Few actors in Hollywood are as beloved as Ben Affleck. Ever since the 1990’s, Affleck has become an icon. Whether its mischievous bank robbers, commemorated CIA officers or suspects of murders, Affleck has portrayed several characters. Given the sheer amount of movies that he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies of an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Good Will Hunting
Therapists are powerful figures that have positive influences on people. Several years ago, I developed a strong bond with a bold psychologist that gave me dreams to follow. At an early age, I was guided by a therapist delivering an inspirational message. When I was diagnosed with anxiety in high school, I began seeing a psychologist offering therapy. He became a companion guiding life in the right direction. Through his inspiring words of wisdom, I was able to overcome challenges of my education system. Few films I’ve seen have captured the inspiring impact therapists have on people as powerfully as “Good Will Hunting”. Ever since its release in 1997, Ben Affleck’s Oscar-winning movie has stood the test of time as a coming-of-age classic. In the greatest role of his career, Ben Affleck embodies a young man that comes to care deeply about a friend that’s a burden to bear. Affleck excels at showing friendship through monologues, and “Good Will Hunting” showcased his strengths. Working alongside Matt Damon who is also amazing, Affleck created a coming-of-age drama that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Chuckie gives Will strong advice about his aptitude for mathematics is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Good Will Hunting” Ben Affleck’s greatest movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most coming-of-age movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a strong message about important roles that therapists play in guiding people in the right direction. 30 years following the release of an iconic film about therapists guiding adolescents by giving them goals worth hunting, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor whose movies are definitely worth celebrating.
2. Argo
The Middle East is a country that shaped my identity. I recall joyous memories of growing up in Saudi Arabia. Whether it’s the gorgeous desert landscapes or prosperous oil economy, I grew up to value a country that I regarded highly. I have always believed that movies have rarely captured the beauty of a misunderstood country. As someone that grew up in the Middle East several years ago, I adored “Argo”. Released in 2012, Ben Affleck’s Oscar-winning movie did an extraordinary job of depicting the Iranian hostage crisis. In the most intense role of his career, Ben Affleck embodies a real-life CIA Agent that rescued innocent civilians from a hostage crisis. Affleck thrives playing characters under pressure, and “Argo” showcased his strengths. For instance, the scene in which Tony Mendez evacuates victims of the hostage crisis out of Tehran in an airport is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Argo” one of Ben Affleck’s greatest movies is its depiction of the Middle East. Unlike most movies depicting the Middle East as a land of terrorism, the film paints an authentic portrait of Iran. 40 years after a crisis in which a commemorated CIA agent saved civilians in Iran held hostage, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to engage making memorable movies with a meaningful message.
3. Gone Girl
It’s challenging to cope with disappearances of a loved one. Several years ago, my family faced sorrow when our beloved housemaid was murdered by a psycho. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, my housekeeper became victim of psychotic murder. A cruel crime committed that was never investigated, it left my family emotionally affected. As someone haunted by heartbreaking memories of a housemaid that became a gone girl, I loved “Gone Girl”. Released in 2014, Ben Affleck’s masterpiece celebrated a classic mystery book. In the most emotionally demanding role of his career, Ben Affleck embodies a man that faces despair when his wife suddenly vanishes out of thin air. Affleck has always excelled at using his strong voice to convey emotions, and “Gone Girl” showcased his strengths as a performer. Working alongside Rosamund Pike who is also excellent, Affleck creates a realistic portrait of a broken marriage. For instance, the scene in which Nick engages in heated arguments with his wife Amy is a highlight of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Gone Girl” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message that would resonate with everyone witnessing broken marriage at an early age. A breathtaking adaptation of a beloved book about men becoming suspects of their wives’ sudden disappearance, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor with intelligence whose movies always attract a tremendous audience.
4. Gone Baby Gone
Child abduction is a painful process that puts parents under stress. Years ago, my mother became anxious when she lost my brother in grocery stores which were humongous. I remember the terror on the face of my mother as she searched the store for my brother. Fearful he had been abducted, she couldn’t cope with a situation leaving her devastated. As someone haunted by a painful incident in which my brother was almost gone, I identified with “Gone Baby Gone”. Released in 2007, Ben Affleck’s directorial debut captured the hardships that parents facing child abductions go through. Affleck has always been known for his strengths as an actor. With “Gone Baby Gone”, however, he proved to be a great filmmaker with abilities to excel behind the camera. For instance, the scene in which Patrick is hired to investigate the disappearance of a child showcased Affleck’s skills as a filmmaker. Ultimately, what makes “Gone Baby Gone” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most murder mysteries, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of painful child abductions causing the lives of parents to deteriorate, it’s a rousing reminder of an actor whose commemorated movies audiences undeniably commonly celebrate.
