After making his mainstream debut on the hit television dramaER,George Clooney’s career skyrocketed the actor to the highest heights of fame. Throughout his 40-plus-year career, Clooney has played some iconic roles in some truly spectacular as well as not-so-great movies (we can forgive him for Batman and Robin). He has also shown a profound talent for writing and directing, as several entries on this list feature him wearing several hats.
When it comes to acting, Clooney has dazzled and delighted in several genres throughout his career. From comedies to thrillers, to dramas. His charm and charisma are contagious and helps to elevate all other performers around him. Having been a household name in Hollywood for decades, we wanted to revisit some of the actors’ best performances and what makes them truly great.
10Three Kings (1999)
Three Kings
Three Kings, a 1999 film directed by David O. Russell, received universal acclaim upon its release. It tells the unique story of three American soldiers attempting a gold heist during the uprising in Iraq following the Gulf War, a time period not often covered in cinema.
What Makes It Great
Three Kingsbenefits from the brilliant writing of David O. Russell and his unique use of dark comedy found throughout his films. Complete with top performances by Ice Cube, Mark Wahlberg, and, of course, George Clooney. The actor gives one of his best performances just as he is coming into his own as an actor in feature films. A perfect blend of comedy, action, and drama,Three Kingsbrings it all together to be a great addition to Clooney’s resume.
Rent on Amazon
9Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Ocean’s Eleven
Ocean’s Eleventells the story of Danny Ocean, a professional thief, as he attempts to recruit a team to rob the illustrious casino owner Terry Benedict. A remake of the 1960 film starring Rat Pack members, Frank Sinatra, Sammy David Jr., and Dean Martin. Director Steven Soderbergh puts his own shiny spin on the story, bringing in heavyweight actors like George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon.
Few movies are as downright entertaining and engaging asOcean’s Eleven. Featuring a who’s who cast, the fast-paced heist crime thriller is sure to delight movie fans, whether it is their first viewing or tenth re-watch. Led by the ultra-stylish and cool Danny Ocean, played by George Clooney, the movie has become synonymous with the actor, helping to make it one ofthe best films of 2001.
8Gravity (2013)
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Gravitytells the story of two astronauts stranded in space and attempting to get home after the destruction of their space station. Influenced heavily by director Alfonso Cuarón’s curiosity for space, this claustrophobic movie makes even its A-list actors feel small when placed in its epic scale.
What Makes it Great
The Academy Award-nominated filmGravityis a truly epic and beautifully shot film by Alfonso Cuarón, a filmmaker who hasno shortage of phenomenal filmsto his resume. A large portion of the movie’s high quality is due to the dramatic performances given by its leads, Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. While the latter is not in the film as long as the former (spoiler alert), the chemistry between the two actors is fantastic. The fact that Clooney and Bullock were able to give all-time performances by playing off of one another is a testament to their talents.
Rent on Apple TV
7Up in the Air (2009)
Up In The Air
Up in the Airis a fascinating character study that challenges the routine of its lead by introducing a love interest that changes everything in his life. Director Jason Reitman leads George Clooney in this slow-burn dramedy.
George Clooney’s performance in the 2009 dramaUp in the Airearned the actor his second Academy Award nomination for acting, a nomination rightfully earned by his portrayal of the charming and charismatic business person, Ryan Bingham. A role that only Clooney could seemingly pull off with the suave nature of the actor himself.
Stream on Netflix
6Out of Sight (1998)
Out of Sight
Out of Sightmarks George Clooney’s first collaboration with director Steven Soderbergh in a comedy-crime film. It tells the twisted love story of an escaped bank robber and the law officer he has kidnapped in the process. The film was partially brought to life by veteran actor Danny DeVito, who obtained the rights to the novel of the same name. DeVito would also serve as a producer on the film.
Renowned film critic Roger Ebert said of George Clooney inOut of Sight, that he “has never been better” and described the performance as Clooney finally arriving as a big screen star. Thanks in part to the brilliant direction of Steven Soderbergh, Clooney is able to flex all of his acting chops in this crime caper and again proves that the dark comedy is one genre that is tailor-made for the actor.
Stream on Peacock
5Michael Clayton (2007)
Michael Clayton
Michael Claytonis a legal thriller that finds George Clooney in the titular role as he uncovers a cover-up by one of his law firm’s clients. Every aspect of the film was received with praise, including the score, which even earned an Academy Award nomination.
Michael Claytonwould earn George Clooney his first acting Academy Award nomination and remains one of the actor’s best performances to this date and is considered to be one ofthe best movies of 2007. Starring alongside heavyweights Tom Wilkinson and Tilda Swinton. Clooney gives a near-flawless performance, and is in full command of his craft in this legal thriller.
4Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)
Good Night, And Good Luck.
The important story of Edward R. Murrow taking on Joseph McCarthy is encapsulated perfectly in the filmGood Night, and Good Luck. George Clooney not only stars in the film, but also directed and penned the screenplay for the film.
While most of the praise put on George Clooney forGood Night, and Good Luckis placed on his writing and direction. The actor also gives one of his best performances as he plays the former President of CBS Fed Friendly. A man who played a pivotal role in the career of Edward R. Murrow and his conflict with infamous U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy.
3Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
The Fantastic Mr. Fox
Fantastic Mr. Foxtells the tail (see what we did there?) of a fox and his family and what consequences come upon them due to the selfishness of said Mr. Fox. The story was written by author Roald Dahl, and brought to life in stop-motion animation by Wes Anderson.
Voice acting is not often given the credit and recognition it deserves as much as live-action performances. So much emotion can be conveyed through voice acting, as is evident by George Clooney’s performance inthe first of twoof Wes Anderson’s animated films,Fantastic Mr. Fox. Playing a husband and a father who puts himself and his friends and family in danger because of a string of thefts. Eventually learning that it is his family that is his number one priority, Clooney, as Mr. Fox, gives an all-time performance with just his voice.
Stream on Max
2The Ides of March (2011)
The Ides of March
The Ides of Marchbrought moviegoers another masterfully directed and written film by George Clooney. The story focuses on the dark and dirty side of politics, while shining a light on the real-life implications of running a political campaign.
George Clooney, the actor, possesses the charisma seen from politicians throughout the years so suspending disbelief when he takes on the role of an incumbent Governor inThe Ides of Marchis not a stretch. While the film overall has beats similar to other political dramas, it really is the performances given by Clooney, Ryan Gosling, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman, that allows the movie to stand out and receive the critical praise it has received since its release.
1The Descendants (2011)
The Descendants
Two-time Academy Award winner for Best Director, Alexander Payne has a remarkable talent for presenting dramas that shine a light on the everyday lives of ordinary people.The Descendentsis perhaps his best work to date. The film would earn spots on several “Best Of” lists for films in 2011.
Clooney’s third and final (at least thus far) acting Academy Award nomination came for his performance inThe Descendantsas Matt King, an average attorney who is in charge of his family’s trust, which includes 25,000 acres of land on a Hawaiian island. The film revolves around the struggles that King has with his children and extended family. Clooney’s tender and beautiful approach to acting in this role makes this the most memorable and highest-quality performance of his career.
