Pierce Brosnan's 10 Best Movies That Aren't James Bond

Even though Pierce Brosnan is widely recognized for his portrayal of James Bond, there’s much more depth to him than just martinis and Aston Martins. Over a four-decade career, he’s crafted numerous iconic roles destined to endure. From his early TV triumph with Remington Steele to the upcoming film adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club, based on Richard Osman’s bestselling novel, Brosnan has consistently chosen engaging and memorable projects.

During his tenure as 007, Brosnan made significant contributions to the franchise that are fondly remembered by many. In fact, he is often hailed as a fan favorite Bond. However, it’s not just his Bond roles that have garnered attention. He has demonstrated versatility by taking on dramatic parts, showing off his wit, and even daring to try singing, despite lacking perfect pitch. As one of the most prominent and productive actors of his era, Brosnan boasts a remarkable career filled with box-office hits and understated masterpieces.

10. The Tailor of Panama (2001)

Directed By John Boorman

An interesting fact is that this movie marked Daniel Radcliffe’s initial film credit prior to his rise to wizarding fame, and acting alongside Pierce Brosnan, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Geoffrey Rush likely provided an excellent introduction to the esteemed figures he would later encounter in his magical adventures. In this sleek thriller adapted from John le Carré’s novel, Brosnan showcased his espionage expertise. With deceit and betrayal lurking at every turn, viewers are kept guessing throughout the story.

In the film The Tailor of Panama, Pierce Brosnan finds himself right at home as a rogue spy on a mission to redeem himself in a city rife with deceit and criminal activity. The plot is both smart and captivating, and the talented cast effortlessly exudes charm and sophistication throughout the narrative. Despite earning an impressive 75% score on Rotten Tomatoes, this underrated gem didn’t receive the acclaim it deserved upon its release. Fortunately, audiences have had the opportunity to rediscover the thrilling film over time.

9. Mars Attacks! (1996)

Directed By Tim Burton

Mars Attacks!, a clever satire from Tim Burton, showcases his unique blend of quirky charm and unconventional humor, as it pokes fun at alien invasion films. By drawing on 1950s sci-fi movies, the Martians in this film are portrayed as villainous, mischievous, and comical. Their depiction, with its caricatured style, reflects an outdated image of aliens that was no longer common by the time the movie was released. Amidst their destruction of hapless humans, they delight in the chaos they cause.

This film boasts an impressive lineup of well-known stars such as Jack Nicholson, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Glenn Close. Pierce Brosnan, however, takes on a unique role – that of a sweetly innocent scientist longing for harmony with the latest visitors. Unlike his typical action hero roles, this character is far from the usual resilience we’ve come to expect from Brosnan. The twist in his fate is something he wouldn’t typically encounter as the protagonist in most of his films.

8. The Foreigner (2017)

Directed By Martin Campbell

Pierce Brosnan has taken on a variety of intriguing and multi-dimensional roles, with many portraying heroic figures. However, it’s enticing to see him slip into darker and flawed personas, like in this revenge thriller where Jackie Chan steps into a more dramatic part, seeking vengeance for his daughter’s death. The story is filled with violence, mystery, and deceit as Quan unearths shocking secrets. In the role of Liam Hennessy, a former IRA member turned politician, Brosnan skillfully maintains the audience’s interest while keeping them on edge.

In a refreshing twist, Pierce Brosnan often portrays complex characters that straddle moral boundaries, and his interactions with Chan were particularly intense. The film, The Foreigner, garnered significant acclaim, earning approximately $145 million worldwide and receiving a 66% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

7. Dante’s Peak (1997)

Directed By Roger Donaldson

In much the same way that multiple films often explore similar themes in the same year, the movies Dante’s Peak and Volcano were released during the same time period. Both stories revolved around impending volcanic eruptions, causing audiences to develop an unprecedented fear of molten rock and flowing lava.

As a survivor of past volcanic tragedies, I approach each new town teetering on the brink with caution and a heavy heart, carrying the weight of my past loss. The movie, much like others in its genre of natural disasters, is filled with familiar tropes. Yet, it’s the relatable and endearing characters that make us, the viewers, invest our emotions in their survival.

In this movie, Pierce Brosnan takes on a more rugged role than typical, which aligns perfectly with his character’s heroics. The action sequences are authentic yet interspersed with instances that may prompt sighs of frustration from viewers as characters seem to ignore common sense regarding their safety. With numerous near misses and brave acts of self-sacrifice, the film delivers a rollercoaster ride of adrenaline and excitement. One of its endearing qualities is its ’90s vibe, making it an enjoyable aspect of the overall experience.

6. The Matador (2005)

Directed By Richard Shepard

In the darkly humorous film “The Matador,” Pierce Brosnan delivers a standout performance that garnered a Golden Globe nomination and boasts a solid 75% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This role finds him portraying a hitman grappling with a midlife crisis, albeit in an unconventional way. The chemistry between Brosnan and Greg Kinnear is captivating as they engage in witty banter and exchange contrasting perspectives, their lives becoming intertwined in an unlikely fashion.

