Since the 1980s, George Clooney has captivated audiences with his acting and directing. Over the years, he has received numerous accolades, including an Oscar and multiple Golden Globe Awards. Clooney’s performance in the 2000 movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? earned him the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, while his role in Syriana (2005) garnered him an Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. Although Clooney has taken a quieter approach to movies in recent years, his 2020 movie The Midnight Sky reignited interest in his work. Let’s take a look at the best George Clooney movies that showcase his talent.
1.O Brother, Where Art Thou?
We start our list with the movie that earned Clooney both an Oscar and a Golden Globe nomination. In this quirky comedy, Everett McGill (George Clooney), a notorious criminal, hatches a plan to escape prison by convincing two fellow inmates to join him, claiming he has hidden a fortune. Their journey is filled with unexpected and humorous adventures. This classic movie remains one of Clooney’s most memorable performances.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
- Director: Joel Coen
- Cast: George Clooney (Everett), John Turturro (Pete), Tim Blake Nelson (Delmar), Holly Hunter (Penny)
- Release Year: 2000
- Duration: 107 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Crime
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- Similar Movies: Fargo, The Big Lebowski, Raising Arizona
- Trailer: O Brother, Where Art Thou? Official Trailer
- IMDb Link: O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) – IMDb
2.Up in the Air
Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) lives out of a suitcase, constantly flying across the country and staying in hotels. As a corporate downsizing expert, he loves his carefree lifestyle and aims to reach 10 million air miles. However, his life changes when he is threatened with being grounded by his boss. Clooney’s nuanced performance in this award-nominated movie was one of the highlights of his career, earning six Oscar nominations.
Up in the Air (2009)
- Director: Jason Reitman
- Cast: George Clooney (Ryan Bingham), Vera Farmiga (Alex Goran), Anna Kendrick (Natalie Keener), Jason Bateman (Craig Gregory)
- Release Year: 2009
- Duration: 109 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R (Restricted)
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.4
- Similar Movies: The Descendants, Thank You for Smoking, Lost in Translation
- Trailer: Up in the Air Official Trailer
- IMDb Link: Up in the Air (2009) – IMDb
3.The Descendants
In this heartfelt drama, Matt King (George Clooney), a wealthy landowner, struggles to reconnect with his daughters after his wife is injured in a boating accident. As he confronts his own shortcomings, Matt navigates complex family relationships and personal growth. Clooney’s performance in this emotional movie showcases his depth as an actor.
The Descendants (2011)
- Director: Alexander Payne
- Cast: George Clooney (Matt King), Shailene Woodley (Alexandra King), Amara Miller (Scottie King), Nick Krause (Sid)
- Release Year: 2011
- Duration: 115 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R (Restricted)
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Similar Movies: Nebraska, Little Miss Sunshine, Sideways
- Trailer: The Descendants Official Trailer
- IMDb Link: The Descendants (2011) – IMDb
4.Michael Clayton
In Michael Clayton, Clooney plays a “fixer” for a New York law firm. Struggling with debt and personal setbacks, Clayton takes on a high-stakes assignment that forces him to confront his morals and ethics. The movie features an award-winning performance by Tilda Swinton, who earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, making this legal thriller one of Clooney’s standout films.
Michael Clayton (2007)
- Director: Tony Gilroy
- Cast: George Clooney (Michael Clayton), Tilda Swinton (Karen Crowder), Tom Wilkinson (Arthur Edens), Sydney Pollack (Marty Bach)
- Release Year: 2007
- Duration: 119 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R (Restricted)
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Similar Movies: The Insider, Erin Brockovich, The Firm
- Trailer: Michael Clayton Official Trailer
- IMDb Link: Michael Clayton (2007) – IMDb
5.The Midnight Sky
Clooney stars as Augustine, a scientist stationed in the Arctic during a post-apocalyptic crisis. As Earth faces a mysterious threat, Augustine attempts to contact a space mission to warn them of the dangers awaiting them back home. This visually stunning movie marked Clooney’s return to acting after a brief hiatus and explores themes of survival and redemption.
The Midnight Sky (2020)
- Director: George Clooney
- Cast: George Clooney (Augustine), Felicity Jones (Sully), David Oyelowo (Adewole), Tiffany Boone (Maya)
- Release Year: 2020
- Duration: 118 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Netflix
- IMDb Rating: 5.6
- Similar Movies: Gravity, Interstellar, Ad Astra
- Trailer: The Midnight Sky Official Trailer
- IMDb Link: The Midnight Sky (2020) – IMDb
6.Ocean’s Eleven
One of Clooney’s most iconic roles is Danny Ocean, the charismatic leader of a crew planning a daring casino heist. Alongside a star-studded cast, including Brad Pitt and Matt Damon, Clooney delivers a suave and commanding performance in this stylish heist movie. Ocean’s Eleven remains one of the most beloved entries in the George Clooney movie collection.
