The Best Matthew McConaughey Movies, Ranked

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Updated May 1, 2024 272.8K views 50 items
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The best movies starring Matthew McConaughey.

Over 2,000 movie fans have voted to shape these rankings of Matthew McConaughey's greatest roles. From iconic romantic comedies like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and The Wedding Planner, to award-winning dramas such as Dallas Buyers Club and Mud, McConaughey has consistently delivered powerful performances throughout his career. In recent years he's also become known for his compellingly offbeat turns in films such as Killer Joe.

Matthew McConaughey is one of Hollywood’s most enduring leading men – an actor who has shifted effortlessly between different genres while maintaining an unmistakable style that sets him apart from the pack. Whether playing a down-on-his-luck gambler living on the edge, or a Texas dreamer searching for success, each of his performances adds something special to every role he takes on.

These are some of the best movies featuring Matthew McConaughey that fans love. Do you agree with this list? Vote up your favorites so we can see which movies really stand out for our readers.

Most divisive: Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation
Over 3.0K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Matthew McConaughey Movies, Ranked
  • The Lincoln Lawyer
    1

    The Lincoln Lawyer

    Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe
    718 votes
    Mick Haller (Matthew McConaughey) is a charismatic defense attorney who does business out of his Lincoln Continental sedan. Mick spends most of his time defending petty crooks and other bottom-feeders, so it comes as quite a surprise when he lands the case of a lifetime: defending a Beverly Hills playboy (Ryan Phillippe) who is accused of attempted murder. However, what Mick initially thinks is an open-and-shut case with a big monetary reward develops into something more sinister.
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  • A Time to Kill
    2

    A Time to Kill

    Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson, Matthew McConaughey
    766 votes

    For more like this, check out our Sandra Bullock movies list.

    In the heart of Mississippi, A Time to Kill unfolds, a legal drama with a backdrop of racial tension. Young attorney Jake Brigance (Matthew McConaughey) takes on a daunting case defending Carl Lee Hailey (Samuel L. Jackson), a black man accused of taking law into his own hands after an unspeakable crime against his daughter. With Ellen Roark (Sandra Bullock) offering her help, they navigate the deeply divided town. The movie, directed by Joel Schumacher, is an adaptation of John Grisham's first novel and won Samuel L. Jackson the Best Actor award at the NAACP Image Awards.
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  • Dallas Buyers Club
    3

    Dallas Buyers Club

    Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto
    298 votes
    In the gripping drama Dallas Buyers Club, we follow the life of Ron Woodroof (Matthew McConaughey), a hard-living Texan diagnosed with HIV. Struggling against the medical establishment, he establishes an operation to smuggle unapproved treatments into the US. Aiding him is Rayon (Jared Leto), a transgender woman also battling the disease. Their unconventional methods and dogged determination bring hope to those left in the margins. The film, which won Oscars for both McConaughey and Leto, presents a raw portrait of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
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  • We Are Marshall
    4

    We Are Marshall

    Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox, Ian McShane
    551 votes
    In We Are Marshall, tragedy strikes the small town of Huntington, West Virginia when a plane crash claims the lives of 75 members of the Marshall University football team. New coach Jack Lengyel (Matthew McConaughey) is brought in to rebuild the decimated program. With assistant coach Red Dawson (Matthew Fox), they face an uphill battle as they attempt to unite a grieving community and bring glory back to Marshall University. This sports drama, directed by McG, is a tale of resilience and revival, steeped in the raw realities of loss and determination.
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  • Interstellar
    5

    Interstellar

    Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain
    388 votes
    In Interstellar, humanity's survival hangs in the balance. Former NASA pilot Joseph Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) is tasked with navigating the cosmos to find a new home for mankind. Astronaut Amelia Brand (Anne Hathaway) accompanies him on this perilous journey through wormholes and across galaxies. Directed by Christopher Nolan, this sci-fi epic won an Academy Award for its stunning visual effects. A tale of exploration and sacrifice, it underlines the power of love as a force transcending space and time.
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  • Mud
    6

    Mud

    Matthew McConaughey, Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland
    568 votes
    While exploring a Mississippi River island, Arkansas boys Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland) encounter Mud (Matthew McConaughey),a fugitive who needs their help. Though Mud killed a man in Texas and has bounty hunters on his trail, he is most concerned about reuniting with Juniper (Reese Witherspoon), the love of his life. Ellis, who is suffering the pangs of his first crush, agrees to help Mud. He and Neckbone do all they can to protect Mud and help him reunite with Juniper.
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  • How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
    7

