Brad Pitt Shares His Favorite Performances — and the Role He Hated Most

Brad Pitt has been one of Hollywood’s biggest stars for over three decades, starring in everything from action blockbusters to quiet dramas.

But not every role has made him proud.

In fact, the Oscar-winning actor has been surprisingly honest about which performances he loved and which ones he wishes he could do over.

Some of his favorite work barely made money at the box office, while some of his biggest hits left him feeling disappointed in himself.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) – His Personal Favorite

Despite flopping at the box office, this Western drama holds a special place in Brad Pitt’s heart.

He calls it his favorite movie, even though it performed worse financially than anything else he’s ever done.

The film tells the story of the legendary outlaw Jesse James and the man who betrayed him.

Pitt believed deeply in the artistic value of this project from the start.

His performance as the increasingly paranoid Jesse James earned critical praise for its complexity and depth.

The slow-paced, poetic film didn’t connect with mainstream audiences but has gained a cult following over the years.

This role represents what Pitt values most about acting: telling meaningful stories rather than chasing box office success.

Burn After Reading (2008) – Comedy Gold with the Coen Brothers

Working with the legendary Coen Brothers, Pitt delivered one of his most entertaining performances as Chad Feldheimer, a clueless fitness trainer.

His character accidentally stumbles into a spy conspiracy and has no idea what he’s doing.

The role showcased Pitt’s incredible comedic timing and willingness to look ridiculous on screen.

Chad bounces through scenes with infectious energy and complete obliviousness to danger.

Pitt’s performance was praised by critics who appreciated seeing the handsome leading man embrace such a goofy character.

He threw himself into the physical comedy without any vanity.

This role proved Pitt could be just as compelling in comedy as in serious drama, expanding his range as an actor.

Meet Joe Black (1998) – A Role He Regrets

Pitt doesn’t hold back when discussing this romantic fantasy where he played Death in human form. “I dogged it.

I muffed it,” he admitted bluntly about his performance.

He felt completely miscast in the role and struggled throughout production without proper direction.

The three-hour film required Pitt to portray an otherworldly being experiencing human life for the first time.

He believes he failed to capture the character’s essence and lacked the maturity the role demanded.

Critics agreed, noting his performance felt wooden and unconvincing.

Looking back, Pitt recognizes this as a learning experience about choosing projects that truly fit his strengths rather than just taking high-profile roles.

A River Runs Through It (1992) – Pressure Led to Weakness

Even though this beautiful film directed by Robert Redford became a beloved classic, Pitt considers his performance weak. “I was just bad,” he stated plainly about playing the charismatic but troubled Paul Maclean.

The pressure of portraying a real person whose family members were present during filming overwhelmed him.

Pitt felt the weight of responsibility to honor the real Paul’s memory.

He couldn’t relax into the character because the stakes felt too personal and important.

The presence of the Maclean family on set made every scene feel like an audition rather than genuine acting.

This experience taught him valuable lessons about managing pressure and finding authenticity even in challenging circumstances.

Interview with the Vampire (1994) – Too Young and Miscast

“I was miscast.

I was too young for the part,” Pitt confessed about playing the tortured vampire Louis.

Despite the film becoming a massive hit and cult classic, he felt he lacked the necessary depth and life experience the character required.

Louis needed to convey centuries of pain and wisdom.

Pitt struggled to connect with the character’s emotional complexity at age thirty.

He believes an older actor could have brought more gravitas and authenticity to the role.

The character’s existential suffering and moral conflicts needed someone with more maturity.

Still, many fans disagree with his harsh self-assessment and consider his brooding performance one of the film’s highlights.

Cutting Class (1989) – He Wishes It Would Disappear

Before becoming a superstar, Pitt appeared in this low-budget slasher film that he desperately wishes would vanish from existence.

He wants it wiped completely off his resume and has admitted he’s never even watched it.

The film was made early in his career when he was taking any role he could get.

This forgettable horror movie about a high school murderer represents the struggling actor phase every star goes through.

Pitt clearly sees it as an embarrassing reminder of his journey before fame.

He’s so uncomfortable with it that he refuses to acknowledge it exists.

Every major actor has projects they’d rather forget, and this is definitely Brad Pitt’s most regrettable choice from his early days.