5 Marilyn Monroe Films That Remain Enjoyable to Watch

      While some classic films hold significance, they may not resonate with today’s audiences. However, these Marilyn Monroe movies are undeniably a delight to watch.

      These films highlight her brilliance and reveal her often-overlooked acting talent. Did we overlook any? Share your thoughts in the comments.

      Here are some of our favorite Marilyn Monroe films.

      All About Eve (1950)

      Source: 20th Century Studios

      Marilyn Monroe, born as Norma Jeane Mortenson in 1926, plays a small yet pivotal role in Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s clever showbiz satire.

      Bette Davis stars as a Broadway diva determined to retain her spotlight, while Anne Baxter portrays Eve Harrington, a cunning manipulator eager to take her place.

      Monroe appears in only a few scenes as Claudia Casswell, but her brilliance is unmistakable. Mankiewicz noted in the 1972 book More About All About Eve that Monroe was chosen for her “breathlessness and a sort of glued-on innocence that I found appealing.”

      When the iconic Marilyn Monroe isn’t the standout of a film, you know you’re witnessing a true classic.

      Niagara (1953)

      Source: 20th Century Fox

      Although Monroe would later become famous for her sultry comedic roles, Niagara, one of her early lead films, highlighted her dramatic abilities.

      In this intriguing noir, Monroe commands the camera like few performers have, portraying a woman who plans to murder her husband to flee with her lover.

      Unlike many films from that era, characterized by sleek black and white cinematography, Niagara was filmed in three-strip Technicolor. The vibrant colors enhance Monroe’s radiance and create a jarring contrast with the dark themes.

      Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

      Source: 20th Century Fox

      In a starkly different role than her character in Niagara, Monroe shines in an iconic performance: her rendition of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” in an elegant pink gown has been widely copied, including by Madonna in her “Material Girl” music video.

      Directed by Howard Hawks, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes showcases Monroe’s comedic timing and her ability to sell a song.

      Her character, Lorelei Lee, is undeniably a stereotype. Still, Monroe plays her with a playful touch, adding extra layers of wit and charm to the film.

      Some Like It Hot (1959)

      Source: United Artists

      Not only is Some Like It Hot one of the best films featuring Marilyn Monroe, but it's also regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.

      Monroe’s on-screen triumph often relied on her collaboration with top talents, and in Some Like It Hot, she worked with the best. Billy Wilder produced, co-wrote, and directed the film, while Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon starred alongside Monroe as they disguise themselves as women to escape the Chicago mob.

      The contrast between Monroe’s unique femininity and Curtis and Lemmon’s comedic attempts at womanhood significantly heightens the humor.

      The American Film Institute considers it the greatest comedy of all time.

      The Misfits (1961)

      Source: United Artists

      The last completed film by Monroe is, in our opinion, her finest work.

      In The Misfits, Monroe radiates decency and vulnerability. Written by her then-husband, Arthur Miller, and directed by John Huston, she plays Roslyn Taber, a recent divorcee who becomes involved with aging cowboy Gaylord Langland (Clark Gable), rodeo rider Perce Howland (Montgomery Clift), and mechanic Guido (Eli Wallach) during her stay in Reno.

      This film not only marked Monroe’s final completed work—she passed away in 1962 while filming Something’s Got to Give—but it was also Gable’s last film. He had seen footage and agreed with others who claimed it was his best performance.

      The Misfits was released on February 1, 1961, coinciding with what would have been Gable’s 60th birthday. Although it initially underperformed at the box office, it eventually became a classic and serves as a testament to Monroe's talent and potential, as she was only 36 at the time of her death.

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