Summary
- Russell Crowe’s versatility shines in a wide range of genres, with standout performances that beg for multiple rewatches.
- From intense dramas like Romper Stomper to epic spectacles like Gladiator, Crowe surprises and captivates viewers with his range.
- Movies like A Beautiful Mind and L.A. Confidential showcase Crowe’s talent for complex characters in rewatchable stories.
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The career of Russell Crowe has been an impressively vast and varied journey through countless genres, with so many amazingly rewatchable movies. From grand historical epics to intimate romantic dramas, Crowe has really done it all as he forged an acclaimed acting career over almost 40 years. While certain movies provided a fantastic viewing experience the first time they were seen, they don’t always have the same power upon subsequent rewatches in the way some of Crowe’s very best movies did.
One of the most impressive things about Crowe as an actor was that he consistently surprised viewers and took himself outside his comfort zone for many projects. From his breakout role as an ultra-violent Neo-Nazi in Romper Stomper to showcasing his musical talents in Les Misérables, the best Crowe performances were deep and layered and begged to be viewed numerous times. While the most rewatchable Crowe movies might not include all of his greatest roles, they all had something special to them that meant viewers returned to Crowe’s movies again and again.
10 Romper Stomper (1992)
Russell Crowe as Hando
Romper Stomper (1992)
Action
Drama
Thriller
Romper Stomper is a 1992 Australian drama film directed by Geoffrey Wright, starring Russell Crowe as the leader of a neo-Nazi skinhead gang in Melbourne. The film delves into the lives of these disaffected youths and their encounters with Vietnamese immigrants. Romper Stomper explores themes of racism, violence, and loyalty within a volatile subculture.
Director Geoffrey Wright Release Date March 5, 1992 Studio(s) Seon Film Productions , Film Victoria , Romper Stomper Pty. Ltd. , Australian Film Commission Writers Geoffrey Wright Cast Russell Crowe , Daniel Pollock , Jacqueline McKenzie , Alex Scott , Leigh Russell Runtime 94 Minutes Budget 1600000.0 Main Genre Action
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As one of Russell Crowe’s earliest and most provocative movies, Romper Stomper was an intense R-rated drama full of compelling characters that improved upon each rewatch. Russell Crowe played Hando, a racist Neo-Nazi Australian skinhead who attacked Vietnamese residents as a reaction to their changing neighborhood. Romper Stomper was raw and violent, highlighting themes of fear, race, and urban decay, and has not lost any of its power in the more than 30 years since its release.
Inspired by real-life Neo-Nazi race-related crimes in Melbourne, Romper Stomper unflinchingly addressed the darkest side of hate crimes, and as the ringleader of the ultra-violent group, Crowe has never since played a character who matched the chilling intensity of Hando. With the destructiveness of A Clockwork Orange and the chaotic energy of Mad Max, Romper Stomper showcased how downtrodden youth can be susceptible to racial hatred when left behind by society. Romper Stomper was uncomfortable viewing, which has a lot to say upon rewatching.
9 Unhinged (2020)
Russell Crowe as Tom Cooper
Unhinged
R
Thriller
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Unhinged is a Thriller and Action film starring Russell Crowe. The 2020 film was written by Carl Ellsworth and directed by Derrick Borte. The film sees a young woman being stalked and attacked by a seemingly deranged man after the two experience a road rage situation.
Director Derrick Borte Release Date August 21, 2020 Writers Carl Ellsworth Cast Gabriel Bateman , Austin P. McKenzie , Caren Pistorius , Jimmi Simpson , Russell Crowe Runtime 90 minutes Budget $33 million
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Russell Crowe has developed a reputation for playing short-tempered, tough-guy characters, but he never took it as far as in Unhinged. This outrageously over-the-top action film was incredibly rewatchable simply because of how wild Crowe was throughout and how quickly a normal story kicked into absolute hyperdrive. Unhinged was about a woman named Rachel who honked a car for blocking traffic, not knowing this would be the worst mistake of her entire life.
Tom in Unhinged was severely mentally unstable, had gone through a divorce, and had already killed his wife and family before the road rage incident had even taken place. When Rachel refused to apologize, he wreaked havoc in every aspect of her life, and Crowe revealed himself as a compelling villain. Unhinged may not be the deepest or most intelligent movie, but the carnage made it highly rewatchable and was one of Crowe’s most enjoyable later career performances.
