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Brad Pitt has been working in film since the 1980s, becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars after a run of major hits in the 1990s. His filmography now spans more than 100 projects, covering a wide range of genres and varying levels of success. Still, every Brad Pitt movie offers a glimpse of the versatility and screen presence that have defined his career.
Given the size of Pitt’s body of work, it may come as a surprise that he has appeared in only three science fiction movies so far. Is that limited output the result of disappointing experiences with the genre, or does it simply reflect the actor’s careful approach to choosing his roles?
The overall quality of Pitt’s sci-fi films suggests the latter. Each movie has earned a distinct place in his career, even when audiences and critics have disagreed about its merits. Here are all three of Brad Pitt’s science fiction films, ranked from worst to best according to their Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer scores.
3. World War Z
Paramount PIctures
Marc Forster’s 2013 science fiction disaster film “World War Z” endured a difficult production before reaching theaters, but it ultimately became the clearest blockbuster entry in Brad Pitt’s filmography. Loosely based on Max Brooks’ book “World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War,” the movie imagines a world overwhelmed by a sudden, devastating zombie outbreak. Humanity’s best chance rests with Gerry Lane, Pitt’s former United Nations investigator, who joins forces with the World Health Organization and other agencies to uncover the source of the epidemic and find a possible vaccine.
Although “World War Z” ranks last on this list, it is hardly a failure—and certainly not among the worst Brad Pitt movies. The film earned more than $531 million worldwide against a reported $190 million budget. Its 67% Tomatometer score and 72% Popcornmeter audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes reflect a broad critical consensus that it is an energetic, large-scale piece of entertainment.
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2. Ad Astra
20th Century Fox
“Ad Astra” takes a considerably more reflective and somber approach than viewers might expect from a major space movie starring Brad Pitt as an astronaut trying to save the universe. That tonal choice may account for the sharp divide between critics and audiences surrounding James Gray’s 2019 film. “Ad Astra” holds an impressive 83% Tomatometer rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while its Popcornmeter score is a much lower 40%.
Viewers should not expect alien battles or nonstop laser-fire in “Ad Astra.” Instead, Pitt plays Roy McBride, an astronaut sent to Neptune to investigate an antimatter crisis that could devastate the solar system. The problem appears to be connected to a remote base commanded by Roy’s celebrated father, Clifford McBride, played by Tommy Lee Jones. If Roy cannot restore contact with the project, he may be forced to destroy the entire station.
The premise sounds straightforward, but the film develops into something far more philosophical than its $80 million space-movie framework might suggest. “Ad Astra” is visually striking and powered by strong performances, yet its true focus is not the fate of the universe. Beneath the cosmic scale, it is a story about family, emotional isolation and the search for belonging. It is a demanding film, but one that lingers long after the credits roll.
1. 12 Monkeys
Universal Pictures
If “Ad Astra” created a divide between critics and moviegoers, Terry Gilliam’s 1995 sci-fi thriller “12 Monkeys” found much stronger agreement. Often regarded as Gilliam’s best film, it holds an impressive 88% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, matched by an identical 88% Popcornmeter rating. Brad Pitt is also a vital part of the movie’s lasting appeal.
Like “World War Z,” “12 Monkeys” centers on an desperate attempt to stop a virus capable of destroying humanity. This time, however, the solution involves time travel. Bruce Willis plays James Cole, a prisoner from 2035 sent back to 1996 to investigate the origins of a deadly virus that has wiped out most of the world’s population. His mission quickly goes awry when he arrives in 1990 instead and is committed to a psychiatric hospital because of his unusual behavior. Two key figures soon enter his life: the compassionate Dr. Kathryn Railly, played by Madeleine Stowe, and Jeffrey Goines, an anti-consumerist inmate portrayed by Pitt. Jeffrey leads the mysterious Army of the Twelve Monkeys, which authorities believe may be responsible for the outbreak.
Every element of “12 Monkeys” works remarkably well, both in front of and behind the camera. Pitt’s manic, unpredictable performance makes Jeffrey one of the most memorable roles of his early career. Although he is not the film’s central character, Pitt makes the most of every moment on screen. The movie’s $168 million worldwide box-office return against a $29 million budget also helped strengthen the actor’s career at a pivotal point.