Best Sean Penn movies
If you love cinema, you will share this ranking of the best Sean Penn movies, although you may have ordered them differently. In any case, we hope you love it and with a little luck discovering a movie that you still don't know about Sean Penn.
TOP 25:
The Falcon and the Snowman
Sean Penn as: Daulton Lee
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Release: 1985
The true story of a disillusioned military contractor employee and his drug pusher childhood friend who became walk-in spies for the Soviet Union.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best David Suchet movies?
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Release: 1985
The true story of a disillusioned military contractor employee and his drug pusher childhood friend who became walk-in spies for the Soviet Union.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best David Suchet movies?
TOP 24:
Before Night Falls
Sean Penn as: Cuco Sanchez
Genre: Drama
Release: 2000
Spanning several decades, this powerful biopic offers a glimpse into the life of famed Cuban poet and novelist Reinaldo Arenas, an artist who was vilified for his homosexuality in Fidel Castro's Cuba.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Michael Wincott movies?
Genre: Drama
Release: 2000
Spanning several decades, this powerful biopic offers a glimpse into the life of famed Cuban poet and novelist Reinaldo Arenas, an artist who was vilified for his homosexuality in Fidel Castro's Cuba.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Michael Wincott movies?
TOP 23:
Taps
Sean Penn as: Cadet Captain Alex Dwyer
Genre: Drama
Release: 1981
Military cadets take extreme measures to insure the future of their academy when its existence is threatened by local condo developers.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best George C. Scott movies?
Genre: Drama
Release: 1981
Military cadets take extreme measures to insure the future of their academy when its existence is threatened by local condo developers.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best George C. Scott movies?
TOP 22:
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Sean Penn as: Jeff Spicoli
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Release: 1982
Follows a group of high school students growing up in southern California, based on the real-life adventures chronicled by Cameron Crowe. Stacy Hamilton and Mark Ratner are looking for a love interest, and are helped along by their older classmates, Linda Barrett and Mike Damone, respectively. The center of the film is held by Jeff Spicoli, a perpetually stoned surfer dude who faces off with the resolute Mr. Hand, who is convinced that everyone is on dope.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Anthony Edwards movies?
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Release: 1982
Follows a group of high school students growing up in southern California, based on the real-life adventures chronicled by Cameron Crowe. Stacy Hamilton and Mark Ratner are looking for a love interest, and are helped along by their older classmates, Linda Barrett and Mike Damone, respectively. The center of the film is held by Jeff Spicoli, a perpetually stoned surfer dude who faces off with the resolute Mr. Hand, who is convinced that everyone is on dope.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Anthony Edwards movies?
TOP 21:
Sweet and Lowdown
Sean Penn as: Emmet Ray
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music
Release: 1999
A comedic biopic focused on the life of fictional jazz guitarist Emmett Ray. Ray was an irresponsible, free-spending, arrogant, obnoxious, alcohol-abusing, miserable human being, who was also arguably the best guitarist in the world.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Anthony LaPaglia movies?
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music
Release: 1999
A comedic biopic focused on the life of fictional jazz guitarist Emmett Ray. Ray was an irresponsible, free-spending, arrogant, obnoxious, alcohol-abusing, miserable human being, who was also arguably the best guitarist in the world.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Anthony LaPaglia movies?
TOP 20:
At Close Range
Sean Penn as: Bradford "Brad" Whitewood Jr.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Release: 1986
Based upon the true story of Bruce Johnston Sr., his son, and his brothers; together, they constituted one of suburban Philadelphia's most notorious crime families during the 1970s. Their criminal activities ranged from burglary, theft... and ultimately, murder.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Chris Penn movies?
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Release: 1986
Based upon the true story of Bruce Johnston Sr., his son, and his brothers; together, they constituted one of suburban Philadelphia's most notorious crime families during the 1970s. Their criminal activities ranged from burglary, theft... and ultimately, murder.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Chris Penn movies?
TOP 19:
State of Grace
Sean Penn as: Terry Noonan
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Release: 1990
Terry Noonan returns home to New York's Hells Kitchen after a ten year absence. He soon hooks up with childhood pal Jackie who is involved in the Irish mob run by his brother Frankie. Terry also rekindles an old flame with Jackie's sister Kathleen. Soon, however, Terry is torn between his loyalty to his friends and his loyalties to others.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Burgess Meredith movies?
