Not many actors in Hollywood have earned recognition of Pierce Brosnan. Since the 1990’s, Brosnan has become a beloved Irish icon. Whether it’s political leaders, spies on adventures or housekeepers, Brosnan has portrayed several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Goldeneye
James Bond is a legendary spy that my father always loved dearly. I vividly remember forming relationships with a father appreciating the iconic character. He would love discussing a goldeneye spy falling from skies with no time to die. Drawn towards James Bond, he would love discussing spies of whom he was extremely fond. Through admiration for James Bond, my father gave me appreciation for movies about spies I’ve grown to value. In 1995, Pierce Brosnan honoured the legendary spy with no time to die in his movie “Goldeneye”. In the greatest role of his career, Brosnan portrayed an espionage agent seeking to communicate warfare. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most iconic role. Brosnan has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes in British period dramas. With “Goldeneye”, however, the actor took significant steps out of his comfort zone by playing a legendary spy that’s well-known. Working alongside Robbie Coltrane who is also amazing, Brosnan honoured a spy that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Bond becomes aware that the world is in frightening danger causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Goldeneye” Pierce Brosnan’s greatest movie is its commemorated appeal. Unlike most Bond movies, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about redemption which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be followers of James Bond to appreciate it. Nearly 30 years following the release of a classic movie about a legendary spy, it’s a spectacular reminder of a great actor making memorable movies which always satisfy.
2. Black Bag
Extramarital affairs often cause marriages to face tragedy. At an early age, I witnessed a family friend engage in an extramarital affair causing his marriage to face damage. His decision to cheat on his wife caused his marriage to become obsolete. Left emotionally devastated, he was separated from beloved children he appreciated. As someone that witnessed marriages affected by affairs drag, I adored “Black Bag”. Released in 2025, Pierce Brosnan’s movie captured the lives of spies affected by infidelity. In the most provocative role of his career, Brosnan portrayed a manager that witnesses his employees have a forbidden affair causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing strong leaders in positions of power. Working alongside Naomie Harris who is also amazing, Brosnan created an espionage blockbuster that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Arthur becomes aware that his employees are having a secret affair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Black Bag” a spy classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about spies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of infidelity causing marriages to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has manufactured commemorated films audiences commonly appreciate.
3. Mrs. Doubtfire
Housekeepers had a positive impact on my family. I remember a housekeeper my family grew up to treasure. A dedicated housemaid, she was always devoted to doing her job regardless of how much money she was paid. As someone that grew up to admire my housekeeper, I loved “Mrs. Doubtfire”. Released in 1993, Pierce Brosnan’s movie captured housekeepers having a positive impact on families. In the most comical role of his career, Brosnan portrayed a wealthy businessman that has a romantic affair with a divorced woman facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase comedic timing he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Robin Williams who is also amazing, Brosnan created a comedy about housekeepers that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Stuart becomes aware that Daniel is dressed up in drag as the housekeeper causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Mrs. Doubtfire” a great movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most comedies made during the 1990’s which are outdated, it has aged beautifully. The film delivers a heartwarming message about roles housekeepers play in families. As powerful as chores performed by Mrs. Doubtfire, it’s a bold reminder of a great actor that hasn’t lost abilities to inspire whose movies audiences admire.
4. Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia! is a beloved Broadway play that my father adores today. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a father that adored a musical about ABBA. He would always marvel at a stage play about women facing a price to pay. In 2008, Pierce Brosnan honoured the iconic Broadway production with charisma in his movie “Mamma Mia!”. In the most theatrical role of his career, Brosnan portrayed a middle-aged man attending the wedding of a friend’s daughter causing despair. With “Mamma Mia!”, the actor showcased flair for singing melodies he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Meryl Streep who is also amazing, Brosnan created a musical that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Sam becomes aware that he is Sophie’s father at the wedding causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Mamma Mia!” a musical masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Broadway adaptations, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about the importance of pursuing one’s dreams which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking adaptation of a beloved Broadway play about women facing a price to pay, it’s a brilliant reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured movies which are worth appreciating absolutely today.
