George Clooney has been one of Hollywood ’s most acclaimed and darling actor for over three decade , seamlessly transition from a television star in the dramaERon NBC to star in major blockbusters , praised indie films , and everything in between . late , Clooney appeared in the post - credit setting inThe Flashas Bruce Wayne , while his latest projection is the Apple TV+ movieWolfsalongside Brad Pitt .

Thanks to such a long - running life history that let in multiple Academy Award nominations ( and two wins ) and directorial efforts , Clooney has been a meaning part of some unbelievable picture . However , seven of them stand out as his good — with some aging considerably well over time .

7. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

2001’sOcean ’s Elevenis chock - full of A - list stars include Matt Damon , Julia Roberts , and Brad Pitt , but the moving-picture show ’s lead is Clooney as notorious and suave thief Danny Ocean . The heist funniness boast Clooney at his most wizard as he oozes cool in the first installment of theOceansfranchise from Steven Soderbergh .

Despite his criminal nature , you ca n’t help but tear for Ocean and his associate to pull off their plans . Clooney stay a major reason thatOcean ’s Elevenand the subsequent installation were box seat office smashes .

6. O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

The first in a smattering of quislingism with theCoen brothersthat see Clooney meet against his common case , O Brother , Where artwork Thou?stars the talented actor as Ulysses Everett McGill . In a blind - top - the - blind situation , McGill lead a group of criminal escapee from a mountain range crowd , who , in their sweat to get much - needed money , memorialise a song as the Soggy Bottom Boys . Their euphony ends up becoming popular as they tried to evade authorities .

While Clooney might not be the material telling voice behind McGill ( that would be Dan Tyminski ) , his charismatic turn remains one of his skilful role to day of the month .

5. The Descendants (2011)

With a great indorse cast including Shailene Woodley and an Oscar - winning script from Nat Faxon , Jim Rash , and Payne , the film offers a unequalled perspective on someone cover with serious family outlet and trauma .

4. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Clooney is not one ofWes Anderson‘s most frequent pardner . Still , the veteran actor made his sole visual aspect in the director ’s acclaimed catalog counting , seem as the titular character inFantastic Mr. Fox .

The stop - apparent motion animated clowning go through Fox ( voiced by Clooney ) return to his life of criminal offence , leading him and his family to go on the run from those look to track him down . Along the way , he team up up with other brute who have seen their life railroaded by farmers , lead to even more engagement for Fox . Clooney ’s voice work is top - notch and he make the sly fox lead both believable and entertaining .

3. Michael Clayton (2007)

InMichael Clayton , Clooney plays the titulary fictional character , an attorney who find himself deeply within a grievous cover - up involving one of his firm ’s braggart clients . The thriller sees Clooney unveil the mystery behind a manic instalment involving one of his house ’s litigant , who has a strike put on him after the conglomerate he antecedently represent learns he has information that could sink them in a billion - dollar classic - legal action suit .

Michael Claytonsees several actors at their good , with Academy Award - nominated performances from Tom Wilkinson and Clooney and an Oscar win for Tilda Swinton . The film is for you if you wish tense action thrillers with a captivating mystery unfolding before your eyes and fantabulous act across the board .

2. Up In The Air (2009)

DespiteUp in The Airfailing to win any of its six Academy Awards nominating address , the Jason Reitman - directed film based on the Walter Kim book of the same name offer one of the best performances of Clooney ’s vocation . In the picture show , Clooney plays Ryan Bingham , who works for a firm specialise in employee termination and layoff . Despite his demanding caper , Bingham ’s routine and traveling turn have led to his illustrious life .

However , after encountering a new conscientious objector - doer , Natalie Keener ( Woman of the Hour‘s Anna Kendrick ) , and teaching her about his habits and work , he learns that his life , despite how he perceives it on a trivial level , is n’t as fulfilling as he once believed . Up in the Airhas much to say about corporate culture and the human connection .

1. Gravity (2013)

The best - review and biggest boxful authority smash of Clooney ’s career came withGravity . The Alfonso Cuarón technical marvelearned more than $ 700 million at the box office , and it realize 10 Academy Award nominations and seven non - acting prize .

In the film , Clooney plays astronaut Matt Kowalski , who lead the Space Shuttle Explorer alongside Dr. Ryan Stone ( Sandra Bullock ) . After space debris slay their bird , the duo is thrown into chaos , with the remainder of their work party being killed . Their attempt to survive are threatened by several obstruction , with Clooney ’s character serving as a calming bearing amid the calamity . WithGravitybeing one of the greatest skill fiction flick ever made and its box position and vital winner , it ’s a comparatively easy conclusion to list it among the good movies of the role player ’s storied vocation .