Despite appearing initially unappealing, Julian Noble’s inherent charisma and allure captivate viewers, and as he becomes increasingly cruel and crass, he becomes more intriguing to watch. In his role as a “master of death,” he exists in a world devoid of morals, yet beneath his swagger and skepticism, there lies some semblance of humanity that he eventually reveals to his unexpected companion.

5. Mamma Mia! (2008)

Directed By Phyllida Lloyd

During his Bond years, Pierce Brosnan needed to uphold a specific image and demeanor that kept him convincing whenever he reprised the super spy role. However, in a movie like “Mamma Mia!”, where he embraced his vocal limitations for comic effect, there’s no doubt that he wouldn’t have been able to do this earlier in his career. As a well-established actor with self-assurance, he didn’t mind being seen as goofy or even absurd.

In the heartwarming and hilarious tale of Sophie’s possible fathers, Brosnan plays one of these characters, stemming from the popular stage musical that has run for years. He shares an enchanting on-screen relationship with Meryl Streep, and offers a wildly entertaining take on “S.O.S.” that stands out among others. This film was a worldwide sensation, earning over $700 million at the box office, leading to a sequel, and continuing to be screened for sing-alongs globally.

4. The World’s End (2013)

Directed By Edgar Wright

This movie, titled “The World’s End“, is the concluding chapter in the famed “Cornetto Trilogy”, which also includes “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz”. The initial two films explored a zombie outbreak and buddy-cop humor, whereas this one centers around a group of friends attempting to finish an epic pub crawl. As the town they’re in undergoes an alien-like body-snatching phenomenon, they encounter humorous escapades and creative twists on familiar movie motifs – all signature traits of Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg.

In this rendition, Pierce Brosnan portrays Gary’s cherished former teacher from yesteryears, imparting wisdom and evoking nostalgia. However, in an unexpected twist, his character has been influenced by extraterrestrial forces, attempting to enlist our heroes into a new, cult-like lifestyle. The comedy and violence that ensue are both laughable and startling. This film, with an impressive 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, serves as a fitting conclusion to the beloved cinematic series.

3. The Ghost Writer (2010)

Directed By Roman Polanski

At first glance, a movie titled “The Ghost Writer” might appear to be a light-hearted film. However, it’s actually a pulse-pounding thriller with intense and lethal scenes, much like films such as “The Accountant” and “Transporter“. Despite the seemingly innocuous title, there’s a deeper plot at play. Adapted from Robert Harris’ gripping novel, the narrative follows a writer who is assigned to complete the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister, a man with many secrets to conceal. In this film, Ewan McGregor brings life to the title character as he navigates through a labyrinth of mystery and peril.

The film unfolds a web of questionable political maneuvers, mirroring the opaque realm often inhabited by influential figures who employ deceit and bullying tactics. The narrative escalates in an unsettling manner, making the audience grow increasingly uncomfortable with each progression.

In this production, Pierce Brosnan delivers a commanding and ominous performance. Accompanied by Kim Cattrall and Jon Bernthal, the film masterfully combines action and drama to create a gripping spectacle. With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 84%, it proved moderately successful at the box office.

2. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

Directed By Chris Columbus

In the movie “Mrs. Doubtfire,” while Robin Williams undeniably stole the spotlight as the star, Pierce Brosnan delivered an exceptionally captivating and refined villain. The film, brimming with emotion and wit, harks back to a time when such productions were more common but harder to replicate today. Though Daniel’s actions might raise eyebrows, his underlying intentions, driving the story forward as a comedy, remained noble enough to carry the film.

I must say, every moment shared by Williams on screen is truly a treasure, yet Pierce Brosnan enters the scene with such charisma and swagger that leaves viewers utterly bewildered in delight. What’s remarkable about this performance is how he showcases his underutilized comedic prowess, which shines particularly brightly in this film. Moreover, he effortlessly keeps pace with Robin Williams, clad in drag, and Sally Field, demonstrating exceptional skill and versatility. The expression on his face after getting whacked in the head with an orange is nothing short of comic gold, underscoring his impeccable casting as Stuart Dunmyer.

1. The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)

Directed By John McTiernan

In the movie The Thomas Crown Affair, Pierce Brosnan portrays a charming character who combines the sophistication that helped him land the James Bond role with the skills of an MI6 agent, but in this case, he uses them for high-end theft. As a wealthy playboy and art enthusiast, he secretly commits robberies. The authorities and an intriguing insurance investigator played by Rene Russo pursue him. Their electric chemistry is captivating throughout the film, making their sensual game of cat and mouse a delight until the very end.

In this modern take on a timeless tale, spectators are immersed in the captivating realm of art, marveling at breathtaking masterpieces in painting and sculpture while touring exquisite museums across various locales. As they explore the intricate web of high-value fine art and antiquities, viewers are kept guessing with an engaging plot line. The characters, much like the works they pursue, are complex and thought-provoking. This reimagining of a classic film earned over $125 million globally and left audiences spellbound with one of cinema’s most alluring dance sequences.

2025-04-29 02:12

Pierce Brosnan’s 10 Best Movies That Aren’t James Bond