Not many actors have made movies that demand to be seen like Martin Sheen. Since the 1970’s, Sheen has become a legendary icon. Whether it’s war soldiers, departed police-officers or concerned fathers, Sheen has portrayed many strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies that 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. Apocalypse Now
The Vietnam War is a disaster that always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather that had immense knowledge about grim wars that caused emotional damage. I remember a grandfather that was fascinated with dark warfare that caused disaster. He would often recount harrowing memories of witnessing soldiers being killed in a war that shaped his identity. My grandfather often believed movies were an art that couldn’t capture a war which tore lives apart. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how the apocalyptic war destroyed lives as powerfully as “Apocalypse Now”. Released in 1979, Martin Sheen’s best movie offered a powerful portrait of the Vietnam War. In the greatest role of his career, Sheen portrayed a traumatized soldier that participates in a dangerous mission to locate a Colonel causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Sheen has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes that have simple personalities. With “Apocalypse Now”, however, the actor took a big step out of his comfort zone by playing a traumatized Vietnam War soldier. Working alongside Marlon Brando who is also amazing, Sheen honoured a historic war that occurred several years ago. For instance, the scene in which Captain Wilard first meets the evil Colonel Kurtz engaged in warfare causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Apocalypse Now” Martin Sheen’s best movie is its appeal. Unlike most war movies that are targeted towards a limited audience, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years after release of a classic film about a war that left soldiers emotionally devastated, it’s a great reminder of an inspiring actor that has made bold movies which deserve to be celebrated.
2. Catch Me if You Can
Con-artists always fascinated my father. I remember my father was fascinated with con-artists facing disaster. He would marvel at the clever way con-artists got away with crimes without a price to pay. As someone treasuring fond memories of a father that admired con-artists with a plan, I adored “Catch Me if You Can”. Released in 2002, Martin Sheen’s movie captured the life of renowned con-artist Frank Abagnale. In the most wealthy role of his career, Sheen portrays an attorney whose daughter marries a con-artist causing despair. With “Catch Me if You Can”, the actor showcased flair for comedy he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio who is also amazing, Sheen honoured a con-artist. For instance, the scene in which Roger Strong becomes aware his daughter has married a con-artist causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Catch Me if You Can” a classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about dangers of false identities which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years after Frank Abagnale committed cons with great detail, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made memorable movies which rarely ever fail.
3. The Departed
Trusting people is something that I’ve always found difficulty doing. Years ago, my family faced grief when we found our housekeeper was a thief. I remember a housekeeper that treated my family in a generous manner. However, appearances can often be deceiving. My grandparents were shocked when they discovered their housekeeper they trusted had stolen jewelry. As someone that has often found people hard to be trusted, I adored “The Departed”. Released in 2006, Martin Sheen’s movie captured undercover cops. In the most conflicted role of his career, Sheen portrayed a police-officer facing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing conflicted characters. Working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio who is also amazing, Sheen created a cop that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Queenan is thrown from a building to his death causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Departed” a classic is its message. The film delivers a bold message about trust which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of cops struggling to trust whose lives deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made great movies which audiences appreciate.
4. Gandhi
Gandhi is a great historical figure that shaped my grandmother’s identity. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a grandma that adored a political leader in India. My grandmother always spoke fondly about a political leader that changed Indian history. She believed Gandhi deserved to be celebrated for feats he achieved. In 1982, Martin Sheen honoured the politician that changed history in his movie “Gandhi”. In the most political role of his career, Sheen portrayed a real-life journalist that formed friendships with Gandhi. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a journalist that’s well-known. Working alongside Ben Kingsley who is also amazing, Sheen honoured a politician in Indian history. For instance, the scene in which Vince Walker first meets Gandhi during a time when India is facing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Gandhi” a great biopic is its message. The film delivers a profound message about hope which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to have immense knowledge about Indian history to appreciate it. An incredible tribute towards an iconic political leader that forever changed India, it’s an insightful reminder about a commemorated actor with charisma that has made timeless movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
5. Wall Street
The lives of Wall Street stockbrokers always fascinated my brother. I remember my brother was interested in stockbrokers that engaged in criminal behaviour. Drawn to finance, he was interested in Wall Street bankers. In 1987, Martin Sheen captured Wall Street stockbrokers in his movie “Wall Street”. In the most financial role of his career, Sheen portrayed the father of a Wall Street stockbroker facing despair. Sheen has an aptitude for working with family members in his movies, and “Wall Street” showcased his strengths as an actor. Drawing from his real-life relationship with son Charlie Sheen, Sheen created a compelling portrait of Wall Street. For instance, the scene in which Carl becomes aware that his son has engaged in crime causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Wall Street” a classic film is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about finance, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a strong message about dangers of greed which would resonate with everyone. A wonderful portrait of stockbrokers on Wall Street, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated actor that has commonly manufactured unforgettable movies that audiences consider a treat.
