Only True Fans Can Pass This Ben Affleck Movie Quiz
- by Lucas Wesley
- – on
- in Movies and TV
Despite a career filled with a few ups and downs, Ben Affleck has generally remained one of the top actors in Hollywood from the mid-‘90s to the present day. Like anyone else, he had to work his way up to this position, starting off as a child actor in the 1980s as the main character in two PBS educational programs, The Voyage of Mimi and its sequel series, The Second Voyage of Mimi. Increasingly high profile film roles came after that, with his status as a leading man finally confirmed when Affleck and best buddy Matt Damon won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in honor of what remains one of the greatest films in which either one of them would play a role.
In addition to his talents as an actor, Affleck has recently been establishing himself as an expert producer and director, as well, leading to a second Academy Award for Best Picture, amongst a number of other major accolades. Even as his career grows, he’s remained a supremely charming and talented actor, excelling in dramatic, comedic, and occasionally intense roles. That said, there have been a few misfires and lesser seen performances, making it hard for the average moviegoer to name every last film in which Affleck made an appearance. Keep reading for a quiz on Ben Affleck movies only an expert could pass.
In which film does Ben Affleck portray a CIA agent tasked with freeing hostages?
Who said movies couldn’t save lives? Certainly not anyone involved in what is arguably Ben Affleck’s greatest film, which he also directed and produced, leading to an Academy Award for Best Picture. As if that weren’t enough, he also played the lead character Tony Mendez, a CIA agent tasked with saving six captive members of the U.S. embassy during the Iranian hostage crisis. His brilliant plan is to pretend he’s filming a movie in the country, leading to a collaboration between Hollywood executives and the government that successfully brings the trapped hostages home.
What movie did Ben Affleck co-write and co-star with Matt Damon?
While Ben Affleck had already appeared in a number of major roles, it was this film that truly opened the floodgates for both himself and his friend Matt Damon. Much like their relationship in real life, the two portrayed childhood friends, though Affleck’s Chuckie Sullivan always knew Damon’s title character was destined for so much more than their small town had to offer. This is because Damon was playing a closet genius, who Chuckie accurately believed had the brains necessary to make a serious impact on the world.
Which film features Ben Affleck as a man trying to solve his wife’s disappearance?
When a married person goes missing, police procedure mandates the first person they should investigate is the spouse. Unfortunately for Ben Affleck’s Nick Dunne, his wife Amy is aware of this, and uses it as revenge when she learns he cheated on her with a younger woman. The fact Dunne is almost emotionless really doesn’t help, although it’s also entirely possible an event like this would send a man into a state of shock. In any event, as this film develops, it becomes clear there’s more to the story than the authorities initially assume.
In what movie did Ben Affleck first take up the cowl as Batman?
After nearly a decade of dominating the comic book industry, we now live in a world where Batman is also one of the most portrayed characters in all of film and entertainment. Ben Affleck is merely the most recent actor to take up the role of the Caped Crusader, but based on the looks of things, it was a casting choice that’s going to stick for quite some time. This particular version of the Dark Knight rose to prominence after learning about another superhero, who he initially miscast as a threat before realizing he could be an extremely powerful ally.
Which high school comedy features Ben Affleck as the leader of a group of bullies?
There’s no shame in being a poor student, so long as one tries their best. If, however, someone basically fails their senior year of high school on purpose to stick around and bully the new class, well, it’s fair to say they aren’t the nicest kid in town. This is the case for Ben Affleck’s Fred O’Bannion, who takes sick pleasure in paddling younger students each year, particularly focusing on a freshman named Mitch in this iconic coming of age comedy. On the plus side, the bullied kids ultimately get revenge, infuriating O’Bannion by covering him in paint.
What movie features Ben Affleck as a bootlegger turned gangster?
Things don’t always turn out the way people plan them. Ben Affleck’s Joe Coughlin proves this adage through his very existence in this film, denying his father’s aspirations that he become a police officer after falling in love with a woman already deeply embroiled in the world of organized crime. Almost immediately, this causes him to turn his back on the family and go down the rabbit hole of corruption, even after a bank heist gone wrong lands him in prison. This only emboldens him to work harder at building his own criminal empire upon release.
In which film does Ben Affleck portray a criminal attempting to rob Fenway Park?
