The 30+ Best George Clooney Movies

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Updated October 12, 2023 116.1K views 34 items
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With over 1,500 votes cast by movie fans, this list of the best George Clooney movies is a testament to his status as one of Hollywood's most beloved leading men. Whether he’s playing a charming robber in Out of Sight or a slick lawyer in Michael Clayton, George Clooney has always managed to bring boundless charm and charisma to his roles. Throughout the course of his career, he's won two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor and Best Picture for producing Argo.

From comedies like Ocean’s Eleven and Up In The Air to thrillers like The American and Three Kings, Clooney has carved out a niche for himself as someone who can do it all. Fans of these films praise him not only for his undeniable star power but also for taking on bold roles that challenge our perception of what makes an actor great.

Take some time today to check out this list and vote up your favorite performances from one of Hollywood's greatest actors!

Most divisive: The Men Who Stare at Goats
Over 1.5K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 30+ Best George Clooney Movies
  • O Brother, Where Art Thou?
    1
    George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson
    779 votes
    In the uniquely styled film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Ulysses Everett McGill (George Clooney) leads a motley crew of escaped convicts through 1930s Mississippi. Pete Hogwallop (John Turturro) and Delmar O'Donnell (Tim Blake Nelson) accompany him in an ambitious quest for hidden treasure. The unlikely trio navigates a landscape as rich in folklore as it is in danger, meeting a colorful cast of characters along their way. This Coen Brothers' cinematic odyssey, inspired by Homer's epic poem 'The Odyssey', marries comedy with drama and won a Grammy for its distinctive soundtrack.
  • Ocean's Eleven
    2
    George Clooney, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia
    651 votes
    Ocean's Eleven, a stylish heist film, revolves around the suave mastermind Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his handpicked crew of specialists. The team, including the likes of Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt) and Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon), embarks on an audacious mission. They aim to simultaneously rob three Las Vegas casinos - Bellagio, Mirage and MGM Grand - all owned by ruthless tycoon Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia). Director Steven Soderbergh expertly weaves this intricate plot with wit and slick dialogue, earning the film five nominations at the 2002 BAFTA Awards. With its blend of crime, comedy, and suspense, Ocean's Eleven is a cinematic rollercoaster ride in the world of high-stakes thievery.
  • Michael Clayton
    3
    George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton
    439 votes
    Former prosecutor Michael Clayton (George Clooney) works as a "fixer" at the corporate law firm of Kenner, Bach and Ledeen, and takes care of his employer's dirty work. Burned out and deep in debt, he is bound tightly to the firm. Clayton faces the biggest challenge of his career when a guilt-ridden attorney (Tom Wilkinson) has a breakdown during a huge class-action lawsuit.
  • Up in the Air
    4
    George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick
    495 votes
    In Up in the Air, we follow the life of Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), a corporate downsizer and frequent flyer, whose cherished life on the road is threatened just as he is on the cusp of reaching ten million miles in air travel. Sharing his journey is Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), a fellow traveler, and Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick), an ambitious young co-worker. Directed by Jason Reitman, this drama-comedy won Golden Globe awards for its screenplay and for Clooney's performance. It paints a poignant portrait of a man forced to reevaluate his life amidst constant transit.
  • The Descendants
    5
    George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller
    450 votes
    Native islander Matt King (George Clooney) lives with his family in Hawaii. Their world shatters when a tragic accident leaves his wife in a coma. Not only must Matt struggle with the stipulation in his wife's will that she be allowed to die with dignity, but he also faces pressure from relatives to sell their family's enormous land trust. Angry and terrified at the same time, Matt tries to be a good father to his young daughters, as they too try to cope with their mother's possible death.
  • The Perfect Storm
    6
    George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, John C. Reilly
    463 votes
    In The Perfect Storm, Captain Billy Tyne (George Clooney) leads a hard-working crew aboard the Andrea Gail, a commercial fishing vessel. Desperate for a hefty haul, they venture into dangerous waters in pursuit of swordfish. Meteorologist Todd Gross (Christopher McDonald) predicts a deadly storm, but it's too late for the Andrea Gail already caught in the maelstrom. With seafaring action at its core, this harrowing tale - based on a true story - showcases man's struggle against nature's fury. This dramatic thriller, directed by Wolfgang Petersen, was released in 2000 and is remembered for its realistic portrayal of life at sea.
