Debapriya Bhattacharya
Considered among the brightest stars in Hollywood, William Bradley Pitt’s first brush with popularity came from his appearance in the 1991 film ‘Thelma & Louise.’ He went on to establish himself as a leading man, earning both critical and commercial success, starring in movies such as ‘A River Runs Through It,’ ‘Legends of the Fall,’ ‘Seven,’ ‘Fight Club,’ and ‘Snatch.’ By the turn of the century, Brad became one of the most bankable stars in the industry, delivering massive box office hits such as ‘Ocean’s Eleven,’ ‘Troy,’ ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith,’ and ‘World War Z.’ He also continued being a favorite of critics with films like ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,’ ’12 Monkeys,’ ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,’ ‘Inglorious Bastards,’ and many more. His collection of accolades includes the big 4, Oscars, Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and Primetime Emmys, among others. If you are looking forward to streaming Brad Pitt‘s movies on Netflix, the following list is tailored for you.
7. A Stoning in Fulham County (1988)
Based on a true story, ‘A Stoning in Fulham County’ directed by Larry Elikann follows Amish couple Jacob (Ron Perlman) and Sarah Shuler (Maureen Mueller), who live as outcasts in North Carolina. While returning home one day, a group of reckless teenagers throws rocks at them, one of which hits their infant daughter and kills her instantly. The tragic incident catches the attention of Jim Sandler (Ken Olin), who decides to make an example of those responsible for the involuntary murder. However, to his frustration, the couple does not wish to press charges and follow the biblical commandment of “turning the other cheek.” In one of his earliest roles, Brad Pitt plays Teddy Johnson, one of the teenagers involved in the stoning. Watch the film here.
6. Babylon (2022)
Helmed by Damien Chazelle, ‘Babylon’ is an epic period black comedy drama film where Pitt plays the role of film star Jack Conrad, whose personal assistant is Manny Torres, the movie’s protagonist. Set between the 1920s and the 1950s, the story shows the “game” of Hollywood filmmaking, including the rise and fall of actors as the industry shifted from silent to sound. The glamorous turmoil of money, sex, and drugs is showcased aptly, with Chazelle going no-holds-barred in his depiction. The cast also includes Diego Calva as Manny Torres, Margot Robbie as star Nellie LaRoy, and Tobey Maguire as gangster James McKay, along with Jean Smart, P.J. Byrne, Jovan Adepo, and Phoebe Tonkin. You can watch ‘Babylon’ here.
5. Snatch (2001)
Directed by Guy Ritchie, ‘Snatch’ takes place in the London underworld. When unlicensed boxing promoter Turkish (Jason Statham) loses his best boxer before a fight that is fixed by notorious gangster Brick Top (Alan Ford), he brings in Irish bare-knuckle boxer Mickey (Brad Pitt) in the ring instead. However, Mickey causes an upset by knocking out his opponent, who is supposed to win and make money for Brick. This enrages the latter, and he asks for a rematch. You can stream the crime comedy film on Netflix.
4. Fury (2014)
Directed by David Ayer, ‘Fury’ retells the Western Allied invasion of Germany in April 1945 during World War II. The narrative follows US Army Staff Sergeant Don “Wardaddy” Collier (Brad Pitt), who commands the titular Fury, an M4A3E8 Sherman tank in the US Second Armored Division. With a crew of five battle-hardened men, Don gets into a dangerous mission behind enemy lines despite being knowingly outnumbered and outgunned. You can watch the historical war drama here.
3. War Machine (2017)
Directed by David Michôd, ‘War Machine’ stars Brad Pitt as four-star General Glen McMahon, a successful and charismatic leader whose exceptional service in the Iraq War leads to the US government sending him to Afghanistan to assess the situation following eight years of war. Glen is tasked with preparing a strategic assessment so that the government can end the war in the country. However, even as he is surrounded by tired forces and disillusioned politicians, Glen believes that the war in Afghanistan can still be won. You can watch the satirical war comedy movie here.
2. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ is set around a young and married upper-middle-class couple, John (Brad Pitt) and Jane Smith (Angelina Jolie), who share a comfortable yet boring life. However, they both hide the same secret from each other, that they work as assassins in rival agencies. The truth comes to light when the two are contracted by their respective organizations to eliminate the same target. When the realization sets in, the extremely competitive individuals try to take each other out in order to be the one to finish the real job. You can view the romantic action comedy directed by Doug Liman here.
1. 12 Years a Slave (2013)
Winner of 3 Oscars and 2 BAFTAs among many other accolades, ’12 Years a Slave’ is based on the 1853 memoir of Solomon Northup, an African-American who was kidnapped from New York and sold into slavery in 1841. He spent 12 years as a slave in Louisiana, working on plantations owned by slaveholder Edwin Epps before managing to reunite with his family. The film depicts the horrific torture he experienced during the 12 years in an emotionally charged manner, one that is bound to affect you. The trauma, the hurt, the never-ending pain, the hopelessness, the list goes on and on. Pitt plays the role of Samuel Bass, a Canadian laborer who helped Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) gain freedom. The cast also includes Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti, and Lupita Nyong’o. You can stream it here.
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