Few actors in Hollywood are as beloved today as Matthew McConaughey. Since the 1990’s, McConaughey has become an icon. Whether it’s AIDS victims, dazed teenagers or Wall Street bankers, McConaughey has played many strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies he has produced, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for greatest movies of an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Dallas Buyers Club
Terminal illness is a tragedy that impacted my family. At an early age, I witnessed my uncle fight grim terminal illness that caused emotional damage. Several years ago, my family learned our celebrated uncle had been diagnosed with the disease of Cancer causing sorrow. I vividly remember my uncle was always an optimistic person that looked at the world from a positive perspective. His devastating death left my family emotionally affected. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the impact of terminal illness that can rub people the wrong way as powerfully as “Dallas Buyers Club”. Following its release in 2013, Matthew McConaughey’s movie has stood the test of time as a masterpiece. In the greatest role of his career, McConaughey embodies a real-life AIDS patient that designed precious clubs to battle a sad illness causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, emotional and vulnerable in his most memorable role. McConaughey has spent most of his career playing heartthrob heroes in romantic comedies. With “Dallas Buyers Club”, however, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by playing a real-life victim of the AIDS crisis. For instance, the scene in which Ron Woodroof begins crying in his car following the discovery that he is diagnosed with AIDS causing despair is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Dallas Buyers Club” Matthew McConaughey’s greatest movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about terminal illness which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after Ron Woodroof overcome homophobic beliefs designing a club battling terminal illnesses which were frightening, it’s a strong reminder of a great actor whose movies are worth absolutely celebrating.
2. The Wolf of Wall Street
When it comes to the most corrupt stockbrokers in American history, it’s worth discussing Jordan Belfort. Several years ago, I formed strong bonds with a brother that was fascinated with a stockbroker he considered a hero. He would always admire a stockbroker that got away with felonies without a price to pay. In 2013, Matthew McConaughey did an extraordinary job depicting the corrupt stockbroker that committed crimes on Wall Street in his movie “The Wolf of Wall Street”. In the most comical role of his career, McConaughey embodies a wild Wall Street stockbroker engaging in a lifestyle of hedonism without fear. McConaughey has always been one of those actors with a sharp sense of humour, and his comedic talents are clearly evident in “The Wolf of Wall Street”. For instance, the scene in which Mark Hanna teaches Jordan Belfort about the drug-infused lifestyle of Wall Street stockbrokers is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Wolf of Wall Street” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Wall Street movies, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about consequences of crime which would resonate with everyone. 30 years after a stockbroker committed crimes on Wall Street, it’s a strong reminder about a commemorated actor that hasn’t lost abilities to manufacture unforgettable movies which audiences commonly consider unexpected treat.
3. Interstellar
Fathers are inspirational figures that shape children’s futures. As far as I remember, I’ve always admired my father. An inspiring role model, he motivated me to achieve dreams. However, career has affected our relationship forever. Focused upon his career, my father hasn’t been available when I need him the most. As someone mourning the absence of a father I treasure, I loved “Interstellar”. Released in 2014, Matthew McConaughey’s movie captured fathers separated from children by barriers of interstellar space travel. In the most emotional role of his career, McConaughey embodies a father embarking on a space travel expedition causing his bond with his daughter to face despair. McConaughey is one of those actors that has always excelled at communicating strong emotions through his expressions, and his strengths are clearly evident in “Interstellar”. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase emotional vulnerability he hadn’t shown in his career before. For instance, the scene in which Cooper reunites with his daughter experiencing a commemorated reunion after several years of separation on found footage is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Interstellar” a classic is its message. The film delivers a heartwarming message about fatherhood which would resonate with everyone. A commemorated portrait of painful hardships fathers face being separated from estranged children in space, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured movies audiences embrace.
4. Dazed and Confused
Drug addiction is a serious issue that causes people to face destruction. During my childhood, I formed a friendship with a kid addicted to drugs. He would show up to class dazed and confused for which he was rarely praised. His addiction to weed put him on a path to fail rather than succeed. Nevertheless, I treasured my relationship with a friend that taught me about the painful drug addiction process. As someone treasuring a drug-addicted friend that was dazed and confused, I adored “Dazed and Confused”. Released in 1993, Richard Linklater’s coming-of-age movie captured teenagers with drug addiction. In the most iconic role of his career, McConaughey embodies a drug-addict teen. McConaughey has a powerful voice with a Southern accent, and “Dazed and Confused” showcased his vocal talents. For instance, the scene in which Wooderson states his line “Alight, Alright, Alright” is one of the best moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Dazed and Confused” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most teen movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A dazzling depiction of teens that are dazed and confused, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor whose commemorated movies leave audiences amused.
