With Ticket To Paradise, a romantic comedy starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts, set to release September 16th, fans can once again see Hollywood's ultimate heart-throb in action.
With a career in Hollywood spanning nearly three decades, Clooney has become known for his distinctive good looks and unfettered charisma. Despite fighting an uphill battle, Clooney has proved his talents as both a comedic and dramatic actor, earning his place amongst the likes of Cary Grant and James Dean. While his appearances in out-and-out romances are fleeting, these movies are, according to IMDb, the best.
The Good German (2006) - 6.0
From acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh, The Good German is a gripping tale set in WWII Berlin. The plot follows an American journalist (Clooney), covering the Potsdam Conference, who finds himself tangled up in a murder investigation involving his former mistress and their driver.
Clooney stars in this compelling drama, set against the backdrop of death and destruction, and creates a character audiences want to root for. His chemistry with his mistress, played by Cate Blanchett, makes for an electric viewing experience. The movie sets itself apart by being shot in stark black-and-white, which is a loving send-up to movies from Hollywood's so-called "Golden Age."
Leatherheads (2008) - 6.0
Clooney directs (and stars in) Leatherheads, a feel-good sports movie set in the 1920s. The movie follows Dodge Connelly, captain of a pro football team, who convinces an ace up-and-comer to play for his team in order to prevent the whole league from going under.
Based (loosely) on real-life events, Leatherheads shows Clooney to be effortlessly likable. His performance as Dodge Connelly is immensely charming, and his relationship with co-star Renée Zellweger, known for her iconic work in Bridget Jones' Diary, will have audiences grinning wide from ear-to-ear.
Solaris (2002) - 6.2
A remake of Tarkovsky's 1972 original, Solaris is a science-fiction picture about love and loss, which also sees another collaboration between Clooney and Soderbergh. The plot follows a troubled psychologist who is tasked with investigating the crew of a lone space station orbiting a mysterious planet.
An update on the languorous pacing and philosophical pondering of the original, Soderbergh's version makes a far more accessible and, some would argue, better film. Clooney delivers a great performance as the psychologist, truly embodying the loneliness of his character and the isolating nature of space. If the original's gargantuan length seems off-putting, try this on for size.
Intolerable Cruelty (2003) - 6.3
Directed by the Coen Brothers, Intolerable Cruelty is a farcical romantic comedy with a terrific premise at its center. The movie follows a young woman who desires only money and the divorce lawyer who becomes increasingly attracted to her.
Boasting an all-star cast, not limited to Clooney, Intolerable Cruelty is a steamy and oftentimes hilarious romp. Clooney, as an actor, has always been self-aware, and his attitude fits perfectly in the wacky world of a Coen Brothers movie. His performance is snappy and razor-sharp, complimented by the typical Coen dialogue, and his chemistry with Catherine Zeta-Jones, is just terrific.
One Fine Day (1996) - 6.5
An early leading role for Clooney, One Fine Day unites Clooney with veteran leading lady Michelle Pfeiffer. The movie follows two strangers and their young children, as their lives unexpectedly collide on an especially hectic day in New York City.
With its day-in-the-life concept at its center, One Fine Day feels like a natural slice of life, only with George Clooney as its star. Despite his youth, he delivers an admirable performance alongside Hollywood royalty. The relationship between the two is delightful, and builds in a humorous fashion, as they slowly begin to realize their feelings for one another.
Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind (2002) - 7.0
Starring the brilliant Sam Rockwell and Drew Barrymore, Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind is an adaptation of Chuck Barris' cult novel. Barris, a game show executive, claims to have been a C.I.A hitman.
With a screenplay from Charlie Kaufman, Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind is not the conventional adaptation. Clooney appears as Jim Byrd, and has some wonderful dialogue to deliver. While he is not the lead, he certainly makes every minute on screen as entertaining as possible. This movie is a perfect watch for fans of war movies and biopics.
Out Of Sight (1998) - 7.0
Starring George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez, Out Of Sight is a romantic thriller up there with the best of them. The movie follows a career bank robber who escapes jail, only to kidnap a U.S marshal and find himself falling for her.
The first collaboration between Clooney and Soderbergh, the movie is known for the intense chemistry between the two leads. In one scene, Clooney and Lopez are trapped in a car boot together. It's a deeply intimate, extremely sensual scene, so convincing, in fact, that audiences may be left blushing.
Up In The Air (2009) - 7.4
A movie that's constantly on the move, Up In The Air is a slick romantic comedy. The plot follows Ryan Bingham, a cocky executive whose cushy lifestyle is threatened with the arrival of a potential love interest.
Clooney is no stranger to playing arrogant characters, and Ryan Bingham is up there with his best work. It's a self-assured, effortlessly charming performance, and he carries the entire movie on his shoulders. His two love interests, Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick, both give terrific performances. Up In The Air is a classic picture, and fans of Clooney's work should be sure to check it out.