Maestro and the best Bradley Cooper movies to stream today

Over the years, Bradley Cooper has delivered some wonderful performances! The actor was already a recognizable name, though got even more attention recently thanks to his latest film, Maestro. Awards season saw a lot of recognition for the movie and actor. Though he's been taking on impressive roles for a very long time.

While these aren't in our list, I did want to highlight The Hangover franchise, as well as his role in voicing the character Rocket in the Marvel Universe. These works still deserve a shout out! Alright, we listed the best Bradley Cooper movies to stream right now other than Maestro below. And be sure to keep scrolling to get all the details on each of the films and why we think they're so great!

• The Place Beyond the Pines
• He's Just Not That Into You
• Silver Linings Playbook
• American Hustle
• A Star Is Born
• Maestro

The Place Beyond the Pines

Stream on Peacock

This is a bit of a lesser known movie not only for Cooper, but in general. Though if you're a fan of the actor, I do recommend you check it out. The Place Beyond the Pines follows motorcycle stuntman Luke (Ryan Gosling) and police officer Avery (Cooper). When Luke discovers he has a son, he quits his job and decides to provide for his family by robbing banks. He crosses paths with Avery who chases him while Luke is fleeing on his motorcycle.

An unfortunate incident happens and the story shifts to focus on Luke and Avery's sons, and how the actions of the fathers have a ripple effect years later. It's actually a wonderful story about fatherhood and how events and the people you meet can all become connected. While the movie focuses on Gosling's character a bit more, that doesn't mean Cooper's talent isn't portrayed. It's an emotional film that still gives me the feels to this day. So be wary of that going in!

He's Just Not That Into You

Rent or buy on Prime Video

On a bit of a lighter note is the classic rom-com, He's Just Not That Into You! I think most people have watched this movie and if you haven't, now is your chance. It may be an ensemble cast and the story of nine people being told, but this is a film that's definitely a must-watch not only for a Bradley Cooper fan. But just in general. Period. With so many characters represented, the production is relatable and what I think contributes to its success.

The romantic comedy also stars Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Ben Affleck, Kevin Connolly, Jennifer Connelly, Ginnifer Goodwin, Scarlett Johansson, and Justin Long. Cooper plays Ben Gunders. He's a complicated character as the real estate agent is married, but cheats on his wife and struggles with fidelity. He's not a great character here, but I do still think it's worth a watch. I like how all the stories are interconnected, and Ben gets what he deserves by the end.

Silver Linings Playbook

Stream on Netflix

Silver Linings Playbook marks the first of four movies that Cooper co-stars in opposite Jennifer Lawrence! The duo also show up together in American Hustle (more on this below!), Serena, and Joy. Silver Linings Playbook is one of my favorites of Cooper's films, and is just one example that proves how he can take on the lighter roles, as well as the dramatic ones like this one.

The romantic comedy-drama is centered around Pat Solatano (Cooper), a man who has bipolar disorder and loses his job and wife at the same time. This leads him to spending time in a mental institution for treatment. When the eight months of treatment are up, he moves in with his parents. Wanting to get back on his feet and get his wife back, Pat finds help from Tiffany (Lawrence) to do so. But she wants something in return - a dance partner for an upcoming competition.

This is a moving film about those who struggle with mental illness, presenting an accurate portrayal. This doesn't always happen in film and television, so the movie was groundbreaking in its own sort of way. I also like how it shows that two people who are different can form a connection even through each of their own personal struggles.

American Hustle

Rent or buy on Prime Video

This genre is a different one than what Cooper usually does, but it's definitely one we recommend! American Hustle is another of the films that the actor and Lawrence have co-starred in together. If you like political stories with themes of corruption, or crime dramas in general, then this one is for you. The movie is based on the real-life FBI Abscam operation that took place in the '70s and '80s.

Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and his con artist partner Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) are forced to help FBI Agent Richie DiMaso (Cooper) in working undercover to help bring down corrupt New Jersey Mayor Carmine Polito. Lawrence takes on the role of Irving's jealous wife Rosalyn Rosenfeld who "may be the one to bring everyone's world crashing down," per the synopsis. The period setting, Cooper's accent, and the role itself just showcases how versatile the actor is!

A Star Is Born

Stream on Max

Oh man. Just thinking about A Star Is Born makes me tear up. This very beautiful but highly emotional film is an intense watch, but it's so worth it. This is my favorite role of Cooper's, and I think he just played the character of Jack so well. He actually sings and plays the guitar himself in the musical romantic drama. The talent took vocal and guitar lessons to prep for the role. Plus, did you know this was Cooper's directorial debut!?

The onscreen connection between Cooper and Lady Gaga gives me chills, especially when they start singing together. That's why it's completely unsurprising that the album for the film is so popular! I mean the song "Shallow" alone has just become so iconic! While in Silver Linings Playbook Cooper plays a character struggling with mental illness, A Star is Born tackles another important subject - addiction.

Jack is a famous musician who is secretly struggling with an alcohol and drug addiction. He discovers new and struggling artist Ally (Gaga), and the two fall in love. He helps her find success in music, while their relationship is put to the test with Jack's "ongoing battle with his own internal demons." The actors' performances are just so on point and emotional. Watching the movie always makes me want to reach out and give Jack a hug. The film does a good job of portraying those who battle addiction. Some may not agree with the ending, but overall the story and performances tug at your heart.

And actually, Cooper himself battled addiction in his younger years. In an interview with Variety, he shared that he's been sober since he was 29 years old (he's 49 now). And his experience aided him in the role he had to play:

"It made it easier to be able to really enter in there, And thank goodness I was at a place in my life where I was at ease with all of that, so I could really let myself go."

Maestro

Stream on Netflix

Cooper showcased his talent onscreen and behind the camera once again in Netflix's Maestro. The biographical romantic drama is centered around real-life composer Leonard Bernstein and the "tumultuous relationship" with his wife, actress Felicia Montealegre, during their marriage and careers. Bernstein is known for composing symphonies and his work on Broadway musicals like West Side Story.

The story tackles themes of substance abuse, struggles in a marriage, and sexuality. Though the couple each found success individually in their careers, they dealt with hardships in their personal lives and in their relationship. Just like all of his other roles, Cooper shines and brings all the heart to his character.

Maestro was nominated for seven Academy Awards at the 2024 Oscars, including Best Actor for Cooper. Though the film did not win in any of its nominated categories. Surprisingly, Cooper has never won an Oscar even though he's been nominated a total of 12 times.