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Best Martin Brest Movies
11th Nov 2025
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Martin Brest's directorial style, blending action, humor, and often a touch of gritty realism, has captivated audiences for decades. From the dazzling energy of *Lethal Weapon* to the poignant drama of *Scent of a Woman*, Brest's films offer a unique cinematic experience. His ability to create both memorable characters and compelling narratives solidifies his place among the greats of the genre. This poll seeks to gauge the collective opinion on which of his films are the absolute best. Vote now and help shape the definitive ranking of Martin Brest's finest works! Let your favorite films shine. From the iconic pairings of Riggs and Murtaugh to the unforgettable performance of Al Pacino in *Scent of a Woman*, there's a film for every cinephile. Which Martin Brest masterpiece reigns supreme? Cast your vote and share your thoughts in the comments!
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#1.
Scent of a Woman (1992)
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Charlie Simms, a student from a modest background at a prestigious prep school, finds himself in need of Christmas cash. To secure his trip home to Gresham, Oregon, he accepts a temporary job over Thanksgiving break. His charge is Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade, a retired U.S. Army officer, portrayed as a cantankerous, middle-aged man living with his niece and her family. This seemingly simple arrangement sets the stage for an unexpected and profound connection to form between the two disparate individuals. "Scent of a Woman" is a standout film for director Martin Brest, earning him a well-deserved Best Director nomination at the Academy Awards and a Best Actor Oscar for Al Pacino. The film showcases Brest's masterful ability to craft nuanced character studies and explore themes of mentorship, redemption, and finding one's voice. His direction allows for both the humor and the deep emotional resonance of Charlie and Frank's relationship to shine, particularly in iconic scenes like Frank's passionate defense of his life and beliefs. It's a testament to Brest's skill that he can make a story about a blind, irascible veteran and a struggling student feel so universally compelling and ultimately uplifting.
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Scent of a Woman (1992)
Charlie Simms, a student from a modest background at a prestigious prep school, finds himself in need of Christmas cash. To secure his trip home to Gresham, Oregon, he accepts a temporary job over Thanksgiving break. His charge is Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade, a retired U.S. Army officer, portrayed as a cantankerous, middle-aged man living with his niece and her family. This seemingly simple arrangement sets the stage for an unexpected and profound connection to form between the two disparate individuals. "Scent of a Woman" is a standout film for director Martin Brest, earning him a well-deserved Best Director nomination at the Academy Awards and a Best Actor Oscar for Al Pacino. The film showcases Brest's masterful ability to craft nuanced character studies and explore themes of mentorship, redemption, and finding one's voice. His direction allows for both the humor and the deep emotional resonance of Charlie and Frank's relationship to shine, particularly in iconic scenes like Frank's passionate defense of his life and beliefs. It's a testament to Brest's skill that he can make a story about a blind, irascible veteran and a struggling student feel so universally compelling and ultimately uplifting.
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Midnight Run (1988)
In *Midnight Run*, Charles Grodin plays Jonathan Mardukas, a mild-mannered accountant who commits the cardinal sin of embezzling $15 million from the mob. When he skips bail, a fiery bounty hunter named Jack Walsh, portrayed by a masterful Robert De Niro, is tasked with bringing him back to New York. What follows is a chaotic and hilarious cross-country chase as Mardukas, seemingly unfazed and remarkably optimistic, evades not only Walsh but also the relentless FBI and the vengeful mobsters he double-crossed. The film masterfully blends intense action sequences with sharp, witty dialogue and an unexpected buddy-cop dynamic that evolves between the mismatched protagonists. Martin Brest's direction in *Midnight Run* is a significant reason for its placement among his best films. Brest demonstrates an exceptional ability to balance the high-octane thriller elements with a genuine comedic sensibility, allowing the central performances of De Niro and Grodin to shine. He crafts a narrative that is consistently engaging, full of memorable set pieces and character interactions, while also exploring themes of unlikely companionship and the absurdity of the situations the characters find themselves in. The film’s pacing is impeccable, and its ability to generate both suspense and laughter is a testament to Brest's skill in orchestrating a perfect cinematic blend of genres.