5. Contact
Alien invasions are terrifying disasters that have always fascinated my teacher. At an early age, I developed bonds with a teacher that feared alien invasions causing damage. He would often fear the day that the Earth would be invaded by aliens with a price to pay. As someone treasuring fond memories of a teacher afraid of extra-terrestrial contact, I adored “Contact”. Released in 1997, Matthew McConaughey’s movie captured astronomers seeking to communicate with aliens causing catastrophe. In the most intelligent role of his career, McConaughey embodies an astronomer seeking to communicate with aliens causing despair. McConaughey is one of those actors that has always had an aptitude for stealing the show in supporting roles, and his strengths are evident in “Contact”. Working alongside Jodie Foster who is also excellent, McConaughey embodies an astronomer with strong commitment. For instance, the scene in which Palmer assists Ellie with radio signals of extra-terrestrial aliens showcased the actor at his best. Ultimately, what makes “Contact” a great science-fiction movie is its message. It delivers a strong message about communication which would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of astronomers seeking extra-terrestrial contact, it’s a strong reminder about a commemorated actor whose movies have a huge worldwide impact.
6. Amistad
Slavery is a sensitive subject that’s rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has shied away from a dark time in American history. In an industry avoiding a subject matter that is flawed, it’s worth praising “Amistad”. Released in 1997, Matthew McConaughey’s movie offered a powerful portrait of slavery. In the most historical role of his career, McConaughey portrayed a dedicated abolitionist seeking to rescue slaves facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a historical figure that’s well-known. Working alongside Morgan Freeman who is also outstanding, McConaughey created a portrait of slavery that’s compelling. A heartbreaking depiction of realities faced by individuals in the slave trade, it’s a heartfelt reminder of an actor thriving in movies proving well-made.
7. The Gentlemen
Gangsters are great figures that have always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a grandfather that admired gangsters causing damage. As someone treasuring memories of a grandfather that adored gangsters he considered gentlemen, I appreciated “The Gentlemen”. Released in 2019, Matthew McConaughey’s movie depicted gangsters facing adversity. In the most mischievous role of his career, McConaughey portrayed a gangster facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under pressure. Working alongside Hugh Grant who is also amazing, McConaughey created a crime drama that’s engaging. As strong as Michael’s desire to sell marijuana, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor with charisma that has made movies that attract audiences towards Cinema.
8. The Lincoln Lawyer
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about lawyers facing danger, it’s worth discussing The Lincoln Lawyer. Since its publication in 2005, Michael Connelly’s novel has become a beloved piece of literature. In 2011, Matthew McConaughey adapted the classic book about lawyers facing danger in his movie “The Lincoln Lawyer”. In the most thoughtful role of his career, McConaughey embodies a lawyer seeking to resolve a mysterious case of murder causing despair. It’s a dialogue-driven role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his aptitude for delivering monologues. Working alongside Ryan Phillippe who is excellent, McConaughey honoured legendary literature about lawyers. A lovely adaptation of a legendary book about lawyers facing danger, it’ a riveting reminder of an actor whose movies audiences commonly treasure.
9. Tropic Thunder
Matthew McConaughey has always been an actor with a sharp sense of humour. McConaughey has built an image of being an actor that thrives at making comedies which engage. McConaughey’s strength as an actor with a hilarious sense of humour is clearly evident in his movie “Tropic Thunder”. Released in 2009, Ben Stiller’s comedy showcased the actor at his best. In the most hilarious role of his career, McConaughey portrayed a studio executive seeking to prepare actors for a film shoot causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his comedic timing. Working alongside Tom Cruise who is also amazing, McConaughey created a comedy that’s captivating. A powerful portrait of actors in Hollywood, it’s a strong reminder of a star that has stood the test of time in movies that are commonly misunderstood.
10. Serenity
Matthew McConaughey hasn’t always made great movies that are beloved today. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Serenity” falls into the latter category. Released in 2019, Steven Knight’s crime thriller was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, McConaughey portrayed a ruthless gangster engaging in a life of crime causing despair. McConaughey brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Serenity” is a disastrous movie, it honoured McConaughey’s legacy. As strong as Karen’s desire to overcome domestic abuse, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has made unforgettable films making headline news which I will forever treasure for inspiring my passion of writing movie reviews.
The Film Buff 