Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most magnetic figures in cinema history. Decades after her untimely death, her films continue to enchant audiences with their charm, humor, vulnerability, and star power. While she was often typecast as the “blonde bombshell,” Monroe proved again and again that she possessed genuine acting depth, impeccable comic timing, and an emotional sensitivity rarely acknowledged during her lifetime.
In this article, we rank the best Marilyn Monroe movies, evaluating them based on critical acclaim, cultural impact, performance strength, and lasting popularity.
Marilyn Monroe Movies Ranked from Best to Classic
1. Some Like It Hot (1959) — The Undisputed Masterpiece
Role: Sugar Kane Kowalczyk
Director: Billy Wilder
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Widely considered not only Marilyn Monroe’s best film but also one of the greatest comedies ever made, Some Like It Hot showcases Monroe at her absolute peak.
Her portrayal of Sugar Kane is warm, hilarious, heartbreakingly sincere, and irresistibly charming. She balances comedy with emotional depth, delivering iconic lines while revealing the fragility beneath her glamorous exterior.
Why it ranks #1:
- Perfect comic timing
- Emotional vulnerability
- Immense cultural and critical acclaim
- Timeless rewatch value
Iconic line: “I’m not very bright, but I know what I want.”
2. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) — Pop Culture Immortality
Role: Lorelei Lee
Director: Howard Hawks
Genre: Musical Romantic Comedy
This film cemented Marilyn Monroe as a global sex symbol and pop-culture legend. Her performance as Lorelei Lee is deceptively smart—behind the glamorous persona lies a woman fully aware of her power.
The legendary musical number “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” became one of the most recreated scenes in film history.
Why it ranks high:
- Iconic fashion and musical sequences
- Sharp comedic intelligence
- Immense influence on pop culture
3. The Seven Year Itch (1955) — The Image That Defined an Era
Role: The Girl
Director: Billy Wilder
Genre: Romantic Comedy
This film gave the world the most famous image of Marilyn Monroe: the white dress billowing over a subway grate. But beyond the image lies a performance filled with innocence, humor, and subtle emotional intelligence.
Monroe’s unnamed character is playful yet perceptive, challenging the male protagonist’s fantasies without malice.
Why it stands out:
- One of the most iconic moments in film history
- Marilyn’s natural charm at full force
- Cultural symbolism beyond cinema
4. Bus Stop (1956) — Proof of Her Dramatic Talent
Role: Chérie
Director: Joshua Logan
Genre: Drama
Often overlooked by casual fans, Bus Stop is one of Marilyn Monroe’s most serious and respected performances. Playing a vulnerable nightclub singer trapped in an uncomfortable relationship, Monroe sheds glamour for raw emotion.
This role silenced critics who claimed she lacked acting ability.
Why it matters:
- Demonstrates her dramatic range
- Emotionally complex character
- Critical respect for her acting depth
5. The Misfits (1961) — A Haunting Farewell
Role: Roslyn Taber
Director: John Huston
Genre: Drama
Written by Arthur Miller (her then-husband), The Misfits is Marilyn Monroe’s final completed film—and perhaps her most haunting.
Her performance feels painfully personal, mirroring her real-life loneliness and emotional struggles. The film carries an almost prophetic weight, making it deeply moving to watch.
Why it ranks high:
- Emotionally raw and authentic
- Powerful final screen presence
- Significant historical importance
6. How to Marry a Millionaire (1953) — Glamour and Comedy Combined
Role: Pola Debevoise
Director: Jean Negulesco
Genre: Romantic Comedy
In this colorful comedy, Monroe plays a near-sighted model whose glasses become a running gag. Her physical comedy and innocence steal scenes, even among a strong ensemble cast.
Why it’s memorable:
- Lighthearted fun
- Strong comedic performance
- Stylish 1950s charm
7. Niagara (1953) — A Dark Turn
Role: Rose Loomis
Director: Henry Hathaway
Genre: Film Noir / Thriller
Niagara presented Marilyn Monroe in a darker, more dangerous role. Unlike her usual bubbly characters, Rose Loomis is seductive, manipulative, and morally ambiguous.
This film proved Monroe could thrive outside comedy.
Why it’s important:
- Rare noir performance
- Bold, sensual presence
- Expanded her on-screen persona
8. River of No Return (1954) — Classic Adventure Romance
Role: Kay Weston
Director: Otto Preminger
Genre: Western / Adventure
Set against rugged landscapes, this film paired Monroe with Robert Mitchum. While not her strongest acting showcase, her musical performances and screen presence elevate the film.
Why it’s worth watching:
- Scenic visuals
- Strong chemistry
- Classic Hollywood appeal
Final Ranking Summary
| Rank | Movie Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Some Like It Hot | 1959 |
| 2 | Gentlemen Prefer Blondes | 1953 |
| 3 | The Seven Year Itch | 1955 |
| 4 | Bus Stop | 1956 |
| 5 | The Misfits | 1961 |
| 6 | How to Marry a Millionaire | 1953 |
| 7 | Niagara | 1953 |
| 8 | River of No Return | 1954 |
Why Marilyn Monroe’s Films Still Matter
Marilyn Monroe was more than a symbol—she was a performer of rare emotional honesty. Her movies reflect the tension between public image and private pain, making them endlessly fascinating to modern audiences.
Even today, filmmakers, actors, and fashion icons draw inspiration from her work, proving that her legacy is not frozen in the past—it continues to evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marilyn Monroe Movies
What is considered Marilyn Monroe’s best movie?
Some Like It Hot (1959) is widely considered Marilyn Monroe’s best movie due to her outstanding comedic performance, critical acclaim, and the film’s lasting cultural impact.
How many movies did Marilyn Monroe make?
Marilyn Monroe appeared in over 30 films during her career, including leading roles, supporting performances, and a few uncredited appearances early in her career.
Which Marilyn Monroe movie made her famous?
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) played a major role in making Marilyn Monroe a global star and established her iconic blonde bombshell image.
Did Marilyn Monroe win any major acting awards?
While Marilyn Monroe never won an Academy Award, she received a Golden Globe for her performance in Some Like It Hot, which remains one of her most celebrated achievements.
What was Marilyn Monroe’s last completed movie?
The Misfits (1961) was Marilyn Monroe’s final completed film and is often regarded as one of her most emotional and personal performances.
Are Marilyn Monroe movies still popular today?
Yes, Marilyn Monroe movies remain highly popular due to their timeless storytelling, classic Hollywood charm, and her enduring influence on film and pop culture.
Which Marilyn Monroe movie shows her serious acting skills?
Bus Stop (1956) is often cited as the film that best demonstrates Marilyn Monroe’s dramatic acting ability and emotional depth.
Why are Marilyn Monroe movies considered classics?
Marilyn Monroe movies are considered classics because of her unique screen presence, memorable performances, cultural significance, and lasting influence on cinema.
