Few actors in Hollywood attract audiences to the theatre like Bradley Cooper. Following his recognition during the 2000’s, Cooper has become one of the greatest actors in Hollywood. Whether it’s shallow musical singers, men with bipolar disorder or guilty police officers, Cooper has portrayed several unforgettable characters. Given the number of great movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the greatest movies made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Silver Linings Playbook
It’s hard to adopt an optimistic perspective on life. After a person faces grim hardships in life causing sadness, it’s often difficult to find silver linings amidst darkness. Whether it’s devastating divorce, heartbreaking breakup or tragic loss, certain events in life can cause a person to adopt negative life perspective. Few films I’ve ever seen have encouraged me to adopt positive outlooks on the world finding silver linings as powerfully as “Silver Linings Playbook”. Released in 2012, David O. Russell’s magnificent masterpiece captures a man with Bipolar seeking to find the silver linings in his hopeless life. One of the major reasons why the film moved me so deeply is because of Bradley Cooper. In arguably the greatest role of his career, Cooper embodies a man with Bipolar struggling to find silver linings following a divorce disaster. It isn’t easy to embody the moody personality of a person with mental illness, but Cooper succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and vulnerable in his most personal role. For instance, the scene where Pat has a nervous breakdown after he fails to find his wedding video is the most emotional acting the actor has ever done. Ultimately, what makes “Silver Linings Playbook” Cooper’s greatest movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Bipolar, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. A bold portrait of mental illness, it’s a bold reminder of a celebrated actor that thrives playing great heroes in movies that shine a light amidst darkness.
2. A Star is Born
Alcoholism is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often struggled to tell realistic stories of grim alcohol addiction on the big-screen. Movies commonly have a tendency to glamorize alcohol consumption as a positive activity rather than showing its harmful repercussions. However, “A Star is Born” is an exception. Released in 2018, Bradley Cooper’s musical masterpiece did an extraordinary job of depicting alcoholism on the big-screen. In the most complex role of his career, Cooper embodies an alcoholic musician facing despair. Not only does Cooper showcase talent for singing melodies but he captures adversities faced by individuals with alcohol addiction. Working alongside Lady Gaga who is also excellent, Cooper creates a powerful portrait of an alcohol addict. For instance, the scene where Jackson Maine breaks down in rehab after being visited by Ally captures the consequential realities of alcohol addiction. Ultimately, what makes “A Star is Born” soar is its message about mental health. It delivers a strong message about mental health which would strike a chord with everyone. A powerful portrait of alcohol addiction faced by musicians whose lives are far from shallow, it’s a strong reminder of an actor that thrives playing characters facing sorrow whose movies always give audiences dreams to commonly follow.
3. The Place Beyond the Pines
Fathers are powerful figures that play pivotal roles shaping children’s futures. As far as I can remember, I’ve always shared a strong bond with my father. An inspiring role model, my father has always encouraged me to achieve goals I am pursuing. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured crucial roles fathers play in lives of children facing declines as powerfully as “The Place Beyond the Pines”. In the most complex role of his career, Cooper transforms into a guilt-ridden father facing a heavy burden to bear. It’s a challenging role that requires the actor to convey emotions of guilt, but Cooper succeeds. He pulls off the feat of making a police officer committing despicable crimes a person that’s sympathetic. For instance, the scene where Avery breaks down in the forest asking for forgiveness is the most vulnerable performance the actor has ever given. Ultimately, what makes “The Place Beyond the Pines” one of Cooper’s best films is its message. The film delivers a message about roles fathers play in shaping children. As someone sharing a bond with my father, it resonated with me. A strong portrait of fatherhood, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that thrives when he plays complex characters in movies celebrated in modern-day Hollywood.
4. Maestro
When it comes to the world’s greatest composers whose melodies shine, it’s worth discussing Leonard Bernstein. A classical composer that achieved fame years ago, Bernstein composed melodies which were far from shallow. As passionate as Mozart, he poured his heart into composing melodies he considered to be precious pieces of art. In 2023, Bradley Cooper beautifully brought the life of the maestro to the big-screen in his film “Maestro”. In his most melodious role, Cooper embodies a legendary musical maestro that was driven to achieve his goal. Assisted by Carey Mulligan who is also exceptional, Cooper creates a touching tribute to a real-life musician. Cooper showcased a strong sense of commitment making “Maestro” that he hasn’t shown in his previous movies. Not only did the actor embody the persona of the classical composer, but he actually learned how to conduct a musical orchestra. For instance, the scene where Leonard Bernstein conducts a live orchestra is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Maestro” stand out is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Leonard Bernstein to appreciate it. As memorable as melodies composed by Leonard Bernstein, it’s a magnificent reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to shine by portraying characters that face a heartbreaking decline.