5. The Town
Thieves have impacted my family. Several years ago, my grandparents faced grief when they discovered that their beloved housekeeper was a thief. I remember a caring housekeeper that always treated my family nicely in a generous manner. My grandparents were devastated when they discovered that their precious jewelry had been stolen by a housekeeper they appreciated. As someone haunted by memories of a thief that turned my family’s life upside down, I loved “The Town”. Released in 2010, Ben Affleck’s movie captured the lives of bank robbers with humanity. In the most complex role of his career, Ben Affleck embodies a bank robber growing to care about the victims of his robberies. With “The Town”, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by playing a criminal with complexity. For instance, the scene in which Doug has a tense argument with a bank robber about his job is one of the highlights of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Town” a great movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about consequences faced by criminals which would resonate with everyone. A terrific portrait of troubled criminals committing robberies in a small town, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor audiences commonly crown.
6. Armageddon
Over the past decade, the disaster movie genre has declined in quality. Like Titanic ships sinking in the sea, disaster movies are no longer the successful films they used to be. With their loud action, poor storytelling and lack of emotion, I find disaster movies a chore to sit through. That being said, “Armageddon” is an exception. Released in 1998, Ben Affleck’s movie brought fresh life into the disaster genre. In the most heroic role of his career, Affleck embodies a soldier sent on a mission to prevent an asteroid disaster that’s tragic. It’s a role that gave Affleck the opportunity to showcase his natural charisma as a movie-star. A dazzling depiction of an armageddon disaster that’s dangerous, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor that thrives playing courageous characters in movies that audiences consider extremely precious.
7. The Accountant
Autism is a painful condition that has shaped my personality. A devastating disease, Autism has often affected my ability to function effectively. Following a rigid routine has prevented me from completing life responsibilities. As someone that suffers from a condition causing impairment, I loved “The Accountant”. Released in 2016, Ben Affleck’s movie did an excellent job of depicting Autism. In the most methodical role of his career, Affleck embodies an obsessive accountant with love for crunching numbers that are rare. It isn’t simple to capture a complicated intellectual disability but Affleck succeeded tremendously. A marvellous depiction of a misunderstood illness, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has become an icon in the entertainment business producing memorable movies raising mental health awareness.
8. The Last Duel
Sexual assault is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often struggled to tell realistic stories about sexual assault. In an industry that has often been afraid to discuss sexual assault that’s cruel, it’s worth discussing “The Last Duel”. Released in 2021, Ben Affleck’s movie did an exceptional job of depicting sexual assault in medieval history. In the most courageous role of his career, Affleck embodies a king that treats women in ways that are unfair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase a villainous side to himself audiences hadn’t seen before. Affleck uses strong expressions to capture a menacing king committing violence. A dazzling depiction of a historical duel in which women were treated in ways that were cruel, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor whose movies audiences consider extremely cool.
9. Shakespeare in Love
Shakespeare is a spectacular author whose literature inspired my teacher. During high school, I formed a strong bond with a teacher that loved the author. As someone treasuring a teacher in love with Shakespeare, I adored “Shakespeare in Love”. Released in 1998, Ben Affleck’s Oscar-winning movie celebrated the legendary author. In the most poetic role of his career, Affleck portrayed an aristocrat that adores the writings of Shakespeare. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for delivering complex dramatic monologues. Working alongside Gwyneth Paltrow who is also amazing, Affleck honoured an author that published stories centuries ago. A spectacular tribute to Shakespeare, it’s a bold reminder of an actor that has manufactured a great career making movies about which audiences commonly care.
10. Gigli
Ben Affleck hasn’t always made great movies captivating the public. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have often left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Gigli” falls into the latter category. Released in 2003, Martin Brest’s comedy was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Affleck portrayed a bachelor that seeks romantic relationships with a wealthy woman causing despair. Affleck brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a disastrous movie. Although “Gigli” is a bad movie, it honoured Affleck’s enduring legacy. As strong as Gigli’s love for the criminal lifestyle, it’s a spectacular reminder of an actor with undeniable style that has manufactured unforgettable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking that’s commonly worthwhile.
The Film Buff 