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Release: 1990
Terry Noonan returns home to New York's Hells Kitchen after a ten year absence. He soon hooks up with childhood pal Jackie who is involved in the Irish mob run by his brother Frankie. Terry also rekindles an old flame with Jackie's sister Kathleen. Soon, however, Terry is torn between his loyalty to his friends and his loyalties to others.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Burgess Meredith movies?
TOP 18:
The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing
Sean Penn as: Himself
Genre: Documentary
Release: 2004
Documentary about the art of film editing. Clips are shown from many groundbreaking films with innovative editing styles.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Kathy Bates movies?
Genre: Documentary
Release: 2004
Documentary about the art of film editing. Clips are shown from many groundbreaking films with innovative editing styles.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Kathy Bates movies?
TOP 17:
This Must Be the Place
Sean Penn as: Cheyenne
Genre: Drama
Release: 2011
A bored, retired rock star sets out to find his father's executioner, an ex-Nazi war criminal who is a refugee in the U.S.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Judd Hirsch movies?
Genre: Drama
Release: 2011
A bored, retired rock star sets out to find his father's executioner, an ex-Nazi war criminal who is a refugee in the U.S.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Judd Hirsch movies?
TOP 16:
Casualties of War
Sean Penn as: Sgt. Tony Meserve
Genre: Drama, History, War
Release: 1989
During the Vietnam War, a soldier finds himself the outsider of his own squad when they unnecessarily kidnap a female villager. Based on the actual events of an incident on Hill 192 in November, 1966.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Amy Irving movies?
Genre: Drama, History, War
Release: 1989
During the Vietnam War, a soldier finds himself the outsider of his own squad when they unnecessarily kidnap a female villager. Based on the actual events of an incident on Hill 192 in November, 1966.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Amy Irving movies?
TOP 15:
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Sean Penn as: Sean O'Connell
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Release: 2013
A timid magazine photo manager who lives life vicariously through daydreams embarks on a true-life adventure when a negative goes missing.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Danny Kaye movies?
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Release: 2013
A timid magazine photo manager who lives life vicariously through daydreams embarks on a true-life adventure when a negative goes missing.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Danny Kaye movies?
TOP 14:
Bad Boys
Sean Penn as: Mick O’Brien
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Release: 1983
Mick O'Brien is a young Chicago street thug torn between a life of petty crime and the love of his girlfriend. But when the heist of a local drug dealer goes tragically wrong Mick is sentenced to a brutal juvenile prison where violence is a rite of passage and respect is measured in vengeance.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Jon Seda movies?
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Release: 1983
Mick O'Brien is a young Chicago street thug torn between a life of petty crime and the love of his girlfriend. But when the heist of a local drug dealer goes tragically wrong Mick is sentenced to a brutal juvenile prison where violence is a rite of passage and respect is measured in vengeance.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Jon Seda movies?
TOP 13:
The Professor and the Madman
Sean Penn as: Dr. William Chester Minor
Genre: Drama, History, Mystery, Thriller
Release: 2019
Professor James Murray begins work compiling words for the first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary in the mid 19th century, and receives over 10,000 entries from a patient at Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum, Dr. William Minor.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Ioan Gruffudd movies?
Genre: Drama, History, Mystery, Thriller
Release: 2019
Professor James Murray begins work compiling words for the first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary in the mid 19th century, and receives over 10,000 entries from a patient at Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum, Dr. William Minor.
Did you know that this movie is also one of best Ioan Gruffudd movies?
TOP 12:
21 Grams
Sean Penn as: Paul Rivers
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Release: 2003
This is the story of three gentle persons: Paul Rivers, an ailing mathematician lovelessly married to an English émigré; Christina Peck, an upper-middle-class suburban housewife, happily married and mother of two little girl; and Jack Jordan, an ex-convict who has found in his Christian faith the strength to raise a family. They will be brought together by a terrible accident that will change their lives. By the final frame, none of them will be the same as they will learn harsh truths about love, faith, courage, desire and guilt, and how chance can change our worlds irretrievably—forever.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Release: 2003
This is the story of three gentle persons: Paul Rivers, an ailing mathematician lovelessly married to an English émigré; Christina Peck, an upper-middle-class suburban housewife, happily married and mother of two little girl; and Jack Jordan, an ex-convict who has found in his Christian faith the strength to raise a family. They will be brought together by a terrible accident that will change their lives. By the final frame, none of them will be the same as they will learn harsh truths about love, faith, courage, desire and guilt, and how chance can change our worlds irretrievably—forever.
