Ranking Matt Damon's Best Movies. How Do You Like Them Apples?

Ranking Matt Damon's Best Movies. How Do You Like Them Apples?


July 21, 2025 | Marlon Wright

Ranking Matt Damon's Best Movies. How Do You Like Them Apples?


Explore Matt Damon’s Range As An Actor

Matt Damon’s ability to transform into characters across various genres is nothing short of impressive. But there’s more to this celebrated actor than meets the eye, as some of his most remarkable performances are overshadowed by his blockbuster roles. 

Matt Damon’s Most Unforgettable Roles That Changed Cinema Forever, Ranked From Worst To Best

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25. Stuck On You (2003)

Alongside Greg Kinnear, Damon delivers a surprising and heartfelt performance in a film that blends humor with emotion. In Stuck on You, he takes on a unique comedic role as one half of a conjoined twin duo. As the more reserved brother who grapples with his sibling's dream of independence while valuing their bond, Damon makes this quirky comedy more relatable. 

Stuck On You (2003)Stuck on You (2003) Trailer | Matt Damon | Greg Kinnear by Film Trailer Channel

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24. We Bought A Zoo (2011)

We Bought A Zoo showcases Matt Damon in a role filled with emotional weight. As a widowed father rebuilding his life, he brings sincerity to the family-friendly drama. While the plot treads familiar ground, Damon’s heartfelt performance makes it an engaging watch and proves his ability to carry both lighthearted and serious roles.

We Bought A Zoo (2011)We Bought a Zoo (2011) - "Why Not?" | Movie Moments by Movie Moments

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23. Syriana (2005)

The high-stakes world of oil politics is not for the faint of heart. As Bryan Woodman, a corporate consultant, Damon finds himself entangled in power struggles and behind-the-scenes corruption. His subtle yet impactful performance in this sprawling geopolitical drama earned him praise.

Syriana (2005)2nd Scene from Syriana 2005 by Muhammad Nagy

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22. Titan A E (2000)

Though Titan A E didn't perform well at the box office, Matt Damon’s voice work as Cale was one of its few standout elements. The animated sci-fi adventure centers on the destruction of Earth and humanity’s survival. Damon brings a relatable quality to his character, which makes him an unlikely yet compelling hero in the vast universe.

Titan A E (2000)TITAN A.E. Clip - "Sesharrim" (2000) by JoBlo Animated Videos

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21. The Great Wall (2016)

It grossed $334 million, but still, The Great Wall wasn’t considered successful. Some critics praised Damon’s portrayal of a mercenary caught in a battle against mythical creatures as a unique addition to his career. However, some cited cultural mismatches. The movie was visually stunning, but Damon in a Chinese epic probably wasn’t the best choice. 

The Great Wall (2016)The Nameless Order's Archery Test (Matt Damon) | The Great Wall 4k by Popcorn Picks

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20. Behind The Candelabra (2013)

Starring Michael Douglas, Damon plays the role of Scott Thorson, the lover of the flamboyant Liberace. Behind The Candelabra saw him as a vulnerable, conflicted young man caught in a tumultuous relationship. It showcased his versatility, and he earned critical acclaim for his nuanced, emotionally charged performance in this biographical drama.

Behind The Candelabra (2013)BEHIND THE CANDELABRA (2013) Clip - Michael Douglas, Matt Damon, & Bruce Ramsay by Dreams Are What Le Cinema Is For

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19. Rounders (1998)

Mike McDermott, or Damon in Rounders, is a skilled poker player trying to leave behind the gambling world. However, when his friend gets in over his head, Mike returns to the poker tables. Damon’s performance captures the internal struggle of a man caught between his ambitions and his past.

Rounders (1998)Rounders - Matt Damon, Gretchen Mol - Ending Scene by ebuddy4

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18. Contagion (2011)

Collaborating with Steven Soderbergh, Damon is Mitch Emhoff, a man fighting to protect his family during a global health crisis. The film’s realistic depiction of a pandemic resonates with personal and societal impacts, with Damon’s portrayal grounding the thriller in emotional depth. His character’s vulnerability adds urgency to the harrowing narrative.

Contagion (2011)Contagion (2011) Official Exclusive 1080p HD Trailer by Rotten Tomatoes Trailers

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17. Downsizing (2017)

Paul Safranek decides to undergo a revolutionary procedure to shrink himself and live in a miniature world, believing it will solve his life’s problems. Downsizing is a dark comedy that explores themes of consumerism and the search for meaning in life. Despite mixed reviews, Damon’s performance in this surreal, thought-provoking film stands out.

Downsizing (2017)Downsizing | Teaser Trailer | Bottle | Paramount Pictures Sweden by paramountintlswe

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16. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

A group of brave men wants to save him, although Damon doesn’t appear much in the film. He is Private James Francis Ryan, the soldier at the center of a mission to bring him home during WW2. While his role was smaller compared to the rest of the cast, Damon’s heartfelt portrayal of Ryan added emotional weight to this powerful war drama.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)Saving Private Ryan 1998 | 4K UHD | Disc Menu Trailer by Onur Guney

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15. AIR (2023)

It’s no surprise that Damon earned an unusually generous paycheck for his role in AIR. As Sonny Vaccaro, a relentless Nike executive, he takes on the challenge of signing Michael Jordan to a one-of-a-kind endorsement deal. The film dives into the high-stakes world of sports marketing, with Damon delivering powerful acting. 

Air (2023)Know Your Competitors 100% | Air (2023) by Commerce Unboxed

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14. Suburbicon (2017)

Directed by George Clooney, Suburbicon offered a dark, satirical take on suburban life in the 1950s. Damon plays a morally complex character whose actions lead to violence and deception. While the film didn’t fully resonate with audiences, Damon’s acting contributed to its darker tone, making it a thought-provoking watch.

