29+ Marilyn Monroe Movies in Order (List)

Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, was an iconic American actress, model, and singer.

She became one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s and is still recognized as a cultural icon today.

Monroe’s film career spanned over a decade, during which she starred in numerous movies that showcased her talent and charisma.

Marilyn Monroe Movies in Order

Below is a list of movies featuring Marilyn Monroe, listed in order of release date:

“Dangerous Years” (1947)

Monroe’s film debut in a small role as a waitress.

“Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!” (1948)

A minor role; she says one line.

“Ladies of the Chorus” (1948)

Monroe plays a significant role as a chorus girl.

“Love Happy” (1949)

A small role in a Marx Brothers film.

“A Ticket to Tomahawk” (1950)

Monroe plays a minor role.

“The Asphalt Jungle” (1950)

A significant role that brought Monroe attention.

“All About Eve” (1950)

Monroe plays a small but memorable role.

“Right Cross” (1950)

A minor role as a nightclub patron.

“Home Town Story” (1951)

Monroe plays a secretary.

“As Young as You Feel” (1951)

Monroe plays a secretary.

“Love Nest” (1951)

Monroe plays a former WAC (Women’s Army Corps).

“Let’s Make It Legal” (1951)

Monroe plays a young woman involved in a divorce case.

“Clash by Night” (1952)

Monroe plays a cannery worker.

“We’re Not Married!” (1952)

Monroe plays a beauty queen.

“Don’t Bother to Knock” (1952)

Monroe’s first leading role, playing a mentally unstable babysitter.

“Monkey Business” (1952)

Monroe plays a secretary.

“O. Henry’s Full House” (1952)

Monroe appears in one segment of this anthology film.

“Niagara” (1953)

Monroe plays a femme fatale.

“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1953)

One of Monroe’s most famous roles, playing a gold-digging showgirl.

“How to Marry a Millionaire” (1953)

Monroe plays a model looking for a wealthy husband.

“River of No Return” (1954)

Monroe plays a dance hall singer.

“There’s No Business Like Show Business” (1954)

Monroe plays an aspiring entertainer.

“The Seven Year Itch” (1955)

Monroe plays a neighbor who tempts a married man.

“Bus Stop” (1956)

Monroe plays a saloon singer.

“The Prince and the Showgirl” (1957)

Monroe plays a showgirl involved with a prince.

“Some Like It Hot” (1959)

Monroe plays a ukulele player and singer in an all-female band.

“Let’s Make Love” (1960)

Monroe plays an actress.

“The Misfits” (1961)

Monroe plays a recently divorced woman.

“Something’s Got to Give” (1962, unfinished)

Monroe’s final, incomplete film.

These films showcase the range and evolution of Marilyn Monroe’s acting career, from minor roles to iconic performances that have solidified her place in Hollywood history.

Below we look deeper at Marilyn Monroe’s top movies in chronological order, highlighting some of her most notable performances and discussing the impact she had on the film industry.

Table of Contents

Early Career and Breakthrough

Before diving into Monroe’s filmography, it is important to understand her journey to stardom.

She began her career as a model, appearing on magazine covers and in advertisements.

In 1946, she signed her first movie contract with Twentieth Century-Fox and changed her name to Marilyn Monroe.

However, it wasn’t until the early 1950s that she gained significant recognition for her acting abilities.

1. “The Asphalt Jungle” (1950)

Monroe’s breakthrough role came in the crime film “The Asphalt Jungle,” directed by John Huston.

Although her screen time was limited, her performance as Angela Phinlay, the young mistress of a corrupt lawyer, garnered critical acclaim.

This role showcased Monroe’s ability to captivate audiences with her beauty and vulnerability.

2. “All About Eve” (1950)

In the same year, Monroe appeared in the drama film “All About Eve,” directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz.

Although her role as Miss Casswell was relatively small, it marked her first collaboration with a renowned director and further established her presence in Hollywood.

Monroe’s Rise to Superstardom

As Monroe’s career progressed, she became one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood.

Her unique blend of sensuality, innocence, and comedic timing made her a favorite among audiences.

Let’s explore some of the movies that solidified her status as a superstar.

3. “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1953)

In this musical comedy directed by Howard Hawks, Monroe starred alongside Jane Russell as showgirls on a cruise ship.

Monroe’s portrayal of Lorelei Lee, a gold-digging blonde bombshell, showcased her comedic talent and irresistible charm.

The film’s iconic musical number, “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” became one of Monroe’s most memorable performances.

4. “How to Marry a Millionaire” (1953)

Directed by Jean Negulesco, this romantic comedy featured Monroe alongside Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable as three models searching for wealthy husbands.

