Not many movie-stars in Hollywood have built reputation as strong as Matt Damon. Following stardom during the 1990’s, Damon has become one of the greatest actors in the film industry. Whether it’s tortured spies on missions, martians stranded in space or WWII soldiers, Damon has proven he can portray various characters. Given the number of great movies the actor has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my personal picks for greatest movies made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Good Will Hunting
Therapists are powerful figures that have a positive impact on people. At an early age, I formed relationships with a therapist that would give an inspiring message. When I was diagnosed with anxiety, I began to see a psychologist that offered me therapy. An inspiring role model, he made me believe it was possible to achieve goals I was hunting. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the inspiring roles therapists play guiding people as powerfully as “Good Will Hunting”. Released in 1997, Gus Van Sant’s Oscar-winning movie depicted therapists guiding lives of adolescents in the right direction. In arguably the greatest role of his career, Matt Damon transforms into a genius searching for purpose. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him in the past before: intense, emotional and vulnerable in his most sensitive role to date. Working alongside Robin Williams who is also outstanding, Damon created a coming-of-age drama that’s captivating. For instance, the scene where Will breaks down crying discussing his trauma with his therapist is the most emotional performance the actor has ever given. Ultimately, what makes “Good Will Hunting” Matt Damon’s greatest movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about therapy, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a strong message that would resonate with everyone that has formed larger-than-life relationships with therapists at an early age. A powerful portrait of the humongous roles therapists play in guiding lives of adolescents, it’s a poignant reminder of an actor with the abilities to play characters whose unforgettable movies are worth celebrating.
2. The Talented Mr. Ripley
Matt Damon is one of those actors talented at playing characters that assume multiple identities. With his attractive looks, charming personality and witty humour, Damon has always excelled at creating characters that are masters of disguise. Damon’s strength for playing characters that are talented at assuming multiple identities is clearly evident in his film “The Talented Mr. Ripley”. Released in 1999, Anthony Minghella’s underrated movie found the actor playing a complex con-artist that’s talented. In the most challenging role of his career, Damon embodies the mischievous personality of a con-artist skilled at assuming multiple identities. It’s a larger-than-life role that allows the actor the opportunity to showcase his natural charisma. Damon pulls off the complicated feat of turning a con-artist committing despicable crimes into a person that’s sympathetic. Ultimately, what makes “The Talented Mr. Ripley” stand out in the actor’s career is its meaningful message about mental health. The film delivers a strong message about consequences faced by con-artists committing crimes causing lasting damage. Nearly 30 years after the release of an underrated film about con-artists that are talented, it’s a rousing reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to leave audiences captivated by playing characters that are extremely emotionally conflicted.
3. Saving Private Ryan
Over the past decade, the war movie genre hasn’t fared so well. Hollywood has struggled to capture hardships soldiers experienced in WWII from a realistic point-of-view. With loud battle sequences, cardboard characters and poor storytelling, most war movies have become a chore to sit through. The main problem is that these movies always emphasize spectacle over storytelling. However, “Saving Private Ryan” stands out as an exception. Released in 1998, Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning movie did an extraordinary job of depicting the Battle of Normandy. In the most emotionally demanding role of his career, Damon captures the burden that soldiers in WWII had to bear. It isn’t easy to embody the personality of a tormented war veteran, but Damon pulls it off successfully. It’s a role that gives the actor an opportunity to showcase his emotional range. For instance, the scene where Private Ryan is informed the heartbreaking news about his brothers’ deaths is the highlight of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Saving Private Ryan” a great war movie is balance. Unlike most movies in the genre, it finds a balance between storytelling and spectacle. 80 years after the D-Day Landings in WWII, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor that excels at capturing hardships soldiers go through in movies audiences commonly value.
4. The Martian
It isn’t easy to make an effective movie about survival. Making movies about individuals surviving catastrophes can often pose challenges for actors that are physically demanding. Actors are often required to show commitment to create engaging entertainment. However, in 2015 Matt Damon pulled it off successfully when he made the space survival film “The Martian”. In the most physically demanding role of his career, Damon transforms into an astronaut that survives on Mars without fear. It’s a role giving Damon opportunity to showcase comic timing. The actor has spent most of his career playing serious characters. With “The Martian”, however, Damon showcased aptitude for comedy audiences hadn’t seen before. For instance, the scene in which Mark Watney conducts explosions on food on Mars is the most hilarious work the actor has ever done. In the end, “The Martian” stands out is its universal appeal. Unlike most space movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about survival which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Mark Watney’s desire to survive in space, it’s a captivating reminder of an actor that thrives playing complex characters that face obstacles that has manufactured timeless movies throughout his career that audiences tremendously embrace.
