10 Marlon Brando Movies That Prove Why He's Still Hollywood's Greatest Icon


Marlon Brando is often hailed as one of the greatest actors of all time, and his work has left an indelible mark on Hollywood. From intense dramas to legendary gangster tales, Brando’s performances were bold, nuanced, and unforgettable. Here’s a look at the top 10 Marlon Brando movies, each offering a glimpse of his extraordinary talent.

1. The Godfather (1972)

  • Summary: Brando stars as Vito Corleone, the patriarch of a powerful Mafia family in New York. As he navigates power struggles and betrayal, he must also prepare for his son to take over the family business.
  • Box Office: $250 million
  • Director: Francis Ford Coppola
  • Cast: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall
  • Producer: Albert S. Ruddy
  • Why It’s Great: This role won Brando an Oscar and cemented his legacy as the godfather of cinema.

2. A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)

  • Summary: Brando plays Stanley Kowalski, a brutish yet magnetic man whose life is disrupted by his wife’s fragile sister, Blanche. Tension, secrets, and past traumas unravel in this powerful adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ play.
  • Box Office: $8 million
  • Director: Elia Kazan
  • Cast: Marlon Brando, Vivien Leigh, Kim Hunter
  • Producer: Charles K. Feldman
  • Why It’s Great: Brando’s raw, intense performance as Stanley made him a household name and transformed Hollywood acting.

3. On the Waterfront (1954)

  • Summary: Brando stars as Terry Malloy, a former boxer turned dockworker who struggles with his conscience when he witnesses mob corruption and violence on the waterfront.
  • Box Office: $9.6 million
  • Director: Elia Kazan
  • Cast: Marlon Brando, Eva Marie Saint, Karl Malden
  • Producer: Sam Spiegel
  • Why It’s Great: Brando’s performance earned him an Academy Award and is widely regarded as one of the best in film history.

4. Apocalypse Now (1979)

  • Summary: Brando plays Colonel Kurtz, a rogue U.S. officer in Cambodia during the Vietnam War, whose descent into madness and god-like status create one of cinema’s most memorable characters.
  • Box Office: $100 million
  • Director: Francis Ford Coppola
  • Cast: Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall
  • Producer: Francis Ford Coppola
  • Why It’s Great: Brando’s portrayal of Kurtz is chilling and enigmatic, contributing to this war film’s status as a masterpiece.

5. The Wild One (1953)

  • Summary: Brando stars as Johnny Strabler, the leather-clad leader of a biker gang that terrorizes a small town. This film turned him into a cultural icon and gave rise to the archetype of the rebellious youth.
  • Box Office: $4.6 million
  • Director: Laslo Benedek
  • Cast: Marlon Brando, Mary Murphy, Robert Keith
  • Producer: Stanley Kramer
  • Why It’s Great: With his iconic line, “What are you rebelling against?” Brando’s role defined the cool, anti-establishment persona.

6. Last Tango in Paris (1972)

  • Summary: Brando plays Paul, a grieving American who engages in an intense affair with a young Parisian woman. The film delves into complex themes of loss, isolation, and desire.
  • Box Office: $96 million
  • Director: Bernardo Bertolucci
  • Cast: Marlon Brando, Maria Schneider
  • Producer: Alberto Grimaldi
  • Why It’s Great: Controversial yet critically acclaimed, this film showcased Brando’s willingness to push boundaries in his craft.

7. Julius Caesar (1953)

  • Summary: In this Shakespeare adaptation, Brando takes on the role of Marc Antony, who passionately defends Caesar’s legacy in one of cinema’s most powerful monologues.
  • Box Office: $3.8 million
  • Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
  • Cast: Marlon Brando, James Mason, John Gielgud
  • Producer: John Houseman
  • Why It’s Great: Brando's performance received widespread acclaim and showed his incredible range as an actor.

8. Reflections in a Golden Eye (1967)

  • Summary: Brando stars as a troubled military officer dealing with hidden desires and marital issues in this psychological drama set on a U.S. Army base.
  • Box Office: Modest; a cult classic
  • Director: John Huston
  • Cast: Marlon Brando, Elizabeth Taylor, Julie Harris
  • Producer: Ray Stark
  • Why It’s Great: A complex, moody film that showed Brando’s mastery of subtlety and internal struggle.

9. Sayonara (1957)

  • Summary: Brando stars as Lloyd Gruver, an American pilot stationed in Japan who falls in love with a Japanese actress, challenging the military’s expectations and social norms.
  • Box Office: $26.3 million
  • Director: Joshua Logan
  • Cast: Marlon Brando, Miiko Taka, Red Buttons
  • Producer: William Goetz
  • Why It’s Great: This film, which earned Brando a Golden Globe, offered a sensitive portrayal of interracial romance.

10. The Fugitive Kind (1960)

  • Summary: Brando plays Valentine “Snakeskin” Xavier, a drifter with a troubled past who ends up in a small Southern town, where he finds himself entangled in complex relationships.
  • Box Office: Modest; praised in retrospect
  • Director: Sidney Lumet
  • Cast: Marlon Brando, Anna Magnani, Joanne Woodward
  • Producer: Martin Jurow, Richard Shepherd
  • Why It’s Great: A lesser-known gem, this film captures Brando at his enigmatic best, working opposite the fiery Anna Magnani.

Honorable Mentions

While these ten films showcase Brando’s incredible career, other notable performances include The Young Lions (1958) and One-Eyed Jacks (1961). Brando’s work changed cinema forever, and these movies are a testament to his timeless talent and magnetism. Whether you’re a fan or a newcomer to his work, these films are essential viewing.

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