6. The Subject Was Roses
It isn’t easy to adapt a beloved Broadway play on the big-screen today. Broadway plays are by definition the polar opposite of movies. What works in stage productions doesn’t always translate into movie-magic. However, in 1968 Martin Sheen pulled it off effectively in his movie “The Subject of Roses”. In the most theatrical role of his career, Sheen portrayed a tormented war veteran struggling to repair broken bonds with his parents causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his aptitude for playing conflicted characters facing turmoil. Working alongside Jack Albertson who is also amazing, Sheen created a Broadway adaptation that’s compelling. A breathtaking adaptation of a beloved Broadway play, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made memorable movies which are worth celebrating today.
7. Judas the Black Messiah
When it comes to inspirational political leaders in America deserving recognition, it’s worth discussing Fred Hampton. During the 1960’s, Hampton was an African-American social activist that fought racism. In 2021, Martin Sheen honoured the iconic political leader that changed America in his movie “Judas and the Black Messiah”. In the most historical role of his career, Sheen portrayed a real-life politician that guided the nation during a time of despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone playing a political leader that’s well-known. Working alongside Daniel Kaluuya who is also amazing, Sheen created a politician that’s compelling. 60 years after Fred Hampton became an African-American political leader, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has made memorable movies which audiences treasure.
8. Gettysburg
Michael Sheen has always excelled at playing political leaders whose stories are rarely seen. Sheen has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing political figures in American history with courage. Sheen’s strength for playing politicians that face a dilemma is clearly evident in his movie “Gettysburg”. In the most authoritative role of his career, Sheen portrayed a real-life war general that participated in the Battle of Gettysburg causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor an opportunity to showcase his strength for playing political leaders. Working alongside Jeff Daniels who is also amazing, Sheen created a portrait of war that’s compelling. Centuries after the Battle of Gettysburg that caused casualties which were painful, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor that has made memorable movies audiences consider special.
9. Badlands
Terrence Malick is a legendary filmmaker that has built a legacy that’s iconic. With their stunning visuals, engrossing storytelling and strong acting, Malick’s movies have earned a huge following. In 1973, Malick showcased his strengths as a filmmaker when he cast Michael Sheen in his movie “Badlands”. In the most violent role of his career, Sheen portrays a ruthless killer embarking on a killing spree in a land facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a psychopathic killer. Working alongside Sissy Spacek who is also amazing, Sheer created a portray of a killer that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of psychopathic killers in a dangerous land, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated actor that has always manufactured grand movies which are easy for audiences to understand.
10. The Amazing Spider-Man
Few superheroes have gained a fan following as huge as Spider-Man. Since the 1960’s, the hero has appeared in many memorable movies. In 2012, Martin Sheen did an amazing job of honouring the hero in his movie “The Amazing Spider-Man”. In the most tragic role of his career, Sheen portrayed a doomed uncle that is murdered causing despair. Sheen brought heartfelt emotion to the role of Uncle Ben, shining in spite of his limited screen-time. Although “The Amazing Spider-Man” isn’t quite as amazing as Sheen’s best movies, it honoured the actor’s legacy. As amazing as webs that Spider-Man has woven, it’s a spectacular reminder of an actor that has built a legendary reputation with strong dedication towards his craft making unforgettable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 