The Best Tim Robbins Movies

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Updated September 16, 2023 1.9K votes 399 voters 28.2K views
Over 300 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Tim Robbins Movies
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List of the best Tim Robbins movies, ranked best to worst with movie trailers when available. Tim Robbins's highest grossing movies have received a lot of accolades over the years, earning millions upon millions around the world. The order of these top Tim Robbins movies is decided by how many votes they receive, so only highly rated Tim Robbins movies will be at the top of the list. Tim Robbins has been in a lot of films, so people often debate each other over what the greatest Tim Robbins movie of all time is. If you and a friend are arguing about this then use this list of the most entertaining Tim Robbins films to end the squabble once and for all.

If you think the best Tim Robbins role isn't at the top, then upvote it so it has the chance to become number one. The greatest Tim Robbins performances didn't necessarily come from the best movies, but in most cases they go hand in hand.

List features films like The Gospel According to Jesus, Quarterback Princess and more!

"This list answers the questions, "What are the best Tim Robbins movies?" and "What are the greatest Tim Robbins roles of all time?"

Tim Robbins is no stranger to working with popular directors, including Steven Spielberg, Robert Altman and Brian De Palma. If Tim Robbins movies are your thing, then check out the greatest movies by Paul Giamatti and Ted Danson too.

Most divisive: Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
Ranked by
  • The Shawshank Redemption
    1

    The Shawshank Redemption

    Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton
    139 votes
    • Released: 1994
    • Directed by: Frank Darabont
    The Shawshank Redemption, a captivating drama directed by Frank Darabont, hinges on the resilience of the human spirit. The narrative unfolds in the grim confines of Shawshank State Penitentiary, where banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) lands after being wrongfully convicted for murder. Alongside Ellis 'Red' Redding (Morgan Freeman), a long-term inmate, Andy battles despair and corruption. In this struggle, they form an unshakeable bond that transcends the prison walls. A seven-time Oscar nominee, 'The Shawshank Redemption' is a testament to friendship's power and hope's endurance amid adversity.

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  • Mystic River
    2

    Mystic River

    Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon
    69 votes
    • Released: 2003
    • Directed by: Clint Eastwood
    In Mystic River, childhood friends Jimmy Markum (Sean Penn), Dave Boyle (Tim Robbins), and Sean Devine (Kevin Bacon) are drawn back together after a horrifying incident shakes their Boston neighborhood. Directed by Clint Eastwood, this gripping drama examines the lasting impact of trauma on friendship and family. It's a tale woven with threads of suspicion, grief, and loss - all underpinned by an unyielding quest for justice. The film won two Academy Awards: Best Actor for Penn and Best Supporting Actor for Robbins. A complex narrative unfolds against the gritty backdrop of working-class Boston, where past demons refuse to rest.

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  • Arlington Road
    3

    Arlington Road

    Jeff Bridges, Tim Robbins, Joan Cusack
    50 votes
    • Released: 1999
    • Directed by: Mark Pellington
    Widowed when his FBI agent wife is killed by an extremist group, college professor Michael Faraday (Jeff Bridges) becomes obsessed with the culture of these groups -- especially when his new all-American neighbors, Oliver (Tim Robbins) and Cheryl Lang (Joan Cusack), start acting suspiciously. With each twist, the mystery deepens and questions loom as to whether Faraday is consumed by fear and driven by paranoia, or whether a lethal conspiracy has been born on Arlington Road.

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  • Bull Durham
    4

    Bull Durham

    Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins
    51 votes
    • Released: 1988
    • Directed by: Ron Shelton
    In the sports-comedy Bull Durham, Crash Davis (Kevin Costner) is a seasoned baseball catcher brought in to train hotshot rookie pitcher, Ebby Calvin LaLoosh (Tim Robbins). The duo's dynamic takes an unexpected turn when they both vie for the affections of Annie Savoy (Susan Sarandon), a self-proclaimed baseball groupie. As the love triangle unfolds, so too does the story of life in minor league baseball - a world filled with ambition, disappointment, and the humor that lies within. The film, known for its witty dialogue and realistic portrayal of baseball, was a box-office hit and received critical praise.

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  • Jacob's Ladder
    5

    Jacob's Ladder

    Tim Robbins, Elizabeth Peña, Danny Aiello
    61 votes
    • Released: 1990
    • Directed by: Adrian Lyne
    In Jacob's Ladder, Jacob Singer (Tim Robbins), a Vietnam War veteran, struggles to maintain his sanity. Plagued by flashbacks and hallucinations, he teeters on the brink of reality and illusion. His girlfriend Jezzie (Elizabeth Peña) and his chiropractor Louis (Danny Aiello) provide support as he navigates his confusing existence. As Jacob delves deeper into his own mind, the line between life and death blurs. This psychological horror film, directed by Adrian Lyne, is an unnerving journey into the human psyche, laced with war-induced trauma and spiritual exploration.

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  • The Player
    6

    The Player

    Tim Robbins, Greta Scacchi, Fred Ward
    37 votes
    • Released: 1992
    • Directed by: Robert Altman
    The Player is a satirical drama that plunges viewers into the murky depths of Hollywood. At its heart is Griffin Mill (Tim Robbins), a studio executive caught in the ruthless grip of the film industry. Mill's life takes a sinister turn when he starts receiving death threats from a disgruntled writer. Director Robert Altman masterfully navigates the labyrinth of power and deceit, infusing irony and suspense at every twist and turn. The movie, noted for its star-studded cast and audacious opening sequence, won critical acclaim and bagged three Golden Globe Awards.

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