8 A Good Year (2006)
Russell Crowe as Max Skinner
A Good Year (2006)
PG-13
Comedy
Drama
Romance
A Good Year is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Ridley Scott, starring Russell Crowe as Max Skinner, a London-based investment banker who inherits a vineyard in Provence. The film explores Max’s transformation as he reconnects with his past and discovers a new way of life. Albert Finney and Marion Cotillard co-star, enriching the narrative with their compelling performances.
Director Ridley Scott Release Date September 9, 2006 Studio(s) Fox 2000 Pictures , Scott Free Productions , Ingenious Film Partners Writers Marc Klein Cast Russell Crowe , Albert Finney , Marion Cotillard , Abbie Cornish , Didier Bourdon Runtime 117 Minutes Budget 35000000.0 Main Genre Comedy
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While Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott were known for making several movies together, the most laid-back was the romantic comedy-drama A Good Year, which showcased a different side to both of them. Set in a vineyard in the south of France, A Good Year was incredibly rewatchable simply because of the beautiful scenery and the warm atmosphere it emitted. The story of an arrogant, workaholic financial trader learning to let it all go and relax may not have broken down any cinematic boundaries, but it was an enjoyable watch that felt like it captured the essence of its landscape.
A Good Year received negative reviews upon release and was out of step with what audiences came to expect from Crowe and Scott, but given the power of hindsight, it was unfairly judged. A Good Year did not pretend to be anything more than it was, and when enjoyed as a simple fish-out-water romantic movie, it really succeeded. Max Skinner may not rank among Crowe’s best characters, but his story was endlessly rewatchable.
7 3:10 To Yuma (2007)
Russell Crowe as Ben Wade
3:10 to Yuma
R
Adventure
Crime
Drama
Western
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A small-time rancher agrees to hold a captured outlaw who’s awaiting a train to go to court in Yuma. A battle of wills ensues as the outlaw tries to psych out the rancher.
Director James Mangold Release Date September 6, 2007 Writers Halsted Welles , Michael Brandt , Derek Haas , Elmore Leonard Cast Russell Crowe , Christian Bale , logan lerman , Dallas Roberts , Ben Foster , Peter Fonda Runtime 122 minutes Budget $55 million
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Most remakes paled compared to the original, but 3:10 to Yuma, the updated version of the 1957 classic Western, more than lived up to its legacy. With Russell Crowe as the outlaw Ben Wade and Christian Bale as Dan Evan, the one-legged war veteran and rancher, 3:10 to Yuma was full of action-packed shootouts that felt more brutal, intense, and greed-driven than the original. The pairing of Crowe and Bale alone was enough to make this a highly rewatchable movie, and the success of its concept even led to comparisons to Western greats like Unforgiven and High Noon.
Both intelligent and violent, 3:10 to Yuma was about a small-town rancher holding a captured outlaw and the ensuing battle between them. With heroism and villainy at its core, 3:10 to Yuma had all the tenants of a classic Western story that took what worked about the original and made it grander and more effective. While it may be sacrilegious to say about a classic Western movie, the 2007 version of 3:10 to Yuma was even more rewatchable and engaging than the 1957 version with Glenn Ford and Van Heflin.
6 Cinderella Man (2005)
Russell Crowe as James J. Braddock
Cinderella Man (2005)
PG-13
Romance
Drama
History
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Cinderella Man, directed by Ron Howard, stars Russell Crowe as boxer James J. Braddock, whose comeback during the Great Depression inspires a nation. Renée Zellweger plays his supportive wife Mae, while Paul Giamatti portrays his loyal manager Joe Gould. The film follows Braddock’s journey from washed-up fighter to unexpected champion, capturing the era’s struggles and hopes.
Director Ron Howard Release Date June 2, 2005 Cast Russell Crowe , Renee Zellweger , Paul Giamatti , Craig Bierko , Paddy Considine Runtime 144 Minutes Studio(s) Universal Pictures , MiraMax , Imagine Entertainment , Brian Grazer Productions , Parkway Productions Writers Cliff Hollingsworth , Akiva Goldsman Budget 88000000.0 Main Genre Romance
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The extraordinary true story of heavyweight boxing champion James J. Braddock, who overcame extreme poverty during the Great Depression, was told in the biopic Cinderella Man. With Russell Crowe as Braddock and Paul Giamatti in an Oscar-nominated role as his trainer, Joe Gould, this engrossing sports film highlighted the risk of boxing and the danger of being killed in the ring. However, it was also a heartbreaking portrayal of a struggling family during one of the most economically fraught times in American history.
