EntertainmentMoviesThe 33 greatest Matt Damon moviesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
EntertainmentMoviesThe 33 greatest Matt Damon moviesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)
He has a knack for needing to be rescued, doesn’t he? Since the late 1990s, Matt Damon has enjoyed rarified stardom in Hollywood as one of the industry’s most bankable leading men. Versatile as both a dramatic performer and an action hero, Damon’s movies span a million and one different genres. But which ones should actually be considered his greatest of all time?
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Damon discovered acting in high school. That’s also where he met his best friend Ben Affleck, who would later become a major Hollywood player in his own right. While at Harvard University, Damon and Affleck drafted the first versions of what would become their 1997 classic Good Will Hunting - a movie that would get them into the rarefied spaces of Hollywood.
At age 18, Damon made his feature film debut with a one-line role in the 1988 movie Mystic Pizza (which famously stars a young Julia Roberts). In 1992, Damon left Harvard to pursue acting full time despite being just 12 credits shy of graduation. Today, Damon is inescapable as one of the biggest movie stars around the world.
In celebration of his ongoing career, these are the 33 greatest movies featuring one-half of Boston’s finest sons.
33. The Brothers Grimm (2005)
(Image credit: Miramax Films)
32. Air (2023)
(Image credit: Amazon Studios)
31. EuroTrip (2004)
(Image credit: DreamWorks Pictures)
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30. Stillwater (2021)
(Image credit: Universal Pictures)
29. The Monuments Men (2014)
(Image credit: Sony Pictures)
In this World War II drama that gives The Dirty Dozen an MFA degree, Matt Damon reunites with George Clooney to play Allied soldiers who are given a very special task: retrieving and protecting precious works of art before Nazis destroy them. While critics were mostly cynical towards The Monuments Men, citing its uneven and weepy tone, the movie deserves a proper salute in its riveting and aspirational story about protecting culture from reckless annihilation.
28. Jason Bourne (2016)
(Image credit: Universal Pictures)
27. We Bought a Zoo (2011)
(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)
Admittedly, it’s worth watching just for the memes. But Cameron Crowe’s sappy 2011 family dramedy We Bought a Zoo is loosely based on Benjamin Mee’s 2008 memoir about a widowed father who buys a dilapidated zoo and works hard to renovate it for a grand reopening. Damon leads the movie as Benjamin Mee, with Scarlett Johansson co-starring as the longtime zookeeper who becomes Benjamin’s new love interest and surrogate mother to his children. The movie’s plain title has become a source of many internet memes in the years since it was released, but We Bought a Zoo has an innocent charm that is worth a day pass.
26. Elysium (2013)
(Image credit: Sony Pictures)
In this action-packed sci-fi about the importance of socialized medicine, Matt Damon plays a criminal on parole who lives on eco-ravaged, overpopulated Earth. When an accident gives Damon’s character lethal poisoning with just five days to live, he races against time to get himself aboard the luxurious space station Elysium, where the mega-rich enjoy luxuries including medical treatment that cures anything. As the sophomore effort from director Neill Blomkamp after his game-changing District 9, Elysium was considered a disappointment, but the movie’s pointed political commentary with sci-fi thrills is hard to argue against.
25. Interstellar (2014)
(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
Interstellar$10.49at Amazon$11.43at Amazon$28.98at Amazon
Interstellar
$10.49at Amazon$11.43at Amazon$28.98at Amazon
$10.49at Amazon
$11.43at Amazon
$28.98at Amazon
24. Ocean’s Thirteen
(Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
After Ocean’s Twelve bungled the second heist, director Steven Soderbergh got the gang back together for one more round in the most pleasant surprise of 2007, Ocean’s Thirteen. Matt Damon returns to his series role as Linus, this time reuniting with Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and the rest to get back at casino owner Willy Bank (Al Pacino). Yet another slick and entertaining heist movie in the vein of the first Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Thirteen delights in just how much its A-plus cast fire on their perfected cylinders.
23. The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
(Image credit: Universal Pictures)
After The Bourne Identity cemented Matt Damon as a worthy action lead, The Bourne Supremacy kept up the momentum of his rising Hollywood star as a muscular sequel. The Bourne Supremacy once again follows Damon’s amnesiac CIA assassin who tries to learn more about his mysterious past. The Bourne Supremacy notably marked the first collaboration between Damon and director Paul Greengrass (who replaced Doug Liman from the first Bourne), with the two working again on more Bourne movies as well as on 2010’s Green Zone.
22. Invictus (2009)
(Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
21. The Informant! (2009)
(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)
20. The Adjustment Bureau (2011)
(Image credit: Universal Pictures)
19. Contagion (2011)
(Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
18. Courage Under Fire (1996)
(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)
17. Behind the Candelabra (2013)
(Image credit: HBO Films)
16. Titan A.E. (2000)
(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)
In this sci-fi epic from animation auteur Don Bluth, Titan A.E. blasts audiences to the outer reaches of space in its story about humans who wander a galaxy full of hostile aliens after Earth is completely destroyed. Matt Damon voices lead protagonist Cale Tucker, a young man whose possession of an important and rare ring holds the key to humanity’s next permanent home. This underrated sci-fi gem memorably combined hand-drawn animation with then cutting-edge CGI, making the picture a symbolic link between different eras of cinematic animation. Although it bombed in theaters, Titan A.E. has grown into a cult classic, boasting a universe of immense potential far bigger than its expansive frames can contain.
15. Rounders (1998)
(Image credit: Miramax Films)
14. Syriana (2005)
(Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
13. Oppenheimer (2023)
(Image credit: Universal Pictures)
Past all those “Barbenheimer” memes that dominated the summer of 2023, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer maintains its grand designs as an American epic that interrogates the true costs of scientific achievement and peace. While Cillian Murphy takes center stage in the titular lead, as real-life theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, Matt Damon plays a major supporting role as General Leslie Groves who oversees the fateful Manhattan Project. Oppenheimer isn’t necessarily Damon’s movie to own, but its outsized scope and majesty make it practically mandatory viewing with regards to everyone involved with it, Damon included.
12. The Bourne Identity (2002)
(Image credit: Universal Pictures)
11. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
(Image credit: Universal Pictures)
10. Ford v. Ferrari (2019)
(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)
9. Dogma (1999)
(Image credit: View Askew Productions)
8. The Last Duel (2021)
(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)
7. The Departed (2006)
(Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
6. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
5. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
4. The Martian (2015)
(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)
“Bring him home.” Thus was the mission statement of The Martian, the 2015 late summer blockbuster based on author Andy Weir’s self-published best-seller from 2011. Damon leads as Dr. Mark Watney, an astronaut and botanist who is stranded on Mars; Dr. Watney cleverly uses his precious few resources (including, gross, the human waste of his departed colleagues) to survive on the red planet until he can be returned home in one piece. Weir’s novel was celebrated for its intricate detail, humor, and scientific accuracy. Ridley’s cinematic adaptation appropriately follows suit, with Damon also soaking the spotlight as a man to be rescued but learns how to keep his distress at bay.
The Martian$3.99at Amazon
The Martian
$3.99at Amazon
$3.99at Amazon
3. True Grit (2010)
(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
2. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
(Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
1. Good Will Hunting (1997)
(Image credit: Miramax Films)
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5
Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1
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2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”