Marilyn Monroe will always be an icon! If you want to see why, watch these amazing movies where she starred!
1. Some Like It Hot (1959)
Some Like It Hot is a classic screwball comedy directed by Billy Wilder, starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon.
In the film, Marilyn Monroe played Sugar Kane, a talented singer and ukulele player who gets entangled with two men on the run from the mob.
The movie is famous for its hilarious performances. It won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design and was nominated for five Oscars.
Over the years, it has been regarded as one of the greatest comedies of all time due to its sharp writing and comedic timing.
2. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
In Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Marilyn Monroe stars as Lorelei Lee. She is a gold-digging showgirl who embarks on a cruise with her best friend.
The film is known for Monroe’s iconic performance of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Directed by Howard Hawks, the movie blends comedy, music, and romance.
Though it didn’t win major awards, the film is memorable for its visual style and the chemistry between Marilyn and co-star Jane Russell.
This role cemented her status as a pop culture icon and was one of her most beloved performances during the 1950s.
3. The Seven Year Itch (1955)
The Seven Year Itch, directed by Billy Wilder, is one of Marilyn Monroe’s most famous comedies. She plays the alluring and mysterious “Girl”.
The movie is best known for the iconic image of Monroe standing over a subway grate, with her white dress blowing up.
Although the film was a huge commercial success, it received mixed reviews. Marilyn’s comedic timing and beauty were widely praised, and the film became a cultural landmark in 1950s cinema.
4. Bus Stop (1956)
In Bus Stop, Marilyn Monroe stars as Cherie, a naive and struggling nightclub singer who gets swept away by a cowboy, played by Don Murray.
The film is directed by Joshua Logan and it shows Monroe in a more dramatic role than usual.
Though it didn’t garner major awards, Marilyn Monroe’s performance was praised by critics for its maturity and ability to carry the emotional weight of the story.
5. How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)
How to Marry a Millionaire, directed by Jean Negulesco, stars Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, and Lauren Bacall as three women plotting to marry wealthy men.
Marilyn Monroe plays the glamorous and naïve Pola who is a fashion model with poor vision. Pola pursues a wealthy man despite her inability to see him clearly.
The film is known for its strong female leads, who embody the 1950s ideal of female independence through wit and charm.
The film was a major commercial success and showcased Marilyn’s ability to hold her own with established stars, bolstering her place in Hollywood’s spotlight.
6. Niagara (1953)
Niagara, directed by Henry Hathaway, is a Technicolor thriller where Marilyn Monroe plays Rose Loomis, a seductive woman whose husband, played by Joseph Cotten, becomes suspicious of her affair.
Set against the backdrop of Niagara Falls, the film is a moody suspense story that shows Monroe’s ability to portray a darker character.
Marilyn’s steamy performance and the film’s thrilling atmosphere helped it become a notable hit. It was one of the first films to feature Marilyn in a dramatic role, helping expand her range as an actress.
7. The Misfits (1961)
The Misfits, written by Arthur Miller and directed by John Huston, stars Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and Montgomery Clift.
Marilyn Monroe plays Roslyn, a lonely and fragile woman who finds companionship with a group of misfits after her marriage dissolves.
This film is Monroe’s last completed project before her death, and it’s an interesting look at human isolation and longing.
The Misfits is now considered a masterpiece of American cinema, with its stunning performances. It also holds a unique place in cinematic history due to its tragic, behind-the-scenes moments.
8. All About Eve (1950)
All About Eve is a brilliant, sharp-tongued drama about the theater world, directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz.
While Marilyn Monroe’s role as the sweet but naive actress, Miss Caswell, is relatively small, the film’s immense success was shaped by the powerful performances of Bette Davis and Anne Baxter.
The film garnered six Academy Award nominations and won six, including Best Picture.
Marilyn’s performance was brief but still contributed to the movie’s distinctive energy, helping to elevate her Hollywood image.
9. Let’s Make Love (1960)
In Let’s Make Love, directed by George Cukor, Marilyn Monroe stars as a glamorous movie star, Amanda Dell, who finds herself falling for a millionaire who is her admirer – played by Yves Montand.
The film is a charming musical comedy. Marilyn portrays her typical seductive yet vulnerable character.
10. River of No Return (1954)
River of No Return, directed by Otto Preminger, features Marilyn Monroe and Robert Mitchum in a western adventure set along a wild river.
Monroe plays Kay, a singer, who is caught up with her son on a dangerous journey. The movie is filled with rugged landscapes and dramatic moments.
Despite its mixed reception, it remains a part of Monroe’s interesting filmography. It demonstrates her versatility and acting skills.