Not many actors have made movies that demand to be seen like Sean Bean. Since the 1990’s, Bean has become a beloved British icon. Whether it’s magical ring bearers, medieval warriors or space scavengers, Bean 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. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
The Lord of the Rings is a fantastic fantasy series that shaped my grandfather’s identity. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a great grandfather that often acknowledged big books about rings causing damage. Drawn to the great power of big rings that were dangerous, he loved a great series that often held a big place in his heart that was precious. In 2001, Sean Bean honoured the iconic franchise about precious rings in his movie “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”. In the greatest role of his career, Bean portrayed a dark medieval warrior that carries a painful ring that becomes a heavy burden to bear. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Bean has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes in British period dramas. With “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”, however, the actor took a huge step out of his comfort zone by playing an iconic literary character that’s well-known. Working alongside Viggo Mortensen who is also amazing, Bean created a fantasy film that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Boromir delivers a speech to the clan about the bold nature of the ring causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” Sean Bean’s best movie is its bold appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the fantasy books to enjoy it. 70 years after the creation of a fantasy book about bold hobbits with a ring with powers that are terrifying, it’s a great reminder about a bold actor that made movies which are definitely worth celebrating.
2. Goldeneye
James Bond is a legendary spy that my father always loved dearly. I vividly remember forming a strong bond with a father that admired the iconic character. He would love discussing a goldeneye spy falling from the sky with no time to die. My father often loved seeing movies about a spy saving the world from weapons that terrify. In 1995, Sean Bean honoured the iconic spy in his movie “Goldeneye”. In the most villainous role of his career, the actor portrayed a menacing henchman seeking to plot nuclear warfare. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase talent for playing villains he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Pierce Brosnan who is also amazing, Bean created an espionage blockbuster that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Alec makes James Bond aware of his plans of nuclear warfare is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “GoldenEye” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Bond movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A spectacular tribute towards a commemorated spy, it’s a sensational reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured memorable movies throughout his long-lasting career which commonly satisfy.
3. The Martian
Movies about survival have always resonated with me. At an early age, my family faced a bombing in Saudi Arabia that caused damage. Through my parent’s drive to survive, I made it out of the bomb blast without a scratch alive. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured individuals surviving a disastrous situation as powerfully as “The Martian”. Released in 2015, Sean Bean’s movie offered an engaging adaptation of a beloved science-fiction book about space survival. In the most anxious role of his career, Bean portrayed a political advisor seeking to locate a lost astronaut on a planet facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under intense pressure. Working alongside Matt Damon who is also amazing, Bean created a space survival movie that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Mitch becomes aware that Mark Watney is alive causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Martian” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about space, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about survival which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of hardships astronauts face seeking to survive in space, it’s a bold reminder about an actor whose movies audiences embrace.
4. Mirror Mirror
Snow White is a legendary character that impressed by mother. I remember my mother adored an iconic princess that she grew up to treasure. A huge fan of Snow White, she would always praise a bright character that gave her greater insight. She would admire an iconic character that shaped her love of movies. In 2012, Sean Bean honoured the iconic character in his movie “Mirror Mirror”. In the most magical role of his career, Bean portrayed a majestic king seeking to rule a kingdom facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to demonstrate rare comedic timing he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Julia Roberts who is also amazing, Bean created a fantasy film that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which the father becomes aware that Snow White has gone missing causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Mirror Mirror” a fantasy classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most films about Snow White, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. A spectacular tribute towards Snow White, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a bright actor that has produced commemorated movies which have always been centre of the cinematic spotlight.
5. Troy
Troy is a legendary Greek warrior whose stories always inspired by teacher. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a history professor that adored a warrior in the Greek era. He would always love discussing a warrior fighting obstacles that he found inspiring. In 2004, Sean Bean honoured Troy in his movie “Troy”. In the most historical role of his career, the actor portrayed a medieval warrior embarking on an adventure of warfare causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a legendary Greek warrior that’s well-known. Working alongside Brad Pitt who is also amazing, Bean created a medieval movie that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Odysseus seeks to prepare his soldiers for warfare through a rousing speech is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Troy” a medieval masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Ancient Greek history, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. As strong as battles won by Troy, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made captivating movies audiences commonly enjoy.
6. Flightplan
Airplanes are soaring vehicles that have always terrified me. At an early age, I developed a fear of planes soaring at high altitudes that faced risk of damage. I would fear that the airplane would be hijacked in a situation becoming a nightmare. As someone fearing sitting in airplanes that don’t go according to plan, I loved “Flightplan”. Released in 2005, Sean Bean’s movie depicted airplanes facing catastrophe. In the most stressful role of his career, Bean portrayed a pilot facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing heroes under intense pressure. Working alongside Jodie Foster who is also outstanding, Bean created an aviation drama that’s engaging. As powerful as Kyle’s desire to find her child in an airplane, it’s a bold reminder about an actor that has managed to gain a following by making movies that entertain.
7. National Treasure
Archaeology is a field that my father has grown to treasure. I recall joyous memories of a father that loved making archaeological discoveries. As someone cherishing joyous memories of a father that loved archaeology, I adored “National Treasure”. Released in 2004, Sean Bean’s movie depicted an archaeologist seeking to uncover national treasure. In the most commanding role of his career, Bean portrayed an archaeologist seeking to uncover treasure 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 Nicolas Cage who is also amazing, Bean created an archaeology movie that’s captivating. As advantageous as artifacts Benjamin seeks to discover, it’s a powerful reminder of an adventurous actor that audiences consider extremely precious.
8. Patriot Games
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about patriotic games, it’s worth discussing Patriot Games. Since its publication in 1987, Tom Clancy’s book has earned recognition. With its strong storytelling, compelling characters and timeless themes, the book earned a huge following. In 1992, Sean Bean honoured the iconic book about games in his movie “Patriot Games”. In the most patriotic role of his career, the actor portrayed an assassin engaging in a life of crime causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase emotional range he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Harrison Ford who is also amazing, Bean created a patriotic movie that’s captivating. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about games that are patriotic, it’s a fantastic reminder of an actor audiences consider iconic.
9. Ronin
Sean Bean has often excelled at playing emotional characters whose struggles are seen. Bean has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing emotional heroes facing damage. Bean’s strength for playing emotional heroes seeking to win is clearly evident in his movie “Ronin”. Released in 1998, John Frankenheimer’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most emotional role of his career, the actor portrayed a spy seeking to commit murders causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes in danger. Working alongside Robert De Niro who is also amazing, Bean created an espionage thriller that’s engaging. As strong as Sam’s desire to be part of the CIA, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated actor making compelling movies which are worth celebrating today.
10. Silent Hill
Sean Bean hasn’t always made great movies that demand to be seen. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Silent Hill” falls into the latter category. Released in 2006, Christoph Gans’ horror blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, the actor portrayed the father of a terminally ill daughter facing despair. Bean brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Silent Hill” is a bad movie, it honoured Bean’s legacy. As strong as Rose’s desire to protect her daughter from destruction, it’s a dazzling reminder of a commemorated actor with strong dedication that has made unforgettable movies throughout his commemorated career which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 