    How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

    Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey, Adam Goldberg
    684 votes
    In How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) and Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey) partake in a high-stakes, romantic game of cat and mouse. As an ambitious journalist, Andie is tasked with crafting an article on driving men away. Enter advertising executive Ben, who bets he can make any woman fall in love with him. Their paths intersect and chaos ensues as both are unknowingly working at cross purposes. This romantic comedy, set against the backdrop of vibrant New York City, offers a delightful concoction of humor, romance, and life's unexpected turns.
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  • Contact
    8

    Contact

    Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey, James Woods
    381 votes
    In Contact, Dr. Eleanor Arroway (Jodie Foster) is a dedicated scientist, steadfast in her search for extraterrestrial intelligence. She toils away at the SETI program, scouring the cosmos for signs of life. Her relentless pursuit finally pays off when she intercepts a mysterious message from outer space. Matthew McConaughey stars as Palmer Joss, a spiritual man who challenges Arroway's scientific worldview. As Arroway deciphers the enigmatic communique, she embarks on an extraordinary journey that tests her faith in science and humanity. This gripping sci-fi drama directed by Robert Zemeckis was nominated for multiple awards including an Academy Award for Best Sound.
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  • Serenity
    9

    Serenity

    Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jason Clarke
    503 votes
    Baker Dill is a fishing boat captain who leads tours off of the tranquil enclave of Plymouth Island. His peaceful life is soon shattered when his ex-wife Karen tracks him down. Desperate for help, Karen begs Baker to save her -- and their young son -- from her abusive husband. She wants him to take the brute out for a fishing excursion -- then throw him overboard to the sharks. Thrust back into a life that he wanted to forget, Baker now finds himself struggling to choose between right and wrong.
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  • Frailty
    10

    Frailty

    Bill Paxton, Matthew McConaughey, Powers Boothe
    312 votes
    In Frailty, a chilling tale of suspense and intrigue unfolds. The movie centers around the Meiks family, headed by the father (Bill Paxton) who believes he has been chosen by God to destroy demons disguised as people. His sons, Fenton (Matthew McConaughey) and Adam (Jeremy Sumpter), are drawn into this terrifying crusade. The story takes a darker turn when the line between divine mission and insanity blurs. This gripping thriller delves deep into the human psyche, exploring faith, morality and the gray area in between. With its unique storyline and compelling performances, Frailty is an unforgettable cinematic experience.
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  • Dazed and Confused
    11

    Dazed and Confused

    Jason London, Wiley Wiggins, Sasha Jenson
    537 votes
    Dazed and Confused is a coming-of-age comedy film that paints an authentic picture of American teenage life in the 70s. Set in Austin, Texas, on the last day of high school in 1976, this Richard Linklater-directed film showcases a host of characters. Randall Pink Floyd (Jason London) is a star quarterback facing the dilemma of signing a no-drug pledge, while freshman Mitch Kramer (Wiley Wiggins) endures hazing rituals. The movie, punctuated by an iconic rock soundtrack, captures the carefree spirit and uncertainty that mark the threshold of adulthood. It's a nostalgic romp through teen angst, party culture, and youthful rebellion - all rolled into one unforgettable summer night.
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  • Amistad
    12

    Amistad

    Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, Matthew McConaughey
    293 votes
    In the historical drama Amistad, Steven Spielberg transports us to 1839. The film revolves around a mutiny aboard La Amistad, a slave ship traveling towards America. Cinqué (Djimon Hounsou), a Mende tribesman, leads the revolt. The uprising sets in motion a court case that challenges the very foundation of American legal system and questions the country's stance on slavery. The movie also showcases notable performances by Anthony Hopkins, portraying former President John Quincy Adams, and Matthew McConaughey as the idealistic lawyer Roger Sherman Baldwin. Garnering multiple award nominations, Amistad weaves together threads of law, freedom, and humanity in an unforgettable narrative.
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  • The Wolf of Wall Street
    13

    The Wolf of Wall Street

    Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie
    208 votes
    In the riveting film The Wolf of Wall Street, we follow the life of Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), a Wall Street stockbroker. Driven by ambition, he plunges headfirst into a world of greed and excess. His right-hand man, Donnie Azoff (Jonah Hill), aids him in his unscrupulous endeavors. The movie, directed by Martin Scorsese, showcases their rise to immense wealth and subsequent fall into crime and corruption. It's a tale fraught with fraud, manipulation, and the relentless pursuit of power. This critically acclaimed drama won multiple awards for its exceptional storytelling and stellar performances.
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  • Fool's Gold
    14

