Matthew McConaughey’s best movies, ranked

by Matthew McConaughey Movies have cemented him as one of the most versatile actors working in Hollywood, with a good balance between comedies and intense dramas. McConaughey has been a major presence in movies since the early ’90s, After his breakout performance in the cult classic Desperate and confused. He became a leading man and then fell into an era of forgettable rom-coms before staging one of Hollywood’s best comebacks, leading to his Oscar win in 2014.

The actor even dabbled in television with McConaughey’s true detective The role of ​​​​​​​​​Proof signaling his comeback while he may return to the small screen in a new one Yellowstone Series. He was open to new film franchises, such as the animated ones sing Series. Never one to stick to a single genre, He explored many unique projects with several famous directors, from Martin Scorsese to Christopher Nolan. Even with such a consistent filmography, however, these movies stand out as McConaughey’s best.

22

Reign Of Fire (2002)

McConaughey and Christian Bale team up to take on dragons

There are Some of Matthew McConaughey’s movies that may have been overlooked when they were initially released, but have earned a stronger reputation years later. One such movie is Rule of fireThe exciting fantasy action flick that finds McConaughey starring opposite Christian Bale. The film imagines a post-apocalyptic world in which dragons have awakened from beneath the earth and wiped out most of human civilization. Bale plays the leader of a community of survivors who come into conflict with an American warrior (McConaughey) who leads a team of dragon hunters.

Although the premise is quite silly, the movie knows how to use this idea to create a thrilling and action-packed story filled with great dragon action. McConaughey steals the show as the bald, cigar-chewing Denton Van ZanA man who is more about taking action than thinking, but is still loved thanks to his unrestrained approach to taking on their mythical beasts.

21

U-571 (2000)

A submarine thriller with McConaughey in command

U-571 is a war movie that is loosely based on the actual mission to steal the German encoder machine during World War II. Although it was heavily criticized for being inaccurate in the events, including switching the heroes from British forces to the Americans, It still provides an exciting story with a unique twist. After a German U-boat is damaged and stranded in the water, an American crew takes it over only to have their ship destroyed. They were then forced to take the damaged U-boat and attempt to escape the hostile waters.

McConaughey stars in the movie as Lt. Andrew Taylor, the second-in-command who finds himself inadvertently promoted to the role of commander when their leader is killed. McConaughey does a great job playing Taylor as a more grounded hero than seen in most war movies. He is not always confident and fights for the trust of his crew, but he knows how to function under pressure. It’s an intense and claustrophobic war thriller even if the facts aren’t there.

20

Free State Of Jones (2016)

McConaughey plays a rebel-life Civil War rebel

After the string of incredible movies and roles that helped solidify his comeback in Hollywood, Free State of Jones It was seen as something of a disappointment because it underperformed at the box office and received mixed reviews. however, It’s also a film that deserves a second chance, especially since it features another stellar performance from McConaughey While also telling an incredible true story in the setting of the American Civil War.

McConaughey stars in the movie as Newton Knight, a real-life Confederate soldier who, after becoming disillusioned with the war and the South’s reasons for fighting, left the army. He then partnered with other rebels, including runaway slaves, to found their own community of Jones County and fight off their oppressors. McConaughey plays the stoic and bold hero while Mahershala Ali is his partner in combat in this compelling and entertaining historical adventure.

19

We Are Marshall (2006)

An inspiring sports story starring McConaughey as a coach who navigates a team through tragedy

Matthew McConaughey fits right into the genre of feel-good sports movies like We are Marshall And this one has a particularly strong impact on the audience because it’s a sports movie based on a true story. We are Marshall Is Set in 1975 and take a look at the aftermath of Marshall University Thundering Herd football team losing the majority of its players and coaching staff in a plane crash.

While the film focuses on how the community reacts to the terrible tragedy, McConaughey plays Jack Lengiele, a new coach who comes to rebuild the team in an unorthodox way to give the community something to rally behind.

McConaughey plays Jack Lengyel, a new coach who comes in to rebuild the team in an unorthodox way to give the community something to rally behind.

It is a moving story of loss and the strength of those left behind, as well as an inspiring underdog sports movie with McConaughey gives a funny and charismatic performance mixed with depth that carries the project.

