Sam Elliottis a prominent figure in the Western genre, but has proven throughout his lustrous career to have quite the range as a performer, which is made evident in his highest-rated movie on Rotten Tomatoes. Before becoming a widely recognized actor with a deep voice and remarkable talent,Elliott began his career taking on minor roles in film and TV series, eventually earning the breakout role of Rick Carlson inLifeguard. Some ofElliott’s best workis in the Western genre, including 1993’sTombstone, in which he portrayed the famous lawman Virgil Earp.

However,Elliott has experimented in a variety of genres throughout his career and has effectively established himself as a versatile actor. Elliott has starred in a handful of comedy-dramas in recent years, includingThe HeroandGrandma, and for his work in the musical dramaA Star Is Born, Elliott earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. One of Elliott’s films that best showcases his abilities outside the Western genre places him in a sweet romance with Blythe Danner and earned him the highest Rotten Tomatoes critics' score among his filmography.

Sam Elliott is wearing sunglasses while smoking a cigar.

Sam Elliott’s Best Movie On Rotten Tomatoes Is I’ll See You In My Dreams

Elliott’s Warm Performance Adds To The Film’s Sentimental Message

Throughout his career, Elliott has starred in numerous television films, includingFail Safe, which has a 100% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes. However,being a TV film and earning a high score with significantly fewer reviews thanI’ll See You in My Dreams, the latter is a better representation of what Elliott’s best film ison the site.I’ll See You in My Dreamscenters around Blythe Danner’s widowed Carol, who, not having dated in the 20 years since her husband’s death, is feeling lonely and is encouraged by her friends to start dating again.

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Elliott’s Bill is one of two men in Carol’s life who help her gain a new perspective on love —the other being her new pool man, Lloyd, played by Martin Starr.I’ll See You in My Dreamsbalances its sentimental narrative about taking one’s life back with a healthy dose of comedyand sweet acts of love that allow audiences to become easily invested in Bill and Carol’s connection.

The story inI’ll See You in My Dreamsisn’t entirely original, but is elevated thanks to its strong leading performances. Carol’s adventures in love and her journey of self-discovery are easy to be charmed by, and Danner’s endearing performance is certainly the biggest takeaway from the film.Elliott and Starr also add to the heartwarming narrative, with the former’s character reintroducing a sense of excitement in Carol’s lifeand leaving a lasting impression on her.

I’ll See You In My Dreams Proves Sam Elliott Is Much More Than A Western Actor

Elliott Is Charismatic And Proves To Be A Strong Romantic Lead

Elliott is featured in some ofthe best Western movies of all time, but with a lengthy number of film and TV credits to his name, it’s no surprise he’s found success in projects outside the genre as well.I’ll See You in My Dreamsbest exemplifies Elliott’s talents outside the Western genre, with his performance in the film being softer and more charismatic than what audiences are used to seeing of him. At odds with the tough Western characters Elliott is known for playing, Bill is significantly more relaxed and playful.

As Bill, Elliott adds a strong sense of hope and reassurance, both withinI’ll See You in My Dreams' narrative and Carol’s life. Elliott’s performance is full of life, and he also just so happens to be quite the romantic lead.Bill and Carol’s romance and their shared desire for a break from their monotonous routines are refreshing and delightfully youthful, and reminiscent of the protagonists in a standard coming-of-age movie.I’ll See You in My Dreamsis admirably unlike Elliott’s most popular work and effectively illustrates his breadth as a performer.

I’ll See You in My Dreams

Cast

I’ll See You in My Dreams follows Carol, a widow whose structured life is upended by an unforeseen loss, prompting her to explore romance after two decades. As she navigates new connections, Carol reevaluates her perceptions of aging and companionship. Released in 2015, the film stars Blythe Danner in the lead role.