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
- Director: Steven Soderbergh
- Cast: George Clooney (Danny Ocean), Brad Pitt (Rusty Ryan), Matt Damon (Linus Caldwell), Julia Roberts (Tess Ocean)
- Release Year: 2001
- Duration: 116 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Crime, Thriller
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- Similar Movies: The Italian Job, Catch Me If You Can, Now You See Me
- Trailer: Ocean’s Eleven Official Trailer
- IMDb Link: Ocean’s Eleven (2001) – IMDb
7.Ocean’s Twelve
In the sequel to Ocean’s Eleven, Danny Ocean and his team are forced to repay the money they stole from casino owner Terry Benedict—with interest. To pull off the repayment, the crew sets out on a series of heists across Europe. Vincent Cassel, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Don Cheadle join the ensemble cast, adding flair to this entertaining follow-up.
Ocean’s Twelve (2004)
- Director: Steven Soderbergh
- Cast: George Clooney (Danny Ocean), Brad Pitt (Rusty Ryan), Matt Damon (Linus Caldwell), Catherine Zeta-Jones (Isabel Lahiri)
- Release Year: 2004
- Duration: 125 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Crime, Thriller
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 6.5
- Similar Movies: Ocean’s Thirteen, The Italian Job, The Thomas Crown Affair
- Trailer: Ocean’s Twelve Official Trailer
- IMDb Link: Ocean’s Twelve (2004) – IMDb
8.Ocean’s Thirteen
The final installment of the Ocean’s trilogy sees Danny Ocean and his team plotting their riskiest heist yet to protect one of their own. Facing off against ruthless casino owner Willy Bank, the crew reunites for one last job filled with clever twists and high stakes. Clooney once again shines as the smooth-talking leader in this entertaining movie.
Ocean’s Thirteen (2007)
- Director: Steven Soderbergh
- Cast: George Clooney (Danny Ocean), Brad Pitt (Rusty Ryan), Matt Damon (Linus Caldwell), Al Pacino (Willy Bank)
- Release Year: 2007
- Duration: 122 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Crime, Thriller
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 6.9
- Similar Movies: Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Twelve, The Italian Job
- Trailer: Ocean’s Thirteen Official Trailer
- IMDb Link: Ocean’s Thirteen (2007) – IMDb
9.Out of Sight
In this crime drama, Jack Foley (George Clooney) is a career bank robber who has been caught and imprisoned repeatedly. Known for his non-violent methods, Jack devises a plan to escape and rekindle his criminal career. Featuring a sizzling on-screen chemistry between Clooney and Jennifer Lopez, this movie is a must-watch for fans of the actor.
Out of Sight (1998)
- Director: Steven Soderbergh
- Cast: George Clooney (Jack Foley), Jennifer Lopez (Karen Sisco), Ving Rhames (Buddy Bragg), Don Cheadle (Maurice Miller)
- Release Year: 1998
- Duration: 123 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Comedy, Crime, Romance
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R (Restricted)
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.0
- Similar Movies: The Thomas Crown Affair, Jackie Brown, Michael Clayton
- Trailer: Out of Sight Official Trailer
- IMDb Link: Out of Sight (1998) – IMDb
10.Syriana
In one of his most acclaimed roles, Clooney stars as Bob Barnes, a CIA operative nearing retirement who is offered one final mission: assassinate a prince from an oil-rich nation. Torn between his duty and morality, Bob’s journey highlights the geopolitical complexities of the modern world. Syriana earned Clooney his Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, cementing its place among the best George Clooney movies.
Syriana (2005)
- Director: Stephen Gaghan
- Cast: George Clooney (Bob Barnes), Matt Damon (Bryan Woodman), Jeffrey Wright (Bennett Holiday), Christopher Plummer (Dean Whiting)
- Release Year: 2005
- Duration: 128 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R (Restricted)
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 6.9
- Similar Movies: Traffic, The Insider, Michael Clayton
- Trailer: Syriana Official Trailer
- IMDb Link: Syriana (2005) – IMDb
11.The American
In this suspenseful movie, Clooney plays Jack, a meticulous hitman ready to retire after one last job. Following a botched mission in Sweden, Jack retreats to a quiet Italian town where he befriends a priest and grows close to Clara, a local woman. However, as Jack’s personal relationships deepen, his focus wavers—a dangerous misstep for a professional assassin.