5. American Hustle
Con-artists that commit grim criminal activities have often made for memorable movies. Audiences are drawn to the stories of con-artists that get away with committing crimes without a price to pay. Due to their surprising plot twists, movies about con-artists often have great entertainment-value. Few films I’ve ever seen about con-artists that hustle are as powerful as “American Hustle”. Released in 2013, David O. Russell’s movie told the true story of the real-life ABSCAM scandal involving con-artists. In the most stylish role of his career, Bradley Cooper transforms into a real-life con artist that engaging in a massive criminal affair. It isn’t easy to embody a real-life con-man that engaged in criminal activity, but Cooper pulls it off successfully. It’s a larger-than-life role giving the actor an opportunity to showcase his talent for comic timing. In a star-studded cast filled with several outstanding actors, Cooper stands out the most. Ultimately, what makes “American Hustle” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about con-artists, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about crime which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 50 years after the groundbreaking ABSCAM scandal in which con-artists committing crimes faced danger, it’s an acknowledgement reminder of a actor that thrives portraying commemorated characters engaging in criminal activities which audiences treasure.
6. Superman
Few superheroes have gained a fan following as huge as Superman. Since his creation during the 1930’s, the man of steel has become a hero about whom audiences deeply feel. With his charming personality, strong presence and charisma, Superman has become an icon in the modern era. In 2025, Bradley Cooper honoured the soaring superhero in his movie “Superman”. In the most heroic role of his career, Cooper portrayed the conflicted father of a superhero soaring in the air. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing strong leaders in positions of power. Working alongside David Corenswet who is also amazing, Cooper honoured a soaring superhero that’s inspiring. As strong as Superman’s desire to soar, it’s a spectacular reminder of a commemorated actor that has made engaging movies audiences adore.
7. The Hangover
Bradley Cooper has always been one of those actors with a sense of humour. Ever since his career began years ago, Cooper has always excelled making comedies. Cooper’s knack for humour is clearly evident in his film “The Hangover”. Released in 2009, Todd Phillips’ movie found the actor playing an alcoholic man facing a hangover. In the most comical role of his career, Cooper embodies a reckless man addicted to alcohol that becomes a burden to bear. With his dazed expression, mumbled speech and reckless behaviour, Cooper does an excellent job capturing a man experiencing the state of a hangover. A hilarious depiction of consequences faced by individuals experiencing a hangover that’s dangerous, it’s a strong reminder of an actor that thrives playing characters that are courageous in movies audiences consider extremely precious.
8. Guardians of the Galaxy
The Guardians of the Galaxy is a legendary superhero team that has built a strong legacy. Ever since their introduction during the 1970’s, the Guardians have got viewers hooked on a feeling. With their larger-than-life characters, teamwork and sense of humour, the Guardians have become legendary heroes. In 2014, Bradley Cooper did an excellent job of bringing the team of guardians defending the galaxy to the big-screen in his film “Guardians of the Galaxy”. In his first ever comic-book role, Cooper transformed into a raccoon with a strong goal. Through his commanding voice, Cooper created a character that’s compelling. As powerful as galaxies the guardians are driven to defend, it’s a strong reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to send viewers into a state of excitement whose celebrated movies are easy to tremendously recommend.
9. American Sniper
When it comes to the deadliest snipers in U.S. history, it’s worth discussing Chris Kyle. During the Iraq War, Kyle committed a number of murders. Through his sheer dedication, Kyle became a commemorated veteran. Despite his efforts serving his country, Kyle suffered from trauma. In 2015, the American sniper’s true story was brought to the big-screen in Bradley Cooper’s film “American Sniper”. In his first ever war role, Cooper embodies a sniper that faced a heavy toll. Cooper uses his eye movements to capture a sniper that faces guilty for committing atrocities. It’s a beautiful performance offers a tribute to a hero in American history. 20 years after a sniper serving his country became an icon in America, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor with charisma playing characters facing a dilemma whose movies are treasured in modern-day Cinema.
10. Aloha
Bradley Cooper hasn’t always made great movies that audiences treasure. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have often left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Aloha” falls into the latter category. Released in 2015, Cameron Crowe’s comedy was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, the actor portrayed a camp guard seeking to prepare people facing despair. Cooper brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Aloha” is a bad movie, it honoured Cooper’s commemorated legacy. As strong as Brian’s desire for a Hawaii vacation, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor with strong dedication to his craft that has made unforgettable movies throughout his career which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 