Here are 6 of Michael Madsen's best films — and where to watch them
While the talented character actor had nearly 350 credits to his name, including more than a dozen upcoming projects completed or in post-production ahead of his death, his earlier roles have proved the most enduring of his 43-year career onscreen.
For fans looking to revisit Madsen's most memorable moments, as well as those who want to get acquainted with his work, here are six of his best films and where to watch them.
Thelma & Louise (1991)
In Ridley Scott's Oscar-winning film 'Thelma & Louise,' Madsen plays Louise's loyal boyfriend Jimmy, who flies 'across two states' to deliver her money and a marriage proposal. Of course, Jimmy is unaware that Louise (Susan Sarandon) is now on the run after fatally shooting a man trying to rape her best friend Thelma (Geena Davis).
Where to watch: Available to stream on MGM+, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel and Tubi; also available to rent for $3.89 on Prime Video
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
No list about Madsen would be complete without 'Reservoir Dogs,' Tarantino's 1992 directorial debut about a botched jewelry heist and the chaos that ensues amongst the skeptical thieves who survive.
Madsen stars as the blade-wielding Mr. Blonde, best known for a torture scene in which he cuts off a man's ear while grooving to the tune of 'Stuck in the Middle with You,' asking after, 'Was that as good for you as it was for me?'
Where to watch: Available to stream on Paramount+ or rent for $3.79 on Prime Video
Species (1995)
Madsen leads a starry cast — including Ben Kingsley, Alfred Molina, Forest Whitaker and a young Michelle Williams — as an assassin in this sci-fi horror about scientists trying to trap a sultry alien human hybrid (Natasha Henstridge) who's on the hunt for a human male to sate her extraterrestrial baby fever.
Where to watch: Available to stream on MGM+, Pluto TV and Tubi; also available to rent for $4.19 on Prime Video
Donnie Brasco (1997)Madsen further cements his image as an imposing tough guy in 'Donnie Brasco,' the Oscar-nominated drama about an undercover FBI agent who infiltrates the mobs — and finds himself seduced by a life of crime at the expense of his regular one. Madsen stars as mobster Sonny Black opposite Al Pacino's hit man Lefty and Johnny Depp's titular agent Donnie.
Where to watch: Available to rent for $3.59 on Prime Video
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & 2 (2003 and 2004)
Following his defining role in 'Reservoir Dogs,' Madsen reunited with Tarantino for the 'Kill Bill' films, in which he plays 'bouncer in a t-tty bar' Budd (aka Sidewinder), brother to David Carradine's Bill, the target of The Bride's wrath.
'That woman deserves her revenge,' Budd tells Bill in the second chapter, as he's warned that The Bride (Uma Thurman) is continuing her quest of vengeance against her former lover and the team of assassins who betrayed her.
Where to watch: Both available to stream on AMC+ and Philo; also available to rent for $3.79 on Prime Video.
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