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Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
**Beverly Hills Cop (1984)** catapults tough-talking Detroit detective Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) from the gritty streets of his hometown to the sun-drenched, scandal-laden avenues of Beverly Hills. When a friend's murder draws him west in his iconic, beat-up Chevy Nova, Axel expects a straightforward investigation. Instead, he finds himself entangled in a conspiracy far more complex than he imagined, a fish-out-of-water scenario that ignites a comedic clash of cultures and investigative styles. Partnered with the earnest but often bumbling rookie detective Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold), Axel navigates the opulent, often oblivious, landscape of West Los Angeles, using his street smarts and irreverent charm to unearth the truth. Martin Brest's masterful direction is on full display in *Beverly Hills Cop*, solidifying its place on a list of his best films. Brest expertly balances high-octane action and genuinely hilarious comedic moments, perfectly capturing Eddie Murphy's breakout performance as the effortlessly charismatic Axel Foley. He allows the inherent humor of the "fish-out-of-water" premise to breathe, while also crafting a surprisingly effective crime narrative. The film’s pacing is superb, transitioning seamlessly between laugh-out-loud set pieces and moments of genuine intrigue, all underscored by a killer soundtrack. Brest’s ability to elicit such a vibrant and memorable performance from Murphy, coupled with his skill in crafting a stylish and entertaining blockbuster, makes *Beverly Hills Cop* a standout achievement in his directorial career.
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Meet Joe Black (1998)
When the Grim Reaper, embodying the persona of Joe Black, arrives to collect the soul of megamogul Bill Parrish, he presents an extraordinary offer: a "vacation" among the living in exchange for a brief extension of Parrish's earthly existence. Parrish accepts, and under the guise of Joe Black, Death immerses himself in Parrish's opulent life. The divine visitor soon finds himself captivated by Parrish's vibrant world, and unexpectedly, by the love of his daughter. However, as Black's allotted time draws to a close, the ultimate price for this unconventional arrangement becomes terrifyingly clear, as Parrish's life is inextricably linked to Death's departure. "Meet Joe Black" earns its place among Martin Brest's finest films by showcasing his signature blend of ambitious storytelling and a unique directorial vision. Brest, known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to imbue genre films with unexpected depth, crafts a narrative that transcends a simple supernatural premise. He explores profound themes of mortality, love, and the appreciation of life's fleeting moments through a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience. The film's deliberate pacing allows for rich character development, particularly in the captivating performances that anchor the fantastical scenario in human emotion, a hallmark of Brest's directorial prowess.
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Going in Style (1979)
"Going in Style" (1979) offers a surprisingly poignant and darkly comedic look at three septuagenarian friends sharing a meager existence. Living together and finding their days filled with little more than the mundane task of feeding pigeons, their lives are a slow fade into quiet desperation. This monotony is shattered when one of them, fueled by a desperate need for financial security and perhaps a final burst of vitality, proposes a daring plan: a bank robbery. The film expertly navigates the inherent absurdity of their situation, posing the question of what truly awaits three old men who choose to defy the greying of their years with such an audacious act. Martin Brest's directorial debut, "Going in Style," earns its place on a list of his best films for its masterful blend of character-driven drama and unexpected humor. Brest displays an early talent for drawing out nuanced performances from his veteran cast, imbuing the elderly protagonists with a palpable weariness and a flicker of defiant spirit. The film's charm lies in its ability to make us root for these unlikely criminals, finding a deep well of empathy for their plight while also relishing the sheer audacity of their endeavor. It's a testament to Brest's skill that he can tackle themes of aging, poverty, and the yearning for a life lived to its fullest with such wit and genuine heart, setting a strong foundation for his subsequent acclaimed works.
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Hot Tomorrows (1977)
While Martin Brest is primarily celebrated for his iconic later works like *Beverly Hills Cop*, *Midnight Run*, and *Scent of a Woman*, *Hot Tomorrows* (released as *The Last Gig* in some markets) stands as his intriguing directorial debut and a foundational piece in understanding his development as a filmmaker. This independently produced crime drama showcases early glimpses of Brest's keen eye for character and a burgeoning talent for crafting suspenseful, character-driven narratives. Even with a smaller budget and a less star-studded cast, the film demonstrates a commitment to gritty realism and a nuanced exploration of morally ambiguous protagonists, traits that would become hallmarks of his more acclaimed films. The inclusion of *Hot Tomorrows* on a "Best Martin Brest Movies" list acknowledges the raw talent and potential evident from the very outset of his career. It's a testament to his ability to imbue even lesser-known projects with a distinct directorial voice and a compelling story. For cinephiles interested in tracing the evolution of a master filmmaker, *Hot Tomorrows* offers a valuable insight into the roots of Martin Brest's distinctive directorial style, making it a worthy, albeit less-seen, addition to any retrospective of his work.
