Bradley Cooper's 10 Best Movies, Ranked

Bradley Cooper: A Hollywood Journey

For over two decades, Bradley Cooper has been a mainstay of movie theaters, as one of the best leading men in modern Hollywood with numerous hits under his belt. After getting his MFA at The New School in New York, Cooper got his first role as a guest star in Sex and the City, but he quickly moved on to film. After several supporting roles in studio comedies, Cooper blew up after the success of The Hangover. He has since used his stardom to be in some of the most interesting projects of the 21st century.

Bradley Cooper as Sack Lodge holding up his hands next to Rachel McAdams in Wedding Crashers

Even after his big break, Cooper has never been held down by just one type of role. He has played the charming leading man, as well as the unlikable villain — and even voiced a hyper-intelligent Raccoon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Recently, Cooper has successfully made the transition to becoming a filmmaker in his own respect, getting Oscar nominations for producing, acting, and writing. He could potentially receive a nomination for directing Maestro as well. Cooper has been in some of the best movies in recent memory, as well as some underappreciated gems.

Top 10 Movies and Performances

Bradley Cooper's filmography is filled with remarkable performances and diverse roles. Here, we rank his top 10 movies and performances, showcasing his range and talent as an actor and filmmaker.

10. Wedding Crashers (2005): Cooper's breakout role as the overprotective and hyper-masculine Sack Lodge showcased his comedic prowess and set the stage for his future success in Hollywood.

9. The Mule (2018): Cooper's portrayal of Agent Colin Bates in this tender and watchable film earned him critical acclaim and showcased his ability to excel in dramatic roles.

Bradley Cooper as Agent Colin Bates sitting at a table in a diner in The Mule

8. A Star Is Born (2018): Cooper's surprising venture into writing, directing, and starring in this modern classic demonstrated his multifaceted talents and cemented his status as a versatile filmmaker.

Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga singing together in A Star is Born

7. The Hangover (2009): Cooper's effortless charm and comedic timing as Phil Wenneck in this comedy classic launched him into superstardom and solidified his place in Hollywood.

lady gaga as ally in a star is born

6. Silver Linings Playbook (2012): Cooper's portrayal of Pat Solitano in this groundbreaking rom-com challenged traditional norms and earned him accolades for his compelling performance.

Dave Chappelle smiling at Bradley Cooper in A Star is Born

5. Nightmare Alley (2021): Cooper's role as Stanton Carlisle in this dark and rewarding film showcased his depth as an actor and his ability to tackle complex characters with nuance and skill.

Bradley Cooper as Jackson Maine in A Star Is Born

4. Maestro (2023): Cooper's outstanding work as Leonard Bernstein in this stunning achievement highlighted his growth as a filmmaker and actor, solidifying his place as a creative force in the industry.

Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga play the piano in A Star Is Born

3. Wet Hot American Summer (2001): Cooper's nuanced and transgressive portrayal of Ben in this camp classic marked his impressive film debut and set the stage for his future success in the industry.

Bradley Cooper as Phil and Ed Helms as Stu the morning after in The Hangover

2. Guardians of the Galaxy Trilogy (2014-2023): Cooper's exceptional voice work as Rocket Raccoon in this beloved trilogy showcased his versatility and contributed to the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Bradley Cooper as Phil sitting in a chair in The Hangover

1. Licorice Pizza (2021): Cooper's captivating performance as Jon Peters in this dark comedy solidified his reputation as a versatile and compelling actor, earning accolades for his portrayal of a crazed villain.

Zach Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper, and Ed Helms as Alan, Phil, and Stu in The Hangover

Bradley Cooper: A Versatile Talent

Bradley Cooper's journey in Hollywood has been marked by versatility and creativity. From his early breakout roles to his foray into directing and producing, Cooper has continuously pushed boundaries and delivered impactful performances. His filmography is a testament to his range as an actor and his dedication to the craft of filmmaking. With each new project, Cooper continues to captivate audiences and critics alike, solidifying his status as one of the most talented and versatile actors in modern Hollywood.