My Favourite Josh Brolin Films

Not many actors in Hollywood have earned recognition of Josh Brolin. Since the 1990’s, Brolin has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s evil space scavengers, political leaders or corrupt drug dealers, Brolin has portrayed several 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. No Country for Old Men

Westerns are a genre of movies my grandfather always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed bonds with a grandfather that adored movies about gunslingers with courage. I recall with nostalgia a grandpa that often admired the western genre. He spoke fondly about good, bad and ugly gunslingers impacting his identity. Through his lifelong love for the western genre, my grandpa inspired me to pursue my passion for Cinema. As someone treasuring ≈fond memories of a grandfather that loved westerns about old men, I adored “No Country for Old Men”. Released in 2007, Josh Brolin’s best movie captured old men in the western genre. in the greatest role of his career, Brolin portrays a hunter that steals cash searched for by a psychopathic killer that causes despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Brolin has always had an aptitude for conveying strong emotions through silence, and “No Country For Old Men” showcased his strengths as an actor. Working alongside Woody Harrelson who is also amazing, Brolin created a western hero that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Llewelyn embarks on a journey in a hotel after he’s hunted down by Anton Chigurh causing despair is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “No Country for Old Men” Brolin’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most westerns that are targeted towards a specific audience, it tackles encompassing themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking western acknowledging psychotic serial killers causing lives of old men to deteriorate, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that has never lost his abilities to captivate audiences manufacturing unforgettable movies which are impossible to not appreciate.

2. Avengers: Infinity War

The Avengers is a spectacular superhero team that shaped my teacher’s identity. Several years ago, I formed a bond with a teacher that loved a superhero team giving him dreams to follow. He would always enjoy watching marvellous movies. In 2018, Josh Brolin honoured the superheroes facing a war in his movie “Avengers: Infinity War”. In the most villainous role of his career, Brolin embodies a space lord that causes the Avengers to face despair. Brolin has spent most of his career playing honourable heroes with sympathetic personalities. With “Avengers: Infinity War”, however, the actor showcased a villainous side that audiences hadn’t seen before. As Thanos, Brolin honoured an iconic villain that comic-book fans consider precious. For instance, the scene in which Thanos snaps his fingers causing the Avengers to disappear causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Avengers: Infinity War” a comic-book classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies targeted towards comic-book fans, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about grief which would resonate with everyone. As strong as the Avengers’ desire to defeat Thanos, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that has produced unforgettable movies audiences consider precious.

3. Dune

The Middle East is a misunderstood country that shaped my identity. I fondly recall with nostalgia joyous memories of growing up in Saudi Arabia. I grew up to value a country that I regarded highly. As someone treasuring fond memories of a prosperous country that won’t be forgotten soon, I appreciated “Dune”. Released in 2021, Josh Brolin’s science-fiction blockbuster offered an authentic depiction of Arab countries. In the most authoritative role of his career, Brolin embodied a wise mentor guiding youth on a planet facing despair. Brolin has always had an aptitude for playing strong heroes with wisdom, and “Dune” showcased his strengths as an actor. Working alongside Timothee Chalamet who is also amazing, Brolin honoured a legendary piece of science-fiction literature. For instance, the scene in which Gurney trains Paul Atredies to become a warrior seeking to prepare him for combat is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Dune” a classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the science-fiction book to appreciate it. A dazzling adaptation of a book about dune planets beneath the moon, it’s a rousing reminder of an actor whose commemorated films won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

4. Milk

Harvey Milk is a legendary politician that shaped my cousin’s identity. Years ago, I witnessed a gay cousin that sought acceptance in Toronto. My cousin always admired Harvey Milk for the efforts he made in changing rights for the LGBTQ community. He would always speak fondly about a gay activist that forever changed the way that LGBTQ communities are seen today. In 2008, Josh Brolin honoured Harvey Milk in his Oscar-winning movie “Milk”. In the most complex role of his career, Brolin embodies the politician that assassinated a queer icon causing despair. With “Milk”, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by playing a renowned historical figure. Working alongside Sean Penn who is also amazing, Brolin created a portrait of a politician that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Dan White marches into the public office to assassinate Harvey Milk causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Milk” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about sexual identity which would resonate with everyone. A terrific tribute towards a gay activist that forever changed the way homosexual communities are treated with a painful price to pay, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a commemorated actor that has produced timeless movies which deserve to be celebrated absolutely today.