  • From Dusk till Dawn
    7
    Harvey Keitel, George Clooney, Quentin Tarantino
    411 votes
    In the gritty movie From Dusk till Dawn, two criminal brothers, Seth (George Clooney) and Richard Gecko (Quentin Tarantino), find themselves on the run from law enforcement. A hostage situation turns into a desperate cross-border escape to Mexico. Unexpectedly, their refuge, a seedy bar named the Titty Twister, morphs into a nightmarish realm as dusk falls. The patrons aren't what they seem - bloodthirsty vampires emerge, ensnaring everyone inside. The brothers, along with an unconventional group that includes their hostages, a pastor (Harvey Keitel) and his family, must band together to survive until dawn in this uniquely twisted horror-action flick.
  • Ocean's Thirteen
    8
    George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon
    334 votes
    In Ocean's Thirteen, the stakes are higher than ever. Reformed criminal mastermind Danny Ocean (George Clooney) is back, and this time, he's out for revenge. When ruthless casino owner Willy Bank (Al Pacino) double-crosses one of their own, Ocean and his crew hatch a plan to take him down. Set against the glitzy backdrop of Las Vegas, this thrilling caper features an all-star cast that includes Brad Pitt as Rusty Ryan and Matt Damon as Linus Caldwell. With its blend of high-stakes heists and slick humor, Ocean's Thirteen is a stylish addition to the classic heist genre.
  • Gravity
    9
    Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris
    288 votes
    In the gripping, award-winning sci-fi thriller Gravity, Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) is a medical engineer on her first shuttle mission in space with seasoned astronaut Matt Kowalski (George Clooney). Suddenly, a catastrophic disaster strikes their shuttle, leaving them tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling into the dark void. With depleting oxygen and dwindling hope, Stone must find a way back to Earth. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, this visually stunning film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Director. It's a tense survival story set against the infinite expanse of outer space.
  • Good Night, and Good Luck
    10
    David Strathairn, Patricia Clarkson, George Clooney
    289 votes
    Good Night, and Good Luck is a historical drama directed by George Clooney. The narrative unfolds in the 1950s, capturing the tension-laden era of McCarthyism through the lens of CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn). Sustained by Murrow's tenacious team, including Fred Friendly (George Clooney), the news crew dares to expose Senator Joseph McCarthy's manipulative tactics on their show. It's a tale about courage in journalism, earning six Academy Award nominations for its crisp storytelling and authentic performances. Despite operating within the confines of a television studio, it paints an expansive portrait of a nation grappling with fear and paranoia.
  • Three Kings
    11
    George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Ice Cube
    337 votes
    Set against the backdrop of the Gulf War's tail-end, Three Kings is a unique blend of war film and heist thriller. Major Archie Gates (George Clooney), Sergeant Troy Barlow (Mark Wahlberg), Staff Sergeant Chief Elgin (Ice Cube), and Private Conrad Vig (Spike Jonze) are four American soldiers with a plan: to steal a stash of gold rumored to be hidden in Saddam Hussein's bunkers. However, their scheme takes an unexpected turn when they encounter a group of Iraqi civilians in dire need. The movie was directed by David O. Russell, who crafted this gripping narrative with his signature style of blending humor and drama. This film is as much about the morality of war as it is about the allure of wealth. Despite its adventurous premise, Three Kings never shies away from depicting the harsh realities of conflict-ridden Iraq.
  • Fantastic Mr. Fox
    12
    George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman
    250 votes
    In the animated film Fantastic Mr. Fox, Mr. Fox (George Clooney) lives an idyllic home life with Mrs. Fox (Meryl Streep) and their son, Ash (Jason Schwartzman). However, when Mr. Fox's sly nature drives him to raid the farms of three wealthy farmers, he jeopardizes not only his family but the entire animal community as well. Directed by Wes Anderson, this stop-motion comedy-drama is a captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl's children's novel. It was nominated for two Oscars including Best Animated Feature. The movie, known for its witty dialogues and rich visuals, is a delightful mix of humor and adventure.
  • Out of Sight
    13
    George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Ving Rhames
    267 votes
    In Out of Sight, Jack Foley (George Clooney), a charismatic career bank robber, escapes from jail and crosses paths with Karen Sisco (Jennifer Lopez), a tough federal marshal. Their encounter in the trunk of a getaway car sparks an unusual romance. However, as Foley plans his most audacious heist yet, their connection is tested. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this crime drama weaves together suspense, humor, and romance in an unexpected way. The film also features notable performances from Ving Rhames and Don Cheadle. A commercial success, it was nominated for two Academy Awards.
  • Ocean's Twelve
    14
    George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon
    292 votes
    In Ocean's Twelve, Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his band of thieves are back, each member played by a Hollywood A-lister. Rusty (Brad Pitt), Linus (Matt Damon), and the rest of their crew find themselves indebted to Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia), the man they robbed in their first outing. To repay him, they must pull off a series of daring heists across Europe. This sequel is an intricate caper film that weaves together multiple plots and exotic locations, all under the direction of Steven Soderbergh. It's a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, filled with twists and turns that keep the audience guessing until the very end.
