An esteemed Hollywood actor, Matt Damon has captivated audiences with blockbusters and indie films. His talent was recognized early when he won the Best Original Screenplay Oscar. “Good Will Hunting” in 1997, co-written with Ben Affleck, established his foothold in the industry.
Damon continued to deliver remarkable performances in the years following. He starred in the action-packed “Bourne Identity” series and intense dramas like “The Departed.” His role in “The Martian” enthralled viewers, while “Ford v Ferrari” showcased his exhilarating screen presence. “Saving Private Ryan” and “Invictus” demonstrated his acting prowess in emotional these movies.
Critics and fans alike have praised his versatile performances. These are the top 10 Matt Damon movies based on IMDb’s best viewer ratings.
10 True Grit (2010)
IMDb: 7.6/10 347K | Popularity: 1616 | Metascore:
“True Grit” secures its position among the best Matt Damon movies. In this gripping classic Western masterpiece, Damon shines as Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, who teams up with a resolute young girl, played by Hailee Steinfeld, on a quest for justice following her father’s murder.
As they navigate the treacherous terrain, Damon’s portrayal of LaBoeuf’s expert tracking skills and unyielding pursuit lends a compelling layer to the story’s intensity. His dynamic performance adds depth and authenticity to the character — better than Glen Campbell’s display in the original. “True Grit” is undoubtedly a remarkable entry in Damon’s illustrious filmography.
9 The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
IMDb: 7.7/10 473K | Popularity: 2620 | Metascore:
If the first Bourne movie captivated you, the sequel might charm you even more. The storyline is dynamic, and the action sequences are intense.
After the events of “The Bourne Identity,” two years pass, and Jason Bourne endeavors to begin a fresh chapter alongside his partner Marie (Franka Potente) in the serene surroundings of Goa, India. As Bourne’s fragmented memories resurface, haunting flashbacks of a Berlin assassination trouble him. Simultaneously, in Berlin, a CIA officer under Deputy Director Pamela Landy (Joan Allen) negotiates a hefty sum for the stolen “Neski Files,” implicating a $20 million CIA theft.
However, the exchange is interrupted by Russian assassin Kirill (Karl Urban), who frames Bourne for the operation. Chaos ensues as Kirill eliminates the agent and the file holder, seizing the documents and money. The path leads Kirill to Goa, where he aims to eliminate Bourne. Bourne detects Kirill’s presence, prompting him to flee with Marie. The chase intensifies, marking a thrilling turn in Bourne’s quest for truth and survival.
“Bourne Supremacy” deserves its place on the best Matt Damon movies countdown.
8 Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
IMDb: 7.7/10 591K | Popularity: 785 | Metascore:
In the heist-filled “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001), Matt Damon plays a crucial role as Linus Caldwell. This star-studded film follows Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his team of skilled criminals as they plan an audacious casino robbery in Las Vegas.
As the group’s youngest member, Damon’s character contributes his cunning and pickpocketing skills to the elaborate scheme. Damon’s charismatic performance adds depth and wit to the ensemble cast. “Ocean’s Eleven” is widely regarded as one of the best Matt Damon movies, combining clever storytelling, stylish direction, and the magnetic chemistry of its cast.
Its impact solidifies its status as a beloved heist film and showcases Damon’s versatility as an actor.
7 The Bourne Identity (2002)
IMDb: 7.9/10 558K | Popularity: 1442 | Metascore:
Matt Damon stars as the main character in the gripping film “The Bourne Identity.” He plays a man with amnesia and a troubled past, found on a fishing boat with bullet wounds. As he avoids relentless assassins and tries to regain his memory, a thrilling race against time unfolds. Damon’s outstanding performance in this first installment of the Bourne trilogy captivates audiences and establishes the movie as one of his best. The dynamic plot and intense action scenes leave a lasting impact, showcasing Damon’s exceptional talent and confirming his versatility as an actor.
6 The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
IMDb: 8/10 644K | Popularity: 2749 | Metascore:
Matt Damon delivers an extraordinary portrayal in his reprisal of the relentless Jason Bourne character in the film “The Bourne Ultimatum” from 2007.
This third installment explores Bourne’s relentless pursuit of answers and redemption. Bourne embarks on a global chase with unwavering resolve, confronting his past and unraveling shocking truths. Damon’s portrayal captures Bourne’s intensity and vulnerability flawlessly, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s finest talents. The film’s thrilling action sequences and intricate plot make it a standout in Damon’s impressive filmography.
