Matthew McConaughey is an American actor and producer who has been in the entertainment industry for over 25 years. He has played a wide range of characters, from romantic leads to dramatic and comedic roles.

Best Matthew McConaughey Movies

McConaughey’s performances have earned him critical acclaim, including an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “Dallas Buyers Club.” In this article, we will be discussing some of the best Matthew McConaughey movies that showcase his range and talent as an actor.

1. The Gentlemen (2019)

“The Gentlemen” is a 2019 action-comedy film directed by Guy Ritchie. Matthew McConaughey plays the role of Mickey Pearson, a wealthy American expatriate who has built a marijuana empire in London.

When Pearson decides to retire and sell his business, a series of unexpected events unfold that put him and his empire at risk.

McConaughey delivers a standout performance as the charismatic and cunning Pearson, balancing the character’s tough exterior with moments of vulnerability and humor.

https://youtu.be/q_vho_EFNvQ

The film also boasts an impressive supporting cast, including Charlie Hunnam, Henry Golding, and Hugh Grant, who all deliver strong performances. “The Gentlemen” is a fun and stylish film that showcases McConaughey’s range as an actor.

The Gentlemen [DVD]
  • Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Henry Golding (Actors)
  • Guy Ritchie (Director) - Guy Ritchie (Producer)
  • Audience Rating: R (Restricted)

2. The Beach Bum (2019)

“The Beach Bum” is a 2019 comedy-drama film directed by Harmony Korine. Matthew McConaughey stars as Moondog, a free-spirited poet and stoner who lives life on his own terms.

The film follows Moondog as he meanders through the sunny streets of Florida, getting into various misadventures and encountering a colorful cast of characters along the way.

McConaughey’s performance as Moondog is both hilarious and poignant, as he imbues the character with a carefree attitude that masks deeper emotional issues.

The film itself is a surreal and dreamlike exploration of hedonism and self-discovery, with McConaughey as its charismatic and unpredictable center.

“The Beach Bum” is a unique and memorable film that showcases McConaughey’s versatility as an actor.

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The Beach Bum [DVD]
  • Matthew McConaughey, Snoop Dogg, Isla Fisher (Actors)
  • Harmony Korine (Director) - John Lesher (Producer)
  • English (Subtitle)
  • Audience Rating: R (Restricted)

3. White Boy Rick (2018)

“White Boy Rick” is a 2018 crime-drama film directed by Yann Demange. Matthew McConaughey stars as Richard Wershe Sr., a father struggling to make ends meet in Detroit during the height of the crack epidemic in the 1980s.

When his son, Richard Wershe Jr., becomes involved in the drug trade as a teenage informant for the FBI, the family’s already precarious situation becomes even more dangerous.

   

McConaughey’s performance as the father is emotionally charged and nuanced, portraying a man who is desperate to provide for his family but who ultimately becomes consumed by the chaos around him.

The film itself is a gritty and realistic look at the impact of the war on drugs on working-class communities, and McConaughey’s performance is a standout among a talented cast.

“White Boy Rick” is a powerful and thought-provoking film that showcases McConaughey’s dramatic range as an actor.

White Boy Rick
  • Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
  • Matthew McConaughey, Richie Merritt, Bel Powley (Actors)
  • Yann Demange (Director) - Scott Franklin (Producer)
  • Thai, Mandarin Chinese, English, French, Spanish (Subtitles)
  • Audience Rating: R (Restricted)

4.Serenity (I) (2019)

“Serenity” is a 2019 neo-noir thriller film directed by Steven Knight. Matthew McConaughey stars as Baker Doll, a fishing boat captain living a quiet life on a tropical island.

When his ex-wife (played by Anne Hathaway) shows up and asks him to kill her abusive husband, Dill’s peaceful existence is thrown into chaos. McConaughey’s performance is intense and brooding, as he grapples with moral dilemmas and psychological turmoil.

