Billy Bob Thornton has been one of the most celebrated actors since his breakthrough in the '90s due to his versatility in roles, unsettling performances in his villain characters, and for being an undeniable talent not just in acting, but also in writing and directing. Throughout his career, he won an Oscar and two Golden Globe Awards.
You might be in the mood to watch a movie that he has starred in or is involved in as director or writer. Here is our list of some of his greatest works in his illustrious career so far.
Sling Blade
Sling Blade follows Karl Childers, a simple man hospitalized since his childhood murder of his mother and her lover, who is released to start a new life in a small town.
The film marks Thornton's feature directorial debut and is considered to be his breakthrough project that made Hollywood pay attention to his talent. He won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay and received a nomination for Best Actor.
Where You Can Stream: N/A (It's only available on physical media)
A Simple Plan
A Simple Plan follows two brothers and a friend, all blue-collar workers, who come across millions of dollars in lost cash and make a plan to keep their find from the authorities, but it isn't long before complications and mistrust weave their way into the plan.
The film was memorable for Thornton and Bill Paxton's exceptional chemistry as brothers. Thornton's performance was lauded by many critics, and he ended up receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
Armageddon
In Armageddon, after discovering that an asteroid the size of Texas will impact Earth in less than a month, NASA recruits a misfit team of deep-core drillers to save the planet.
Thornton is one of the standouts of the film as he turned Dan Truman into a memorable character, despite the absurd elements of the story. While he is not the lead of the film, this is still a great entry in his filmography that is worth watching.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
Monster's Ball
In Monster's Ball, after a family tragedy, a racist prison guard re-examines his attitudes while falling in love with the African-American wife of the last prisoner he executed.
While Halle Berry became the standout of the film and eventually won an Oscar for her performance, Thorton was also an important part of the film as his character paved the way for the plot. There might be outdated aspects of Thornton's character, but his performance is still worth watching.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
Bad Santa
Bad Santa follows a miserable conman and his partner who pose as Santa and his Little Helper to rob department stores on Christmas Eve. But they run into problems when the conman befriends a troubled kid.
This is one of Thornton's rare comedic works in his career, and it has gained a massive cult following in the years since. This list is incomplete without the comedy gem, and it is worth watching just to see Thornton become Santa Claus.
Where You Can Stream: HBO Max
Friday Night Lights
Friday Night Lights follows the economically depressed town of Odessa, Texas, and its heroic high school football team, The Permian High Panthers.
Thanks to the TV series adaptation that premiered years later, this film has also gained a cult following throughout the years and has become one of the films that Thornton is known for among the general audience. This is one of the rare instances where he played a heartfelt character.
Where You Can Stream: MGM+
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