18

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

McConaughey lends his voice to a stop-motion adventure

Matthew McConaughey Bringing his famous vocals to an underrated and mesmerizing animated movie that deserves to find a wider audience. From the brilliant filmmakers at Laika Studios, Kubo and the two strings is a magical adventure movie with a captivating mythology and a touching story.

The film follows a young boy named Kubo whose quiet life in his village is upended by the return of a spirit from his past who seeks revenge. He must therefore search for the armor of his late father, a legendary samurai warrior. McConaughey had a lot of fun voicing the character of Beetle, A brave bug who joins Kubo on his quest and has a deeper connection to the young boy than either of them realizes.

The stop-motion animated movie looks beautiful and the style brings the engrossing action sequences to life in spectacular fashion. It is also an emotional adventure with several revelations that build an exciting story where it is more than just a magical action adventure.

17

Amistad (1997)

McConaughey features in Steven Speilberg’s historical legal drama

The pairing of Matthew McConaughey and Steven Spielberg would seemingly be a big deal, however Amistad remains a strangely underrated movie in both of their careers. Amistad is based on a true story about A group of illegally captured slaves who rebel against their ship and kill their captives Only to sail into American territory to be arrested. What follows is a court case to determine who owns the slaves or if they are actually free.

McConaughey is part of the terrific ensemble as the determined lawyer who is fighting for the rights of the captives. The cast also includes Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins and Djimon Honsou in a breakout role as the leader of the captives. It makes for A gripping and emotional courtroom drama Which is enhanced by a master filmmaker and a collection of great actors.

16

The Lincoln Advocate (2011)

McConaughey plays a suave lawyer in this thriller

Although there are some who may know this better than the Netflix series of the same name, The first adaptation of Michael Connelly’s crime novel Came from the Hollywood movie starring Matthew McConaughey.

He plays the confident and smooth defense attorney Mick HallerA man who operates his business from his Lincoln car. However, when he takes on the case of a rich man accused of assault, he begins to see links to a previous case.

It was one of those movies that served as a stepping stone to McConaughey’s comeback in Hollywood with it proving to be a modest box office hit that was praised by critics as a fun and poignant thriller. The Lincoln Advocate It may not be as intense as some of the other movies in the actor’s filmography, but it is a solid and engaging story that is elevated by McConaughey’s movie star performance.

15

A Time to Kill (1996)

McConaughey and Samuel L. Jackson lead an intense courtroom drama

Matthew McConaughey headlined another high-profile courtroom drama with a large cast A time to kill. Adapted from John Grisham’s novel of the same name, Samuel L. Jackson stars as a working-class father who takes the law into his own hands when he kills the men who brutally attacked his young daughter. When he is arrested for murder, McConaughey plays the noble young lawyer who takes on the case to defend him amid simmering racial tension in the small Southern community.

The movie is harrowing, thrilling and uplifting at times How it becomes a desperate fight for justice while fighting against the racist forces that try to intimidate. Jackson is the star of the show, giving a strong performance in the lead role but McConaughey is also effective in the heroic co-lead role. They are joined by the likes of Sandra Bullock, Oliver Platt and Kevin Spacey to build this impressive ensemble.

14

Frailty (2000)

McConaughey leads a dark thriller directed by Bill Paxton

Weakness is one of the most overlooked movies in Matthew McConaughey’s career and a terrific thriller. Directed by Bill Paxton, the actor also plays the role of a father of two young sons, who becomes convinced that he has been chosen by God for a special mission of wiping evil from the earth. He begins taking people who he insists are demons in disguise, and with the help of his sons, executes them.

McConaughey plays one of the sons who, years later, details his father’s crimes to an FBI agent. This is a small and very dark thriller that makes an impressive directorial debut from Paxton. It keeps the audience guessing what the truth is, whether the father has become an instrument of God or if he is simply a murderer. McConaughey’s role is not very big in the movie, but he plays in the terrific twist ending that elevates the movie into a truly memorable thriller.

13

Magic Mike (2012)

Channing Tatum’s comedy-drama with McConaughey as the villain

Although he is still one of the biggest names in Hollywood, Matthew McConaughey has proven that he is ready to take supporting roles in movies. He still proved that when he takes on the smaller roles, He is often able to completely steal the show.

