Marlon Brando is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in the history of cinema, known for his intense, naturalistic performances that revolutionized acting in Hollywood. His career spanned over five decades, during which he delivered numerous iconic roles that have left a lasting impact on film and culture. Ranking his top movies involves considering his most influential, critically acclaimed, and culturally significant performances.
One of Brando’s most celebrated films is **The Godfather** (1972), directed by Francis Ford Coppola. In this film, Brando plays Vito Corleone, the aging patriarch of a powerful Mafia family. His portrayal is both commanding and nuanced, blending authority with vulnerability. This role earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor and remains a defining moment in his career. The Godfather is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made, and Brando’s performance is central to its enduring legacy[1][2][3].
Another landmark film is **On the Waterfront** (1954), where Brando plays Terry Malloy, a former boxer turned longshoreman who struggles with corruption and moral dilemmas on the docks. This role showcased Brando’s ability to convey deep emotional conflict and raw power, earning him his first Academy Award for Best Actor. The film itself is a hard-hitting social drama that remains influential for its realistic portrayal of labor issues and personal redemption[1][2].
Brando’s breakthrough came earlier with **A Streetcar Named Desire** (1951), adapted from Tennessee Williams’ play. His role as Stanley Kowalski introduced a new style of acting that emphasized naturalism and emotional truth. His performance was both brutal and charismatic, capturing the volatile energy of the character and setting a new standard for screen acting[1][2].
In the 1950s, Brando also starred in **The Wild One** (1954), where he played Johnny Strabler, a rebellious motorcycle gang leader. This film cemented his image as a cultural icon of youthful defiance and coolness. Though not as critically acclaimed as some of his other works, it remains a significant film for its influence on youth culture and cinema[2].
Brando’s versatility is evident in films like **Guys and Dolls** (1955), where he took on a musical role as Sky Masterson, showing his ability to sing and dance, and **Julius Caesar** (1953), where he portrayed Mark Antony in a Shakespeare adaptation, demonstrating his classical acting skills[2].
Later in his career, Brando took on more controversial and complex roles. **Last Tango in Paris** (1972) is notable for its raw and explicit exploration of human sexuality and emotional pain. The film was highly controversial but also critically acclaimed for Brando’s fearless performance[2].
In the late 1970s, Brando appeared in **Apocalypse Now** (1979), directed by Francis Ford Coppola. He played Colonel Kurtz, a mysterious and deranged officer in the Vietnam War. Though his screen time was limited, his presence was powerful and haunting, contributing to the film’s status as a masterpiece of war cinema[2][3].
Brando also took on smaller but memorable roles in films like **Superman** (1978), where he played Jor-El, Superman’s father, bringing gravitas to the superhero genre, and **The Freshman** (1990), a comedy where he played a mob boss, showing his ability to engage with lighter material later in his career[2].
Other notable films include **Viva Zapata!** (1952), where he portrayed the Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, and **The Young Lions** (1958), in which he played a conflicted Nazi soldier during World War II. These roles further demonstrate his range and willingness to tackle diverse and challenging characters[2].
Ranking Marlon Brando’s top movies often places **The Godfather**, **On the Waterfront**, and **A Streetcar Named Desire** at the very top due to their critical acclaim, cultural impact, and Brando’s transformative performances. Films like **Apocalypse Now**, **Last Tango in Paris**, and **The Wild One** follow closely for their significance and the unique aspects they brought to his career. His work in musicals, Shakespeare adaptations, and later genre films round out a filmography that is both deep and varied.
In summary, Marlon Brando’s best movies are those that showcase his pioneering acting style, his ability to inhabit complex characters, and his influence on both cinema and popular culture. His legacy is defined by a handful of landmark films that continue to be studied and admired for their artistic and emotional power.
