Brad Pitt's quirky, Memorable Performances

In collaboration with Rotten Tomatoes and its parent company, Flixster, The Chronicle presents the critical consensus of Brad Pitt's best-reviewed films. His latest film, "Killing Them Softly," is at Bay Area theaters. (The figure listed is the percentage of critics who have rated the film positively, based on reviews listed at rottentomatoes.com.)





1. Moneyball (2011) 95%

Director Bennett Miller, along with Pitt (as unconventional A's executive Billy Beane) and Jonah Hill, take a niche subject and turn it into a sharp, funny and touching portrait worthy of baseball lore.

2. Thelma & Louise (1991) 91%

This movie transcends its feminist subtext to deliver a funny, poignant drama featuring standout performances from Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis and a young Pitt.

3. True Romance (1993) 91%

Fueled by Quentin Tarantino's savvy screenplay and a gallery of oddball performances - including Pitt as a clueless stoner - Tony Scott's "True Romance" is a funny and violent action jaunt in the best sense.

4. Inglourious Basterds (2009) 88%

This classic Tarantino genre-blending thrill ride is violent, unrestrained and thoroughly entertaining - and Pitt shines as the leader of a ragtag band of Nazi hunters.

5. 12 Monkeys (1995) 87%

The plot's a bit of a jumble, but excellent performances - particularly Pitt's twitchy turn as an institutionalized activist - and mind-blowing plot twists make this film a kooky, effective experience.

6. Seven (1995) 85%

This is a brutal, relentlessly grimy shocker with slick gore effects, a haunting finale, and taut performances - particularly Pitt as a no-nonsense detective on the trail of a serial killer.

7. The Tree of Life (2011) 85%

Terrence Malick's singularly deliberate style may prove unrewarding for some, but for patient viewers, this movie is an emotional as well as visual treat, and Pitt is excellent as a reserved suburban father.

8. A River Runs Through It (1992) 83%

Tasteful to a fault, this period drama combines a talented cast (including a young Pitt) with some stately, beautifully filmed work from director Robert Redford.

9. Ocean's Eleven (2001) 82%

As fast-paced, witty and entertaining as it is star-studded and coolly stylish, this movie offers a well-seasoned serving of popcorn entertainment, and Pitt utilizes his movie-star charm to great effect as a member of the titular gang.

10. Fight Club (1999) 81%

Solid acting, amazing direction and elaborate production design make this movie a wild ride, and Pitt turns in one of the 1990s' most representative performances as the iconoclastic, mysterious Tyler Durden.

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