This is the case in Magic MikeThe comedy drama starring Channing Tatum as a male dancer who begins to question his future in the business. Tatum makes a charming lead for the movie, but McConaughey commands the screen when he appears as Dallas, the host of the show who proves that he only cares about his dancers as long as they make him money.

It’s a fun performance that also gives McConaughey the chance to play the villain role he does so well. With director Steven Soderbergh, who the project, Magic Mike is a much more engrossing and layered movie than the audience might have expected.

12

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

McConaughey and Kate Hudson make an ideal rom-com match

Although critics were not overly impressed by How to lose a guy in 10 daysGiven its 43% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the audience’s invigorating response to the movie makes it one of Matthew McConaughey’s most memorable romantic comedies. McConaughey and Kate Hudson have wonderful chemistry together in a charming and funny collaboration. It makes for the best of McConaughey’s many rom-com movies.

McConaughey plays Benjamin, a man who wants to prove that he can make any woman fall in love with him in 10 days. Of course, he meets and instead falls for Hudson’s Andy, who is researching how to get a man to leave a woman in 10 days. It’s a silly rom-com premise that can be overlooked thanks to The two leads elevate the script and make a perfect duo.

11

sing (2016)

McConaughey lends his voice to the animated movie filled with pop songs

Matthew McConaughey clearly had fun playing Buster Moon singBut that’s not the only reason he decided to come back for a sequel five years later. The original was a massive box office hit, grossing over $600 million Worldwide (via Box Office Mojo).

The story of his theater producer character and friends who host a singing competition has the potential for many more movies. sing Delivers an ideal family-friendly viewing experience with an ingenious premise to have Cute animals sing popular songs. McConaughey gives all his heart to his performance as the voice of the charismatic koala, which even had him singing “Call Me Maybe” with Scarlett Johansson. Although the sequel didn’t feel quite as fresh as the fun of the movie, it was another hit which makes it no surprise sing 3 is on the way.

10

Killer Joe (2011)

McConaughey plays a ruthless killer for hire

Killer Joe May be an outlier in Matthew McConaughey’s movie career, as his violent nature and outrageous dark humor are definitely not for everyone. Still, the ever-alluring McConaughey takes the assignment seriously with a distressing performance. Directed by the prestigious William Friedkin, Killer Joe Follows McConaughey’s titular detective as he accepts the job of killing the evil mother of a drug dealer, But demands an uncomfortable price for the work.

McConaughey brings another Texan character to life here, but Joe is unlike any other role he’s played because the role has him participating in Some of the most uncomfortable scenes he has ever taken part in. It is often one of the forgotten movies that marked his comeback but features McConaughey’s most chilling performance. In the era of his career filled with light rom-coms, it became a shocking reminder of his versatility.

McConaughey joins Jodie Foster in the search for alien life

Given how big of a star McConaughey has become in Hollywood, it’s always interesting to look back on his career’s earlier moments with him taking supporting roles opposite big names. Contact Features a sci-fi story mostly grounded in reality while still a scientist forced to challenge her faith and beliefs after successfully tracking alien intelligence. Carl Sagan’s adaptation only gets better as time progresses, constantly becoming more relevant year after year.

In the movie, Matthew McConaughey plays a minor role as one of the love interests of Jodie Foster’s protagonist, but his character is a Key part of an eternal message about enduring love and faith At times when reality cannot be trusted. While it did not thrive at the box office, Contact is now considered a cult classic among movies about extraterrestrial encounters, with director Robert Zemeckis crafting a gripping slow-burn experience.

8

Tropic Thunder (2008)

McConaughey joins an all-star cast in this Hollywood satire

This is another movie in which McConaughey is in a supporting role but manages to stand out among a sea of ​​big-name stars with an odd performance. Tropic Thunder Masterfully mixes war themes with comedy despite being primarily a movie about filmmaking.

Offering thrilling action scenes with hilarious behind-the-scenes drama, the movie doesn’t take itself too seriously. It also features a stellar comedy cast with many great actors, such as Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr and Tom Cruise, all delivering hilarious performances.

Matthew McConaughey joins the Hollywood satire as the useless agent to Stiller’s poor action movie star.

Matthew McConaughey joins the Hollywood satire as the useless agent to Stiller’s poor action movie star. Although the movie has a lot of controversy that has followed it for years, it remains One of the funniest comedies of the 21st century. Not only is it a bold movie that tackles some taboo subject matter, including Robert Downey Jr’s blackface performance, but it’s also a hilarious action movie.