TOP 11:
Dogtown and Z-Boys
Sean Penn as: Narrator
Genre: Documentary
Release: 2001
This award-winning, thrilling story is about a group of discarded kids who revolutionized skateboarding and shaped the attitude and culture of modern day extreme sports. Featuring old skool skating footage, exclusive interviews and a blistering rock soundtrack, DOGTOWN AND Z-BOYS captures the rise of the Zephyr skateboarding team from Venice's Dogtown, a tough "locals only" beach with a legacy of outlaw surfing.
Genre: Documentary
Release: 2001
This award-winning, thrilling story is about a group of discarded kids who revolutionized skateboarding and shaped the attitude and culture of modern day extreme sports. Featuring old skool skating footage, exclusive interviews and a blistering rock soundtrack, DOGTOWN AND Z-BOYS captures the rise of the Zephyr skateboarding team from Venice's Dogtown, a tough "locals only" beach with a legacy of outlaw surfing.
TOP 10:
Milk
Sean Penn as: Harvey Milk
Genre: History, Drama
Release: 2008
The true story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man ever elected to public office. In San Francisco in the late 1970s, Harvey Milk becomes an activist for gay rights and inspires others to join him in his fight for equal rights that should be available to all Americans.
Genre: History, Drama
Release: 2008
The true story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man ever elected to public office. In San Francisco in the late 1970s, Harvey Milk becomes an activist for gay rights and inspires others to join him in his fight for equal rights that should be available to all Americans.
TOP 9:
Dead Man Walking
Sean Penn as: Matthew Poncelet
Genre: Drama
Release: 1995
A justice drama based on a true story about a man on death row who, in his last days, forms a strong relationship with a nun who teaches him forgiveness and gives him spirituality, as she accompanies him to his execution.
Genre: Drama
Release: 1995
A justice drama based on a true story about a man on death row who, in his last days, forms a strong relationship with a nun who teaches him forgiveness and gives him spirituality, as she accompanies him to his execution.
TOP 8:
Being John Malkovich
Sean Penn as: Himself (uncredited)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Release: 1999
One day at work, unsuccessful puppeteer Craig finds a portal into the head of actor John Malkovich. The portal soon becomes a passion for anybody who enters its mad and controlling world of overtaking another human body.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Release: 1999
One day at work, unsuccessful puppeteer Craig finds a portal into the head of actor John Malkovich. The portal soon becomes a passion for anybody who enters its mad and controlling world of overtaking another human body.
TOP 7:
Woody Allen: A Documentary
Sean Penn as: Himself
Genre: Documentary
Release: 2011
Iconic writer, director, actor, comedian and musician Woody Allen allowed his life and creative process to be documented on-camera for the first time. With this unprecedented access, Emmy-winning, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Robert B. Weide followed the notoriously private film legend over a year and a half to create the ultimate film biography. "Woody Allen: A Documentary" chronicles Allen's career - from teen writer to Sid Caesar's TV scribe, from stand-up comedian to award-winning writer-director averaging one film-per-year for more than 40 years. Exploring Allen's writing habits, casting, directing, and relationship with his actors first-hand, new interviews with A-listers, writing partners, family and friends provide insight and backstory to the usually inscrutable filmmaker.
Genre: Documentary
Release: 2011
Iconic writer, director, actor, comedian and musician Woody Allen allowed his life and creative process to be documented on-camera for the first time. With this unprecedented access, Emmy-winning, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Robert B. Weide followed the notoriously private film legend over a year and a half to create the ultimate film biography. "Woody Allen: A Documentary" chronicles Allen's career - from teen writer to Sid Caesar's TV scribe, from stand-up comedian to award-winning writer-director averaging one film-per-year for more than 40 years. Exploring Allen's writing habits, casting, directing, and relationship with his actors first-hand, new interviews with A-listers, writing partners, family and friends provide insight and backstory to the usually inscrutable filmmaker.
TOP 6:
The Thin Red Line
Sean Penn as: 1st Sgt. Edward Welsh
Genre: Drama, History, War
Release: 1998
The story of a group of men, an Army Rifle company called C-for-Charlie, who change, suffer, and ultimately make essential discoveries about themselves during the fierce World War II battle of Guadalcanal. It follows their journey, from the surprise of an unopposed landing, through the bloody and exhausting battles that follow, to the ultimate departure of those who survived.
