Ben Affleck Directed Movies

After the release of "Air", the latest critical success directed by Ben Affleck, it's worth revisiting his impressive career as a multi-talented actor, director, and producer. Gone are the days of the wide-eyed young man who, alongside Matt Damon, won an Oscar for Best Screenplay for "Good Will Hunting". Today, Affleck boasts a kick-ass resume and has several box office hits to his name.

So, where does "Air" rank amongst his other directorial efforts? Here are the top five movies directed by Ben Affleck, ranked.

In my opinion, "Gone Baby Gone" stands as Ben Affleck's best directorial achievement. Upon a recent rewatch, I only became more convinced of its greatness. Every element of this powerful morality tale comes together flawlessly. The cast, including Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, and Amy Ryan, deliver outstanding performances. The script by Aaron Stockard and Affleck is sharp and engaging. And the ethical dilemmas presented are refreshingly intricate.

Gone Baby Gone (2007)

Simply put, "Gone Baby Gone" is an exceptional film. It is haunting, thought-provoking, and masterfully executed. It deserves more recognition than it has received. If you have not yet watched "Gone Baby Gone," I highly recommend you do so immediately. You won't regret it.

For those unfamiliar with the film, Casey Affleck stars as Patrick Kenzie, a private investigator in Boston who becomes embroiled in a kidnapping case involving a young girl. As Patrick and his partner/wife delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover unexpected twists and must race against the clock to save the girl's life.

However, the mystery at the heart of the film serves merely as a backdrop for a provocative character journey that culminates in a surprising and unforgettable twist that lingers long after the credits have rolled.

The Town (2010)

In 2010's "The Town,"Ben Affleck demonstrated his talent as an action director, delivering a thrilling tale about one man's desire to escape the grasp of Boston's unforgiving underworld - or so it seems. Affleck plays Doug MacRay, a bank robber with a conscience who longs for a better life beyond his limited surroundings. He falls for former hostage Claire Keesey (played by Rebecca Hall) just as he and his accomplices, including his friend James (played brilliantly by Jeremy Renner), plan the biggest heist of their lives.

While the plot may seem conventional, Affleck elevates the material with his nuanced direction and collaboration with screenwriters Peter Craig and Aaron Stockard. He imbues the flawed characters with depth and draws out our sympathy, creating an ethical tale with varying shades of gray. The action sequences are exhilarating, but the heart of the film lies in the moral complexity of its characters.

In essence, "The Town" is a captivating story that keeps us on our toes, unsure of whom to root for - and that is a good thing. While it may not quite reach the heights of Michael Mann's "Heat," it comes remarkably close.

Air (2023)

What sets Air apart is its ability to make the audience root for a multi-billion dollar corporation, Nike, depicted here as an underdog in need of a boost. Matt Damon portrays Sonny Vaccaro, a skilled salesman who spots a rising star in the rookie Michael Jordan and decides to build an entire brand around him. However, he faces opposition from some skeptical executives and Jordan's mother, Deloris (Viola Davis), who astutely negotiates a massive deal for her son.

While skeptics may dismiss this as a pro-capitalist film, Air has plenty of merit to offer. The film moves at a fast pace and provides intriguing historical details that appeal to those interested in business. Damon essentially reprises his role from Ford v Ferrari, while Davis delivers a compelling performance as Jordan's determined mother. Affleck's direction is straightforward but effective, giving his actors, including the versatile Jason Bateman, plenty of room to shine.

Although it's debatable whether Air is a necessary piece of cinema, it's undoubtedly an enjoyable one.

Argo (2012)

Argo, for me, didn't quite live up to the hype. While it had moments of tension and intrigue, I found it somewhat disappointing when I learned the true story behind it. The actual events were far more fascinating than the Hollywoodized version presented in the film. Rather than focusing on the intricate tale of survival, Argo felt more like a tribute to the glamour of the film industry.

Despite this, the film boasts strong performances from Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, and John Goodman in supporting roles. Affleck's direction is solid, and Chris Terrio's screenplay features some great dialogue. However, Affleck's own performance as the lead CIA operative is somewhat lackluster, and I couldn't help but wonder if a stronger actor could have brought more depth to the character.

Overall, Argo is an entertaining watch, but it falls short of the cinematic masterpiece some critics made it out to be in 2012.

Live by Night

Live by Night, an ambitious and visually stylish film by Ben Affleck, failed to impress critics and audiences alike for good reason. Although Affleck demonstrates his incredible directorial skills in a few cool action set pieces, the star-studded film lacks purpose and fails to find its footing. The script, written by Affleck himself, meanders and struggles to present new material in interesting ways.

The film follows gangster Joe Coughlin, played by Affleck, as he tries to leave his criminal life behind while dealing with other mobsters during Prohibition. Despite the shootouts and dialogue, the story ends with a whimper. Additionally, Live by Night lacks a soul, unlike Affleck's best work that feels intimate and personal. Despite its pretty visuals, the film fails to resonate on an emotional level.

Ben Affleck Directed Movies