Suburbicon (2017)George Clooney's 'Suburbicon' trailer by Canoe

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13. The Informant! (2009)

Damon takes on the role of Mark Whitacre, a whistleblower with a complex personality in The Informant! His quirky and unpredictable performance was a departure from his usual roles. Despite mixed reviews, Damon’s ability to bring humor and depth to the character added nuance to the film’s satirical nature.

The Informant! (2009)4 minutes of Mark Whitacre's thoughts Matt Damon by pvq

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12. Oppenheimer (2023)

He wasn’t the lead, but Damon delivered a commanding performance as General Leslie Groves in Oppenheimer. Overseeing the development of the atomic bomb, he represented the tensions and complexities of wartime decisions. His talent helped ground Christopher Nolan's ambitious historical epic in human drama.

Oppenheimer (2023)opening Scene OPPENHEIMER 2023 Matt Damon Movie CLIP HD1080P HD by TheDRK-Universe

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11. The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

Can one escape fate itself? Damon tries to answer this question in this romantic thriller. In The Adjustment Bureau, he is a politician who discovers mysterious forces controlling his life. The intriguing concept and Damon’s charismatic performance make it an engaging watch, though some found its premise a bit too convoluted. 

The Adjustment Bureau (2011)The adjusment bureau (movie 2011) - Do I know you ? by Franck Gauthier

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10. True Grit (2010)

Matt Damon takes on the role of LaBoeuf, a Texas Ranger in True Grit. Though his character is overshadowed by Jeff Bridges’ powerhouse performance, Damon’s portrayal of a determined and slightly arrogant lawman brought a perfect balance of humor and authority to this modern Western classic.

True Grit (2010)True Grit (2010) "Fill Your Hands!" by Flatwater Rats

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9. Dogma (1999)

In one of his most controversial roles, Damon plays the role of one of two fallen angels who find themselves in Wisconsin. Dogma is a fantasy satire that earned a mixed reception due to its unusual take on religion. Nevertheless, his role added depth to the unconventional narrative.

Dogma (1999)Dogma (1999) Trailer #1 by Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers

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8. Ford v Ferrari (2019)

As Carroll Shelby in Ford v Ferrari, Damon brings authenticity and heart to this true-story racing drama. As an unflappable designer determined to help Ford take on Ferrari, Damon’s grounded performance fuels the emotional and competitive dynamics alongside Christian Bale.

Ford V Ferrari (2019)Ford vs Ferrari (2019) - Shelby explains the loss at Le Mans to Ford by TheBestMovieClipsOnThePlanet

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7. The Bourne Identity (2002)

With the whole world chasing Jason Bourne, Damon transformed the spy thriller genre in The Bourne Identity. He’s an amnesiac operative on the run whose mix of action, intellect, and emotion makes him the perfect fit for the role. The film's success launched one of the most popular action franchises of all time.

The Bourne Identity (2002)The Bourne Identity: Bourne entraps the Professor HD CLIP by Binge Society

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6. Interstellar (2014)

Interstellar features Matt Damon in a key, albeit brief, role as Dr Mann, a scientist whose actions jeopardize the mission to save humanity. As part of Christopher Nolan’s ambitious space epic, Damon’s fear-driven character gave the film an emotional twist.

Interstellar (2014)Cooper vs Dr. Mann Full Scene Part 2 - Brand Saves Cooper - Interstellar (2014) Movie CLIP HD by Trailer Crunch

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5. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

Playing Linus Caldwell in Ocean’s Eleven provided a perfect blend of humor, vulnerability, and charm to the heist film. As a rookie conman, Damon’s performance balanced the high-stakes tension with lighthearted moments and made him a standout in this star-studded ensemble cast.

Ocean’s Eleven (2001)Ocean's Eleven 2001 "Might as well call it Whitejack!" by KaPowProduction

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4. Good Will Hunting (1997)

Damon’s breakthrough role in Good Will Hunting as Will Hunting, a troubled genius, earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay alongside Ben Affleck. The film’s emotional depth and Damon’s portrayal of a young man struggling with his identity and potential marked the beginning of his incredible Hollywood journey.

Good Will Hunting (1997)Good Will Hunting (1997) - Will Solves Math Challenge (Matt Damon) by TheBestMovieClipsOnThePlanet

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3. The Talented Mr Ripley (1999)

What are the consequences of deception? The Talented Mr Ripley asks this question as Matt Damon takes on the complex role of Tom Ripley, a manipulative young man who will stop at nothing to assume a new identity. His chilling portrayal of this morally ambiguous character made the movie an unforgettable psychological thriller.

The Talented Mr Ripley (1999)The Talented Mr Ripley (1999) Theatrical Trailer [5.1] [4K] [FTD-1458] by FT Depot

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2. The Departed (2006)

Focusing on themes of corruption and loyalty, Damon plays Colin Sullivan, a morally conflicted cop infiltrating a criminal syndicate. As a man caught between duty and deception, he adds tension to this gritty crime thriller. Even with an ensemble cast, Damon contributes significantly to the film's intensity and success.

The Departed (2006)The Departed (2006) How to spot a cop by 81oakridg

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1. The Martian (2015)

Stuck on Mars in The Martian, Matt Damon portrays astronaut Mark Watney, whose mix of humor and ingenuity became the heart of this thrilling survival story. The film’s success is partly due to Damon’s performance, which perfectly balanced the technical aspects of the plot with emotional vulnerability.

The Martian (2015)The Martian 4K HDR | First Contact by Apex Clips

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