It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly three decades since Ben Affleck’s breakout role with costar and co-writer Matt Damon, in Good Will Hunting. The two besties have gone on to work together in more projects, and Ben Affleck has written, directed, and produced some of Hollywood’s most moving projects. Let’s take a look and see the 10 best Ben Affleck roles over his long acting career.
10 Best Ben Affleck Roles That Prove He Is a Great Actor
Argo (2012)
Set against the backdrop of the Iran hostage crisis in the late 70s, Ben Affleck plays Tony Mendez. Mendez is a CIA operative who pretends to be a Hollywood producer to help get American hostages out of the embassy. Affleck shines in his role as Mendez and brings this political/conflict thriller to an exciting conclusion. The proof that this movie won an Academy Award is why it is included in the 10 best Ben Affleck roles.
The Town (2010)
The Town refers to the Charlestown area of Boston. Charlestown is primarily a working-class neighborhood and is known for its high crime rate, particularly organized crime. Ben Affleck directs and costars in The Town with an amazing supporting cast, including Jeremy Renner. The Town showcases Affect’s layered performance – that of a criminal and a lover.
Gone Girl (2014)
From start to finish, this movie does not disappoint. It is a tightly wound mystery centering around the disappearance of Nick Dunne’s wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike). Besides Affleck’s poker-faced performance, Rosamund Pike and Neil Patrick Harris turn in stellar ones, making this mystery flick a must-watch. Fun fact: Ben Affleck is actually a very good poker player in real life. The overall impact of the film makes it one of the 10 best Ben Affleck roles.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
In his breakout role of Chuckie, a cohort to Matt Damon’s character Will, Ben shows considerable depth and supports the story moving forward. This film was written by both Affleck and Damon. When the two saw Robin Williams and Stellan Skarsgård reading their script, it was an unbelievable experience for them. This is hands-down one of the 10 best Ben Affleck roles.
Live By Night (2016)
Back to Boston for this prohibition crime drama. Ben Affleck plays Joe Coughlin in this beautifully filmed gangster flick. Ben Affleck also co-wrote and directed this movie. With a strong supporting cast, including Elle Fanning, Zoe Saldaña, and Chris Cooper, this film is not to be missed. It will keep you engaged until the very end.
The Way Back (2020)
Although this was not one of his better-known films, Ben Affleck scored high in this basketball drama. He portrays Jack Cunningham, a former high school basketball star who stopped playing basketball altogether, only to be called back to his alma mater to coach the team. The movie is well acted by both Ben and the excellent supporting cast members.
The Accountant (2016)
The precursor to the just-released sequel, this film introduces us to protagonist Christian Wolff. Affleck excels at playing a high-functioning autistic accountant. In a role that’s quite different than his usual characters, he’s adept at showing the character’s inner struggles and outer conflicts living day to day. As the sequel has just been released, this movie is a reminder and deserves to be a part of the 10 best Ben Affleck roles.
Reindeer Games (2000)
Ben Affleck tackles the role of Rudy. Rudy assumes his deceased cellmate’s identity (Nick) after getting released from prison. He then becomes involved with Ashley, Nick‘s former girlfriend. As a consequence, Rudy finds himself drawn into a heist to rob a casino. With outstanding support performances from Gary Sinise, Charlize Theron, and Dennis Farina, this is another movie where Ben Affleck gives a capable and complex performance.
Forces of Nature (1999)
For anybody who is a weather watcher and believes that nature is interwoven in what drives us in life, this movie is for you! Ben plays Ben, who is engaged to Bridget. While trying to get back to his own wedding, he encounters the free-spirited Sarah, played by Sandra Bullock. Although the movie is somewhat predictable, the weather isn’t, and Ben Affleck turns in a solid performance.
Dogma (1999)
In this Kevin Smith-directed film, we find Ben Affleck and Matt Damon once again teamed up. They play a pair of angels gone a bit rogue. Ben portrays Bartleby to Matt as Loki. The two inject comedy and thoughtfulness into a satirical comedy flick. Adorned by talented other cast mates, including Linda Fiorentino, Chris Rock, and Alanis Morissette (as God!), this film will scratch the dark comedy itch.
Conclusion
A few honorable mentions are Hollywoodland, State of Play, and To the Wonder. Ben Affleck has taken on both serious and comedic roles and done them adeptly. He has given dimension to these characters and is capable of showing the characters’ thought processes and innermost turmoil. The above-listed 10 best Ben Affleck roles prove why he is still at the height of his game.