5 The Martian (2015)
IMDb: 8/10 878K | Popularity: 596 | Metascore:
Matt Damon stars in the enthralling movie “The Martian,” portraying the extraordinary character of Mark Watney. In the film, Watney finds himself stranded on Mars, all alone.
After a mission goes wrong, Watney must rely on his ingenuity and determination to stay alive. Resourceful and unwavering, he discovers inventive ways to sustain himself while awaiting rescue. Damon’s portrayal of Watney is a true standout, capturing his resilience and wit.
“The Martian” ranks among the finest films in Matt Damon‘s repertoire, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. This awe-inspiring sci-fi adventure showcases Damon’s exceptional talent, while its compelling tale of human survival lingers well beyond the movie’s end.
4 Ford v Ferrari (2019)
IMDb: 8.1/10 417K | Popularity: 258 | Top 250: #210 | Metascore:
In the adrenaline-fueled “Ford v Ferrari” (2019), Matt Damon delivers a captivating performance as automotive visionary Carroll Shelby. Set in the 1960s, the film chronicles Shelby’s partnership with maverick driver Ken Miles (played by Christian Bale) as they strive to build a revolutionary race car for Ford to challenge Ferrari’s dominance. With Damon’s portrayal, viewers witness Shelby’s determination, expertise, and unwavering spirit. “Ford v Ferrari” showcases Damon’s remarkable range as an actor, adding another jewel to his repertoire of best Matt Damon movies.
The film’s impact lies in its thrilling race sequences, compelling storytelling, and the portrayal of a relentless pursuit of excellence, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and racing enthusiasts alike.
3 Good Will Hunting (1997)
IMDb: 8.3/10 1M | Popularity: 180 | Top 250: #80 | Metascore:
Ranked at number 3 on this countdown of the best Matt Damon movies is the movie that propelled Matt Damon into the limelight — “Good Will Hunting.”
This transformative drama unfolds a remarkable tale. Damon assumes the role of Will Hunting, an exceptionally gifted yet troubled individual. Within Hunting’s brilliant mind lie unexplored depths tangled with personal demons. Guided by the compassionate therapist played by Robin Williams, Hunting embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery, love, and friendship. Damon’s magnetic portrayal captivates audiences, immersing them in the emotional depths of Hunting’s story. With critical acclaim and a lasting impact, “Good Will Hunting” showcases Damon’s extraordinary talent, establishing his status among Hollywood’s finest actors.
2 The Departed (2006)
IMDb: 8.5/10 1.4M | Popularity: 182 | Top 250: #39 | Metascore:
In Martin Scorsese‘s gripping crime drama “The Departed,” Matt Damon delivers a standout performance as Colin Sullivan. Sullivan is an ambitious young cop who infiltrates the Massachusetts State Police. Simultaneously, Leonardo DiCaprio‘s character, Billy Costigan, infiltrates the Irish-American mob. As the thin line blurs between loyalty and betrayal, Sullivan becomes entangled in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with Costigan.
Damon shines in portraying the complex duality of his character, bringing depth and intensity to the role. “The Departed” stands among the best Matt Damon movies, leaving a profound impact on audiences with its gritty storytelling, superb ensemble cast, and unpredictable twists, further establishing Damon’s reputation as a versatile actor in the crime genre.
1 Saving Private Ryan (1998)
IMDb: 8.6/10 1.4M | Popularity: 299 | Top 250: #23 | Metascore:
“Saving Private Ryan,” hailed as one of the best Matt Damon movies, claims the prestigious number one spot.
The story revolves around a mission to find Private James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon). During World War II, Captain John Miller, portrayed by Tom Hanks, takes charge of a brave team of soldiers. Their mission is dangerous: to find a soldier named Ryan and ensure his safe return. The film delivers a visceral portrayal of the horrors of war, showcasing the sacrifices made by soldiers and the bonds formed in the face of adversity.
Damon’s role as Private Ryan resonates with audiences, highlighting his remarkable talent for portraying complex and emotional characters. “Saving Private Ryan” had a profound impact, redefining the war genre and earning critical acclaim for its realistic depiction of combat.
More BuddyTV Movie Suggestions
Visit BuddyTV for more listicles about your favorite actors, such as Macaulay Culkin and Jared Leto.
Senior Writer, BuddyTV
Professional SEO writer & editor with 8+ years of print journalism and writing experience across different platforms — blogs, website, eBooks and social media. His writing experience also cuts across industries like IT, fashion, education management, real estate, consulting and entertainment.
