Few actors embody the concept of a movie star as much as Warren Beatty. Along with his good looks and effortless charm, Beatty has genuine acting talent to back it up. While he has proven to be a talented filmmaker as well, he is probably best known as one of Hollywood’s most iconic leading men.
Beatty hasn’t appeared in many films recently, his last being 2016’s Rules Don’t Apply. However, he has still given us so many great films that represent some of the best cinematic achievements of all time. Here are Warren Beatty’s best movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Bulworth (1998) - 76%
Bulworth is one of the many films that show off the many talents of Warren Beatty. He directed, wrote and stars in this political satire about a liberal politician who becomes suicidal and takes a hit out on himself. With his days numbered, he turns to hip-hop as an inspiration to speak his mind.
The movie attempts some very ambitious things in its themes of race and politics. Critics acknowledged that the end result is not perfect. However, many saw it as a bold and compelling film that manages to deliver laughs along with thought-provoking ideas.
Splendor In The Grass (1961) - 81%
Beatty made his screen debut in this intense period romance story set in the 1920s and co-starring Natalie Wood. Beatty plays the son of a rich family who begins a relationship with Wood’s working-class girl. Their passionate romance undergoes a series of tragedies and obstacles as they continue to pine for each other.
The movie is another stellar offering from Elia Kazan, and it was praised as an engrossing social drama. The performances also received a lot of acclaim, especially Beatty, who impressed many as a newcomer worth watching.
Bugsy (1991) - 85%
Beatty partnered with his future wife Annette Bening for this gangster film. Beatty plays Bugsy Siegel, the notorious New York gangster who helped build Las Vegas into the massive casino city it soon became known for.
The film is a stylish and entertaining look at the famous figure told in a way that feels like a throwback to the gangster films of Old Hollywood. Critics noted that much of the film’s charm comes from its cast, especially a charismatic and engaging performance from Beatty in the lead role.
Bonnie And Clyde (1967) - 86%
Beatty took on another notorious crime figure in the film that helped launch him into superstardom. Bonnie and Clyde stars Beatty as Clyde Barrow, a smooth bank robber who falls for a young waitress named Bonnier Parker (Faye Dunaway). Together, they go on a crime spree and become legends.
The movie was praised as a thrilling and entertaining crime film that helped to change Hollywood forever. It was violent and bold for its time, with terrific performances from its leads. All this results in a film that still thrills audiences many decades later.
Dollars (1971) - 86%
Beatty mixed his considerable comedic chops with his bad-boy persona for this fun crime caper. In Dollars (also known simply as $), Beatty stars as a bank security expert who partners with a call girl (Goldie Hawn) to rob the safety deposit boxes of a trio of criminals in Germany.
The film continued to make a star out of Beatty, who critics pointed to as a charismatic and compelling lead. The film itself was called a fast-paced and clever caper that ranks among the best of the genre.
McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971) - 88%
Beatty tried his hand at the Western genre, guided by acclaimed filmmaker Robert Altman in McCabe & Mrs. Miller. Beatty stars as a gambler who finds himself in a remote mining community where he meets a prostitute (Julie Christie). They soon join forces to start their own businesses while developing feelings for each other.
The film was called one of the standouts among the Revisionist Westerns of this era. Beatty and Christie make for compelling leads, and Altman’s skills behind the camera help to create a beautiful-looking film.
Heaven Can Wait (1978) - 89%
Beatty reteamed with Julie Christie again in this hilarious romantic comedy with a clever fantasy twist. Heaven Can Wait stars Beatty as an NFL quarterback who is taken out of his body accidentally by an angel and given a second chance by being put into the body of a recently deceased millionaire.
The movie is an unexpectedly brilliant screwball comedy like the classics of the 1940s, with Beatty once again showing off his superstar charisma. With plenty of hilarious performances, a sweet romance, and a beautiful aesthetic, Heaven Can Wait is a charming and inventive rom-com.
The Parallax View (1974) - 90%
Conspiracy thrillers seemed to be all the rage in the 1970s, so of course, Beatty joined the genre as well. He stars as a reporter who begins digging into the death of a senator. Soon he finds himself the target of a multinational corporation that holds more power than he could have imagined.
Along with stylish and smart direction from Alan J. Pakula, Beatty’s enthralling lead performance helps The Parallax View become a memorable and thrilling entry into this genre.
Reds (1981) - 90%
Beatty once again shows his wide range of talents working in front of and behind the camera in this massive epic. Reds stars Beatty as a radical American journalist who becomes involved with the Communist movement in Russia, and attempts to bring those ideas and philosophies to America.
Beatty is joined by the likes of Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton, and Gene Hackman in this three-hour epic. The massive scope makes for an engrossing story about a time of change and those caught up in the movement.
Lilith (1963) - 100%
Lilith is another early performance of Beatty’s that showcased his talents. He stars as a war hero who gets a job at a sanitarium where he meets a mysterious girl named Lilith. As the two grow closer, he is drawn into her own unusual world.
The movie also features early performances from Peter Fonda and Gene Hackman, which add to the fun of seeking this gem out. This story of two secretive people who allow their true selves to show is a compelling romance.