  • Burn After Reading
    15
    George Clooney, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich
    272 votes
    In Burn After Reading, chaos ensues when a disc containing memoirs of a former CIA analyst (John Malkovich) falls into the hands of two unwise gym employees, Linda (Frances McDormand) and Chad (Brad Pitt). Their ill-conceived attempts to exploit their find thrust them into the world of espionage. The Coen Brothers' dark comedy intertwines these characters with a paranoid federal marshal (George Clooney) and his cheating wife (Tilda Swinton). This film, acclaimed for its stellar ensemble cast and biting humor, won the 2008 Venice Film Festival's Golden Lion award for best film.
  • The Thin Red Line
    16
    Sean Penn, Adrien Brody, Jim Caviezel
    197 votes
    The Thin Red Line, a war drama directed by Terrence Malick, paints a visceral picture of the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. The film's narrative primarily revolves around Private Witt (Jim Caviezel), who is forced to confront his own morality amidst the chaos of battle. Other central characters include First Sgt. Welsh (Sean Penn) and Lt. Col. Tall (Nick Nolte), each grappling with their roles within the brutal realities of war. The movie garnered seven Academy Award nominations, testament to its impactful storytelling and powerful performances.
  • Syriana
    17
    George Clooney, Matt Damon, Jeffrey Wright
    305 votes
    Syriana is a geopolitical thriller that unravels the complex, interconnected world of petroleum politics. The narrative weaves together multiple storylines, each characterized by power plays and moral quandaries. The central figures include CIA operative Robert Barnes (George Clooney), energy analyst Bryan Woodman (Matt Damon), and corporate lawyer Bennett Holiday (Jeffrey Wright). Their lives intersect in a web of corruption, manipulation, and ambition stretching from Washington D.C. to the Middle East. Directed by Stephen Gaghan, Syriana won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Clooney) and offers a stark examination of the global oil industry's far-reaching influence.
  • The Ides of March
    18
    Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman
    225 votes
    As Ohio's Democratic primary nears, charming Gov. Mike Morris (George Clooney) seems a shoo-in for the nomination over his opponent, Sen. Pullman (Michael Mantell). Morris' idealistic press secretary, Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling), believes in his candidate's integrity and the democratic process. But Meyers' meeting with Pullman's campaign manager (Paul Giamatti) and a dalliance with a young intern (Evan Rachel Wood) set in motion events that threaten Morris' election chances.
  • Confessions of a Dangerous Mind
    19
    Sam Rockwell, Drew Barrymore, George Clooney
    215 votes
    Confessions of a Dangerous Mind is an intriguing blend of biography and crime, filled with mystery and dark humor. The film orbits around the enigmatic life of Chuck Barris (Sam Rockwell), a renowned television producer who claims to have led a double life as a CIA assassin. Barris, famous for creating popular shows like The Gong Show, purports that his TV gigs were merely a cover for his covert operations. Directed by George Clooney, this film treads the fine line between reality and delusion, leaving viewers questioning the truth behind Barris's audacious confessions. Drew Barrymore and Julia Roberts offer compelling performances in supporting roles. A captivating watch, it's packed with unexpected twists and turns.
  • The American
    20
    George Clooney, Violante Placido, Thekla Reuten
    262 votes
    When an assignment in Sweden ends badly, master assassin Jack (George Clooney) retreats to the Italian countryside with the intention of remaining anonymous. In an uncharacteristic move, he becomes friends with a local priest and pursues a torrid romance with a beautiful woman (Violante Placido). But by stepping out of the shadows, Jack may be making a fatal mistake.
  • The Peacemaker
    21
    George Clooney, Nicole Kidman, Marcel Iures
    185 votes
    Two trains collide in rural Russia, one of them housing nuclear weapons that go missing after the wreck, and the U.S. government is alerted. Nuclear specialist Dr. Julia Kelly (Nicole Kidman) believes that there will soon be a terrorist attack, so Lt. Col. Thomas Devoe (George Clooney) joins Dr. Kelly as they try to track down the warhead-stealing culprits. They learn that Yugoslav terrorist Gavrich (Marcel Iures) has his hands on the weapons, and he's plotting a devastating attack on New York.
