectations of their gender and class.
Many of the disillusioned men who attend the fight club meetings can relate to his philosophy of “self-destruction” and “rebirth.” Tyler’s delusions and reality start to blend together more and more as the plot develops, which leads to a shocking twist ending that makes viewers doubt everything they previously believed.
24Brad Pitt – The Mexican – $145 Million – Starring Role
Brad Pitt is the lead in the movie The Mexican, where he plays a bumbling criminal named Jerry who is sent to retrieve a valuable antique pistol known as “The Mexican.”
The film is a comedic adventure that follows Jerry’s misadventures as he tries to retrieve the gun and save his relationship with his girlfriend, played by Julia Roberts. To say that Roberts and Pitt make a good duo on screen is an understatement. Both actors did a fabulous job pulling in the viewers with their witty banter and undeniable chemistry.
23Brad Pitt – Spy Game – $143 Million – Starring Role
Brad Pitt’s movie Spy Game is about a veteran CIA agent named Nathan Muir who is tasked with rescuing his protégé, Tom Bishop, from a Chinese prison. As Muir navigates the political landscape of the agency and races against time to save Bishop, he must also confront the moral implications of his actions and the consequences of his past decisions.
Spy Game is a thrilling and thought-provoking exploration of loyalty, duty, and sacrifice in the world of espionage.
22Brad Pitt – Ocean’s Eleven – $451 Million – Starring Role
The first and most popular film in the Ocean’s series is Ocean’s Eleven. The main focus of Ocean’s Eleven is on Danny Ocean and his crew of expert thieves as they attempt to commit a heist at three of Las Vegas’ largest casinos at the same time.
The star-studded cast, which includes George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts, enhances the appeal of the film and contributes to its success at the box office. The film’s clever turns and twists keep viewers guessing right up until the very end. Since then, Ocean’s Eleven has developed a cult following.
21Brad Pitt – Troy – $483 Million – Starring Role
Troy is a classic film starring Brad Pitt as the legendary warrior Achilles. The movie is based on Homer’s epic poem, The Iliad, and follows the story of the Trojan War. Pitt’s portrayal of Achilles is both fierce and vulnerable, capturing the character’s complex nature.
Troy also features a talented ensemble cast, including Eric Bana as Hector and Orlando Bloom as Paris. The battle scenes are intense and well choreographed, making for an epic viewing experience.
20Brad Pitt – Ocean’s Twelve – $363 Million – Starring Role
Ocean’s Twelve is the second movie in the franchise and follows the story of Danny Ocean and his team as they attempt to pull off another heist. This time, a skilled detective who is determined to catch them is pursuing them.
Like the first Ocean’s movie, Ocean’s Twelve also features an all-star cast including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts and takes viewers on a thrilling ride through Europe as the team tries to outsmart their pursuer and complete their mission.
19Brad Pitt – Mr. And Mrs. Smith – $486 Million – Starring Role
Mr. and Mrs. Smith is where we first see Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt together. This movie has the two leads portraying a married couple who are both assassins, but they don’t know that about each other. The chemistry between Jolie and Pitt is undeniable, making it a memorable movie for fans of action and romance.
18Brad Pitt – Babel – $132 Million – Starring Role
Brad Pitt’s movie Babel did okay at the box office, but it’s the critics that really loved it! In this movie, Pitt plays a character named Richard, who is a tourist visiting Morocco with his wife.
Babel follows multiple storylines that eventually intersect, with Pitt’s character facing a series of unfortunate events that challenge his beliefs and values.
17Brad Pitt – Ocean’s Thirteen – $312 Million – Starring Role
Ocean’s Thirteen is the third in the series of Ocean’s movies. In this installment, Danny Ocean and his team of con artists reunite to pull off their most daring heist yet. This time, they target a ruthless casino owner named Willy Bank, who double-crossed one of their own. The plan involves creating a fake earthquake to distract Bank’s security team while they infiltrate his vault and steal $500 million in diamonds.
As with the previous films, Ocean’s Thirteen is packed with twists and turns and witty dialogue that keeps audiences entertained. But what sets this installment apart is the added emotional depth as the characters grapple with personal struggles while executing their heist. In the end, Ocean’s Thirteen is a thrilling and satisfying conclusion to the Oceans trilogy.
16Brad Pitt – The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button – $330 Million – Starring Role
Brad Pitt stars in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a movie that tells the story of a man who ages backwards. The film is based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald and was directed by David Fincher.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button received critical acclaim and was nominated for thirteen Academy Awards, winning three, including Best Art Direction, Best Makeup, and Best Visual Effects.
15Brad Pitt – Burn After Reading – $168 Million – Starring Role
Burn After Reading stars Brad Pitt as Chad Feldheimer, a fitness instructor who stumbles upon a disc containing sensitive CIA information. They make an effort to sell the information for their own gain alongside his colleague Linda Litzke, played by Frances McDormand. However, things quickly spiral out of control as they become entangled with various other characters, including a womanizing Treasury agent played by George Clooney.
14Brad Pitt – Inglourious Basterds – $317 Million – Starring Role
Brad Pitt stars in Inglorious Basterds as Lieutenant Aldo Raine, the leader of a group of Jewish-American soldiers who plan to assassinate Nazi leaders during World War II. Christoph Waltz, Diane Kruger, and Eli Roth are among the ensemble cast members of Quentin Tarantino’s film.