The underdog story of Cinderella Man made it one of the best boxing movies that weren’t Rocky or Creed, and it’s a real-life story about the fear felt by fighters’s wives and children was incredibly poignant. Cinderella Man was one of Crowe’s most rewatchable films because he put his all into his portrayal of Braddock and came across as genuine. Cinderella Man felt like everybody involved was working at the top of their game, and in terms of rewatchability, it was a total knockout.
5 L.A. Confidential (1997)
Russell Crowe as Officer Wendell “Bud” White
L.A. Confidential (1997)
R
Crime
Mystery
Thriller
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L.A. Confidential is a film adaptation of James Ellroy’s novel, directed by Curtis Hanson. Set in 1950s Los Angeles, it follows three detectives played by Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, and Kevin Spacey, as they investigate a series of murders linked to corruption within the police force. The film explores themes of morality, power, and the seedy underbelly of the city. Kim Basinger and Danny DeVito also star.
Director Curtis Hanson Release Date September 19, 1997 Cast Russell Crowe , Guy Pearce , Kevin Spacey , Kim Basinger , Danny DeVito Runtime 138 Minutes Studio(s) Regency Enterprises , Warner Bros. Pictures , The Wolper Organization Writers Brian Helgeland , Curtis Hanson Budget 35000000.0 Main Genre Crime
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As one of the most stylish movies of the 1990s, L.A. Confidential had it all: A compelling script, Oscar-worthy performances, and a mainstream appeal meant it should have cleaned up at the Academy Awards if it was not released the same year as Titanic. With Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce in their breakout Hollywood performances, L.A. Confidential was a modern film noir that got to the depths of the psychology behind its characters. As three officers investigated murder and corruption in 1950s Los Angeles, everything about L.A. Confidential just worked.
Russell Crowe played Officer Wendal White, the hot-tempered, no-nonsense detective who often used violence to intimidate and interrogate suspects. L.A. Confidential had incredible rewatchability as its deeply layered story was propped up by sharp and engaging dialogue as well as three-dimensional characters. Sadly, the director Curtis Hansen never again reached the creative heights he did with this film, but luckily, audiences can rewatch L.A. Confidential again and again.
4 A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Russell Crowe as John Nash
A Beautiful Mind
PG-13
Biography
Drama
Mystery
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A mathematical genius, John Nash made an astonishing discovery early in his career and stood on the brink of international acclaim. But the handsome and arrogant Nash soon found himself on a harrowing journey of self-discovery.
Director Ron Howard Release Date January 4, 2002 Cast Russell Crowe , Ed Harris , Jennifer Connelly , Christopher Plummer , Paul Bettany , adam goldberg , Johs Lucas , Anthony Rapp Runtime 135 Minutes Writers Akiva Goldsman , Sylvia Nasar Main Genre Biography
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With a story loosely based on the life of the mathematician John Nash, A Beautiful Mind explored Nash’s experiences with schizophrenia before the condition was widely understood. With an incredibly compelling performance from Russell Crowe as Nash, this Best Picture winner captured his intense personal struggles, even if today, it’s not viewed as an accurate depiction of what those with schizophrenia actually experience. Starting with Nash’s college days as a genius mathematician, his life became more difficult as his illness worsened, and he began to question his own reality.
A Beautiful Mind was a deeply psychological film, a moving romance, and a revealing look at the difficulties of mental illness. The power of A Beautiful Mind was how director Ron Howard and Crowe, through his performance, took audiences into Nash’s paranoid mind as viewers became just as distressed and questioning as him when trying to figure it all out. This blending of fact and fiction in A Beautiful Mind made it incredibly rewatchable as there were new things to be noticed upon each subsequent viewing.
3 The Nice Guys (2016)
Russell Crowe as Jackson Healy
The Nice Guys
R
Mystery
Thriller
Crime
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Directed by Shane Black and starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling, The Nice Guys tells the story of a private investigator and a hired enforcer who team up to investigate the disappearance of a young woman. Set in 1970s Los Angeles, the 2016 comedy thriller puts a modern spin on the noir genre.