Monroe’s character, Pola Debevoise, was a nearsighted aspiring actress who provided comic relief with her endearing clumsiness.

The film was a commercial success and further solidified Monroe’s status as a leading lady.

5. “The Seven Year Itch” (1955)

Directed by Billy Wilder, this romantic comedy is perhaps one of Monroe’s most iconic films.

She played the role of “The Girl,” a seductive neighbor who captures the attention of a married man.

The film’s famous scene of Monroe standing over a subway grate, with her white dress billowing up, has become an iconic image in pop culture.

Monroe’s Dramatic Performances

While Monroe was primarily known for her comedic roles, she also showcased her dramatic abilities in several films.

These performances demonstrated her versatility as an actress and challenged the perception of her as solely a sex symbol.

6. “Bus Stop” (1956)

In this romantic comedy-drama directed by Joshua Logan, Monroe portrayed Chérie, a naive and aspiring singer who becomes the object of affection for a cowboy.

Her performance in “Bus Stop” earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, showcasing her ability to tackle more complex roles.

7. “Some Like It Hot” (1959)

Directed by Billy Wilder, this classic comedy is often regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

Monroe starred alongside Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon as Sugar Kane Kowalczyk, a ukulele player and singer in an all-female band.

Her comedic timing and vulnerability in this role earned her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe win for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical.

Later Career and Legacy

As Monroe’s career progressed, she faced personal struggles and encountered difficulties in the film industry.

However, she continued to deliver memorable performances that solidified her status as an icon.

8. “The Misfits” (1961)

Directed by John Huston, “The Misfits” was Monroe’s final completed film.

She starred alongside Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift in this drama about a recently divorced woman who becomes involved with a group of cowboys.

Despite the challenges faced during production, Monroe’s performance was praised for its depth and vulnerability.

9. “Some Like It Hot” (1959)

Monroe’s legacy extends far beyond her filmography. Her impact on popular culture and her enduring status as a sex symbol have made her an icon for generations to come.

Monroe’s tragic death in 1962 at the age of 36 only added to the mystique surrounding her life and career.

FAQs – Marilyn Monroe Movies in Order

1. What was Marilyn Monroe’s first movie?

Marilyn Monroe’s first movie was “The Asphalt Jungle” (1950), directed by John Huston.

2. Which movie made Marilyn Monroe a superstar?

“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1953), directed by Howard Hawks, played a significant role in solidifying Marilyn Monroe’s status as a superstar.

3. What is Marilyn Monroe’s most famous movie scene?

Marilyn Monroe’s most famous movie scene is from “The Seven Year Itch” (1955), where she stands over a subway grate with her white dress billowing up.

4. Did Marilyn Monroe win any awards for her performances?

Yes, Marilyn Monroe won a Golden Globe for her performance in “Some Like It Hot” (1959) in the category of Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical.

5. What was Marilyn Monroe’s last completed film?

Marilyn Monroe’s last completed film was “The Misfits” (1961), directed by John Huston.

6. How did Marilyn Monroe impact popular culture?

Marilyn Monroe’s impact on popular culture is significant.

Her enduring status as a sex symbol and cultural icon has made her an inspiration for generations to come.

7. What is the legacy of Marilyn Monroe?

Marilyn Monroe’s legacy extends beyond her filmography.

Her tragic death at a young age only added to the mystique surrounding her life and career, solidifying her status as an icon.

8. How many movies did Marilyn Monroe star in?

Marilyn Monroe starred in approximately 30 movies throughout her career.

9. Did Marilyn Monroe only play comedic roles?

No, Marilyn Monroe showcased her versatility as an actress by taking on both comedic and dramatic roles.

Films like “Bus Stop” (1956) demonstrated her ability to tackle more complex characters.

10. What made Marilyn Monroe a unique actress?

Marilyn Monroe’s unique blend of sensuality, innocence, and comedic timing set her apart from other actresses of her time.

Her charisma and on-screen presence captivated audiences and made her a beloved figure in Hollywood.

Summary – Marilyn Monroe Movies in Order

Marilyn Monroe’s film career spanned over a decade and showcased her talent as an actress, model, and singer.

From her breakthrough roles in “The Asphalt Jungle” and “All About Eve” to her iconic performances in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” and “The Seven Year Itch,” Monroe captivated audiences with her beauty, vulnerability, and comedic timing.

She also demonstrated her dramatic abilities in films like “Bus Stop” and “Some Like It Hot.”

Despite personal struggles and challenges in the industry, Monroe’s legacy as a cultural icon and sex symbol continues to endure.

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