Ben Affleck’s Action Thrillers: Every Film Ranked
From daring heists to superhero showdowns, Ben Affleck’s action-packed filmography is full of hits and misses. Discover which of his thrillers stand out—and which ones fall flat.
Ben Affleck’s career has been defined by a steady stream of adrenaline-fuelled roles, often placing him at the centre of high-stakes drama. Whether donning a cape or plotting a heist, he’s rarely shied away from stories that test his characters’ mettle. Some of these ventures have been met with applause, others with a polite shrug, but Affleck’s persistence in the genre is nothing if not consistent.
Early Misfires and Cult Curiosities
Back in 2000, Affleck took on the role of Rudy Duncan in Reindeer Games, a crime caper that sees a recently released convict drawn into a casino robbery. While Affleck’s charm is present, the film’s muddled plot and limp script left it languishing near the bottom of his action-thriller catalogue. Fast-forward to 2023, and Hypnotic finds him as Detective Danny Rourke, a man haunted by his daughter’s disappearance. Despite a premise brimming with psychics and shadowy figures, the film’s execution left critics underwhelmed, though a few found the twists diverting enough.
Superhero territory hasn’t always been kind to Affleck either. His turn as Batman in 2017’s Justice League was overshadowed by production woes and a lukewarm reception, though his brooding take on the character was one of the film’s few bright spots. Earlier, in 2003, he donned the red suit for Daredevil, playing blind lawyer Matt Murdock. The film struggled to match the depth of later adaptations, and Affleck’s efforts were hampered by a script that never quite found its footing.
Finding His Stride
By 2016, Affleck was back in the thick of things with The Accountant, portraying Christian Wolff, a mathematical savant with a penchant for violence. The film’s blend of cerebral puzzles and sharp action sequences struck a chord with audiences, enough to warrant a sequel. That same year, he returned to Gotham in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The much-hyped clash between DC’s titans promised fireworks but delivered a rather ponderous affair, though Affleck and Henry Cavill’s performances were generally well received.
2019’s Triple Frontier saw Affleck as Tom Davis, a retired soldier lured back into action for a high-stakes heist in South America. The film’s exploration of camaraderie and desperation among former comrades offered a fresh angle, even if reviews were mixed. Then came Zack Snyder’s Justice League in 2021, a four-hour director’s cut that gave Affleck’s Batman more room to breathe. The expanded narrative and improved reception made it a standout among his superhero outings.
Critical Highs and Award Winners
Affleck’s knack for tension is perhaps best showcased in 2002’s Changing Lanes. A minor car accident spirals into a day of escalating vendettas between his character and Samuel L. Jackson’s, with both men racing against the clock. The film’s taut pacing and moral ambiguity earned it a solid reputation, even if the ending divided opinion.
In The Accountant 2 (2025), Affleck teams up with Jon Bernthal, reprising his role as Christian Wolff. The sequel leans into sibling rivalry and conspiracy, with the chemistry between the leads adding a welcome spark to the action. Meanwhile, Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel (2021) casts Affleck in a supporting role as the scheming d’Alençon. The film’s triptych structure, retelling the same event from multiple perspectives, allows Affleck to flex his range as a thoroughly unlikeable nobleman.
Directorial Triumphs and Lasting Impact
Affleck’s directorial efforts have yielded some of his most acclaimed work. The Town (2010) sees him both behind and in front of the camera as Doug, a career criminal navigating loyalty and love amid a botched robbery. The film’s sharp writing and layered performances earned widespread praise.
But it’s Argo (2012) that stands tallest. Affleck directs and stars as Tony Mendez, a CIA operative orchestrating a daring rescue during the Iran hostage crisis. The film swept awards season, taking home Oscars for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing. It remains a high-water mark in Affleck’s action-thriller journey, blending suspense, wit, and historical intrigue with remarkable assurance.
From early stumbles to Oscar glory, Affleck’s forays into action thrillers reveal a career marked by risk, reinvention, and the occasional surprise. Whether you’re revisiting old favourites or discovering new ones, there’s no shortage of drama in his filmography.