Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s best movies ranked and number one will surprise you
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have been friends since childhood and have worked together on at least 15 projects, both as co-stars and producers
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon stand as two of Hollywood's most legendary creative partners, appearing in and co-writing everything from sweeping historical dramas to side-splitting comedies.
The duo is preparing to team up once more for the upcoming thriller The Rip, helmed by The Grey director Joe Carnahan and centering on a police operation that descends into mayhem when millions in cash are discovered at a hideout.
Featuring an impressive ensemble cast including Steven Yeun and Kyle Chandler, it ranks among Netflix's most eagerly awaited new releases and will debut on the streaming service this coming January.
Affleck and Damon have joined forces on no fewer than 15 projects throughout their careers, serving as both performers and producers.
From their earliest Hollywood appearances to their most recent blockbuster successes, here are five of their finest films ranked, reports the Mirror.
Field of Dreams
Though the duo doesn't take on significant parts in this cherished baseball masterpiece, this touching fantasy-drama starring Kevin Costner is simply too legendary to overlook.
It also represents their debut on-screen partnership. While countless viewers may not have noticed, Affleck and Damon actually appear among a gathering of 3,000 background performers during a sequence shot at Fenway Park.
One five-star Google review described it as "one of the most inspirational movies of all time, and it tells an incredible story for those who all dare to dream."
And another wrote: "This movie is so poignant it's almost heartbreaking. Beautiful story of missed opportunities and unfulfilled dreams and this chance to make it right. Everyone is great."
Field of Dreams is available to stream on MGM+ via Prime Video.
Good Will Hunting
A passion project that took years to develop, Good Will Hunting originally started as a thriller when Damon penned it during a playwriting course at Harvard University.
He subsequently transformed it into a screenplay with assistance from his longtime pal Affleck, reshaping the narrative into an uplifting story about a brilliant student forming a bond with his MIT instructor, Dr. Sean Maguire, portrayed masterfully by Robin Williams.
One glowing review described it as "a thought-provoking emotional film on so many levels".
And another declared: "Good Will Hunting is an absolute masterpiece."
Good Will Hunting is available to stream on MGM+ via Prime Video.
Dogma
Throughout their early Hollywood careers, Affleck and Damon regularly worked with Clerks filmmaker Kevin Smith, featuring in multiple of his biggest productions.
Perhaps the most unforgettable of these quirky independent comedies is Dogma, an uproarious religious parody about two banished angels attempting to get back to Heaven that sparked massive outrage for mocking the Catholic church.
The criticism persists to this day, with one review from this year fuming: "It wasn't a comedy, it's purely vile aggression to all things Holy.
"Anyone with half a brain in their head would do well to avoid this garbage at all costs."
Air
Following their breakthrough success in the 2000s, Damon and Affleck reduced their joint ventures as they pursued individual endeavors like the Bourne series and the gripping thriller Gone Girl.
Fortunately for admirers, they've already come together several times in the 2020s leading up to The Rip, including in the biographical sports drama Air, which explores the genesis of Nike's Air Jordan sneaker line that rescued the corporation.
Affleck helmed the movie while also playing Nike co-founder Phil Knight, as Damon takes on the role of marketing executive Sonny Vaccaro.
Numerous admirers have commended the nostalgic atmosphere of the 1980s-set drama, with one supporter noting it "really captured the sports and cultural atmosphere of America in 1984.
"It's a clever, laid back, enjoyable dramedy that had me laughing and smiling the whole way through," they continued. "This is one you should definitely check out."
Air is available to stream on Prime Video.
The Last Duel
Likely Affleck and Damon's darkest collaboration, The Last Duel might also represent their finest work.
Launched in 2021, this Ridley Scott-helmed historical saga showcases Damon as a knight in medieval France who confronts his former companion Jacques le Gris (Adam Driver) in a savage battle to the death after his spouse Marguerite (Jodie Comer) alleges Jacques attacked her.
Affleck and Damon penned the screenplay alongside Nicole Holofcener, with Affleck assuming the part of the ruthless Count Pierre d'Alençon. One glowing five-star review showered The Last Duel with accolades: "This is wonderful! Best historical/action film for a decade. A must see."
Another reviewer hailed it as superior to Scott's historical magnum opus Gladiator, adding "The Last Duel is a thrilling cinematic spectacle.
"A gripping exercise in perspective/POV's, and fascinating story which is based on a true medieval epic. Can't believe Ridley Scott directed this ambitious project at the age of 83."
The Last Duel is available to stream on Disney+. The Rip will be released 16th January on Netflix.