13 Of Marilyn Monroe’s Most Memorable Performances On Screen
Marilyn Monroe had a presence that pulled the camera toward her before she ever spoke a line.
On screen, she balanced vulnerability, humor, and star power in a way that made even small moments feel unforgettable.
Audiences often remember the iconic image, but her performances reveal much more, showing sharp comedic timing, emotional depth, and an instinctive understanding of how to connect with viewers.
Each role added another layer to her legend, proving she was far more than a symbol.
Disclaimer: All selections and descriptions are based on opinion and cinematic interpretation rather than any objective or absolute measure of performance or legacy.
1. Some Like It Hot (1959)
Billy Wilder’s comedy masterpiece gave Monroe one of her greatest roles as Sugar Kane Kowalczyk, a ukulele-playing singer with big dreams.
Her chemistry with Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon created comedic gold that still makes audiences laugh today.
Monroe’s vulnerability mixed with perfect comic timing turned this into one of cinema’s funniest films ever made, proving she belonged among Hollywood’s elite performers.
2. The Seven Year Itch (1955)
If you’ve seen that famous image of Monroe’s dress flying up over a subway grate, you already know this film’s most iconic moment.
Playing a character simply called The Girl, Monroe embodied every fantasy neighbor who moves in upstairs during a hot Manhattan summer.
Her innocent charm contrasted beautifully with the married man’s wild imagination, creating comedy that felt both naughty and sweet.
3. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
Monroe sparkled as gold-digger Lorelei Lee, who famously sang that diamonds are a girl’s best friend.
Her performance alongside Jane Russell created one of cinema’s most entertaining female friendships, full of wit and glamour.
Though some dismissed Lorelei as just a dumb blonde, Monroe brought unexpected depth to the character, showing intelligence hiding behind those batting eyelashes and revealing society’s assumptions about beautiful women.
4. Niagara (1953)
Before comedy made her a superstar, Monroe played dangerous Rose Loomis, a femme fatale plotting murder against her husband.
Her sultry performance in this thriller proved she could handle dramatic material with sophistication and menace.
Shot on location at Niagara Falls, the film used the natural wonder as a metaphor for the dangerous passion Monroe’s character represented, launching her into true stardom.
5. Bus Stop (1956)
Critics finally recognized Monroe’s acting ability when she played Cherie, a worn-down saloon singer kidnapped by an overeager cowboy.
Her portrayal felt raw and real, showing a woman tired of being treated like property instead of a person.
Monroe brought genuine emotion to every scene, earning some of the best reviews of her career and silencing those who thought she was just a pretty face.
6. How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)
Monroe played Pola Debevoise, a nearsighted model too vain to wear her glasses, leading to hilarious mishaps.
Her physical comedy shined as she bumped into furniture and mistook people, all while maintaining her character’s dignity.
Alongside Betty Grable and Lauren Bacall, Monroe held her own in this ensemble comedy about three women scheming to land wealthy husbands.
7. The Misfits (1961)
Monroe’s final completed film paired her with Clark Gable in a modern western written by her then-husband Arthur Miller.
Playing recently divorced Roslyn Taber, Monroe delivered a performance filled with melancholy that mirrored her own struggles.
Though production was difficult, her emotional depth shines through every scene, making this bittersweet farewell to cinema even more poignant knowing what audiences would lose just months later.
8. Monkey Business (1952)
Working alongside Cary Grant, Monroe played secretary Lois Laurel in this screwball comedy about a youth serum gone wrong.
Her famous entrance had Grant’s character saying she was typed by her looks, a meta-commentary on Monroe’s own Hollywood experience.
Not the lead, Monroe still made every scene count with her comic timing and natural charm, stealing moments from even the legendary Grant himself.
9. Don’t Bother to Knock (1952)
Monroe took a risk playing Nell Forbes, a mentally unstable babysitter whose dark past threatens the child in her care.
This dramatic role showed a completely different side of Monroe, one capable of portraying genuine psychological disturbance.
Critics praised her ability to convey Nell’s fragility and danger simultaneously, proving Monroe could handle complex dramatic material when given the opportunity to showcase her range beyond comedy.
10. River of No Return (1954)
Monroe ventured into western territory as saloon singer Kay Weston, traveling down dangerous rapids with Robert Mitchum and his young son.
Her musical numbers added entertainment to this rugged adventure, showing Monroe could handle action alongside romance.
She reportedly disliked making the film but Monroe’s performance remains engaging, and the Canadian wilderness provided stunning backdrops for this frontier tale of survival and redemption.
11. The Prince and the Showgirl (1957)
Monroe produced and starred opposite Laurence Olivier in this romantic comedy set during the 1911 coronation of King George V.
Playing American showgirl Elsie Marina, Monroe brought warmth and humor to contrast Olivier’s stuffy European prince.
Though production was notoriously difficult due to clashing acting methods, Monroe’s natural charm triumphed on screen, creating a delightful performance that outshone her legendary co-star’s more theatrical approach.
12. Let’s Make Love (1960)
Monroe played Amanda Dell, an off-Broadway actress who unknowingly falls for the billionaire she’s satirizing in her show.
Her scenes with French star Yves Montand generated real chemistry, perhaps too real given the rumors that swirled during production.
The film itself was only moderately successful, but Monroe’s musical performances and comic timing remained sharp, showing her consistent ability to elevate material through sheer talent.
13. Clash by Night (1952)
In a supporting role, Monroe played Peggy, a cannery worker caught in her own romantic drama parallel to the main story.
Though Barbara Stanwyck carried the film, Monroe’s scenes showed her ability to handle dramatic ensemble work with maturity beyond her years.
Her natural performance style brought authenticity to this working-class drama, proving Monroe could disappear into realistic characters instead of just playing glamorous fantasies for audiences.