    Fool's Gold

    Matthew McConaughey, Kate Hudson, Donald Sutherland
    460 votes
    Treasure hunter Ben "Finn" Finnegan (Matthew McConaughey) has sunk his marriage to Tess (Kate Hudson) and his trusty boat in his obsessive quest to find the legendary Queen's Dowry. When he finds a vital clue that may finally pinpoint the treasure's whereabouts, he drags Tess and her boss, billionaire Nigel Honeycutt, along on the hunt. But Finn is not the only one interested in the gold; his former mentor-turned-enemy Moe Fitch (Ray Winstone) will stop at nothing to beat him to it.
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  • Sahara
    15

    Sahara

    Matthew McConaughey, Steve Zahn, Penélope Cruz
    424 votes
    Seasoned adventurer Dirk Pitt (Matthew McConaughey) sets out for the African desert with his sarcastic companion (Steve Zahn) in search of a ship rumored to have vanished long ago, the main draw being the treasure supposedly hidden within the lost vessel. When the daring duo come across a beautiful scientist (Penélope Cruz) who is juggling an escape from a warlord and a mission to stop the spread of a powerful plague, their desert expedition begins to heat up.
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  • Angels in the Outfield
    16

    Angels in the Outfield

    Danny Glover, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tony Danza
    298 votes
    Angels in the Outfield is a heartwarming blend of sports and fantasy genres. The film centers on foster kid Roger (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who prays to the heavens for his abysmal local baseball team, the California Angels, to turn their luck around. Surprisingly, real angels led by Al (Christopher Lloyd), respond to his plea. As the celestial beings start meddling in games, the team's cynical manager George Knox (Danny Glover) is forced to reevaluate his beliefs. This quirky tale of faith and miracles combines humor with a touch of magical realism, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.
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  • U-571
    17

    U-571

    Matthew McConaughey, Bill Paxton, Harvey Keitel
    303 votes
    When a German U-571 submarine with a sophisticated encryption machine onboard is sunk during a World War II battle at sea, the Allies send an American Navy force led by Lieutenant Andrew Tyler (Matthew McConaughey) to retrieve it for study. Boarding the German ship, the Americans' cover as a rescue force is quickly blown. Forced to take the crew hostage, the Americans lay their explosives and prepare to destroy the German vessel before the Nazis can send naval backup.
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  • Free State of Jones
    18

    Free State of Jones

    Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali
    152 votes
    In 1863, Mississippi farmer Newt Knight serves as a medic for the Confederate Army. Opposed to slavery, Knight would rather help the wounded than fight the Union. After his nephew dies in battle, Newt returns home to Jones County to safeguard his family but is soon branded an outlaw deserter. Forced to flee, he finds refuge with a group of runaway slaves hiding out in the swamps. Forging an alliance with the slaves and other farmers, Knight leads a rebellion that would forever change history.
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  • The Wedding Planner
    19

    The Wedding Planner

    Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras
    541 votes
    In the bustling city of San Francisco, The Wedding Planner unfolds a captivating tale. Mary Fiore (Jennifer Lopez), a committed professional wedding planner, orchestrates lavish ceremonies for others, while her love life remains a blank page. A twist of fate introduces her to Dr. Steve Edison (Matthew McConaughey), who she mistakenly believes is engaged to another woman. The film spins an engaging web of mistaken identities, unspoken feelings, and conflicting obligations. A romantic comedy at its core, The Wedding Planner offers a delightful blend of humor and heartwarming moments, challenging the characters to find love in unexpected places.
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  • Failure to Launch
    20

    Failure to Launch

    Matthew McConaughey, Sarah Jessica Parker, Zooey Deschanel
    490 votes
    A young man (Matthew McConaughey) continues to live at the home of parents who, in desperation to push him out of the nest once and for all, hatch a plan. They hire a beautiful woman (Sarah Jessica Parker) to entice him to assume the mantle of responsibility and get his own place.
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  • Reign of Fire
    21

    Reign of Fire

    Christian Bale, Matthew McConaughey, Izabella Scorupco
    282 votes
    In the post-apocalyptic film Reign of Fire, Quinn Abercromby (Christian Bale) leads a band of survivors in London, striving to exist amidst the devastation wrought by dragons. These fire-breathing beasts, awakened from centuries-long slumber, have scorched the earth, leaving humanity on the brink of extinction. Enter Denton Van Zan (Matthew McConaughey), an audacious American with a daring plan to eradicate the dragon menace. This gripping tale marries fantasy and action genres, offering viewers a thrilling ride through a dystopian world where survival hinges not just on courage, but also cunning strategy against an ancient adversary.
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  • The Paperboy
    22

