He’s been called one of the greatest actors of all time, and on April 3 he would have turned 100 years old. 

For generations, he’s been best known for his roles in The Godfather, On the Waterfront, Apocalypse Now, and Superman. However, there are so many more films to dive into to enjoy the genius of Marlon Brando.

A Streetcar Named Desire

The best entry point for Brando is perhaps his second-most famous role, A Streetcar Named Desire.

There’s a large group of people who believe there was film acting before Brando in this movie and film acting after Brando in this movie and its easy to see why.

For those who aren’t familiar, Brando plays Stanley Kowalski, the antagonistic brother-in-law of Blanche DuBois. Dubois is a southern belle who must move in with her sister of a string of bad fortune.

Brando’s naturalism plays off of Vivian Leigh’s old Hollywood performance of Blanche to outstanding effect.  Their different acting styles really helping to sell the fundamental and uncomfortable differences between the characters.  Kim Hunter and Karl Malden help round out this Tennessee Williams adaption. 

You can currently stream A Streetcar Named Desire for free on Tubi, rent it on most digital platforms, or grab it on Blu-ray.

Reflections in a Golden Eye

Staying in the realms of Southern Gothic for our next film, my next recommendation is John Huston’s Reflections in a Golden Eye from 1967.

Here, Brando plays Major Weldon Penderton opposite Elizabeth Taylor in a role that was originally supposed to go Montgomery Clift before his untimely death. 

Penderton is a difficult role; a man who looks painfully uncomfortable in his own skin as he navigates an unloving marriage and the presence of an enlisted man who he becomes fixated on.  Its a fascinating, and at times hard-to-watch, story of man who is incapable of showing his true self.  Brando’s genius here is in the almost imperceptible breaks in his façade.  Reflections is an underseen classic from the transition period into the new Hollywood movement.

Reflections in a Golden Eye is currently available to rent on most digital platforms and it can also be purchased on Blu-ray.

Julius Caesar

For those who don’t like Brando’s acting style, they often call him mumbly. In 1953’s Julius Caesar, Brando delivers a performance where he does have to theatrically and clearly articulate every word in his turn as Mark Antony.  He feels just at home here projecting the words of William Shakespeare.  His monologue on the steps before mob is absolutely arresting—a monstrous performance that balances sensitivity and dominating power.

I highly recommend the entire film as it also features wonderful performances by beloved thespians James Mason, John Gielgud, Greer Garson, Deborah Kerr and more,. Despite all those names, however, Brando is still the shining star.

Julius Caesar is currently available to rent on most digital platforms. This one, unfortunately, still does not have an American Blu-ray release.

One-Eyed Jacks

Finally, Brando wasn’t just a great actor, he was also a fine director.  Unfortunately for us, he only ever directed one film, the 60’s western One-Eyed Jacks.  Brando also stars in this tale of a bank robber who pursues his former partner who left him to the law. Brando proves himself an incredibly kinetic director through some thrilling shoot outs

One-Eyed Jacks can currently be streamed for free on Peacock, the Roku Channel, Tubi, and Crackle.  Its also available to rent on most digital platforms and its available on Blu-ray from the Criterion Collection.