Ben Affleck has a track record of giving audiences stellar performances, as seen in his newest thriller Deep Water, available to stream on Hulu.
His acting and directing are well-known and widely respected, but his part in enticing thriller films is some of his best work. Whether Affleck is playing the main character or a minor character with influence, he always manages to pull off an exceptional performance. From fast-paced action flicks like The Accountant or thoughtful mystery stories like State of Play, there's an Affleck movie for every fan.
Deep Water (2022) - 5.4
Ben Affleck's character in this thriller is a husband who allows his wife to have extramarital affairs in order to avoid a divorce. Things quickly take a dark turn in this film, leading to the investigation of the death of her lovers with Vic (Affleck) as the main suspect.
While Vic isn't the most likable Deep Water character, he is certainly sinister and mysterious. This film is great for fans that enjoy a good amount of mystery and suspense, making the viewer wonder if the conclusion is as obvious as it seems.
Runner Runner (2013) - 5.6
This tale follows a college student, Richie (Justin Timberlake), who flies to Costa Rica to confront the man who owns the online gambling website that Richie lost due to cheating. When the owner, Ivan (Affleck) sees the statistics Richie has found, he offers him a job with the company.
This film is exciting and mysterious, with a truly surprising reveal. Anyone that likes to see criminal enterprises in the plot and a good shock factor will appreciate the suspense of companions-turned-rivals.
Changing Lanes (2002) - 6.5
In this racy thriller, a young lawyer Benek (Affleck), and an insurance man Gipson (Samuel L. Jackson) are both rushing in traffic when they collide, leading to a firey dispute and Benek fleeing the scene without exchanging insurance information. With the two having disrupted each other's lives, this traffic incident escalates into a running feud.
This movie has an excellent plot of chance meetings and risky decisions. It's also an excellent watch for viewers that like their mystery and suspense, but also take pleasure in a genuinely satisfying ending.
Smokin' Aces (2006) - 6.6
This is one of Ryan Reynold's best roles, as he plays an FBI agent who has to fight off a wave of hitmen trying to murder a man due to testify against the mafia. Affleck plays a more minor role as a bail bondsman, though his character is still intriguing and imperative to the storyline.
This film is great for audiences that love a lot of action and crime in their thrillers. However, it also has a good amount of comedy that keeps the audience laughing as they wait for the next twist in the plot.
Boiler Room (2000) - 7.0
College dropout Seth (Giovanni Ribisi) gets a job at an investment firm, believing he's been put on the fast track to success. However, things aren't as they seem at this dream gig.
Affleck plays one of the co-founders of this shady firm. Though this is another film in which Affleck isn't a major player, his portrayal of this character has a key role in leading Seth down the difficult path he follows. Overall, this film has a great script and excellent acting.
State of Play (2009) - 7.1
Congressman Collins (Affleck) becomes the focus of his old friend turned journalist's story when his research assistant (and mistress) is murdered. As journalist Cal McAffrey (Russell Crowe) delves deeper into the investigation, reputations and friendships are threatened.
This crime thriller has an all-star cast and an intensely intriguing storyline. Audiences that appreciate news-focused movies will enjoy this film and the intense investigation into both politics and murder. Anyone that likes to see some drama thrown into their suspense will be captivated by this diverse story.
The Accountant (2016) - 7.3
Christian Wolff (Affleck) is a mathematic savant who deals with dangerous criminal enterprises. When he starts unraveling discrepancies worth millions of dollars, a thrilling and action-packed plot ensues as bodies start dropping.
The Accountant is one of Affleck's best movies, despite it not being reviewed too favorably by critics. Audiences loved this film and thought it was one of his best, as his portrayal of the complex and interesting character taking the viewers on an exhilarating journey. His immaculate performance and the diverse plot is guaranteed to keep people on the edge of their seat until the end.
The Town (2010) - 7.5
Doug (Affleck) leads a band of bank robbers until he seeks out a possible witness to one of their crimes and becomes romantically involved with her, eventually deciding he wants to get out of the criminal lifestyle.
Fans and critics absolutely loved this crime thriller and praised Affleck for his part. The audience loves to know little tidbits about the film, such as behind-the-scene facts like Affleck actually interviewing locals and FBI agents for research. Audiences that like heist movies to delve deeper into the psychology and lives of these criminals will love The Town.
Argo (2012) - 7.7
With six Americans in hiding to avoid execution in Tehran in 1979, the U.S government send in extractor Tony Mendez (Affleck) to get them out. Mendez plays the part of a movie producer and trains the refugees to act as his crew.
Affleck captures the audience with not only his stellar acting performance, but his top-notch directing skills for this film as well. While the movie is largely fictional, historians appreciate the focus on the real-life events that took place in Tehran with 66 American hostages at this time. Though the main plot is imagined, it is compelling and intense.
Gone Girl (2014) - 8.1
A seemingly idyllic couple, Nick (Affleck) and Amy (Rosamund Pike) Dunne become the focus of a media frenzy when Amy mysteriously disappears. As secrets are revealed and tension ensues, Nick becomes a prime suspect in his wife's disappearance.
Fans and critics alike raved over this film, the performances memorable and the plot thick with tension and mystery. Audiences that love a thriller that unravels into a shocking reveal of secrets and a maze-like plot are both captivated and stunned by the end.