16 best Brad Pitt movies to stick on your watchlist

Since breaking into the movie industry in the late 1980s, Brad Pitt has become a leading figure on the big screen. The actor initially attracted attention thanks to his handsome good looks, but quickly won audiences over with his versatility and screen presence, and is now regarded as one of the best-loved actors in Hollywood.

Over the course of his career, Pitt has worked with an array of top directors (Tarantino, Fincher, Soderbergh, etc) and a wealth of stars, building up an impressive collection of movies in the process. This has led to a packed portfolio of pictures, which continue to dazzle fans old and new.

If you’re unfamiliar with Pitt’s work, don’t worry, you have plenty of time to catch up. And the perfect place to begin is with a run-through of his must-see films.

Below are Brad Pitt’s 16 best movies. From Fight Club and 12 Monkeys to Mr. & Mrs. Smith and beyond, you’ll find a collection of stories which showcase Pitt’s range.

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Seven (1995)

First up, is the twisted mystery thriller, Seven (Se7en). Directed by David Fincher, Seven tells the story of two detectives who find themselves caught up in a disturbing series of murders involving the seven deadly sins.

In the film, Brad Pitt plays the role of idealistic young detective David Mills, who is partnered up with soon-to-be-retired detective William Somerset, as played by Morgan Freeman. Shortly after they join forces, the pair investigate the death of an obese man, who seemingly died from gluttony.

More murders soon follow, leading Mills and Somerset to deduce the perpetrator’s plan to complete the seven sins. And while the detectives are of course correct, they are not prepared for what awaits them as they reach the horrifying climax of the killing spree.

Released to positive reviews as well as a sizeable box-office, Seven was a big hit in 1995 and remains popular to this day. Seven is an excellent gritty thriller from David Fincher, with a great performance from Pitt, who shares superb chemistry with co-star Morgan Freeman.

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The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

Sticking with a Pitt/Fincher collaboration for this next picture, the romantic fantasy drama, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Pitt takes on the title role for this movie, with David Fincher calling the shots as director, in a story about a man who ages in reverse.

Based on the book of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttonfollows the life of the eponymous Button as he appears to get younger as the years roll by. Over time, he experiences love and hardship, with his journey taking him through World War II and beyond.

Upon release, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was a critical and financial hit. The movie was nominated for 13 Academy Awards (it won 3), with Pitt nominated for Best Actor.

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12 Monkeys (1995)

Up next is the mind-bending sci-fi movie, 12 Monkeys. Directed by Terry Gilliam, and based on Chris Marker’s black-and-white short film, La Jetée, 12 Monkeys tells the story of a convict sent back in time to uncover the truth about a mysterious virus.

Pitt takes on the key role of mental patient Jeffrey Goines in the movie, opposite lead star Bruce Willis. Other cast members in the film include Madeleine Stowe, Christopher Plummer, and David Morse.

Following the release of 12 Monkeys, Pitt was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Although he didn’t win, he did pick up the award for Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Globes and Best Supporting Actor at the Saturn Awards.

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Inglourious Basterds (2009)

In this next movie, Pitt takes on the part of First Lieutenant Aldo Raine in Quentin Tarantino’s war movie, Inglourious Basterds. The film – which features a cast including Christoph Waltz, Michael Fassbender, and Diane Kruger – tells the story of an attempt to kill Nazi leaders at a cinema in Paris.

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Interview with the Vampire (1994)

Based on Anne Rice’s book of the same name, Interview with the Vampire is a gothic horror movie about a group of vampires. Directed by Neil Jordan, the film is framed around a present day interview between reporter Daniel Molloy and centuries old vampire, Louis de Pointe du Lac, with a look back on Louis’ life.

Brad Pitt plays the role of Louis, with Christian Slater as Molloy. Interview with the Vampire features an ensemble cast which includes Tom Cruise, Antonio Banderas, Stephen Rea, and Kirsten Dunst.

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The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)

Written and directed by Andrew Dominik and based on the book of the same name by Ron Hansen, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is an epic Western starring Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck. The movie depicts the relationship between the title characters, as well as the events which lead to the death of James.

Upon release, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford was not a hit with audiences – in fact it bombed, taking just $15.3 million from a budget of $30 million – however it did receive praise from critics. In more recent times, it has picked up a loyal following, with audiences praising the central performances.

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Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)

Next on this list is the action-comedy, Mr. & Mrs. Smith. The film – directed by Doug Liman – stars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and tells the story of two married, but competing assassins.

In the film, John and Jane Smith are a bored married couple who secretly work as contract killers. Neither husband or wife knows about their respective partner’s line of work, until they are hired to kill the same target, then re-hired to kill each other.

