How Many Movies Has Ben Affleck Written And/Or Produced?

Ben Affleck is a Hollywood powerhouse, captivating audiences with his acting prowess. However, his incredible talents extend to screenwriting and producing.

A dive into the impressive roster of the seven movies Affleck has written and/or produced showcases his significant contributions to the film industry.

Ben Affleck is known for his exploits on screen, but his work behind the scenes is equally impressive. 

A rich tapestry of collaborations has profoundly shaped Affleck's career as a director and writer. His experiences with cinematic giants like David Fincher, Kevin Smith, Michael Bay, David Ayer, and Zack Snyder have provided him invaluable insights and skills. 

This has helped ensure his success across multiple facets of the film industry. The 51-year-old's transition from in front of the camera to behind it resulted in a string of critically acclaimed films that showcased his multifaceted talent. 

"Argo" (2012) was probably Affleck's most celebrated directorial effort, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture. It told the true story of a CIA mission to rescue American hostages in Iran during the country's 1979-1981 hostage crisis.

Subsequently, Affleck's directorial debut, "Gone Baby Gone" (2007), is a gripping crime drama based on Dennis Lehane's novel of the same name. 

The film, starring Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan, delved into the dark and complex world of a missing child investigation in Boston. His work as a director received praise for its authenticity and emotional depth, marking a solid start to his directing career.

Three years later, the TV star returned with "The Town" (2010), a tense and thrilling heist film set in the gritty neighborhood of Charlestown, Boston. The film's intense action sequences and character development also earned critical acclaim. 

Affleck's latest directorial effort, "Air" (2023), explored the fascinating story behind Nike and basketball legend Michael Jordan's collaboration to create the iconic Air Jordan basketball shoe line. 

The film featured a star-studded cast, including Matt Damon, Jason Bateman, and Viola Davis.  

While he is renowned for his talents behind the camera, his ability to craft engaging stories earned him accolades in Hollywood. 

The actor's journey as a screenwriter began with the iconic film "Good Will Hunting" (1997), which he co-wrote with his close friend Matt Damon.

The screenplay, a labor of love for Affleck and Damon, reflected their dreams and challenges. Their vulnerability paid off spectacularly, earning them the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

For "The Last Duel" (2021), Affleck once again collaborated with Damon and Nicole Holofcener to adapt Eric Jager's book. The printed work was a historical account of medieval France's last legally sanctioned duel.

Another novel-to-screen adaptation by Affleck was Dennis Lehane's "Live by Night" (2016), a sprawling tale set during the Prohibition era. This time, Affleck not only wrote the screenplay but also directed and starred in the film.

Affleck's "The Town" (2010), which he also directed, received mostly positive reviews from critics and audiences. However, while praised for its direction and performances, it did not achieve noticeable success globally.

The "Batman" star's journey as a screenwriter has seen various highs and lows. His projects have garnered a wide range of reactions, from acclaimed masterpieces to underwhelming disappointments.

Making a comeback is "Live by Night" (2016), which was reportedly disappointing for fans and critics despite its star-studded cast. It scored 34% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and 42% from audiences. 

A movie that got mixed reviews at the box office was "The Last Duel" (2021), co-written by Affleck, Damon, and Holofcener.

It got mostly positive reviews from critics but fell short of the commercial success hoped for by its creators. Praised for its ambition and depth, it resonated less strongly with audiences.

During a 2022 interview with his friend Damon on Entertainment Weekly, Affleck shared his thoughts about his role in "The Last Duel." Reflecting on his experience, he expressed a sense of fulfillment despite the film's commercial performance. Affleck shared:

"Then we went and did Last Duel and I had fun every day on this movie. I wasn't the star, I wasn't likable. I was a villain. I wasn't all the things I thought I was supposed to be when I started out and yet it was a wonderful experience. And it was all just stuff that came along that I wasn't chasing."

When asked about how he felt regarding the movie's box office performance, the star admitted to feeling puzzled.

"So I was really confused. And then to see that it did well on streaming, I thought, "'Well, there you go. That's where the audience is,'" Affleck explained.

Affleck has often been in the spotlight for his impressive film projects, but last March, he took a moment to spotlight his wife for her invaluable contributions to his film "Air" (2023).

The Blast reported that he expressed his admiration for Lopez's insight and expertise, particularly regarding the evolution of fashion.

In his own words, the actor praised her for being "incredibly knowledgeable about the way fashion evolves through the culture as a confluence of music, sports, entertainment, and dance."

Affleck noted that the singer's perspective helped him frame the importance of Jordans in American culture, emphasizing that "culture and style in America is 90 percent driven by Black culture."