An incredible amount can go wrong during a robbery—even one where the thieves disguise themselves in unique nun costumes. Cops and alarms are to be expected, yet Ben Affleck’s Doug MacRay never thought he’d fall in love with one of his hostages, which happens after he follows one of them home to find out how much she knows about what they’ve done. While the heart wants what it wants, criminals are also pretty fond of money, so this new connection can’t stop him from scoring one last major job, stealing from one of the country’s biggest baseball stadiums.
What movie features Ben Affleck as the owner of an online poker web site?
Paying for college can be tough for anybody, but resorting to gambling to take care of the debt is an extremely risky move. That goes double in an area where cheating is virtually unregulated, which was an problem for many early online poker web sites, like the one owned by Ben Affleck’s Ivan Block. Not that Block is clean in this operation, and in fact, he may just be the most corrupt member of the enterprise, leading an FBI agent to do whatever it takes in bringing him down.
Which film sees Ben Affleck portray an environmental inspector in an international love triangle?
It’s well known that “Paris is for lovers,” and plenty of films start with whirlwind relationships in the iconic French capital. This picture follows that trend when Ben Affleck’s Neil meets a Ukrainian divorcee and quickly falls in love, asking the woman to pack up her family and move to Oklahoma so they can start a new life together, which she quickly does. Unfortunately, the spark almost immediately fades, as it’s very difficult for her to adapt to life in the States. The questionable parentage of what would theoretically be their first child only complicates things further.
What film features Ben Affleck as a politician whose mistress meets a mysterious demise?
Combine the words “politician” and “mistress,” and every reporter in Washington, D.C. will inevitably become highly interested. Throw in a strange set of coincidences leading to the demise of several seemingly disconnected people in one day, and a whole slew of investigators will tirelessly work to figure out what the heck is going on. Initially, Ben Affleck’s Stephen Collins seems equally interested, especially given his close personal connection to one of the victims. In due time, however, the reporters who keep questioning him realize there’s much more to this story than meets the eye.
Which movie sees Ben Affleck fall in love with a far more experienced woman?
In the modern era, social morays have reached a point where some people in a new relationship may be a little bit too open about their past romantic history with a potential new lover. Not everyone would agree with this statement, but Ben Affleck’s Holden McNeil definitely has trouble accepting his new girlfriend Alyssa Jones’s previous relationships. First of all, she’s been dating women for the past few years, and before that, she engaged in dalliances far beyond anything Holden has ever experienced. Surprisingly, Jay and Silent Bob make him realize he needs to get over it.
What animated musical features Ben Affleck as a Biblical figure?
While even Ben Affleck’s greatest fans would have to confess he’s hardly a Biblical figure, that’s exactly what he plays in this animated musical. Not that it does him much good, as Affleck’s character is instantly declared his parents favorite, to the extent they award him with an amazing Technicolor dream coat from a young age. This naturally leaves his brothers extremely jealous, plotting against him. The move backfires, though, and he quickly rises through the ranks to become one of the most powerful men in antiquity thanks to his ability to read dreams.
In which film does Ben Affleck portray a bail bondsman overseeing a magician?
Ben Affleck’s role in this film is relatively small, but the same is true about almost everyone in it aside from Jeremy Piven’s Buddy Israel. That’s because Israel’s life is in a constant state of chaos, and a large number of people who cross his path end up victims to an overzealous set of psychotics, who Affleck’s Jack Dupree colorfully describes as being equal parts mean and stupid. Of course, even speaking such a thing out loud can set that sort of character off, explaining why it is Dupree doesn’t achieve his goal of bringing Israel to justice.
What film features Ben Affleck as TV's original Superman, George Reeves?
Long before Ben Affleck was cast as the world’s latest Batman, he portrayed another iconic Caped Crusader in the Man of Steel, Superman—well, kinda. More technically, Affleck portrayed classic actor George Reeves, who in turn was the first man to play Superman on television. Surprisingly, the fact he portrayed Clark Kent isn’t even the most interesting thing about Reeves, as the unique circumstances of his demise are the true focus of this film. His life was pretty wild before that, as well, including stints in iconic movies like Gone with the Wind and From Here to Eternity.
Which movies sees Ben Affleck as a man forced out of his job due to the recession?