If you like Matthew Mcconaughey’s performances, on our sister site AuteurGraph we have a profile page, a visual film timeline, and a ratings page that gives a tonne of info and data about their career in a visualized form.

The film itself is a twisty and unpredictable thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end. While the film received mixed reviews, McConaughey’s performance was widely praised as a standout in an otherwise flawed movie.

“Serenity” is a compelling and suspenseful film that showcases McConaughey’s ability to portray complex and troubled characters.

   
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Serenity (2019) [DVD]
  • Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jason Clarke (Actors)
  • Steven Knight (Director) - Steven Knight (Writer) - Steven Knight (Producer)
  • Spanish (Subtitle)
  • Audience Rating: R (Restricted)

5. The Sea of Trees (2015)

“The Sea of Trees” is a 2015 drama film directed by Gus Van Sant. Matthew McConaughey stars as Arthur Brennan, a depressed man who travels to Japan’s Aokigahara Forest (also known as the “Sea of Trees”) to end his life.

Once there, he encounters Takumi Nakamura (played by Ken Watanabe), a Japanese man also contemplating suicide. The two men form a bond as they navigate the forest and reflect on their lives.

McConaughey’s performance is restrained and introspective, conveying the weight of Arthur’s emotional struggles without relying on over-the-top theatrics.

The film itself received mixed reviews, but McConaughey’s performance was praised as one of the film’s strengths. “The Sea of Trees” is a thoughtful and moving film that showcases McConaughey’s ability to portray complex characters with subtlety and depth.

The Sea Of Trees [DVD + Digital]
  • Matthew McConaughey, Ken Watanabe, Naomi Watts (Actors)
  • Gus Van Sant (Director) - Chris Sparling (Producer)
  • Spanish (Subtitle)
  • Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)

6. The Dark Tower (2017)

“The Dark Tower” is a 2017 science-fiction western film directed by Nikolaj Arcel. Matthew McConaughey stars as Walter Padick, a sorcerer also known as “The Man in Black,” who is on a mission to destroy the titular Dark Tower, a structure that holds the universe together.

Opposing him is Roland Deschain (played by Idris Elba), the last gunslinger who is determined to protect the tower at all costs. McConaughey’s performance as the villainous Walter is magnetic and unsettling, conveying a sense of malevolent power and cunning.

The film itself received mixed reviews, with some criticizing its lack of coherence and faithfulness to the source material. However, McConaughey’s performance was widely praised as a highlight of the film.

“The Dark Tower” is a thrilling and visually stunning film that showcases McConaughey’s talent for playing complex and charismatic villains.

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The Dark Tower 8-Book Boxed Set
  • King, Stephen (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 4720 Pages - 12/06/2016 (Publication Date) - Scribner (Publisher)

7. Free State of Jones (2016)

“Free State of Jones” is a 2016 historical war film directed by Gary Ross. Matthew McConaughey stars as Newton Knight, a farmer and Confederate soldier who deserts the army and leads a rebellion against the Confederacy during the American Civil War.

The film follows Knight as he forms a community of escaped slaves and poor white farmers in Mississippi, and their struggle to establish a free state.

McConaughey’s performance is powerful and grounded, conveying Knight’s sense of moral outrage and his dedication to the cause. The film itself is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of race, class, and rebellion during a turbulent period in American history.

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Free State of Jones [DVD]
  • Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali (Actors)
  • Gary Ross (Director) - Gary Ross (Writer) - Scott Stuber (Producer)
  • French, Spanish (Subtitles)
  • Audience Rating: R (Restricted)

8.Gold (I) (2016)

“Gold” is a 2016 adventure-drama film directed by Stephen Gaghan. Matthew McConaughey stars as Kenny Wells, a down-on-his-luck prospector who teams up with a geologist (played by Edgar Ramirez) to find gold in the Indonesian jungle.

   

The film follows their quest for wealth and the challenges they face along the way.