The American (2010)
- Director: Anton Corbijn
- Cast: George Clooney (Jack), Violante Placido (Clara), Thekla Reuten (Mathilde), Paolo Bonacelli (Father Benedetto)
- Release Year: 2010
- Duration: 105 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R (Restricted)
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 6.3
- Similar Movies: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The American Friend, The Constant Gardener
- Trailer: The American Official Trailer
- IMDb Link: The American (2010) – IMDb
12.Money Monster
Directed by Jodie Foster, this gripping thriller stars George Clooney as Lee Gates, a financial TV host who is taken hostage during a live broadcast by Kyle, a desperate man who lost everything following one of Lee’s stock tips. Alongside producer Patty Fenn (Julia Roberts), Gates must find a way to defuse the situation while uncovering the deeper truth behind the crisis.
Money Monster (2016)
- Director: Jodie Foster
- Cast: George Clooney (Lee Gates), Julia Roberts (Patty Fenn), Jack O’Connell (Kyle Budwell), Dominic West (Walt Camby)
- Release Year: 2016
- Duration: 98 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R (Restricted)
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 6.5
- Similar Movies: The Big Short, Margin Call, The Hummingbird Project
- Trailer: Money Monster Official Trailer
- IMDb Link: Money Monster (2016) – IMDb
13.From Dusk till Dawn
This cult-classic movie, directed by Robert Rodriguez and written by Quentin Tarantino, follows the Gecko brothers (George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino) as they flee to Mexico after a crime spree. What begins as a road-trip heist story takes a shocking turn when they encounter vampires in a remote bar. Clooney’s charismatic performance cemented his place in action-packed cinema.
From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
- Director: Robert Rodriguez
- Cast: George Clooney (Seth Gecko), Quentin Tarantino (Richard Gecko), Harvey Keitel (Jacob Fuller), Juliette Lewis (Kate Fuller)
- Release Year: 1996
- Duration: 108 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Crime, Horror
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R (Restricted)
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Similar Movies: Desperado, Planet Terror, Kill Bill: Vol. 1
- Trailer: From Dusk Till Dawn Official Trailer
- IMDb Link: From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) – IMDb
14.The Ides of March
Directed and co-written by Clooney, this political drama centers on the cutthroat world of American politics. Mike Morris (Clooney), a presidential candidate, faces challenges when his press secretary (Ryan Gosling) discovers a scandal that threatens the campaign. A sharp and insightful movie, The Ides of March showcases Clooney’s skills both in front of and behind the camera.
The Ides of March (2011)
- Director: George Clooney
- Cast: George Clooney (Governor Mike Morris), Ryan Gosling (Stephen Meyers), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Paul Zara), Paul Giamatti (Tom Duffy)
- Release Year: 2011
- Duration: 101 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R (Restricted)
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.1
- Similar Movies: Michael Clayton, Frost/Nixon, The Post
- Trailer: The Ides of March Official Trailer
- IMDb Link: The Ides of March (2011) – IMDb
15.Gravity
Clooney stars as astronaut Matt Kowalski, who, along with Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock), becomes stranded in space after their shuttle is destroyed by debris. As they work together to survive, the movie delivers stunning visuals and emotional tension. Gravity received widespread acclaim and numerous awards, with Clooney’s performance adding to the movie’s depth.
Gravity (2013)
- Director: Alfonso Cuarón
- Cast: Sandra Bullock (Ryan Stone), George Clooney (Matt Kowalski), Ed Harris (Mission Control), Orto Ignatiussen (Aningaaq)
- Release Year: 2013
- Duration: 91 minutes
- Country: United States, United Kingdom
- Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, iTunes
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- Similar Movies: Interstellar, The Martian, Ad Astra
- Trailer: Gravity Official Trailer
- IMDb Link: Gravity (2013) – IMDb
16.Three King
Set during the aftermath of the Gulf War, this movie follows a group of American soldiers led by Archie Gates (George Clooney) as they attempt to steal a hidden cache of gold. Combining action, humor, and political commentary, Three Kings is a standout entry in Clooney’s filmography.