  • Intolerable Cruelty
    22
    George Clooney, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Geoffrey Rush
    193 votes
    Miles Massey (George Clooney) is an exceptional divorce lawyer who specializes in saving cheating husbands from having to pay expensive settlements. Unchallenged, he wearies of his life -- until he meets the cunning Marylin Rexroth (Catherine Zeta-Jones). When Massey's representation of her husband in court denies her any divorce compensation, Marylin vows to get revenge, enlisting the help of an oil baron (Billy Bob Thornton), and the two vie for the advantage in a flirtatious duel of wits.
  • South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut
    23
    George Clooney, Minnie Driver, Isaac Hayes
    199 votes
    South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut is a 1999 American adult animated satirical musical comedy film based on the animated television series South Park, and produced, co-written by and starring its creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. The film was directed and co-scored by Parker and co-written by their South Park collaborator Pam Brady, and co-starred Mary Kay Bergman, and Isaac Hayes as Chef. It features twelve songs by Parker and Marc Shaiman with additional lyrics by Stone. It was distributed by Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures. The film is largely concerned with the issues of censorship and freedom of speech.
  • The Men Who Stare at Goats
    24
    George Clooney, Jeff Bridges, Ewan McGregor
    231 votes
    Struggling reporter Bob Wilton (Ewan McGregor) gets the scoop of a lifetime when he meets Lyn Cassady (George Clooney), who claims to be from a unit of psychic soldiers who have been reactivated for duty. Intrigued by Cassady's assertions that they can walk through walls and kill goats by fixed gazes, Wilton follows him on a dangerous, top-secret mission across Iraq to find the brigade's founder, Bill Django (Jeff Bridges).
  • The Monuments Men
    25
    George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray
    106 votes
    During World War II, the Nazis steal countless pieces of art and hide them away. Some over-the-hill art scholars, historians, architects and other experts form a unit to retrieve as many of the stolen masterpieces as possible. The mission becomes even more urgent when the team learns about Hitler's "Nero Decree," which orders destruction of the artworks if the Third Reich falls. Caught in a race against time, the men risk their lives to protect some of mankind's greatest achievements.
  • Money Monster
    26
    George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Jack O'Connell
    81 votes
    Lee Gates is a Wall Street guru who picks hot stocks as host of the television show "Money Monster." Suddenly, during a live broadcast, disgruntled investor Kyle Budwell storms onto the set and takes Gates hostage. He tells Lee that he lost everything on one of his tips. As Gates tries to plead with Kyle, he's also using an earpiece to communicate with his longtime producer in the control room. Together, they must figure out a way to defuse the situation and disarm the angry young man.
  • Tomorrowland
    27
    George Clooney, Hugh Laurie, Britt Robertson
    49 votes
    Whenever Casey Newton (Britt Robertson) touches a lapel pin with the letter T on it, she finds herself transported to Tomorrowland, a city filled with huge robots and sleek buildings. The gifted young woman recruits the help of scientist Frank Walker (George Clooney), a previous visitor to Tomorrowland, who years ago made a startling discovery about the future. Together, the two adventurers travel to the metropolis to uncover its mysterious secrets.
  • Leatherheads
    28
    George Clooney, Renée Zellweger, John Krasinski
    162 votes
    Dodge Connolly (George Clooney), captain of a 1920s football team, wants to give the sagging sport a boost and capture the country's attention. He recruits Carter Rutherford (John Krasinski) to play for the team. Carter is not only a war hero, but he is also fast, handsome, and guaranteed to pack the stands with fans. Newswoman Lexie Littleton (Renée Zellweger) goes digging for dirt on Carter, while both Dodge and Carter try to score with her off the field.
  • Hail, Caesar!
    29
    Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Alden Ehrenreich
    92 votes
    In the early 1950s, Eddie Mannix is busy at work trying to solve all the problems of the actors and filmmakers at Capitol Pictures. His latest assignments involve a disgruntled director, a singing cowboy, a beautiful swimmer and a handsome dancer. As if all this wasn't enough, Mannix faces his biggest challenge when Baird Whitlock gets kidnapped while in costume for the swords-and-sandals epic "Hail, Caesar!" If the studio doesn't pay $100,000, it's the end of the line for the movie star.
  • Batman & Robin
    30
    Arnold Schwarzenegger, George Clooney, Chris O'Donnell
    267 votes
    In the superhero film Batman & Robin, Gotham City's caped crusaders, Batman (George Clooney) and Robin (Chris O'Donnell), find their partnership tested by new threats. The duo faces off against Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a villain on a chilling mission of vengeance, and Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman), a seductive plant-human hybrid with deadly abilities. Simultaneously, they grapple with their own internal struggles and the arrival of Batgirl (Alicia Silverstone), who adds another layer to their dynamic. Directed by Joel Schumacher, this movie is an action-packed exploration of heroism, loyalty, and the blurred lines between good and evil.