McConaughey’s performance as the scrappy and determined Wells is one of the highlights of the film, as he brings both humor and pathos to the character. The film itself is a thrilling and suspenseful adventure that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.

While the film received mixed reviews, McConaughey’s performance was widely praised as a standout in an otherwise flawed movie. “Gold” is a fun and entertaining film that showcases McConaughey’s talent for playing characters who are both flawed and likable.

Gold
  • McConaughey, Matthew, Ramirez, Edgar, Howard, Bryce Dallas (Actors)
  • Gaghan, Stephen (Director)
  • Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)

9.Interstellar (2014)

“Interstellar” is a 2014 science-fiction film directed by Christopher Nolan. Matthew McConaughey stars as Cooper, a former pilot and engineer who is recruited to lead a mission to find a new home for humanity as Earth becomes increasingly uninhabitable.

The film explores themes of time, space, and the human condition, and features stunning visual effects and a thought-provoking storyline.

McConaughey’s performance as Cooper is a tour-de-force, as he conveys both the character’s scientific curiosity and his deep emotional connection to his family.

The film itself was widely praised for its ambitious scope and Nolan’s direction, and McConaughey’s performance was a standout among a talented cast.

“Interstellar” is a masterpiece of science-fiction cinema that showcases McConaughey’s ability to bring depth and humanity to complex characters.

10. Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

“Dallas Buyers Club” is a 2013 biographical drama film directed by Jean-Marc Vallée. Matthew McConaughey stars as Ron Woodroof, a Texas electrician who is diagnosed with AIDS in the 1980s and becomes an unlikely advocate for alternative treatments.

The film follows Woodroof as he forms the Dallas Buyers Club, a group that provides unapproved drugs to AIDS patients, and his fight against the medical establishment and government bureaucracy.

McConaughey’s performance as Woodroof is nothing short of extraordinary, as he transforms himself physically and emotionally to portray the character’s journey from a bigoted and selfish man to a compassionate and heroic figure.

The film itself is a powerful and poignant exploration of the AIDS crisis and the fight for medical autonomy, and McConaughey’s performance earned him critical acclaim, including an Academy Award for Best Actor.

“Dallas Buyers Club” is a must-watch film that showcases McConaughey’s talent for playing complex and transformative characters.

Dallas Buyers Club
  • Factory sealed DVD
  • Jared Leto, Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner (Actors)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • Audience Rating: R (Restricted)

3 Reasons To Watch Matthew McConaughey Movies

Sure, here are three reasons why you might want to watch Matthew McConaughey movies:

Charismatic performances: Matthew McConaughey is known for his magnetic screen presence and natural charm.

His performances often exude a laid-back, confident, and charismatic energy that draws viewers in and makes them root for his characters.

Range of roles: McConaughey has tackled a wide range of roles throughout his career, from romantic comedies to action movies to serious dramas.

This versatility demonstrates his range as an actor and makes his filmography appealing to a wide range of audiences.

Thought-provoking themes: Many of McConaughey’s films tackle thought-provoking themes such as the human condition, personal growth, and societal issues.

His performances often bring depth and nuance to complex characters and situations, providing audiences with both entertainment and food for thought.

Best Matthew McConaughey Movies – Wrap Up

Matthew McConaughey has had a diverse and successful career in Hollywood, spanning multiple genres and earning critical acclaim for his performances. Some of his best movies include:

Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

   

Interstellar (2014)

A Time to Kill (1996)

True Detective (TV Series, 2014)

Dazed and Confused (1993)

Mud (2012)

The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

Magic Mike (2012)

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Frailty (2001)

These films showcase McConaughey’s range as an actor and his ability to tackle complex characters and themes.

From his early breakout roles in indie favorites like “Dazed and Confused” to his Oscar-winning turn in “Dallas Buyers Club,” McConaughey has consistently delivered compelling performances that have earned him a place among Hollywood’s most respected actors.