50 years old actor, director, and writer Ben Affleck is counted among the most famous personalities in the world. He has always wished to be an actor ever since he could remember. Affleck got his first taste of acting experience with a Burger King commercial. It was the time when Ben met his long-standing friend and fellow movie star, Matt Damon. They went to acting classes and got to play little league next to each other.
His first remarkable portrayal was in 1992’s School Ties, along with Matt Damon. After co-writing and co-starring in the Oscar-winning Good Will Hunting, the two became household names.
Subsequently, he collaborated with several renowned directors of their period, including John Woo, John Frankenheimer, Richard Linklater, and David Fincher — experiences that surely influenced Affleck’s own directing journey, resulting in the Best Picture-winning Argo. So, we revisit Affleck’s massive contribution to the industry by listing his top 10 movies that you can find on Netflix.
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Argo
Director: Ben Affleck
Writer: Chris Terrio, Tony Mendez, Joshuah Bearman
Genre: Biography, Drama, Thriller
IMDB Rating: 7.7
Runtime: 2hrs
It’s a historical drama adapted from a 1999 book of the same title. The film was a big breakthrough in Afflecks directing career, and the critics highly praised his keen eye for direction. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won in the category of Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.
The film follows the story of Mendez(Affleck), who prompted the recovery of six US diplomats from Iran and Tehran. He executed his mission under the guise of shooting a sci-fi film during the Iran hostage crisis in 1979-1981.
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Gone Girl
Director: David Fincher
Writer: Gillian Flynn
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
IMDB Rating: 8.1
Runtime: 2hrs. 29mins
It’s a 2014 American thriller modeled on Gillian Flynn’s novel of the same title. It was a smash hit, earning $369 million globally against a budget of $61 million, becoming Fincher’s highest-earning movie. In addition, critics stated that the film was David Fincher’s best direction because that brings out the best in the leading stars, Pike and Affleck.
A man(Affleck) finds himself in the spotlight after his wife’s(Pike) disappearance becomes the emphasis of an extreme media storm.
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Justice League
Director: Zack Snyder
Writer: Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, Chris Terrio
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
IMDB Rating: 6.1
Runtime: 2hrs
It is a 2017 American superhero film centered on the same-named DC Comics superhero squad. It’s the fifth film in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The film garnered mixed responses from critics, with the plot receiving criticism while the action scenes and performances of the cast were lauded.
Influenced by Superman’s generous gesture and reignited by his revived trust in humanity – Bruce Wayne(Affleck) seeks the assistance of his newly found ally, Diana Prince, to confront a greater foe.
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The Town
Director: Ben Affleck
Writer: Peter Craig, Ben Affleck, Aaron Stockard
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
IMDB Rating: 7.5
Runtime: 2hrs. 5mins
It’s an American film adapted from the 2004 Prince of Thieves novel by Chuck Hogan. Based on true occurrences, the film got critical acclaim for its direction, storyline, editing, and cast performances. The National Board of Review labeled the film among the top ten movies of 2010. The Town was the movie that brought Affleck into the game again.
A skilled gang robs a bank and holds Claire, the assistant manager, captive. But one of the team members, Doug(Affleck), falls for Claire, and things start to get challenging.
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State Of Play
Director: Kevin Macdonald
Writer: Matthew Michael Carnahan, Tony Gilroy, Billy Ray
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
IMDB Rating: 7.1
Runtime: 2hrs. 7mins
It’s a 2009 political thriller premised on the same-named 2003 British TV series. The film earned mostly favorable reviews, with particular admiration for the cast’s performances.
Congressman Stephen (Affleck) is a prominent figure in Washington; charismatic and honorable, he’s widely regarded as his party’s succeeding presidential candidate. But when his research assistant/mistress is discovered assassinated, damaging secrets are brought to light.
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Good Will Hunting
Director: Gus Van Sant
Writer: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck
Genre: Drama, Romance
IMDB Rating: 8.3
Runtime: 2hrs. 6mins
It’s a 1997 psychological drama showered with favorable reviews by critics. The film earned favorable feedback from critics and more than $225 million during its theatrical run compared to a budget of $10 million. In addition, the film was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor by Williams and Best Original Screenplay for Affleck and Damon.
It’s a story about a janitor at MIT, Will Hunting(Damon), who has a talent for mathematics. But he requires the assistance of a psychologist to find his way in life. Whereas Affleck will be seen as Damon’s best friend in a supporting role.
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Dogma
Director: Kevin Smith
Writer: Kevin Smith
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama
IMDB Rating: 7.3
Runtime: 2 hrs.10 mins
It’s a 1999 American film and the fourth installment in Smith’s View Askewniverse series. Dogma obtained positive reviews from critics and wigged $44 million against a $10 million budget, making it the highest-earning movie in the View Askewniverse series till now. As per critics, Dogma is a controversial and bold religious satire that is simultaneously respectful.
Its story follows two fallen angels(Affleck and Damon) who intend to return to Heaven. They are thrown out by God but find an alleged loophole that can take them back to Heaven.
School TIies
Director: Robert Mandel
Writer: Dick Wolf, Darryl Ponicsan
Genre: Drama
IMDB Rating: 6.9
Runtime: 1 hr.46 mins
It’s a 1992 American film that received both favorable and unfavorable reviews from critics. People praised the cast but were not really happy with the storyline.
When David (Fraser) gets a football scholarship to play at a renowned prep school in the 1950s, he feels compelled to conceal his Jewish identity. Because of his football skills, he easily becomes popular on campus. But when his Jewish heritage is revealed, his harshest fears become real. His friends (Matt Damon, Chris O’Donnell, and Affleck) turn against him.
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Extract
Director: Mike Judge
Writer: Mike Judge
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Romance
IMDB Rating: 6.1
Runtime: 1 hr.32 mins
Extract is a 2009 film well-received by critics gaining mostly favorable responses. Critics applauded the cast’s performance and humorous tone but were not satisfied with the script.
Joel, the extract plant owner, is dealing with a slew of private and professional issues. He is fed up with his possibly disloyal spouse and staff who aim to exploit him. While Affleck plays the bartender who gives Joel mischievous advice.
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Shakespeare In Love
Director: John Madden
Writer: Marc Norman, Tom Stoppard
Genre: Comedy, Drama, History
IMDB Rating: 7.1
Runtime: 2hrs. 3mins
It’s a 1998 movie in which many characters are influenced by various historical figures, and most characters, lines, and plotlines reference Shakespeare’s plays. The film was well-received by critics and became a blockbuster hit. It earned $289.3 million globally and ranked ninth as the highest-earning movie in 1998.
William Shakespeare, the world’s biggest playwright, is youthful and out of thought and money – in dire need of inspiration to write. But then he meets his desirable woman and is prompted to write one of his most popular plays. However, Affleck is the creator of the renowned acting troupe, the Admiral’s Men, in the film. He is the big brand Shakespeare requires to stage an impactful play.
