Matt Damon is a versatile actor with a diverse range of films to his name. While he may be best known for his role in The Odyssey, a film that has taken the world by storm, there are plenty of other movies by Damon that are worth watching. In this article, I will explore some of the best Matt Damon movies that are available to stream, and offer my personal commentary on why they are worth watching.
The Martian (2015)
If you can't make it to the theater to see The Odyssey, then I suggest you check out The Martian. This sci-fi film is a smart and engaging watch, with Damon delivering a down-to-earth performance as Dr. Mark Watney, a botanist and astronaut who is left behind on Mars after a NASA mission goes wrong. What makes this film particularly fascinating is the way it explores the human spirit in the face of adversity. Damon's character is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and the film is a reminder that even in the most challenging circumstances, there is always hope for the future.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
It's always a good time to re-watch Good Will Hunting, the Oscar-winning drama that launched both Damon's and Ben Affleck's careers. Damon delivers an iconic performance as Will Hunting, the lower-class janitor/secret math genius who solves an impossible equation left up on an MIT whiteboard. The father-son chemistry between Damon and the late, great Robin Williams is rightly earned its place among cinema history. This film is a timeless classic, and it's easy to see why it has resonated with audiences for so long.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
After making a name for himself with Good Will Hunting, Damon stepped into the shoes of the fictional American con artist Tom Ripley, based on the 1955 novel The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith. The chemistry between Damon and Jude Law in this film is off the charts, and the all-star cast includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. This film is a thrilling and engaging watch, and it's easy to see why it has become a classic in its own right.
Ocean's Eleven (2001)
George Clooney might be the face of the Oceans franchise, but Matt Damon's Linus Caldwell is a key member of the heist team. The first movie is streaming on Peacock, and it's a guaranteed good time! This film is a fun and engaging watch, with a stellar cast and a clever plot. Damon's character is a skilled pickpocket, and his interactions with the other characters are a highlight of the film.
The Departed (2006)
If you're a fan of both Matt Damon and celebrated filmmaker Martin Scorsese, then The Departed is a must-watch. The film follows Irish Mob boss Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson) and the young mole (Matt Damon) he's groomed to infiltrate the Massachusetts State Police. From the all-star cast to the gritty, real aesthetic, The Departed is everything you want from a Martin Scorsese picture. This film is a thrilling and engaging watch, and it's easy to see why it has become a classic in its own right.
Contagion (2011)
Now that it’s been six years since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, maybe you can watch Contagion and actually enjoy it as an entertaining disaster flick, sans panic attack. The film is directed by Steven Soderbergh, who often collaborates with Damon on films like Ocean’s Eleven and The Informant. In Contagion, Damon stars as an everyday guy whose wife and son are early victims of a deadly disease taking over the world. This film is a thought-provoking watch, and it's easy to see why it has become a classic in its own right.
The Rip (2026)
This recent Netflix original is the first proper, on-screen Matt-Damon-and-Ben-Affleck team-up in years. For that reason alone, the movie is worth a watch, even if it’s not amazing. Written and directed by Joe Carnahan, The Rip stars Damon and Affleck as two Miami cops who discover a large stash of cash in a cartel house. They know they don’t have much time before somebody shows up to get back the money. But unfortunately, in Miami, protocol dictates that police officers must count any seized cash on site. So, the team gets to work on counting the cash, while knowing the bad guys are closing in. This film is a fun and engaging watch, and it's easy to see why it has become a classic in its own right.
In conclusion, Matt Damon has a diverse range of films to his name, and these are just a few of the best. Whether you're in the mood for a sci-fi adventure, a classic drama, or a thrilling crime film, there is something for everyone in this list. So, if you're looking for a movie to watch, why not give one of these films a try?