Finding work in today’s economy can be a difficult task, regardless of one’s qualifications. Even people who have cushy jobs might suddenly lose them, which is what happens to Ben Affleck’s Bobby Walker after his company GTX begins suffering from the recession. Without a high-paying career, Walker is forced into blue-collar work, and quickly finds himself back at the bottom of the corporate ladder. The only plus side is that he’s not alone in this struggle, and at least one of his former employers eventually decides casting aside people who helped them thrive isn’t good business.
What film features Ben Affleck try to convince a friend to go after a co-worker?
When things start getting out of hand at work, it’s helpful to have a close friend who can keep things in perspective. Unfortunately for Joel Reynolds, all he has is Ben Affleck’s character Dean, who offers some pretty terrible advice when his buddy starts developing feelings for a co-worker. Despite Joel’s affirmation he still loves his wife, Dean convinces him he should have an affair, also supplying the proper chemical instigator to make it sound like a good idea. Not only that, but by the time things really hit the fan, Dean is pretty much already out of the picture.
Which movie sees Ben Affleck as a Hollywood agent with a crumbling marriage?
The fact a person is doing great at work hardly means their life is perfect. Initially, Ben Affleck’s Jack Giamoro fails to recognize this, so caught up in his job as a high-level agent that he barely even notices the fact his wife has essentially checked out of the marriage. By the time he realizes she’s cheating on him, another problem has arisen in the fact someone stole his precious notebook, filled with information that could ruin his life even further. Surprisingly, though, it may just be a benefit, forcing him to see his life for what it really is.
In what movie does Ben Affleck portray a fallen angel trying to reenter Heaven?
Virtually everyone who believes in Heaven wants to get there one day, even if they have some disagreements with the almighty being running the joint. Ben Affleck’s fallen angel Bartleby clearly had a few problems with his lord before getting cast out of paradise, but a loophole in the holy doctrine makes him realize there may be a way back home. There’s only one problem—his return to the afterlife could undo all existence. That’s not even the worst part, as some of the only people with the power to stop him are…Jay and Silent Bob. The Earth is doomed.
Which film features Ben Affleck as a blind superhero?
Powerful as they are, most superheroes have a weakness or two that makes them a little bit more human. Ben Affleck’s Matt Murdock definitely struggles despite his powers, having been blinded as a child, though this has the added benefit of increasing all of his other senses, a very helpful quality in the fight against crime. Ultimately, his main goal is tracking down a vicious criminal named Kingpin, who also crafted the man Murdock would become by eliminating his father around the same time the kid lost his vision.
What movie sees Ben Affleck pay a family to get into the holiday spirit?
Most people would prefer not to be alone on the holidays, yet the plan enacted by Ben Affleck’s Drew Latham to ensure this doesn’t happen to him almost entirely misses the point. Left without a family of his own, he seeks out his childhood home and pays the new residents an outrageous sum of money to be part of their family. While they go along with it at first, the more specific Drew gets about the parts he wants them to play, the less patience they have with his plan, nearly leading to a decidedly un-merry Christmas.
What World War II movie features Ben Affleck as a fighter pilot?
Being an expert pilot is all well and good, until war is declared, at which point it becomes an outrageously dangerous talent. Not that Ben Affleck’s Rafe McCawley seems concerned, as he’s actually pretty thrilled at the idea of following in his father’s footsteps, in addition to fighting for his country in World War II. It doesn’t hurt that his best friend is fighting alongside him, though things are slightly complicated by the fact they’re both in love with the same nurse, who also found herself deeply involved in the war effort.
Which film sees Ben Affleck portray literary icon Jack Ryan?
Prior to donning a cape for any of his various superhero characters, Ben Affleck was portraying another sort of hero in Tom Clancy’s iconic Marine Jack Ryan. This time around, Ryan is working for the CIA, and as per usual, tensions are incredible high right off the bat. It would appear he’s the only one with the skills and knowhow required to stop a potential nuclear war, intentionally caused by a would-be fascist in an effort to assume control of Europe. It almost feels like Harrison Ford and Alec Baldwin had it easy.
In which film does Ben Affleck go on a doomsday mission to destroy an asteroid?
When scientists discovered an asteroid was on a path to collide with the Earth, surely destroying millions of lives, it’s obvious they immediately had to start trying to stop it. The surprising part is that rather than rely on highly trained astronauts, they called up deep-sea oil driller Harry Stamper and his crew, instructing them to slice the asteroid in half. Included on the team is Ben Affleck’s A.J. Frost, who Stamper doesn’t like all that much since he’s been dating his daughter. His abrasive attitude also doesn’t seem to gel with the severity of the mission.