5. True Grit

Revenge is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. A year ago, I became vengeful when a cyberbully insulted my writing causing sorrow. Seeking vengeance, I would yearn to punish a bully that had destroyed my self-confidence. As someone that has witnessed feelings of revenge with grit, I adored “True Grit”. Released in 2010, Josh Brolin’s western depicted danger of revenge. In the most mysterious role of his career, Brolin embodies a quiet outlaw that commits a scandalous murder causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotionally conflicted men. Working alongside Jeff Bridges who is also amazing, Brolin created a western that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Mattie confronts Tom Chaney about murdering her father causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “True Grit” a wonderful western is its universal appeal. Unlike most westerns, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about vengeance which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Mattie’s desire for vengeance, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor with a larger-than-life presence that has manufactured commemorated movies which have always attracted a humongous worldwide tremendous audience.

6. Weapons

Child abduction is a painful process putting parents under stress. Years ago, my mother became anxious when she lost my brother in grocery stores which were humongous.  Fearful that he had been abducted, she couldn’t cope with a situation leaving her affected. As someone that has witnessed dangers of child abductions, I adored “Weapons”. Released in 2025, Josh Brolin’s horror movie captured child abductions causing schools to face adversity. In the most anxious role of his career, Brolin portrayed a concerned parent whose child disappears causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under pressure. A powerful portrait of child abduction causing parents to face stress, it’s a profound reminder of an actor that has never lost his abilities to impress earning success.

7. Sicario

Drug trafficking is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often avoided telling stories of drug cartels that are misunderstood. In an industry that often ignored drug trafficking causing sorrow, it’s worth praising “Sicario”. Released in 2015, Josh Brolin’s movie depicted drug cartels facing catastrophe. In the most anxious role of his career, Brolin embodies a courageous CIA officer seeking to catch a drug trafficker causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his aptitude for playing anxiety-ridden characters under intense pressure. Working alongside Emily Blunt who is also amazing, Brolin created a CIA agent that’s compelling. As strong as Kate’s desire to stop drug trafficking, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that thrives playing action heroes in movies that are worth absolutely celebrating.

8. Inherent Vice

Few filmmakers in Hollywood have earned the recognition of Paul Thomas Anderson. With their compelling storytelling, strong themes and powerful acting, Anderson’s movies have earned a huge following. In 2014, Anderson showcased his strength as a filmmaker when he cast Josh Brolin in his movie “Inherent Vice”. In the most comical role of his career, Brolin portrayed a detective seeking to investigate crimes in a city 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 Joaquin Phoenix who is also amazing, Brolin created a crime drama that’s engaging.  A powerful portrait of drug addiction in L.A., it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured great movies throughout his long-lasting career that deserve appreciation today.

9. American Gangster

Frank Lucas is a legendary gangster that built a lasting legacy in American history. During the 1970’s, Lucas was a notorious gangster that engaged in criminal activities. In 2001, Josh Brolin honoured the American gangster in his movie “American Gangster”. In the most conflicted role of his career, Brolin portrayed a police sheriff seeking to apprehend a gangster causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing strong leaders in positions of power. Working alongside Denzel Washington who is also amazing, Brolin created a commemorated gangster movie that’s engaging. As strong as Frank’s desire to become a successful gangster, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has made unforgettable movies throughout his impressive career which audiences commonly always treasure.

10. Gangster Squad

Josh Brolin hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies that the actor has made have been appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Gangster Squad” falls into the latter category. Released in 2013, Ruben Fleischer’s gangster drama was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Brolin portrays a CIA officer seeking to catch gangsters in a town facing despair. Brolin brought gravitas to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Gangster Squad” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Brolin’s enduring legacy. As strong as the gangster squad’s mission to defeat Mickey Cohen, it’s a dazzling reminder about an actor with strong dedication that has manufactured unforgettable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.