Josh Brolin has built a career out of versatility. He’s been a cowboy, a cop, a villain, and even a Marvel supervillain bent on wiping out half the universe. What makes Brolin stand out is his ability to ground larger-than-life characters with grit and humanity. Whether leading prestige dramas or stealing the spotlight in blockbusters, he’s proven himself one of Hollywood’s most reliable actors. Here are 10 of his best roles.
Our Picks
10. Hollow Man (2000)
Though Hollow Man is remembered more for Kevin Bacon, Brolin holds his own as Dr. Matthew Kensington, a scientist caught in the chaos of an invisibility experiment gone wrong. The film leans into pulpy sci-fi horror, and while not Brolin’s most iconic role, it’s an early sign of his ability to thrive even in genre-heavy, effects-driven projects.
9. American Gangster (2007)
In Ridley Scott’s American Gangster, Brolin plays Detective Trupo, a crooked New York cop who butts heads with both Denzel Washington’s Frank Lucas and Russell Crowe’s Richie Roberts. Though he’s not the star, his slimy, opportunistic performance adds another layer of menace to the already high-stakes crime drama. It’s a smaller role, but a memorable one that shows his knack for playing shades of gray.
8. Planet Terror (2007)
Robert Rodriguez’s grindhouse horror Planet Terror gave Brolin a chance to cut loose as Dr. William Block, a morally compromised physician whose world spirals out of control during a zombie outbreak. Equal parts creepy and campy, his performance fits perfectly within the over-the-top gore and chaos. It’s not his most serious role, but it’s proof that Brolin can lean into pulpy excess with style.
7. Men in Black 3 (2012)
Taking on a younger version of Tommy Lee Jones’ Agent K, Brolin absolutely nails the impression. His performance is more than mimicry, though — he channels Jones’ deadpan delivery while bringing his own charm to the role. The film revitalized the Men in Black series, and Brolin’s uncanny chemistry with Will Smith was a big reason why it worked as well as it did.
6. Deadpool 2 (2018)
As Cable, the gruff, time-traveling mercenary, Brolin brought a perfect foil to Ryan Reynolds’ irreverent Deadpool. His hardened demeanor balanced the absurdity around him, giving the movie both stakes and laughs. With his imposing presence and dry wit, Brolin managed to stand tall in a film packed with meta humor and outrageous action. Fans still want to see him reprise the role.
5. Dune (2021)
In Denis Villeneuve’s epic adaptation of Dune, Brolin plays Gurney Halleck, the loyal warrior and mentor to Paul Atreides. His mix of hardened soldier and caring teacher made the character resonate with audiences, even amid the film’s sprawling worldbuilding. Brolin brought both gravitas and warmth, helping ground the dense sci-fi tale. His performance was crucial in giving the story its human heartbeat.
4. Dune: Part Two (2024)
Brolin returns in Dune: Part Two with even more intensity. As Gurney, he plays a pivotal role in the escalating war for Arrakis, embodying loyalty, resilience, and warrior’s fury. With more screen time and higher stakes, Brolin cements Gurney as one of his standout characters, delivering a performance that balances brutality with wisdom. It’s a powerhouse role in one of modern cinema’s greatest epics.
3. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Though Infinity War gave us peak Thanos, Brolin still carried enormous weight in Endgame. His version of the Mad Titan here is slightly younger and more brutal, lacking the reflective quality of his previous appearance. Even so, his menace and conviction keep him one of the most compelling villains in blockbuster history. Few actors could’ve given a CGI character this much presence.
2. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
This was the movie that transformed Thanos from a background tease into one of cinema’s greatest villains. Brolin delivered a surprisingly nuanced performance, layering cold brutality with twisted morality. His calm demeanor contrasted with his devastating power, making him as fascinating as he was terrifying. It’s the role that defined his mainstream career, proving he could carry a mega-blockbuster as the villain.
1. No Country for Old Men (2007)
As Llewelyn Moss, Brolin delivered his career-defining performance. His portrayal of a man who stumbles upon drug money and becomes the target of relentless pursuit is both grounded and gripping. Acting alongside Javier Bardem and Tommy Lee Jones, Brolin held his own in a modern masterpiece. His rugged charm and quiet intensity made Moss one of the most relatable yet doomed characters in recent film history.
Final Thoughts
Josh Brolin has shown time and again that he can disappear into any role, whether it’s a Marvel titan, a hardened soldier, or a desperate everyman. His performances balance grit with vulnerability, making him a standout in both indie dramas and billion-dollar blockbusters. With roles in Dune and the MCU already cementing his legacy, Brolin continues to prove he’s one of Hollywood’s most dynamic leading men.
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