What film features Ben Affleck as an Elizabethan actor?
Whether or not Ben Affleck is one of history’s greatest actors is a matter for debate. That said, he definitely has some understanding of what it would be like to earn such praise, having portrayed a man whom many said that about centuries before Affleck was born. The tragedian in question was one Ned Alleyn, and though the events of this movie were largely historical fiction, there’s no denying this man had a huge impact on Elizabethan theatre. After originating Christopher Marlowe’s iconic Faustus, he extends that influence by becoming the first man to portray Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet.
In which movie does Ben Affleck develop feelings for a traveling companion on the way to his wedding?
In most cases, being on a plane that immediately needs to make an emergency landing is the sort of situation that has absolutely no upside. Initially, Ben Affleck’s Ben Holmes is understandably petrified to have gone through the ordeal, to the extent he refuses to book another flight, even though he’s en route to his own wedding. Making matters worse, an annoyingly talkative woman seated next to him on the flight more or less demands they complete their journey together. Surprisingly, he gradually develops feelings for her, but this isn’t exactly a positive, what with the whole wedding thing.
Which movie sees Ben Affleck as a shopping center’s local bad guy?
Anyone who loves the smell of commerce in the morning should definitely recognize this film, which marked Ben Affleck’s first collaboration with writer-director Kevin Smith. Eventually, Smith would designate Affleck as his go-to leading man for quite some time, but for this picture, he plays the relatively minor role of Shannon Hamilton. As the manager of a clothing store in a shopping center, Shannon’s main purpose is hating on the main characters, who dare venture towards his place of business without a so-called “shopping agenda.” Honestly, they weren’t the types to shop at Fashionable Male, anyway.
In what movie does Ben Affleck bet on his friend’s chance of success during a first date?
Love and relationships aren’t always as simple as they appear in Hollywood films. At the same time, though, going on a single date is rarely as complicated as it’s made out to be in this one. It took Stanley months to find the courage to ask out Diana, and the second their date begins, he hits a homeless man with his car, leading to all sorts of problems. The only person who may benefit is Ben Affleck’s Michael, a friend of Stanley who was watching the date’s progress from afar and betting on his buddy’s odds of landing another one.
Which film features Ben Affleck as half of a husband and wife team of lawyers?
Compared to most other films on this list, there’s not a whole lot of Ben Affleck in this one, but his role was nonetheless memorable to the people who have seen it. The real focus is Billy Bob Thornton, who also wrote and directed the movie, portraying a man on a road trip to support his uncle after he’s placed on trial for horrible crimes. Affleck comes in as Lawrence Bowen, an unhappily married lawyer, and the misfortune likely stems from the fact he and his wife work together, leading to nonstop arguments.
What movie sees Ben Affleck portray the co-founder of a major brokerage firm?
It's hard to trust people who treat money like it's the only thing that matters, making life in the financial business a tough road to navigate. While plenty of the real world versions nonetheless operate with some sort of morality, the brokerage firm in this film definitely digs into the negative stereotypes about people who genuinely believe "greed, for lack of a better word, is good." Ben Affleck's Jim Young doesn't play a direct roles in the crimes on screen, aside from the fact he co-founded the firm.
In which film does Ben Affleck date a widow?
Countless things happen in life that we have virtually no control over, but that doesn't mean people can't still feel devastated when a small act leads to a major loss. Ben Affleck's Buddy Amaral knows this pain, having traded plane tickets with a man hoping to visit his sons, only for the plane to crash in terrible fashion, with no survivors. Trying to make things right, he eventually seeks out the man's wife, and slowly starts to fall in love with her, all the while keeping the reason they met a secret.
What movie features Ben Affleck as a single father raising a daughter?
Being a single parent is always tough, and the stress a man feels when losing his spouse during childbirth only makes it worse. Ben Affleck's Ollie Trinké doesn't handle the situation well in the slightest, at first ignoring his daughter and letting his own father do all the work. Eventually, the kid's granddad forces his son to accept responsibility, indirectly causing him to lose his job. By the time a new prospect opens up, though, he may actually like fatherhood more than work, a conclusion he reaches with the help of Will Smith.
In which film does Ben Affleck portray a small town sheriff dealing with the supernatural?