5. The Departed
Not many filmmakers in Hollywood are as beloved as Martin Scorsese. A living legend, Scorsese has made timeless movies that are enduring. With their bloody violence, foul language and strong themes, Scorsese’s movies have stood the test of time as classics. I’m a huge fan of the filmmaker and acknowledge all the movies he has made. However, “The Departed” may be my favourite. Released in 2006, the Oscar-winning crime drama marked the filmmaker’s first collaboration with Matt Damon. In the most layered role of his career, Damon excels playing a conflicted undercover spy investigating the FBI. It’s a multi-layered role giving the actor the rare opportunities to step out of his comfort zone to play a complicated character that’s driven to achieve a goal. Damon effectively uses his eye movement to capture the anxiety of a spy in a stressful situation. For instance, the scene involving a phone call showcases the actor’s strength at conveying emotions through expressions. Ultimately, what makes “The Departed” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about trust which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 20 years after the release of a film about departed undercover cops in grave danger, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that thrives playing characters in movies that audiences will forever commonly treasure.
6. Contagion
The COVID-19 Pandemic was a disaster that had an impact on the world which was tragic. In 2020, the world was affected by a painful pandemic which left people isolated. In 2011, Matt Damon captured a pandemic causing contagion with eerie similarities to COVID in his movie “Contagion”. In the most frightening role of her career, Damon portrayed a scientist seeking to investigate a virus causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone playing a character infected by a dangerous virus. Working alongside Gwyneth Paltrow who is also amazing, Damon created a portrait of a contagious virus that’s compelling. A captivating portrait of a catastrophic virus causing contagion, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured compelling movies which definitely deserve celebration.
7. Ford v. Ferrari
Car racing is an activity that I’ve never found appealing. At an early age, I became afraid of stepping into cars with the risk of facing damage. As someone that has never taken an interest in racing cars posing risks of injury, I was surprised by how much I loved “Ford v. Ferrari”. Released in 2019, James Mangold’s movie found Matt Damon playing a race car engineer with strong dedication. As Carol Shelby, Damon captures the energy of an engineer that designed cars which were revolutionary. It’s a role allowing Damon to showcase his charisma as an actor. More than a film about race car driving, “Ford v. Ferrari” tackles themes of teamwork everyone would find appealing. As precious as cars engineers design crossing the finish line, it’s a strong reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to shine whose movies audiences consider divine.
8. The Last Duel
Rape is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often shied away from telling stories of sexual abuse making headline news. In an industry that has often shied away from telling stories of sexual assault, it’s worth discussing “The Last Duel”. Released in 2021, Ridley Scott’s movie did an extraordinary job of depicting sexual assault in medieval history. In arguably the bravest role of his career, Matt Damon transforms into a French knight carrying a heavy burden to bear. It’s not easy to portray a knight that witnessed misogyny in French history, but Damon pulls it off. A powerful portrait of misogyny in medieval history causing women to deteriorate, it’s a magnificent reminder of an actor that succeeds portraying characters that face great challenges whose timeless movies are hard to not commonly appreciate.
9. Ocean’s Eleven
When it comes to the greatest movies ever made about casino robberies, it’s worth discussing “Ocean’s 11”. Released in 2001, the movie earned a legendary reputation for its depiction of casino heists attracting media attention. In a star-studded cast packed with several A-lister actors, Matt Damon definitely stood out the most. In the most stylish role of his career, Damon embodies a thief with a strong drive to pull off robberies without any fear. It’s a collaborative role that allows the actor an opportunity to showcase his strong chemistry with fellow actors in the film industry. Nearly 30 years following the release of a film about thieves in a high pressure scenario working together to rob a Las Vegas casino, it’s a captivating reminder of an actor that achieved fame years ago whose timeless movies give audiences dreams to commonly follow.
10. The Great Wall
Matt Damon hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “The Great Wall” falls into the latter category. Released in 2016, Zhang Yimou’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Damon portrayed a warrior engaging in warfare. Damon brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “The Great Wall” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Damon’s legacy. As precious as the Great Wall, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to enthral audiences manufacturing unforgettable movies throughout his impressive career which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking that’s easy to recall.
The Film Buff 