Genre: Drama, History, War
Release: 1998
The story of a group of men, an Army Rifle company called C-for-Charlie, who change, suffer, and ultimately make essential discoveries about themselves during the fierce World War II battle of Guadalcanal. It follows their journey, from the surprise of an unopposed landing, through the bloody and exhausting battles that follow, to the ultimate departure of those who survived.
TOP 5:
I Am Sam
Sean Penn as: Sam Dawson
Genre: Drama
Release: 2001
Although Sam has the mental capacity of a 7-year-old, he has a daughter with a homeless woman who abandons them when they leave the hospital, leaving Sam to raise Lucy on his own. But as Lucy grows up, Sam's limitations start to become a problem and the authorities take her away. Sam shames high-priced lawyer, Rita into taking his case pro bono and in turn teaches her the value of love and family.
Genre: Drama
Release: 2001
Although Sam has the mental capacity of a 7-year-old, he has a daughter with a homeless woman who abandons them when they leave the hospital, leaving Sam to raise Lucy on his own. But as Lucy grows up, Sam's limitations start to become a problem and the authorities take her away. Sam shames high-priced lawyer, Rita into taking his case pro bono and in turn teaches her the value of love and family.
TOP 4:
Bukowski: Born Into This
Sean Penn as: Himself
Genre: Documentary
Release: 2003
Director John Dullaghan’s biographical documentary about infamous poet Charles Bukowski, Bukowski: Born Into This, is as much a touching portrait of the author as it is an exposé of his sordid lifestyle. Interspersed between ample vintage footage of Bukowski’s poetry readings are interviews with the poet’s fans including such legendary figures such as Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Joyce Fante (wife of John), Bono, and Harry Dean Stanton. Filmed in grainy black and white by Bukowski’s friend, Taylor Hackford, due to lack of funding, the old films edited into this movie paint Bukowski’s life of boozing and brawling romantically, securing Bukowski’s legendary status.
Genre: Documentary
Release: 2003
Director John Dullaghan’s biographical documentary about infamous poet Charles Bukowski, Bukowski: Born Into This, is as much a touching portrait of the author as it is an exposé of his sordid lifestyle. Interspersed between ample vintage footage of Bukowski’s poetry readings are interviews with the poet’s fans including such legendary figures such as Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Joyce Fante (wife of John), Bono, and Harry Dean Stanton. Filmed in grainy black and white by Bukowski’s friend, Taylor Hackford, due to lack of funding, the old films edited into this movie paint Bukowski’s life of boozing and brawling romantically, securing Bukowski’s legendary status.
TOP 3:
The Game
Sean Penn as: Conrad Van Orton
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Release: 1997
In honor of his birthday, San Francisco banker Nicholas Van Orton, a financial genius and a cold-hearted loner, receives an unusual present from his younger brother, Conrad: a gift certificate to play a unique kind of game. In nearly a nanosecond, Nicholas finds himself consumed by a dangerous set of ever-changing rules, unable to distinguish where the charade ends and reality begins.
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Release: 1997
In honor of his birthday, San Francisco banker Nicholas Van Orton, a financial genius and a cold-hearted loner, receives an unusual present from his younger brother, Conrad: a gift certificate to play a unique kind of game. In nearly a nanosecond, Nicholas finds himself consumed by a dangerous set of ever-changing rules, unable to distinguish where the charade ends and reality begins.
TOP 2:
Mystic River
Sean Penn as: Jimmy Markum
Genre: Thriller, Crime, Drama, Mystery
Release: 2003
The lives of three men who were childhood friends are shattered when one of them has a family tragedy.
Genre: Thriller, Crime, Drama, Mystery
Release: 2003
The lives of three men who were childhood friends are shattered when one of them has a family tragedy.
TOP 1:
Carlito's Way
Sean Penn as: David Kleinfeld
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Release: 1993
A Puerto-Rican ex-con, just released from prison, pledges to stay away from drugs and violence despite the pressure around him, and lead a better life outside NYC.
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Release: 1993
A Puerto-Rican ex-con, just released from prison, pledges to stay away from drugs and violence despite the pressure around him, and lead a better life outside NYC.
If you like the best Sean Penn movies, then you will also like the best James Russo movies, where many of their films coincide.