The last thing anyone wants to encounter during a family ski trip is a corpse. Shockingly, such a discovery is merely the beginning of the problems in this film, quickly revealed when Ben Affleck's Sheriff Bryce Hammond hits the scene investigating a whole slew of mysterious demises. As if that weren't scary enough, turns out the town is falling victim to the "Ancient Enemy," an extremely intelligent paranormal creature that steals people's bodies and minds. It barely even helps that Hammond was has the training and skills of a former FBI agent.
What film features Ben Affleck as a former Korean War veteran looking for love?
Returning from major combat always leaves people different from who they were when the war began. Ben Affleck's Tom "Gunner" Casselman is not unlike most in this situation, though he certainly makes the best of his situation. In this film, the main goal is simply finding love out of the darkness, which is odd considering the real man on whom Gunner was based lead a far more interesting life. A friend of the director, Ted Steeg was also a documentarian himself, though his work doesn't play a role in the film.
Which movie sees Ben Affleck portray an art student apprehensively approaching graduation?
For many students, graduating from college is an extremely joyous, prideful occasion, but there are some downsides to academic achievement. Once school is over, they have no choice but to enter the real world, which neither Ben Affleck's Jack Freeman nor any of his roommates at a house they call "El Rancho" are entirely stoked about doing. Instead, Jack would rather remain in their college town and live a carefree life, which almost sounds like a good idea, if not for the fact life must eventually evolve to have meaning.
In what film does Ben Affleck willingly have his memory erased after completing a big job?
To most people, the idea of having their memories erased as a byproduct of a job means that line of work probably isn't for them. Clearly, Ben Affleck's Michael Jennings isn't "most people," as his entire career is based around the idea of having his mind wiped on a regular basis as an intellectual property based security measure. Unsurprisingly, this quickly has some personally disastrous results, causing Jennings to find himself on the wrong side of the law, with absolutely no knowledge of how he got there.
Which movie features Ben Affleck as a lawyer who starts a serious grudge during an accident?
Regardless of who or what causes it, being in a car accident isn't an easy situation for anyone. In the case of Ben Affleck's high-powered Wall Street attorney Gavin Banek, it was totally his fault that his expensive Mercedes hits a modest insurance salesman's Toyota, and simply throwing money at the problem didn't quite fix things. In fact, his cavalier behavior at the scene of the crash left the other driver furious, leading to a series of escalating crimes against one another far worse than a mere fender bender.
In what film does Ben Affleck portray a CPA working for criminal organizations?
Every business in the world needs someone to handle the numbers, up to and including those that aren't entirely on the up and up. Actually, this sort of organization might need a good numbers guy better than any other, to ensure they stay out of the law's spotlight. Of course, one minor slip-up leads to heavy attention from the feds, a situation Ben Affleck's Chris Wolff learns very quickly. More than that, working with dangerous criminals is dangerous in and of itself, especially for someone with autism, which Wolff happens to have.
Which movie was Ben Affleck's feature debut?
High school isn't easy for lots of people, especially those who for whatever reason could be cast as an "outsider." Unfortunately for David Greene, the fact he's a Jewish athlete in a high-priced preparatory school doesn't sit well with many of his classmates, leading to rampant anti-Semitism. Helping lead the charge is Ben Affleck's Chesty Smith, who essentially serves as a bodyguard to the most hateful bully in the school. Not only was it Affleck's first major role as an adult, but it also helped launch the careers of Brendan Fraser and Matt Damon.
In what film does Ben Affleck rob a casino with a team all dressed like Santa Claus?
In addition to being highly illegal, stealing someone's identity can have huge unforeseen consequences depending on the type of person they are. Considering how they met, Ben Affleck's Rudy Duncan should have realized masquerading as his former cellmate just to attract the woman who had been writing him letters was a bad idea. Indeed, within days of his release from jail, Rudy is forced to help plan and then contribute to a massive casino robbery, and his co-conspirators don't intend for him to leave the scene alive.
Which film features Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez?
They can’t all be winners, folks. Despite a high profile cast and an incredible amount of media attention, this film has gone down in history for its critical reception, which cast it as one of the worst movies ever made. It also lost a boatload of money, but none of this is necessarily Ben Affleck's fault, nor that of any other actor it features. In any event, his role is that of a decidedly incompetent hitman, who must kidnap a prosecutor's brother with the help of a woman with whom he can't get along.