Director Shane Black Release Date May 20, 2016 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Anthony Bagarozzi , Shane Black Cast Ryan Gosling , Ty Simpkins , Rachele Brooke Smith , Russell Crowe , Yaya DaCosta , Margaret Qualley , Kim Basinger , Keith David , Matt Bomer , Yvonne Zima Runtime 116minutes Budget $50 million
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Russell Crowe’s seldom-seen comedic skills were displayed in the woefully underrated comedy The Nice Guys, where he co-starred alongside Ryan Gosling. In a world full of so many sequels and franchises, it was disappointing that The Nice Guys failed at the box office, as it proved that there were still some original ideas left in Hollywood and that this type of buddy comedy was not merely a relic from a bygone era of filmmaking. Crowe and Gosling had incredible chemistry and action-packed antics mixed with witty dialogue made this an incredible rewatchable movie.
From the director of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Iron Man 3, Shane Black, The Nice Guys was full of attitude and energy and proved that even after his long and varied career, there were still aspects of Crowe for audiences to discover. Set during the 1970s, The Nice Guys brought to mind classics of that period like Five Easy Peaces and Vanishing Point but also felt like it echoed the era’s aesthetic in the same effective way as Paul Thomas Anderson’s Boogie Nights. There was much more to The Nice Guys than meets the eye, and its power became even more notable upon rewatch.
2 Les Misérables (2012)
Russell Crowe as Javert
Les Misérables (2012)
PG-13
Musical
Drama
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Les Misérables is the 2012 musical movie adaptation of Victor Hugo’s eponymous 1862 novel, retelling the story of prisoner Jean Valjean and his quest for freedom in 19th-century France. It features a star-studded cast consisting of Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Helena Bonham Carter, and Sacha Baron Cohen.
Director Tom Hooper Release Date December 25, 2012 Studio(s) Universal Pictures Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Writers Victor Hugo , William Nicholson Cast Helena Bonham Carter , Anne Hathaway , Hugh Jackman , Sacha Baron Cohen , Russell Crowe , Amanda Seyfried Runtime 158minutes Budget $61 million
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The cinematic adaptation of Les Misérables took Victor Hugo’s incredible novel and the fantastic stage musical and gave viewers the definitive version of this story on the big screen. With Russell Crowe as the police inspector Javert and Hugh Jackman as the bread-stealing fugitive Jean Valjean, Les Misérables begged to be rewatched for the music alone but was made even more engrossing by its incredible performances. An epic and bombastic spectacle, everything came together in a powerful, crowd-pleasing success.
Director Tom Hopper ensured that Les Misérables became essential viewing for musical theater lovers by getting the casting right and then ensuring that the production values were up to scratch. Everything looked and sounded amazing, and Crowe was an important part of its success as he played his villainous role to perfection. The casting of Crowe in Les Misérables may have come as a surprise at the time, but looking back with hindsight, it was a stroke of genius.
1 Gladiator (2000)
Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius
Gladiator
R
Action
Adventure
Documentary
Drama
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Ridley Scott’s historical epic Gladiator stars Russell Crowe as Maximus, a Roman general who is betrayed after the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). Pressed into slavery, Maximus is forced to fight in the Coliseum for the entertainment of the cruel new emperor, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). Rising to the challenge and inspiring the slaves, Maximus fights to undermine Commodus’s unjust rule.
Director Ridley Scott Release Date May 1, 2000 Studio(s) DreamWorks Distribution , Universal Pictures , Scott Free Productions , Red Wagon Entertainment Distributor(s) DreamWorks Distribution , Universal Pictures Writers David Franzoni , John Logan , William Nicholson Cast Russell Crowe , Derek Jacobi , Oliver Reed , Connie Nielsen , Joaquin Phoenix , Djimon Hounsou , Richard Harris Runtime 155 minutes Sequel(s) Gladiator 2 Budget $103 million
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Gladiator, more than any other movie, stood as Russell Crowe’s definitive performance, winning him a Best Actor Oscar and even taking home Best Picture. As a grand historical epic by Ridley Scott, Gladiator was endlessly rewatchable, and more than two decades after it was released, it is still incredibly entertaining, has awe-inspiring production values, and delivers action, drama, and excitement. As Maximus Decimus Meridius, Crowe gave a performance that stood the test of time and for which he will be forever remembered.
As a major hit with audiences and critics, everything about Gladiator worked, from its story, style, and execution. It represented the best of what blockbuster cinema can be. It remains to be seen how the upcoming sequel Gladiator II will affect the overall legacy of the original, but no matter what, this will not impede the incredible rewatchable nature of this sweeping Ancient Roman epic. There were plenty of rewatchable movies across Russell Crowe’s filmography, but Gladiator stood victorious among them all.