Brendan Gleeson is a perfect example of a character actor. Whenever he pops up in a movie, you know he is going to elevate the project with his performance. His reliability has earned him roles in high-profile films and as part of incredible ensembles. But he has also shown that he can carry smaller, more intimate films as the lead.
He is an incredibly versatile actor who takes a role of any size and in any genre and does something interesting with it. His talents can be found in some of the best films in recent memory as well as some undiscovered gems. Here are Brendan Gleeson’s best movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
In Bruges (84%)
Gleeson did not often get the opportunity to show off his comedic side until he proved how funny he could be in In Bruges. The dark crime comedy stars Gleeson and Colin Farrell as two Irish hitmen sent to hide out in Bruges, Belgium after one of their missions goes wrong.
The film was written and directed by Martin McDonagh and introduced his unique and hilarious voice to the film world. Gleeson and Farrell make a wonderful off couple in this funny, violent and moving story about redemption.
28 Days Later (86%)
The zombie movie had fallen out of favor before making a comeback thanks largely to this horror film which isn’t actually about zombies. 28 Days Later is set in the aftermath of an outbreak as a man awakens from a coma to find the streets of London empty and rage-filled creatures hunting down survivors. Gleeson stars as a kind and helpful survivor.
The movie is a gripping and intense horror gem that throws you into this terrifying world and remains unrelenting in the horror of it all.
Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire (88%)
Like pretty much every other actor from the United Kingdom and surrounding countries, Gleeson appeared in the Harry Potter franchise. His first appearance was in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire which found Harry participating in the dangerous tournament while the threat of Voldemort grows stronger. Gleeson plays the mysterious wizard Mad-Eye Moody.
The movie was hailed as an improvement over earlier entries in the series in terms of visual effects and storytelling. As the young characters matured, their adventures became more engaging along with the performances of the young stars.
Calvary (89%)
Gleeson partnered for a second time with John Michael McDonagh, brother of Martin McDonagh for this pitch-black comedy. Gleeson stars as a Catholic priest living on a small Irish island who is told during confession that he will be murdered in a week’s time.
Gleeson once again proves to be a compelling and powerful leading man, carrying a movie filled with difficult subject matter. It is a movie about faith and the many challenges one is faced with their beliefs. It is funny, disturbing, heartbreaking and always interesting.
Edge Of Tomorrow (90%)
Edge of Tomorrow is one of the more entertaining and, sadly, underrated action film in recent memory. The movie is set during an alien invasion of Earth and stars Tom Cruise as a military man who is repeatedly killed and reborn, forced to relive the battle again and again. Gleeson plays Cruise’s superior officer.
Transplanting the Groundhog Day premise into an action movie is a brilliant and fun concept. Cruise gets to play against type as a cowardly man forced to become a hero while Emily Blunt continues to prove she is one of the best modern action stars.
The Secret Of Kells (91%)
Though Gleeson has become a star in Hollywood, he still helps to tell cinematic stories from his native Ireland. The Secret of Kells is an animated adventure that follows a young boy living in a medieval community that is being invaded by barbarians. When he meets a new friend, he is introduced to a world of magic.
The film was praised for being a refreshing change of pace from most of the animated films that come out of Hollywood these days. It is a sweet and touching story told with genuine charm and beautiful animation.
The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs (91%)
Gleeson joined an all-star cast in this ambitious anthology Western film from the Coen Brothers. The movie is made up of six individual stories about the dangers and brutality of the Old West. Gleeson stars in the final tale entitled “The Mortal Remains” about a group of strangers sharing a stagecoach ride.
The film is filled with the kind of unique humor and unforgettable characters that can be found in almost any Coen Brothers film. Each story offers something new to the audience, some being wildly funny while others are dreadfully grim.
The Guard (94%)
Gleeson collaborated with John Michael McDonagh in this hilarious crime comedy. The Guard stars Gleeson as a cop in a small Irish town who reluctantly is drawn into a drug-smuggling investigation when an FBI agent (Don Cheadle) comes to town.
Gleeson gives a wonderful comedic performance as the laid-back yet resourceful lawman who takes a relaxed view of the law. The movie has a lot of fun playing with the tropes of the crime genre while creating its own fun story.
Song Of The Sea (99%)
Gleeson reteamed with the makers of The Secret of Kells for another Irish animated film, Song of the Sea. The movie follows a young boy and his little sister who can turn into a seal as they embark on an adventure to save the spirit world.
Once again, the filmmakers created a smaller, more intimate animated film that still delivers on the spectacle of the genre. It is a poignant and touching film that explores deep subject matter that is matched by its breathtaking animation style.
Paddington 2 (100%)
Gleeson doesn’t often pop up in family-friendly films, but he fits right at home in Paddington 2. The sequel follows Paddington the bear on his misadventures as he tries to find the perfect gift for his aunt on her birthday. Gleeson has a wonderful role as an intimidating convict who is won over by Paddington.
After the first film about the marmalade-loving bear proved to be an unexpectedly great film, the sequel shocking delivers an even better film. It is a wonderful adventure for all ages, provides huge laughs as well as some heartwarming moments.