Three Kings (1999)
- Director: David O. Russell
- Cast: George Clooney (Archie Gates), Mark Wahlberg (Troy Barlow), Ice Cube (Chief Elgin), Spike Jonze (Conrad Vig)
- Release Year: 1999
- Duration: 114 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R (Restricted)
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.1
- Similar Movies: The Monuments Men, Jarhead, The Hurt Locker
- Trailer: Three Kings Official Trailer
- IMDb Link: Three Kings (1999) – IMDb
17.The Perfect Storm
Based on true events, this intense movie tells the story of Captain Billy Tyne (Clooney) and his crew, who face a deadly storm while fishing in the Atlantic. As waves reach towering heights, the crew fights for survival against impossible odds. Clooney delivers a gripping performance in this emotional and visually stunning disaster drama.
The Perfect Storm (2000)
- Director: Wolfgang Petersen
- Cast: George Clooney (Billy Tyne), Mark Wahlberg (Bobby Shatford), Diane Lane (Christina Cotter), John C. Reilly (Dale Murphy)
- Release Year: 2000
- Duration: 130 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 6.4
- Similar Movies: Cast Away, Deepwater Horizon, Poseidon
- Trailer: The Perfect Storm Official Trailer
- IMDb Link: The Perfect Storm (2000) – IMDb
18.Burn After Reading
This dark comedy by the Coen brothers features Clooney as Harry Pfarrer, a bumbling federal marshal caught in a chaotic series of events involving a former CIA analyst’s lost data. With a stellar cast including Brad Pitt, John Malkovich, and Frances McDormand, Burn After Reading is a hilarious and satirical take on human folly.
Burn After Reading (2008)
- Director: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
- Cast: George Clooney (Harry Pfarrer), Frances McDormand (Linda Litzke), Brad Pitt (Chad Feldheimer), John Malkovich (Osborne Cox)
- Release Year: 2008
- Duration: 96 minutes
- Country: United States, United Kingdom, France
- Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R (Restricted)
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.0
- Similar Movies: Fargo, The Big Lebowski, A Serious Man
- Trailer: Burn After Reading Official Trailer
- IMDb Link: Burn After Reading (2008) – IMDb
19.Tomorrowland
Clooney stars as Frank Walker, a reclusive inventor who teams up with a curious young woman (Britt Robertson) to explore the mysterious world of Tomorrowland—a place beyond space and time. This adventure movie is packed with imaginative visuals and thought-provoking themes about innovation and optimism.
Tomorrowland (2015)
- Director: Brad Bird
- Cast: George Clooney (Frank Walker), Britt Robertson (Casey Newton), Hugh Laurie (David Nix), Raffey Cassidy (Athena)
- Release Year: 2015
- Duration: 130 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Family
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, iTunes
- IMDb Rating: 6.4
- Similar Movies: The Incredibles, The Iron Giant, Tron: Legacy
- Trailer: Tomorrowland Official Trailer
- IMDb Link: Tomorrowland (2015) – IMDb
20.One Fine Day
In this charming romantic comedy, Clooney plays Jack Taylor, a busy journalist who crosses paths with Melanie Parker (Michelle Pfeiffer), a single mother and architect. Circumstances force them to look after each other’s children for a day, leading to humorous and heartfelt moments. Clooney’s chemistry with Pfeiffer makes this movie a delightful watch.
One Fine Day (1996)
- Director: Michael Hoffman
- Cast: George Clooney (Jack Taylor), Michelle Pfeiffer (Melanie Parker), Mae Whitman (Maggie Taylor), Alex D. Linz (Sammy Parker)
- Release Year: 1996
- Duration: 108 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 6.5
- Similar Movies: Notting Hill, Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail
- Trailer: One Fine Day Official Trailer
- IMDb Link: One Fine Day (1996) – IMDb
21.Hail, Caesar!
Set in 1950s Hollywood, this Coen brothers’ comedy stars Clooney as Baird Whitlock, a star kidnapped by a mysterious group while filming a biblical epic. Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin), a “fixer” for the studio, scrambles to resolve the situation. Featuring a stellar cast, including Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, this satirical movie highlights Clooney’s comedic timing.
Hail, Caesar! (2016)
- Director: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
- Cast: George Clooney (Baird Whitlock), Josh Brolin (Eddie Mannix), Scarlett Johansson (DeeAnna Moran), Alden Ehrenreich (Hobie Doyle)
- Release Year: 2016
- Duration: 106 minutes
- Country: United States, United Kingdom, Japan
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Mystery
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 6.3
- Similar Movies: The Big Lebowski, Burn After Reading, Barton Fink
- Trailer: Hail, Caesar! Official Trailer
- IMDb Link: Hail, Caesar! (2016) – IMDb