Inglorious Basterds received critical acclaim for its unique storytelling and intense performances, earning eight Academy Award nominations and winning one for Waltz’s portrayal of SS Colonel Hans Landa.
13Brad Pitt – Megamind – $322 Million – Supporting Actor
In the movie Megamind, Brad Pitt lends his voice to the character of Metro Man, a superhero who is the main rival of the titular character, Megamind. The animated film follows the story of Megamind, a supervillain who finally defeats Metro Man, but soon realizes that life without a hero to fight against is not as fulfilling as he thought it would be. Megamind then creates a new hero, Titan, who turns out to be a greater threat than any of his previous enemies.
Moneyball is a baseball movie starring Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics. The film is based on a true story and follows Beane as he uses statistical analysis to assemble a competitive team on a limited budget. The movie was critically acclaimed and received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
12Brad Pitt – Happy Feet 2 – $158 Million – Supporting Actor
Brad Pitt lends his voice in Happy Feet 2 as the character Will the Krill. Happy Feet 2 is an animated musical comedy film that serves as a sequel to the 2006 movie Happy Feet.
Happy Feet 2 follows the adventures of a young penguin named Erik who is struggling to find his place in the world. Along the way, he meets Will the Krill, a small but determined creature who dreams of being a predator.
11Brad Pitt – Twelve Years A Slave – $532 Million – Supporting Actor
Twelve Years a Slave is a movie centered around the true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the 1840s. The film depicts the horrors of slavery and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable cruelty.
Twelve Years a Slave is a powerful and important film that sheds light on a dark period in American history and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice.
10Brad Pitt – World War Z – $181 Million – Starring Role
In World War Z, Brad Pitt plays a former United Nations investigator who must travel the world to find a way to stop a zombie pandemic that threatens to destroy humanity. The film is a thrilling and action-packed ride that explores themes of survival, sacrifice, and the consequences of global interconnectedness.
9Brad Pitt – Fury – $210 Million – Starring Role
Brad Pitt stars in Fury as a seasoned tank commander leading his crew on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines during World War II. The film offers a realistic and gritty portrayal of the horrors of war while also examining the bonds of brotherhood and the psychological toll of combat.
8Brad Pitt – The Big Short – $133 Million – Starring Role
The Big Short stars Brad Pitt as Ben Rickert, a retired banker who helps a group of investors profit from the 2008 financial crisis. The film is based on the true story of how a few individuals predicted and capitalized on the collapse of the housing market, resulting in one of the biggest financial disasters in history. Through its clever use of humor and storytelling, The Big Short sheds light on the greed and corruption that led to this catastrophic event.
7Brad Pitt – Allied – $119 Million – Starring Role
Allied is a movie with Brad pitt playing the role of Max Vatan, a Canadian intelligence officer who falls in love with a French Resistance fighter named Marianne Beausejour, played by Marion Cotillard. The two of them are tasked with assassinating a German official during World War II and must navigate the dangers of war and espionage while also trying to maintain their relationship. As the mission progresses, Max begins to suspect that Marianne may not be who she seems, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful conclusion.
6Brad Pitt – Deadpool 2 – $786 Million – Supporting Actor
Brad Pitt makes a cameo in the movie Deadpool 2 as the Vanisher, a mutant who is invisible until the moment he dies. This surprise appearance was kept under wraps until the film’s release, and fans were thrilled to see the A-list actor join the cast.
Brad Pitt’s appearance in the film is brief but memorable, and he brings his signature charm and humor to the role.
5Brad Pitt – Once Upon A Time In Hollywood – $135 Million – Starring Role
Brad Pitt co-stars in the movie, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood as a stunt double named Cliff Booth, alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, who plays Rick Dalton, a fading Hollywood actor.
The film is set in 1969 Los Angeles during the time of the Manson Family murders and explores the changing landscape of Hollywood at that time. Pitt’s performance earned him several award nominations.
4Brad Pitt – Ad Astra – $377 Million – Starring Role
Brad Pitt’s movie Ad Astra follows an astronaut named Roy McBride as he embarks on a mission to find his missing father in the outer reaches of the solar system. The film is a visually stunning and introspective exploration of human connection and the vastness of space.
Brad Pitt delivers a powerful performance as McBride, earning critical acclaim for his portrayal of the emotionally distant astronaut.
3Brad Pitt – Bullet Train – $239 Million – Starring Role
Bullet Train is Brad Pitt’s most recent movie and is an action packed hit! Bullet Train is directed by David Leitch, who is known for his work on Deadpool 2 and John Wick. The plot follows a group of mercenaries who are hired to steal a valuable item from a moving train in Japan.
Brad Pitt plays the lead character, a skilled thief who leads the team on their mission. The film features intense action scenes, breathtaking stunts, and a star-studded cast that includes actors like Sandra Bullock and Michael Shannon. Overall, Bullet Train has received positive reviews for its thrilling plot and impressive performances.
2Brad Pitt – The Lost City – $183 Million – Supporting Actor
Brad Pitt has a supporting role in The Lost City as a charismatic adventurer named Jack. The film follows a romance novelist who finds herself swept into a real-life adventure with Jack when she travels to South America in search of her missing sister. As the two embark on a dangerous journey through the jungle, they discover hidden treasures and face unexpected challenges that test their limits.
