All 7 Josh Brolin Comic Book Movies Ranked from Worst to Best

Acting in comic book adaptations means bracing oneself for significant hurdles ahead. Not every production will be successful; this could be due to adhering to the original source material or the complexity of the on-screen narrative itself. Josh Brolin has left an indelible mark in the world of comic book films, breathing life into characters across various franchises. Whether it’s his portrayal of the merciless Thanos within the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the scarred bounty hunter Jonah Hex, he’s consistently lauded for his adaptability when it comes to portraying heroes, anti-heroes, and villains in these types of adaptations.

While some of his movies have achieved great acclaim and box office success, others haven’t been as well-received. Ranging from blockbuster sensations to obscure disappointments, each film has had its moments of brilliance and weakness. However, it’s a matter of debate which one stands out as the pinnacle and trough of his cinematic journey.

7. Jonah Hex

It’s worth noting that while Brolin is well-known for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he also starred as Jonah Hex in the 2010 film of the same name. This character was an ex-soldier turned bounty hunter, grappling with a violent past and possessing supernatural abilities following a brush with death. The government enlists his services to thwart Quentin Turnbull (played by John Malkovich), a villain intent on using a weapon of mass destruction. On paper, this seems like an exciting cinematic venture, but unfortunately, the script left much to be desired.

Regardless of its star-studded cast featuring Megan Fox and Michael Fassbender, the movie “Jonah Hex” received heavy criticism for its weak storyline and underdeveloped characters. The film’s production issues, such as rewrites and behind-the-scenes turmoil, likely played a role in this. With an initial budget of $47 million, it only managed to earn approximately $10.5 million globally, resulting in a significant box office failure. Many viewers feel that while Josh Brolin gives a commendable performance, it’s not enough to save the film from its shortcomings.

Jonah Hex is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

6. Sin City: A Dame to Kill For

2014 saw the release of “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For,” a follow-up to the 2005 film. In this installment, Josh Brolin portrays private detective Dwight McCarthy, who finds himself entangled once more with Ava Lord (Eva Green), a woman adept at manipulation and leading him into a vortex of deceit and brutality. Nevertheless, the movie’s reception wasn’t as favorable as its predecessor, primarily due to its inclusion of new, unpublished storylines exclusive to the sequel, which deviated somewhat from the original comic book material.

Although the film boasted a talented cast and preserved its signature style, reviewers noted that it could have been more inventive in its storytelling. The extended time gap of nine years might have diminished some of the initial impact on viewers as well. Additionally, while Brolin’s role was noteworthy, it wasn’t his most remarkable work overall.

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For is available to stream on Starz.

5. Deadpool 2

In 2018, I was part of the cast in “Deadpool 2,” a movie that left audiences giggling non-stop. The story kicks off with Wade Wilson, played by Ryan Reynolds, dealing with a devastating personal loss. Throughout the film, his mission is to shield young mutant Russell (Julian Dennison) from Cable, portrayed by Josh Brolin, who intends to eradicate the boy due to impending future disasters. As an actor, this was one of my most rewarding projects because Deadpool films have consistently been crowd-pleasers.

The movie was warmly appreciated by both critics and viewers, preserving its trademark biting wit and breaking the fourth wall, much like the original. It also introduced deeper emotional dimensions. One standout aspect is the chemistry between Reynolds and Brolin, where Cable offers a serious balance to the lead character’s rebelliousness. Yet, the storyline of this film seems less grand in scope compared to the epic narratives found within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Deadpool 2 is available to stream on Disney+.

4. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Among the fantastic four Avengers movies, it’s often Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) that doesn’t receive as much praise as the others, despite being one of the standout films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In this film, Brolin first appears in the extra scenes after the credits as Thanos, but it’s this appearance that sets the stage for the troubles and perils to come later on. This movie brings together Earth’s top superheroes, the Avengers, who must confront the menace of Ultron, an AI developed by Tony Stark and Bruce Banner with the aim of preserving global peace. However, Ultron misinterprets his mission, viewing humanity as the chief threat to tranquility, and devises a plan for our destruction instead.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but reminisce about the first time I encountered characters such as Pietro Maximoff (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and his sister Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), who later became pivotal figures in this expansive universe. This blockbuster raked in over $1.4 billion globally, but it wasn’t without its share of mixed opinions. Some critics pointed out a convoluted narrative and inconsistencies within the storyline. Nevertheless, it provided an excellent foundation for unfolding the intricate tale of the Mad Titan and the Infinity Stones.

Avengers: Age of Ultron is available to stream on Disney+.

3. Guardians of the Galaxy

James Gunn’s Marvel trilogy, notably including the 2014 film “Guardians of the Galaxy,” is widely regarded as one of the top-tier projects. The story begins by introducing us to Peter Quill, portrayed by Chris Pratt, a daring space explorer who unwittingly acquires a mysterious orb that attracts the malevolent Ronan the Accuser (Lee Pace), a ruthless adversary with cosmic annihilation on his mind. To evade capture, our protagonist forges an unexpected partnership with a quartet of outcasts: Gamora (Zoe Saldaña), Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), Rocket (Bradley Cooper), and Groot (Vin Diesel). While Thanos, played by Josh Brolin, has a limited screen time, his role is pivotal.

In a nutshell, this film delves into offbeat humor, features captivating characters, and boasts a nostalgic tune selection. It remains one of the MCU’s most successful productions, significantly expanding the breadth of the studio’s superhero universe. The movie has a knack for making lesser-known characters endearing, turning them into fan favorites. This film is a standout in Josh Brolin’s career, and despite his limited screen time, he skillfully lays the groundwork for connections that prove crucial later on.

Guardians of the Galaxy is available to stream on Disney+.

2. Avengers: Endgame

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the fact that “Avengers: Endgame” (2019) serves as the grand finale to over a decade’s worth of intricately woven narratives within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film marks the swansong for the original Avengers squad, with its gripping narrative centered around a time-travel escapade. In this thrilling journey, our heroes reappear at pivotal moments in their respective timelines to secure the Infinity Stones before the formidable Thanos can get his hands on them. The plot is nothing short of breathtaking and indelibly etched in memory, with Josh Brolin’s performance being instrumental, particularly during the climactic showdown between him and a multitude of heroes.

The film smashed records by earning more than $2.7 billion globally, becoming a historical milestone. Praised for its blend of intense action and deep emotional scenes, it serves as a fulfilling finale to characters we’ve come to know over time. Yet, in the grand scheme of his career, this isn’t where Brolin truly shone. Endgame, while undoubtedly the culmination of an epic tale, ranks second when evaluating Brolin’s body of work, and it seems fitting to place it there.

Avengers: Endgame is available to stream on Disney+.

1. Avengers: Infinity War

Without a doubt, Josh Brolin’s standout comic book film performance can be attributed to “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018). This is due to the movie not only being one of the most impactful and significant in the Marvel Cinematic Universe but also because of the substantial part Brolin played in the storyline. As the third installment in the Avengers series, it gathers a diverse cast of heroes, with the narrative primarily revolving around Thanos from start to finish. The plot unfolds as various groups work tirelessly to prevent Thanos from achieving his objective of wiping out half the Earth’s population by collecting the Infinity Stones.

The film paved the way for its highly praised follow-up and is undeniably a groundbreaking moment in cinematic history due to the unexpected triumph of the villain towards the end. Brolin’s acting plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative, serving as the primary force that keeps everything together. Reminiscent of Endgame‘s box office victory, Infinity War too reached over $2 billion at the ticket sales, demonstrating Brolin’s best on-screen performance in terms of adaptation.

Avengers: Infinity War is available to stream on Disney+.

2025-03-26 03:11