7

The Gentlemen (2019)

McConaughey leads Guy Ritchie’s British crime caper

Matthew McConaughey is the perfect actor to star in a Guy Ritchie movie because He knows exactly when to switch from comedy to drama, And The gentlemen is another rich effort that aims to be more than one thing at once. In the movie, McConaughey plays an American in London eager to cash in on his marijuana empire.

As you might expect from Ritchie, there are plenty of plot twists as many quirky characters try to gain the upper hand over one another. A success among critics and audiences, The gentlemen Offered a satisfying return to form for Richie, stepping back into the British crime world, while McConaughey provided a surprisingly effective American movie star flair to the movie. He is joined by an all-star cast, including Colin Farrell, Hugh Grant and Charlie Hunnam.

6

Lone Star (1996)

McConaughey plays a flawed lawman at the center of a mystery

Fans of the later movies of McConaughey’s career will be well rewarded in checking out this incredible and underrated neo-noir movie from his earlier days in Hollywood. Matthew McConaughey’s character in Lone Star Is the controversial local hero Sheriff Buddy Deeds in a neo-western, which jumps between timelines as a mystery unfolds. Possibly the greatest deep cut in McConaughey’s career, Lone Star is a modern west that sets a Murder mystery to uncover a puzzling conspiracy plot.

Chris Cooper is also excellent as Buddy’s son, who is now a lawman in his own right looking back on his father’s legacy. Under a constant atmosphere of suspicion, the movie offers an intriguing story while delving deep into each character’s psyche. Although criminally under-seen, Lone Star Has 91% on rotten tomatoes And is the perfect option for those who enjoy McConaughey’s performances in crime thrillers.

5

Dazed and Confused (1992)

The 70s-set hangout movie features McConaughey’s breakout performance

Desperate and confused Richard Linklater’s slice-of-life story perfectly captures the idiosyncrasies of the ’70s. In 24 hours, the movie introduces many characters who come in and out of teenagers Floyd and Mitch’s sight as they experience an epic hangout on the last day of school: the former as the star football player; The latter as an incoming freshman trying to fit in.

Among other movie star debuts like Ben Affleck, Mila Jovovitch and Cole Hauser, Desperate and confused Features Matthew McConaughey’s breakthrough performance. He plays Wooderson, a minor but iconic character who steals every scene he’s in and delivers The first taste of what became McConaughey’s most famous line, “Okay, okay, okay.” The fact that McConaughey’s role was meant to be quite small only for him to impress Linklater with his take on the character and expand it adds to the thrill of watching the crowd-pleasing performance.

4

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

McConaughey steals scenes in Scorsese’s outrageous R-rated comedy

Although he had a small role in Martin Scorsese’s wild Wall Street crime story, Matthew McConaughey’s singing in The Wolf of Wall Street Cemented him as one of the most memorable aspects of the movie. Leonardo DiCaprio stars in the true story of Jordan Belfort, a corrupt New York stockbroker as he rises to the top in a world of debauchery and excess before being caught up in a massive fraud scandal.

in The Wolf of Wall StreetMcConaughey is the center of attention whenever he is on screen with his charismatic but uncomfortable supporting role Like Mark Hanna, a real-life figure who dominated the stock market in the 80s, And the movie could have used more of it. Scorsese brings a vibrant energy and wild sense of humor to this movie that spirals into chaos as it goes along.

3

Mud (2012)

McConaughey started his comeback as a mysterious drifter

Mud is Matthew McConaughey’s Top-rated movie on Rotten Tomatoes, with a critic score of 97%. It also broke records when it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival by registering an 18-minute long standing ovation.

With an outstanding comeback performance from McConaughey, Mud Is A surprisingly sweet drama about two boys who rescue a fugitive and help him escape. The film is partly a coming-of-age story, as it follows a young boy dealing with his parents’ wedding falling apart when he meets a mysterious man on the run (McConaughey) and decides to help him reunite with his first love. .

The story Covers subtle political themes through its interesting clash of generationsBetween the boys who tried to escape from reality and the runaways who tried to get out of his past. McConaughey carries the movie with a succinct performance from start to finish.