From Worst to Best: The Ben Affleck and Matt Damon Films That Surprised Fans

Whether you cherish their Oscar-winning success or love to debate their cinematic stumbles, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are movie royalty—and when they unite on screen, fans take notice! As the dynamic duo return yet again for Netflix’s action flick “The Rip,” let’s look back at their best and worst collaborations, based strictly on fan ratings and reactions. Ready to relive the highlights, the head-scratchers, and everything in between?

A Legendary Duo: From Breakout to Blockbuster

• Ben Affleck and Matt Damon first made waves together at the 1998 Oscars, hoisting the Best Original Screenplay trophy for “Good Will Hunting”—a script they wrote themselves after becoming frustrated with the roles Hollywood handed them.
• Nearly three decades and about ten cinematic partnerships later, the pair are firmly among Hollywood’s greats. Yet, not all their team-ups have been lauded; some titles have, let’s say, aged like milk.

Importantly, when tallying fan favourites, only films that feature both actors (and not just as cameos) are counted—sorry to those hoping to relive their quick pop-ins in Kevin Smith’s movies like “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.”

Films That Surprised Fans: The Worst Through the Best

• Worst: “Glory Daze” (Une virée d’enfer) (2.2/5)
  This ‘90s teen movie received a resounding thumbs-down from audiences, scoring a meagre 2.2 out of 5 according to AlloCiné users. While not a hit, it did showcase early appearances by Sam Rockwell, Alyssa Milano, and even a blink-and-you-miss-it Matthew McConaughey. Reviewer Ludos lamented its “abysmal quality” and Affleck’s “ridiculous hairstyle,” while others felt any redeeming notes were owed solely to the cast’s raw talent.
• “Dogma” (3.2/5)
  Kevin Smith’s outrageous 1999 comedy, with Affleck and Damon as fallen angels Bartleby and Loki, divided fans and stirred up controversy for its irreverent humor. While some AlloCiné reviewers found it “friendly and unpretentious,” others applauded its “smart, fierce satire.” Its cult status in the US hasn’t translated everywhere, rendering this quirky film an odd but memorable entry in their filmography.
• “The Rip” (3.6/5)
  Their most recent outing as Miami cops wrestling with a $20 million bust has captured Netflix viewers’ attention, racking up 40 million views in less than a week. Reactions, however, are sharply divided: some call it “gripping and well done,” while others, like user elbandito, denounce it as a “cruel disappointment.” Notably, this probably won’t be their final collaboration—even if Damon had to bow out of Affleck’s upcoming film “Animals” due to scheduling conflicts.
• “School Ties” (La Différence) (3.7/5)
  One of Damon’s earliest key roles, and Affleck’s too, tackled anti-Semitism at elite American schools. While more a gathering of future stars (hello, Brendan Fraser and Cole Hauser) than a full-fledged Affleck-Damon vehicle, it counts as their first on-screen partnership (unless you count background roles without lines in “Field of Dreams”—film-nerd points if you spotted them!). Reviewers call it “an excellent film on tolerance, prejudice and injustice” that has stood the test of time.
• “Air” (3.9/5)
  This Ben Affleck-directed biopic chronicles the launch of the iconic Air Jordan sneakers. Matt Damon leads as the film’s protagonist, with Affleck in a memorable supporting turn as Nike co-founder Philip Knight. According to fans, it’s a “very good film,” even if the finer details don’t please everyone.
• “The Last Duel” (Le Dernier Duel) (4.1/5)
  Reuniting on screen over 20 years after “Dogma,” Affleck and Damon not only star but co-wrote the screenplay (together with Nicole Holofcener). Based on a real 14th-century tale and shot largely in Dordogne, France, it’s a lavish historical epic. Reviews salute its “prestigious cast” and “epic, furious” direction—Ben Affleck originally planned to play the main villain, but switched to the Count of Alençon due to scheduling.
• Best: “Good Will Hunting” (Will Hunting) (4.1/5; with most votes)
  Unsurprisingly, their signature film tops the fans’ ranking. This 90s indie classic won the duo an Oscar for their script, further cemented by Robin Williams’ unforgettable, Oscar-winning performance. Viewers praise it for its writing, emotions, and performances, not shying away from calling it a “masterpiece” filled with “magnificence, emotion, and feeling.”

The Pair’s Ongoing Magic—and Mixed Bag

Affleck and Damon’s careers have taken them from flops to instant classics, proving even the greats produce a dud now and then—and that’s probably why we love them. Their big-screen friendship often signals quality, but they certainly aren’t afraid to risk the occasional misstep. As the audience response to “The Rip” shows, their collaborations still spark debate and draw crowds in equal measure.

Final Take: Why We Keep Watching Affleck & Damon (Even When We Groan)

Through rocky teen movies, daring comedies, and timeless dramas, Affleck and Damon are a duo to watch—not least because their choices are so unpredictable. Whether you debate the best or worst of their catalogue, one thing’s clear: when these two team up, movie lovers can’t help but pay attention. And judging by their recent streaming numbers, neither can the world. Here’s hoping their next collaboration is another crowd-pleaser—or at least gives us something to argue about at the next movie night!