Ben Affleck's Directorial Efforts Ranked, From 'Argo' to 'Animals'
The actor-turned-director's filmography, including his latest Netflix thriller, is reviewed.
Ben Affleck, an actor with a diverse career that spans blockbuster roles and Oscar wins, has carved out a significant niche as a director. His directorial efforts, including the recently released Netflix thriller "Animals," showcase a consistent, if varied, approach to storytelling. A review of his filmmaking endeavors places "Animals" among his more tonally muddled works, while his Oscar-winning "Argo" remains a benchmark of his directorial skill.
"Animals," released in 2026, features Affleck as a Los Angeles mayoral candidate navigating personal and political crises. Despite an admirable thematic ambition and a strong supporting performance from Gillian Anderson as a fixer, the film is described as tonally muddled and visually generic, suffering from what is perceived as a "too Netflix" aesthetic. It is projected to be Affleck's most-watched directorial effort due to its streaming platform.
Prior to "Animals," Affleck directed and co-wrote "Air" (2023), a biographical comedy-drama about Nike's endorsement deal with Michael Jordan. Praised for its balance of seriousness and levity, the film benefited from Amazon's production approach, prioritizing quality and theatrical experience. Affleck also appears in "Air" in a supporting role as Nike CEO Phil Knight.
A History of Directorial Endeavors
Affleck's career behind the camera includes "The Last Duel" (2021), a medieval-era drama co-written with Matt Damon and Nicole Holofcener. This film, which retells a traumatic event from three different perspectives, was noted for its blend of humor and seriousness, with Affleck earning praise for his performance as a foppish nobleman.
His directorial debut, "Gone Baby Gone" (2007), a crime thriller based on a Dennis Lehane novel, earned critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for co-star Amy Ryan. The film, which notably does not feature Affleck as an actor, was influenced by the dramatic intensity and storytelling sensibilities of directors like Clint Eastwood.
"The Town" (2010), an action-thriller set in Boston, is highlighted for its vibrant urban atmosphere and taut tension. Starring Affleck alongside a strong ensemble cast, the film is considered highly rewatchable.
Early Triumphs and Setbacks
Affleck's collaborative success with Matt Damon began with the screenplay for "Good Will Hunting" (1997), which earned them an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. This film marked their emergence as significant talents in Hollywood.
His 2012 film "Argo," a dramatization of a CIA operation to rescue Americans in Iran during the 1979 hostage crisis, won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Despite the film's success, Affleck did not receive a Best Director nomination, though his producer credit allowed him to accept the award.
Conversely, "Live By Night" (2016), a 1920s Florida-set gangster thriller, is viewed as a post-Oscar slump effort. The film, an adaptation of another Dennis Lehane novel, underperformed at the box office and has not garnered significant revisitation.
Through these diverse projects, Ben Affleck has demonstrated a consistent commitment to directing, balancing acclaimed works with those that have been met with more mixed reception.