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Gigli (2003)
"Gigli (2003)" plunges audiences into the chaotic world of Larry Gigli, a low-level mobster tasked with a dangerous kidnapping. His mission involves abducting the younger brother of a federal prosecutor, a plan that quickly unravels. To salvage the operation, Gigli's superiors dispatch Ricki, a captivating and independent female gangster, whose own ulterior motives complicate matters. As Gigli finds himself increasingly drawn to the spirited Ricki, his professional obligations become dangerously intertwined with his blossoming, yet forbidden, affections. While "Gigli" is widely recognized as a critical and commercial disaster, its inclusion on a "Best Martin Brest Movies" list is a complex and likely ironic one. Brest, known for critically acclaimed films like "Beverly Hills Cop," "Midnight Run," and "Scent of a Woman," demonstrated a remarkable ability to blend humor, action, and compelling character development. "Gigli," however, stands in stark contrast to these successes, becoming a byword for cinematic miscalculation. Its inclusion on such a list would therefore highlight the dramatic fall from grace in Brest's career, serving as a potent example of how even accomplished directors can produce projects that miss the mark so spectacularly. It's a film that, in its sheer audaciousness of failure, becomes a talking point about the unpredictable nature of filmmaking and the reputations of directors.
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The Gospel of Jack
While Martin Brest's filmography is short, "The Gospel of Jack" stands out as a prime example of his distinctive directorial voice. This darkly comedic and character-driven narrative delves into themes of faith, doubt, and the search for meaning with a nuanced touch that few directors could pull off. Brest's masterful pacing allows the complex relationships to unfold organically, while his sharp eye for detail imbues every frame with a lived-in, authentic quality. The film's ability to blend profound philosophical questions with moments of genuine humor and pathos solidifies its place as a standout in his limited, yet highly regarded, body of work. "The Gospel of Jack" is a testament to Brest's talent for extracting raw, compelling performances and weaving them into a cohesive and impactful story. It showcases his signature blend of gravitas and unexpected levity, creating a cinematic experience that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. For those seeking the best of Martin Brest, this film offers a profound exploration of the human condition, delivered with the directorial confidence and unique perspective that have come to define his celebrated, albeit select, contributions to cinema.
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Louisiana
While Martin Brest isn't primarily known for a vast filmography, his directorial work on *The King of Comedy* is a seminal piece that firmly cements his place on any "Best Martin Brest Movies" list. This darkly comedic masterpiece, released in 1982, showcases Brest's remarkable ability to blend biting satire with profound character studies. The film's exploration of celebrity culture, unfulfilled ambition, and the desperation for recognition, through the lens of Rupert Pupkin's increasingly unhinged pursuit of talk show host Jerry Langford, is both unsettling and utterly captivating. Brest masterfully crafts a narrative that is as uncomfortable as it is brilliant, proving his talent for delving into the human psyche with a unique and unforgettable style. However, for a director with such a curated output, Brest's inclusion on a "Best Of" list is almost singularly defined by *Scent of a Woman* (1992). This film, which earned Al Pacino his long-awaited Academy Award for Best Actor, is a testament to Brest's skill in drawing out powerhouse performances and crafting emotionally resonant narratives. While the story of Charlie and the blind, cantankerous Lt. Col. Frank Slade might seem straightforward, Brest infuses it with a rich texture, showcasing his adeptness at handling complex character dynamics and delivering moments of both profound introspection and exhilarating life affirmation. The iconic "Oorah!" scene and the climactic courtroom speech are just a few examples of how Brest guides his actors and his story to create truly memorable cinematic moments, solidifying *Scent of a Woman*'s status as a defining achievement in his career.
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