Ranking All Of Marlon Brando's Film Performances, From Worst To Best

#40. The Teahouse of the August Moon (1956)

The best that can be said about this culture-clash comedy -- hugely popular in its day -- is that it's well-meaning. Adapted from a Vern J. Sneider novel and a Tony-winning John Patrick play, "The Teahouse of the August Moon" tackles the tricky subject of the U.S. military occupation of Japan after World War II, spoofing the Americans' attempts to monetize the local residents and customs. Brando's all-but-unrecognizable performance as the helpful translator Sakini, while impressively committed, is impossible to defend. The character is servile and wizened in ways that would look embarrassingly dated even if an actual Japanese actor were in the role. Played by a white Hollywood star born in Nebraska, Sakini's tough to take. -- NM

#39. Christopher Columbus: The Discovery (1992)

This largely (and justly) forgotten historical epic offers the worst of both worlds, Brando-wise. It's one of those films from later in his career where he was paid millions for just a few scenes -- in this case playing the Grand Inquisitor Tomàs de Torquemada, who expresses doubts about the explorer Christopher Columbus' plan to sail west and reach the Far East. Yet unlike some of Brando's other, quirkier "blink and you'll miss him" guest-starring gigs, in "Christopher Columbus: The Discovery" he brings no depth or life to his role. He mostly reads his lines in