Released in 2005, Mr. & Mrs. Smith was a big hit at the box-office, making it one of the highest grossing films of the year. The movie took over $487.3 million from a budget of $110 million.

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Snatch (2000)

Guy Ritchie is in the director’s chair for this next film, which casts Brad Pitt as Irish traveller, ‘One Punch’ Mickey O’Neil. Snatch is a fun British crime comedy centred around a stolen diamond and a boxing promoter, but it’s Pitt’s role in the film which is the ace up the sleeve.

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Fight Club (1999)

*Cough cough*

The first rule of Fight Club is that you do not talk about Fight Club. 

The second rule of Fight Club is that you DO NOT TALK ABOUT FIGHT CLUB!

With this in mind, I’ll merely say Fight Club is a thriller from director David Fincher, which stars Edward Norton as an unnamed narrator, and Brad Pitt as soap salesman, Tyler Durden. Together the pair form a secret underground fight club. 

The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Chuck Palahniuk, and is a brain-twisting picture with a killer reveal. But beyond this, WE DON’T TALK ABOUT FIGHT CLUB!

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Kalifornia (1993)

In brutal thriller, Kalifornia, journalist Brian Kessler and his photographer girlfriend Carrie embark on a road trip to California with plans to research serial killers for Brian’s book. But before they set off, Brian posts an advert for a ride share, which catches the attention of Early Grayce and his girlfriend Adele.

But Early is no ordinary ride share passenger – he’s a psychopathic murderer. And what begins as a simple cross country trip soon turns into something sinister.

Pitt takes on the role of Early Grayce in Kalifornia, alongside a cast which includes David Duchovny, Michelle Forbes, and Juliette Lewis. Dominic Sena directs.

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Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

In Steven Soderbergh’s remake of the 1960 Rat Pack film of the same name, Brad Pitt joins an ensemble cast which includes George Clooney, Matt Damon, Andy García, Julia Roberts, Don Cheadle, Elliott Gould, and Carl Reiner. The premise of Ocean’s Eleven involves a rag-tag group of thieves pulling off an elaborate heist of $160 million from a casino owner.

Released to a positive reception from critics and audiences alike, Ocean’s Eleven was a box office hit when it debuted in 2001. The movie went on to spawn a collection of sequels with Pitt, as well as a spin-off without.

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Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019)

Up next, is Quentin Tarantino’s period comedy-drama, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood. Set in Los Angeles in 1969, the movie tells the story of a fading actor and his stunt double as they deal with the ever-changing face of the film industry.

Leonardo DiCaprio plays the role of actor Rick Dalton in the movie, with Pitt taking on stunt man Cliff Booth. Upon release Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood was a big hit with the critics, and Pitt went on to win Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards.

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F1 (2025)

In F1, Pitt takes on the role of former Formula One driver, Sonny Hayes, who is brought out of retirement to mentor a new driving prodigy with a less-than-ideal attitude. Top Gun: Maverick‘s Joseph Kosinski directs this lively and very agreeable sports drama, with Pitt delivering an excellent performance.

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Spy Game (2001)

In this next film from director Tony Scott, Brad Pitt stars alongside Robert Redford as two CIA agents. Pitt takes on the role of Tom Bishop in Spy Game, while Redford plays retiring former mentor, Nathan Muir.

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Fury (2014)

Written and directed by David Ayer, and set during World War II, Fury is a war movie about a US tank crew fighting in Nazi Germany. Pitt leads the crew in the role of Don “Wardaddy” Collier, alongside a cast which includes Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Michael Peña, Jon Bernthal, and Jason Isaacs.

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World War Z (2013)

And finally, in action horror movie, World War Z, Brad Pitt stars as former United Nations investigator Gerry Lane. Gerry’s role is to travel the world in an attempt to find a solution to a sudden zombie apocalypse which threatens the future of mankind.

Directed by Marc Forster, and inspired by Max Brooks’ novel of the same name, World War Z is a big budget zombie film with Pitt front and centre. The movie was a huge financial hit when it was released in 2013, with Pitt’s performance being a notable highlight.

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Recap

So, those are the sixteen best Brad Pitt movies. Now, to save you the hassle of having to scroll back up, here are the titles of all the movies in one handy list:

• Seven (1995)
• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
• 12 Monkeys (1995)
• Inglourious Basterds (2009)
• Interview with the Vampire (1994)
• The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
• Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
• Snatch (2000)
• Fight Club (1999)
• Kalifornia (1993)
• Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
• Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019)
• F1 (2025)
• Spy Game (2001)
• Fury (2014)
• World War Z (2013)

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Editor/writer/actor’s actor

Alex Wiggan

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Thank you for taking the time to read this post about the best Brad Pitt movies on It’s A Stampede!. For more posts, check out the recommended reads below.