My Favourite Michelle Monaghan Films of All-Time

Not many actresses have earned a fan following as huge as Michelle Monaghan. Since the 1990’s, Monaghan has become an icon. Whether it’s detectives solving murders, time travellers or wives of agents, Monaghan has played many characters. Given the number of movies she has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actress that deserves to be celebrated.

1. Gone Baby Gone

Child abduction is a painful process putting parents under stress. Years ago, my mother became anxious when she lost my brother in grocery stores which were humongous. I remember expressions of terror etched on the face of my mother as she searched stores for my brother. Fearful he had been abducted, she couldn’t cope with a grim situation leaving her affected. After hours of searching the store, she was relieved when she finally found my brother. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the terror felt by parents whose children are suddenly gone as powerfully as “Gone Baby Gone”. Released in 2007, Michelle Monaghan’s best movie captured child abductions. In the greatest role of her career, Monaghan portrayed a female detective seeking to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a child in a town facing despair. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most iconic role. Monaghan has spent most of her career playing romantic heroines with likeable nature. With “Gone Baby Gone”, however, the actress took a step out of her comfort zone by playing a detective seeking child abductions. Working alongside Casey Affleck who is also amazing, Monaghan created a portrait of child abduction that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Angie first becomes aware that a child has disappeared causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Gone Baby Gone” Michelle Monaghan’s best movie is its message. The film delivers a commemorated message about dangers posed by child kidnappings resonating with everyone. A breathtaking depiction of parents whose kids disappear out of thin air, it’s a groundbreaking reminder of an actress that has manufactured a great career playing strong heroines in movies about which audiences care.

2. Mission: Impossible 3

Mission: Impossible is a spectacular franchise that always earned my father’s appreciation. I remember my father once appreciated a franchise about hunted spies facing danger. A huge fan of Tom Cruise, he appreciated movies that forever changed his worldviews. In 2006, Michelle Monaghan honoured the iconic franchise about spies in her movie “Mission: Impossible 3”. In the most anxious role of her career, Monaghan portrayed a woman that becomes married to a hunted spy causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. Working alongside Tom Cruise who is also outstanding, Monaghan honoured a franchise about spies that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Julia is held hostage at gunpoint causing Ethan to face despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Mission: Impossible 3” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the spy franchise, it tackled commemorated themes that everyone can easily relate to. As strong as Ethan Hunt’s desire to accomplish missions that are impossible, it’s a powerful reminder of an actress that has made unforgettable movies which audiences consider to be special.

3. Mission: Impossible – Fallout

It isn’t easy to recover from a leg injury. Several years ago, my life hit a crushing low when I suffered a devastating leg injury causing sorrow. A result of excessive exercise, the leg injury left me unable to engage in physical activity that I had grown to prize. As someone affected by leg injuries that caused a fallout, I adored “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”. Released in 2018, Michelle Monaghan’s movie captured fallout of injuries. In the most emotional role of her career, Monaghan portrayed a woman reuniting with her lost lover after several years causing despair. With “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”, the actress brought emotional vulnerability to Julia that audiences hadn’t seen before in the franchise. For instance, the scene in which Julia reunites with Ethan after several years of separation becoming aware his life is in danger is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career.  Ultimately, what makes “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most movies in the action franchise, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. As strong as Ethan Hunt’s desire to overcome a fallout, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has manufactured commemorated movies that deserve to be talked about without a doubt.

4. Source Code

Time travel is a subject matter that always fascinated my teacher. I remember my high school teacher was fascinated with the concept of time travel putting lives in danger. He would always enjoy watching movies about agents on time travel missions facing adversities. As someone treasuring memories of a teacher that adored time travel with a code, I appreciated “Source Code”. Released in 2011, Michelle Monaghan’s movie captured women on time travel missions causing tragedy. In the most thought-provoking role of her career, Monaghan portrayed a woman embarking on a dangerous time travel mission on a train causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing women under intense stress. Working alongside Jake Gyllenhaal who is also outstanding, Monaghan created a time-travel movie that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Christina becomes aware that her life on the train is in grave danger causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Source Code” a sci-fi classic is its encompassing appeal. Unlike most movies about time travel, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of time travel causing train passengers to deteriorate, it’s a terrific reminder of a commemorated actress that has made movies which audiences appreciate.

5. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

L.A. is a beautiful city that my father always loved dearly. During my childhood, I bonded with a father that adored Hollywood. He would always marvel at the way actors prepared for roles in L.A. He yearned to visit a beautiful city that he loved dearly. As someone treasuring fond memories of a father that loved a city with a bang, I adored “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”. Released in 2005, Michelle Monaghan’s movie paid tribute to the city of Los Angeles. In the most comical role of her career, Monaghan portrayed a thief that becomes involved in a mystery causing despair. Monaghan is known for playing serious women under stress in commemorated dramas. With “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”, however, the actress showcased rare comedic timing she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Robert Downey Jr. who is also amazing, Monaghan created a murder mystery that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Harmony becomes aware that Harry has committed crimes causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” a classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about crime which would resonate with everyone. A captivating tribute towards L.A., it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress that has produced movies which deserve to be celebrated today.

6. The Bourne Supremacy

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about spies facing tragedy, its worth discussing The Bourne Identity. Since its publication in 1980, Robert Ludlum’s book has become a literary classic. In 2004, Michelle Monaghan honoured the legendary book in her movie “The Bourne Supremacy”. In the most action-packed role of her career, Monaghan portrayed a technician seeking to catch a hunted agent facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Matt Damon who is also amazing, Monaghan honoured a book about spies that’s engaging. As strong as Jason Bourne’s desire to be a spy, it’s a spectacular reminder of a commemorated actress making great movies which have never lost abilities to satisfy.

7. Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Michelle Monaghan has always excelled at playing strong women with a plan. Monaghan has built an image of being an actress that thrives at playing heroines with courage. Monaghan’s strength for playing courageous heroines is clearly evident in her movie “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”. Released in 2005, Doug Liman’s action comedy showcased the actress at her best. In the most technical role of her career, Monaghan portrayed a female agent seeking to embark on a mission causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing women facing stress. Working alongside Brad Pitt who is also amazing, Monaghan created a comedy that’s compelling. As powerful as Mr. and Mrs. Smith’s marriage, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that hasn’t lost her abilities to make memorable movies which engage.

8. Patriot’s Day

Few terrorism attacks in American history are as terrifying as the Boston Marathon bombings. In 2013, Islamic terrorists detonated a bomb at the Boston Marathon. A devastating tragedy, it left the world grieving. n 2016, Michelle Monaghan honoured the bombing day in her movie “Patriots Day”.  In the most patriotic role of her career, Monaghan portrayed a police-officer investigating a tragic bombing causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress an opportunity to showcase her strength for playing conflicted characters under pressure. Working alongside Mark Wahlberg who is also amazing, Monaghan honoured a tragic bombing. Nearly 12 years after bombings shook the city of Boston, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress with dedication that has manufactured unforgettable movies which are worthy of celebration.

9. Trucker

Terminal illness is a sensitive subject that’s rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often struggled to tell compelling stories about terminal illness. In an industry avoiding a depressing subject matter, it’s worth praising “Trucker”. Released in 2008, Michelle Monaghan’s movie offered a powerful portrait of terminal illness. In the most tragic role of her career, Monaghan portrayed a woman struggling to care for a terminally ill husband facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a rare chance to showcase emotional range she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Nathan Fillion who is also amazing, Monaghan created a portrait of illness that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of terminal illness, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has become an icon in the entertainment business.

10. The Best of Me

Michelle Monaghan hasn’t always made great movies that excel. While most movies the actress has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “The Best of Me” falls into the latter category. Released in 2014, Michael Hoffman’s romantic drama was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, Monaghan portrayed a woman in a doomed love affair causing despair. Monaghan brought charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a disastrous movie. Although “The Best of Me” is a bad movie, it honoured Monaghan’s commemorated legacy. As powerful as Amanda and Dawson’s desire to reunite, it’s a riveting reminder of a bright actress that has achieved spotlight making commemorated movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my love for movie reviews I write on my website.