5. The World’s End
Doomsday scenarios are frightening disasters that always fascinated my teacher. At an early age, I met a teacher discussing doomsday tragedies causing damage. I remember a teacher that was fascinated by doomsday disaster. He would often fear the day that world would face a doomsday with a price to pay. As someone treasuring a teacher that feared the world’s end, I admired “The World’s End”. Released in 2013, Pierce Brosnan’s movie offered a hilarious depiction of a doomsday tragedy. In the most anxious role of his career, Brosnan portrayed a wealthy businessman that becomes victim of a doomsday invasion causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Simon Pegg who is also amazing, Brosnan created a doomsday comedy that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Guy becomes aware that the world has been invaded by zombies causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The World’s End” a comedic masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most doomsday movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about friendship which would resonate with everyone. A hilarious depiction of doomsday disasters which are dangerous, it’s a fantastic reminder of a famous actress that has made memorable movies audiences consider precious.
6. The Thomas Crown Affair
When it comes to the greatest films ever made about bank heists causing despair, it’s worth discussing The Thomas Crown Affair. Since its release in 1968, Norman Jewinson’s movie has become a beloved espionage classic. In 1999, Pierce Brosnan honoured the iconic film about a royal affair in his movie “The Thomas Crown Affair”. In the most mischievous role of his career, Brosnan portrayed a businessman that engages in a bank heist causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under pressure. Working alongside Rene Russo who is also amazing, Brosnan created an espionage blockbuster that’s captivating. As strong as Thomas Crown’s desire to become a billionaire, it’s a brilliant reminder of an actor that has made a successful career making movies about which audiences commonly care.
7. Tomorrow Never Dies
Pierce Brosnan always excelled at playing James Bond. Brosnan built an image of being an actor that thrived at playing the legendary spy with courage. Brosnan’s strength for playing spies facing tension is clearly evident in his movie “Tomorrow Never Dies”. Released in 1997, Roger Spottiswoode’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most conflicted role of his career, Brosnan portrayed a spy embarking on a dangerous mission causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing a legendary spy with a charismatic nature. Working alongside Michelle Yeoh who is also amazing, Brosnan created a James Bond movie that’s captivating. As strong as Bond’s desire to be a successful agent, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor with commitment that has always made unforgettable entertainment.
8. The Long Good Friday
Gangsters are grand figures that have often made for engaging movies. Since the 1970’s, stories of gangsters engaging in criminal activities have made for memorable movies. In 1980, Pierce Brosnan captured the enduring appeal of gangsters facing a price to pay in his movie “The Long Good Friday”. In the first role of his career, Brosnan portrayed a gangster engaging in a life of crime causing despair. It’s the breakthrough role that launched the actor’s career establishing his successful presence in Hollywood. Working alongside Bob Hoskins who is also amazing, Brosnan created a commemorated crime drama about gangsters that’s engaging. A beautiful portrait of gangsters that are British, it’s a brilliant reminder of a commemorated actor that has made engaging movies throughout his long-lasting career which audiences cherish.
9. The Ghost Writer
Few filmmakers in Hollywood have built a legacy as strong as Roman Polanski. With their thought-provoking storytelling, strong acting and timeless themes, Polanski’s movies have earned a huge fan following. In 2010, Polanski showcased his strengths as a filmmaker when he cast Pierce Brosnan in his movie “The Ghost Writer”. In the most intellectual role of his career, Brosnan portrayed a renowned British prime minister seeking to prepare his nation for warfare. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing leaders in positions of power. Working alongside Ewan McGregor who is also amazing, Brosnan created a drama about writers that’s engaging. As strong as stories the ghost writer has published, it’s a brilliant reminder of an actor that has made captivating movies which audiences have commonly cherished.
10. Cinderella
Pierce Brosnan hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have often left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Cinderella” falls into the latter category. Released in 2021, Kay Cannon’s movie was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Brosnan portrayed a commemorated king engaging in warfare. Brosnan brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the commemorated bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Cinderella” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Brosnan’s enduring legacy. As precious as dresses worn by Cinderella, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated actor with charisma that has made unforgettable movies throughout his career which i will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema.
The Film Buff 