Marlon Brando is one of the most famous actors in the history of movies. His performances changed the way people act in films and inspired generations of actors. He had a special way of making his characters feel real and alive. Many of his movies are still loved and watched today. Here is a long look at some of the top Marlon Brando movies, ranked and explained in a simple way.
One of the most important movies in Brando’s career is On the Waterfront from 1954. This film is often called one of the greatest performances in American movie history. Brando plays Terry Malloy, a former boxer who works on the docks in New York. He is caught between doing what is right and staying loyal to the people around him. The movie shows how hard it is to stand up for yourself when everyone else wants you to stay quiet. Brando’s acting is so powerful that it changed how actors approached their roles. Before this movie, many actors would act in a more dramatic and exaggerated way. After On the Waterfront, actors started to act more naturally, like real people. This movie won Brando an Academy Award and is still considered a classic.
Another major film is The Godfather from 1972. Brando plays Don Vito Corleone, the head of a powerful crime family. The movie is about loyalty, power, and family. Brando’s performance is calm and quiet, but it is full of strength and emotion. He makes the character feel both dangerous and caring. The way he speaks, moves, and looks at people makes Don Corleone unforgettable. Brando won another Academy Award for this role, and the movie is now seen as one of the greatest films ever made.
A Streetcar Named Desire from 1951 is another landmark in Brando’s career. He plays Stanley Kowalski, a rough and passionate man living in New Orleans. The story is about Stanley’s relationship with his sister-in-law, Blanche. Brando brings a mix of raw energy, vulnerability, and humor to the role. His performance was so strong that it made him a star. The movie is based on a famous play by Tennessee Williams, and Brando’s acting helped bring the story to life in a new way. This film is often studied in acting classes because of how real and powerful Brando’s performance is.
The Wild One from 1953 is one of Brando’s most iconic movies. He plays Johnny Strabler, the leader of a motorcycle gang. The film is about rebellion and freedom. Brando’s look in this movie, with his leather jacket and cool attitude, became a symbol of youth rebellion. The movie was controversial at the time because it showed young people acting out and breaking rules. But it also showed that Brando could play a character who was both tough and thoughtful. The Wild One is still remembered for its style and Brando’s unforgettable performance.
Sayonara from 1957 is a movie about love and prejudice. Brando plays an American pilot who falls in love with a Japanese woman. The film deals with issues of race and culture in a time when such topics were rarely shown in movies. Brando’s performance is sensitive and emotional. He shows the pain of being caught between two worlds and the courage it takes to follow your heart. Sayonara was praised for its honest look at love and its beautiful performances.
Last Tango in Paris from 1972 is one of Brando’s most controversial films. He plays Paul, a man dealing with grief and loneliness. The movie is known for its intense and emotional scenes. Brando’s performance is raw and powerful, but the film is also remembered for the difficult and troubling way it was made. Many people find it hard to separate the movie from the problems that happened during filming. Still, Brando’s acting is strong and shows his ability to play complex and troubled characters.
Superman from 1978 is a different kind of movie for Brando. He plays Jor-El, the father of Superman. His role is small, but it is very important. Brando brings a sense of wisdom and strength to the character. His performance helps set the tone for the whole movie. Even though he is only in a few scenes, his presence is felt throughout the film. Superman became a huge hit and is still loved by fans of superhero movies.
Apocalypse Now from 1979 is a war movie set during the Vietnam War. Brando plays Colonel Kurtz, a mysterious and powerful figure. The movie is about the madness of war and the darkness inside people. Brando’s performance is strange and intense. He makes Colonel Kurtz feel both terrifying and fascinating. The film is known for its long and difficult production, but Brando’s acting is one of its most memorable parts.
Guys and Dolls from 1955 is a musical comedy. Brando plays Sky Masterson, a gambler who falls in love with a woman named Sarah. The movie is full of music, dancing, and fun. Brando sings and dances in this film, which was unusual for him. His performance is charming and funny. Guys and Dolls shows that Brando could play different kinds of roles and still be entertaining.
Viva Zapata from 1952 is a historical drama. Brando plays Emiliano Zapata, a Mexican revolutionary. The movie tells the story of Zapata’s fight for justice and freedom. Brando’s performance is passionate and strong. He shows the courage and determination of a man who wants to change the world. Viva Zapata is praised for its powerful story and Brando’s acting.
Julius Caesar from 1953 is a movie based on the famous play by William Shakespeare. Brando plays Mark Antony, a Roman general. The film is about power, betrayal, and friendship. Brando’s performance is dramatic and emotional. He brings Shakespeare’s words to life in a way that feels real and powerful. Julius Caesar is a classic movie that shows Brando’s skill with complex characters.
The Young Lions from 1958 is a war movie about three soldiers during World War II. Brando plays a German soldier named Christian Diestl. The movie shows how war affects people from different sides. Brando’s performance is serious and thoughtful. He makes the character feel real and human, even though he is on the opposite side. The Young Lions is praised for its honest look at war and Brando’s acting.
Désirée from 1954 is a historical romance. Brando plays Napoleon Bonaparte, the famous French emperor. The movie is about love and power in the time of Napoleon. Brando’s performance is strong and dramatic. He shows both the greatness and the flaws of Napoleon. Désirée is remembered for its beautiful costumes and Brando’s powerful acting.
The Freshman from 1990 is a comedy. Brando plays a mob boss named Carmine Sabatini. The movie is about a college student who gets involved with the mob. Brando’s performance is funny and clever. He shows that he could play comedy as well as drama. The Freshman is a light and entertaining movie that shows Brando’s range as an actor.
A Dry White Season from 198
