10 Must-See Marilyn Monroe Films

Marilyn Monroe was a superstar in the 50s and 60s. She seemed to enchant everyone when she was on the screen! Here are the top 10 Marilyn Monroe films you absolutely must check out.

The Asphalt Jungle (1950)

Marilyn Monroe plays a supporting role in The Asphalt Jungle. However, it is a great film to watch and is one of the best Film Noirs and crime dramas out there! The Asphalt Jungle is the story of a jewelry heist that goes off without a hitch but then a couple of circumstances cause disaster for all that are involved.

All About Eve (1950)

Another one of Marilyn Monroe’s supporting roles, All About Eve is the story of an ingenue (Ann Baxter) who makes her way into an aging Broadway actress’s life
(Bette Davis). Even though Monroe is only in the film for a short period of time, she is all you can focus on when she is on screen.

Don’t Bother to Knock (1952)

Jed (Richard Widmark) is dumped by his girlfriend (Anne Bancroft), who is a lounge singer at a hotel. Defeated, Jed goes back to his room and sees Nell (Marilyn Monroe) through a window. Jed decides to visit Nell, but after spending some time with her, he realizes that she is a babysitter who has serious issues. Will Jed get away from Nell in one piece?

Monkey Business (1952)

Monkey Business is the story of a chemist (Cary Grant) who is trying to make the fountain of youth. Instead, one of the chimpanzees in his lab creates the elixir, which ends up in a water cooler. Those who drink from it start acting like younger versions of themselves. Marilyn Monroe has a supporting role in this film, but it is quite a meaty supporting role.

Niagara (1953)

This Film Noir will have you on the edge of your seat! The story of two couples (Marilyn Monroe and Joseph Cotton, and Jean Peters and Max Showalter) who are on a trip to Niagara Falls. One couple is happily married and the other has a volatile marriage. As the story unfolds we learn more about the volatile couple and the secrets they have.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is the story of Lorelei Lee (Marilyn Monroe) and Dorothy Shaw (Jane Russell) who are best friends traveling to Paris together. The two are being followed by a detective, who was hired by Lorelei’s fiance’s father (Taylor Holmes). Since this is a musical, there are show numbers throughout, including the infamous “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”

How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)

How to Marry a Millionaire is the story of three women (Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, and Lauren Bacall) who, you guessed it, want to marry millionaires. They do whatever they can to give off an air of sophistication to attract rich men. But do they end up with millionaires in the end?

The Seven Year Itch (1955)

The Seven Year Itch is about a man (Tom Ewell) whose family goes away for a trip, leaving him alone. He is faithful to his wife, but his new neighbor (Marilyn Monroe) tempts him. This movie includes the infamous subway grate scene, where Marilyn Monroe’s dress is blown up due to a passing train.

Some Like It Hot (1959)

Some Like It Hot is the story of two musicians (Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon) who accidentally witness a mob hit. They go on the run, hiding themselves by dressing up as women. They end up joining an all-female band, which is where they meet Sugar Kane (Marilyn Monroe). The two then get more than they bargained for with their charade.

The Misfits (1962)

In The Misfits, Marilyn Monroe plays a divorcee who gets wrapped up with an aging cowboy (Clark Gable) and his rag-tag crew (Eli Wallach and Montgomery Clift). This was to be both Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable’s last movie. It is an interesting film and really shows Monroe’s acting chops.