    The Paperboy

    Nicole Kidman, Matthew McConaughey, Zac Efron
    190 votes
    The Paperboy is a 2012 American thriller film starring Matthew McConaughey, Zac Efron, John Cusack, and Nicole Kidman. Directed by Lee Daniels, it is based on the 1995 novel The Paperboy by American author Pete Dexter. The film competed for the Palme d'Or at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.
  • Tropic Thunder
    23

    Tropic Thunder

    Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey
    327 votes
    In Tropic Thunder, a comedic action-packed spectacle, a group of self-absorbed actors find themselves in over their heads while shooting a big-budget war movie. Leading man Tugg Speedman (Ben Stiller) joins forces with five-time Academy Award-winning Australian method actor Kirk Lazarus (Robert Downey Jr.), action star Jeff Portnoy (Jack Black), and other eccentric cast members. However, the line between fiction and reality blurs as they're unwittingly thrown into real-life combat. Directed by Ben Stiller, this film is a satirical jab at Hollywood's sometimes absurd inner workings and the pretentiousness that often accompanies stardom.
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  • Lone Star
    24

    Lone Star

    Chris Cooper, Elizabeth Peña, Joe Morton
    199 votes
    In the Texas border town of Frontera, Sheriff Sam Deeds (Chris Cooper) digs up the past when he finds an old skull in the desert. As he traces the murder of Sheriff Charlie Wade (Kris Kristofferson) 40 years earlier, Deeds' investigation points toward his late father, the much-loved Deputy Buddy Deeds. Ignoring warnings not to delve any deeper, Sam rekindles a romance with his high school sweetheart while bringing up old tensions in the town and exposing secrets long put to rest.
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  • Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
    25

    Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

    Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Michael Douglas
    377 votes
    Celebrity photographer Connor Mead (Matthew McConaughey) lives life in the fast lane, committed to bachelorhood and simultaneous relationships with multiple women. On the eve of his brother's wedding, Connor receives a visit from the spirits of his jilted lovers, who take him on an odyssey through his many failed relationships to try to find out what made him such a cad -- and if there is any hope of Connor finding true love.
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  • Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
    26

    Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

    Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Amy Adams
    260 votes
    In Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) is back, now as a successful inventor and entrepreneur. The exhibits at his old workplace, the Natural History Museum, are being shipped to federal storage at the Smithsonian Institution. Amidst this change, the magical Egyptian tablet that brings museum exhibits to life gets misplaced. This leads to an all-out battle between good and evil exhibits in the world's largest museum complex. With his old friends like Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams), Sacagawea (Mizuo Peck), and new ones such as Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams), Larry must save the day once again. This adventure comedy sequel is a rollercoaster ride packed with humor, history, and action.
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  • Bernie
    27

    Bernie

    Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine, Matthew McConaughey
    186 votes
    Assistant funeral director Bernie Tiede (Jack Black) is one of the most-beloved residents in the small Texas town of Carthage. Sunday-school teacher, choir member and creator of spectacular funerals, Bernie is a friend to everyone, including Marjorie Nugent (Shirley MacLaine), a rich but nasty widow whom no one else likes. When Marjorie is found shot to death and stuffed in a freezer, Bernie is charged with the murder, and concerned Carthage citizens immediately spring to his defense.
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  • Boys on the Side
    28

    Boys on the Side

    Whoopi Goldberg, Mary-Louise Parker, Drew Barrymore
    163 votes
    After breaking up with her girlfriend, a nightclub singer, Jane (Whoopi Goldberg), answers a personal ad from Robin (Mary-Louise Parker), a real estate agent with AIDS, seeking a cross-country travel partner. On their journey from New York City to Los Angeles, the two stop by Pittsburgh to pick up Robin's friend Holly (Drew Barrymore), who is trying to escape an abusive relationship. With three distinct personalities, the women must overcome their differences to help one another.
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  • Two for the Money
    29

    Two for the Money

    Al Pacino, Matthew McConaughey, Rene Russo
    222 votes
    A former college athlete (Matthew McConaughey) joins forces with a sports consultant (Al Pacino) to handicap football games for high-rolling gamblers.
  • The Gentlemen
    30

    The Gentlemen

    Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Michelle Dockery
    109 votes
    Mickey Pearson is an American expatriate who became rich by building a highly profitable marijuana empire in London. When word gets out that he's looking to cash out of the business, it soon triggers an array of plots and schemes -- including bribery and blackmail -- from shady characters who want to steal his domain.
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