Marilyn Monroe Films

Marilyn Monroe (1926–1962) appeared in 30 films between 1947 and 1962. Her career moved from small supporting parts to some of Hollywood's most famous comedies and dramatic performances.

Marilyn Monroe's films in chronological order

The essential Marilyn Monroe films

1. Some Like It Hot (1959)
Some Like It Hot
Her most famous comedy, directed by Billy Wilder, with Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. Monroe plays singer Sugar Kane, giving the film one of her defining performances.

2. The Seven Year Itch (1955)
The Seven Year Itch
The film that produced the iconic image of Monroe standing over a subway grate as her white dress blows upward.

3. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
Monroe plays Lorelei Lee opposite Jane Russell. It includes the legendary musical number "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend."

4. Niagara (1953)
Niagara
A film noir/thriller that helped establish Monroe as a major star rather than simply a supporting actress.

5. How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)
How to Marry a Millionaire
A romantic comedy starring Monroe alongside Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable.

6. Bus Stop (1956)
Bus Stop
An important turning point in her career. Monroe plays Cherie, a nightclub singer, in a more dramatic and emotionally complex performance.

7. The Prince and the Showgirl (1957)
The Prince and the Showgirl
Monroe starred opposite Laurence Olivier and also served as producer through her newly established production company.

8. The Misfits (1961)
The Misfits
Her final completed film. Written by Arthur Miller and directed by John Huston, it co-starred Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift. Monroe's performance is notably different from her glamorous comic roles.

Her career in four stages

1947–1951 — Small roles
Monroe worked primarily in supporting parts while establishing herself in Hollywood.

1952–1954 — Breakthrough
Don't Bother to Knock, Niagara, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and How to Marry a Millionaire transformed her into a major star.

1955–1959 — Serious actress and international icon
She increasingly sought dramatic roles and studied acting at the Actors Studio. Bus Stop, The Prince and the Showgirl and Some Like It Hot demonstrate this development.

1960–1962 — Final films
Let's Make Love and The Misfits were her last released films. She began work on Something's Got to Give in 1962 but died before it was completed.

A good starting five

If you want a concise Marilyn Monroe film education, watch:

1. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes — the classic Monroe persona

2. How to Marry a Millionaire — Hollywood glamour

3. The Seven Year Itch — her cultural icon status

4. Some Like It Hot — her greatest comic role

5. The Misfits — her late dramatic work