Top 10 Josh Brolin Performances

“Deadpool 2” (2018)

A cybernetic man from the future who goes back in time to prevent the death of his family, Cable is an ideal comedic foil for Deadpool. Where the Merc with a Mouth talks a mile a minute, Brolin portrays Cable as a stoic solider who’ll stop at nothing to complete his mission. Unlike some of the characters from the DC Universe, however, Cable isn’t a complete stick in the mud. Despite having a no-nonsense attitude, he can still get a laugh from his matter-of-fact reactions to Deadpool’s absurd antics. When you’re acting opposite a character as hilarious as Deadpool, keeping a straight face isn’t easy, but the cool, composed Brolin pulls it off flawlessly.

“Hail, Caesar!” (2016)

The Coen brother’s homage to old-school Hollywood brings together an A-list cast, with Brolin taking center stage. Brolin plays Eddie Mannix, a real-life fixer tasked with cleaning up the messes that take place behind the scenes. In addition to clashing with egotistical actors, Mannix faces a dilemma of biblical proportions when the star of an expensive epic is kidnapped. Brolin nails the persona of a 1950s studio executive with a fast-paced manner of speech and a response ready for every question. He can extinguish a scandal quietly and sensitively, but isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty if needed. Even when a situation is spiraling out of control, his head is always in the game.

“Inherent Vice” (2014)

Brolin is always great when playing characters in a position of power, as few actors can command the silver screen quite like him. In “Inherent Vice,” Brolin once again finds himself in a supporting role that impeccably complements the protagonist. Where Joaquin Phoenix’s Doc is daze and laidback, Detective “Bigfoot” approaches every case with stern intensity. At the same time, Bigfoot does have an eccentric side, possessing a passion for frozen bananas that’s only rivalled by his hatred of hippies. As unpredictable as Bigfoot can be, Brolin never goes too over-the-top, just barely keeping him at the edge of sanity. We can only imagine what would happen if Bigfoot went completely off the deep end.

“The Goonies” (1985)

Brolin has taken on so many iconic roles in recent years that many people forget that he made his film debut in 1985’s “The Goonies.” Playing the older brother of fellow rising star Sean Astin, Brolin broke out as the athletic Brand. Half of the time, this self-appointed leader wants to beat up his wimpy brother and friends for making his life exceedingly difficult. As a treasure hunt begins to unfold, however, Brand takes it upon himself to protect the other Goonies from violent criminals and booby traps, with enough time left to get the girl. While he prides himself on being a tough guy, Brand’s is ultimately a sweetheart who never says die.

“Sicario” (2015)

“Sicario” centers on Emily Blunt’s Kate Macer, an FBI agent who underestimates what she’s in store for upon joining a special task force. If Kate is the movie’s heart, then Brolin’s Matt Graver is definitely the sturdy backbone. Where Kate struggles to separate her emotions from her work, Matt has practically become desensitized to the acts of violence he witnesses on a regular basis. As a result, he doesn’t mind bending the rules and putting others in danger if it means maintaining order. Matt easily could’ve been a one-note character, but instead emerges as complex and identifiable. Brolin left such an impression that he was essentially promoted to co-lead in the sequel. (xref)

“W.” (2008)

Being one of the more controversial U.S. Presidents, George W. Bush is often depicted through a comedic lens. While this Oliver Stone film certainly isn’t without its comedic moments, it never turns into an “SNL” sketch. Rather, Brolin’s performance offers a sympathetic representation of Bush, presenting him as a black sheep determined to make his mark and earn his father’s respect. Once he finds himself in the country’s most powerful office, though, Bush begins to question his ability to lead as America enters its darkest hour. Spending months mastering Bush’s Texan accent and body language, Brolin delivers an authentic portrayal that rings true while also allowing us to see the 43rd in a different light.

“True Grit” (2010)


Although Brolin isn’t onscreen for long in “True Grit,” the film largely revolves around his character. After outlaw Tom Chaney murders young Mattie Ross’ father, she teams up with the drunken Rooster to track him down. Virtually unseen for the film’s first two thirds, the audience begins to imagine what Chaney is like in their heads. So it comes as something of a surprise when Mattie finally confronts Chaney and finds that he’s basically just a drunken simpleton. While by no means a master criminal, Brolin still portrays Chaney as a despicable lowlife who won’t hesitate to harm a little girl. Intimidating while also injecting some welcome comedy, Brolin makes the most out of little.

“Avengers: Infinity War” (2018)


Just a couple weeks before appearing as Cable, Brolin stole the show in another Marvel blockbuster. Over the course of several years, the MCU built up Thanos as the biggest bad in the franchise’s history. When the character was finally given time to shine in “Avengers: Infinity War,” Brolin didn’t disappoint with his emotive motion-capture and voice performance. It’s not Thanos’ powers or Infinity Gauntlet that make him an interesting villain per se. It’s that he actually views himself as the hero of this story, even willing to make personal sacrifices for what he considers the greater good. A perfect marriage between an actor and special effects, Thanos is as real as CGI characters get.

“Milk” (2008)

The performance that earned Brolin his first Oscar nomination, Dan White was a real-life city supervisor who developed hostile feelings towards openly gay politician Harvey Milk. Although this Vietnam veteran seems friendly at first glance, White is overcome with inner demons that only become more apparent as things don’t go his way. Some even speculate that he’s a closeted homosexual, which would go against White’s conservative ideals. This makes for a fascinating dynamic between White and Milk that’s bound to end in tragedy. Subtly conveying numerous different layers, Brolin portrays White as somebody who perpetuates a traditional, family man image, but is ultimately unable to conceal the murderer lurking underneath.


Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:


Agent K
“Men in Black 3” (2012)


Dr. William Block
“Planet Terror” (2007)


Det. Nick Trupo
“American Gangster” (2007)

“No Country for Old Men” (2007)

Javier Bardem’s Oscar-winning turn as Anton Chigurh might’ve garnered more attention, but Brolin’s performance as Llewelyn Moss was just as essential to this movie’s success. Upon stumbling upon a suitcase of cash, Moss becomes the target in a game of cat and mouse. As crafty as Moss may be, he soon comes to realize that there’s no such thing as a clean getaway. Charismatic while also being understated, Moss encompasses all of Brolin’s strengths as an actor. While he had already been doing steady work as a character actor for over two decades, this was the role that propelled him to another level of popularity, helping to single out Brolin as one of the greats.