8 Million Ways to Die: An Underrated Crime Thriller at 40

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in April 2026, 8 Million Ways to Die is arguably Jeff Bridges' most underrated film. Written by Oliver Stone and directed by Hal Ashby, the movie casts Bridges as Matt Scudder, an alcoholic Los Angeles Sheriff's Deputy given a chance at redemption after a fatal workplace error.

Scudder's attempt to stay sober takes a personal turn when he meets Sunny (Alexandra Paul) at a Hollywood Hills club. After tragedy strikes Sunny, Scudder investigates and descends into L.A.'s criminal underbelly, ultimately facing Andy Garcia's Angel Maldonado, a vicious yet streetwise drug dealer who launders money through the club.

The production was troubled: Stone left to make Salvador, Robert Towne could not finish rewrites, and Ashby and Bridges improvised many scenes until rewrites were completed. Ashby was later fired, the film was re-edited by Stuart H. Pappe and re-scored by James Newton Howard to more closely resemble Miami Vice, and critics responded harshly.

United States, Los Angeles

8 million, jeff bridges, oliver stone, hal ashby, matt scudder, los angeles, alexandra paul, andy garcia, stuart pappe, miami vice