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Billy Bob Thornton's career has made him one of the most prominent actors in the industry. He has taken comedic and dramatic roles that have proved that he has sheer talents as an actor. At the same time, with his acclaimed film, Sling Blade, Thornton also proved that he can also write and direct a fantastic film. Recently, Thornton has starred on the acclaimed Amazon series, Goliath, proving that he still has the goods. Coming from humble beginnings in the entertainment industry, Thornton has become an award-winning, A-List actor.
Thornton was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas and eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting. While in L.A., Thornton worked many odd jobs in the food industry and eventually met acclaimed filmmaker Billy Wilder, who convinced him to pursue screenwriting. Thornton earned his first on-screen performance playing a counter man in South of Reno. He continued to gain parts in both television and film and eventually produced his own short film, Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade, which he adapted into the feature Sling Blade, effectively launching his career. Since then, Thornton has worked extensively in the film and music industries and has proved that he is an artist of many talents. Let's look at Billy Bob Thornton's best performances, ranked.
8 Bandits
Barry Levinson directed the dramedy Bandits, which follows two criminals on the run after escaping prison. Joe (the recently retired Bruce Willis) and Terry (Thornton) end up in a love triangle with a housewife named Kate (Cate Blanchett) during their adventure. Thornton gives a very convincing performance as a convict and his character has several comedic moments. At the same, his chemistry with Willis and Blanchett is top-notch.
7 Goliath
Billy Bob Thornton gives a stellar dramatic performance in every episode of the Amazon series, Goliath. He plays Billy McBride, a lawyer who's dealing with heartbreak and alcoholism while battling corruption in the justice system. Thornton brings so much to every scene, and he gives us a character who is seeking redemption while trying to let go of past demons. In 2017, Thornton earned a Golden Globe Award for his performance.
6 Friday Night Lights
Billy Bob Thornton plays a very convincing high school football coach in Texas in Friday Night Lights. His character has several different levels. At many points, he is very subtle, but in moments on the field and in the locker room, he erupts with fire and passion. Through it all, Thornton portrays a heartfelt coach who wants to win, but also very much cares for his players. In one monologue in particular, Thornton delivers an epic football speech.
5 The Man Who Wasn't There
In the Coen Brothers' movie The Man Who Wasn't There, Thornton plays a chain-smoking barber named Ed Crane, who begins a blackmail scandal that goes very wrong. What Thornton does in his performance shows us the power of subtlety when it comes to acting. The actor is able to say so much by saying so little, giving us a very meek, yet complex, character. So much is done through his physicality and emotion, giving us a great performance.
4 Monster's Ball
Billy Bob Thornton takes on a very dark role in Marc Forster's Monster's Ball. Thornton plays a corrections officer who begins a relationship with the wife (Halle Berry) of an inmate that he executed. Thornton portrays a character who is dark and filled with hatred towards almost everyone around him. Even in the subtle moments, Thornton shows us his brilliant abilities as an actor. At the same time, through his romantic relationship, we see Forster change for the better, giving us a great character arc.
3 Bad Santa
In Bad Santa, Billy Bob Thornton gives one of the greatest alcoholic performances of all time. He plays a crass and degenerate thief who takes Santa Claus jobs at malls to rob them during Christmastime. Thornton is flawless in this film and delivers hilarious moments from start to finish. His physicality is so on point, and there are several outrageous moments of chaos given by his character. He perfectly showcases a man who has been beaten to a pulp in his own life and has nothing to live for. Thornton reprised his character in the sequel Bad Santa 2 years later.
2 A Simple Plan
In Sam Raimi's A Simple Plan, Thornton plays a small-town, simple-minded man named Jacob Mitchell who is roped into a plan of deceit after he and his brother (Bill Paxton) find a large sum of money. Thornton gives everything with his performance, and he perfectly encapsulates the persona of a man with a big heart but lacks intellect. He gives several great moments, and some brilliant monologues throughout the film. Thornton earned an Academy Award nomination for his supporting performance.
1 Sling Blade
Billy Bob Thornton rose to superstar status after he wrote, directed, and starred in the acclaimed film, Sling Blade. Thornton plays an intellectually disabled man named Karl Childers who is reintroduced to society after years in a mental hospital for convicted murder. Thornton completely transforms into his character to the point that he is unrecognizable. His voice and physicality is brilliant from start to finish, and he gives a performance that is heartfelt and endearing. Thornton earned an Academy Award nomination for his masterful performance.