Marilyn Monroe is widely celebrated for her iconic presence and memorable performances that spanned comedy, drama, and musicals. Her best performances reveal a remarkable range, from playful and flirtatious roles to deeply dramatic and emotionally complex characters.
One of Monroe’s most famous and enduring performances is in *The Seven Year Itch* (1955). In this film, she masterfully blends comedy and sensuality, especially in the legendary scene where she stands over a subway grate as her white dress billows up. This moment captures her playful charm and has become a symbol of 1950s Hollywood glamour. The film showcases her ability to handle lighthearted comedy with style and charisma, making it one of her signature roles[1].
Another standout is *Some Like It Hot* (1959), often regarded as a comedy masterpiece. Monroe’s performance here is a perfect mix of humor, warmth, and sensuality. The film’s daring themes, including gender-bending and cross-dressing, were groundbreaking for the time, and Monroe’s natural comedic timing and magnetic screen presence shine throughout. This role highlights her skill in comedy while also revealing a deeper warmth and vulnerability beneath her glamorous exterior[1].
In contrast to her comedic roles, Monroe also demonstrated significant dramatic talent. *Don’t Bother to Knock* (1952) is a prime example where she plays a mentally unstable babysitter, Nell, a role that demanded emotional depth and complexity. This film is often overlooked but is critically acclaimed for showcasing Monroe’s ability to portray darker, more intense characters. Her performance here was a breakthrough in proving she could handle serious dramatic roles, even before she received formal acting training with Lee Strasberg[2].
Similarly, *Niagara* (1953) allowed Monroe to explore a more dramatic and sultry character. In this thriller, she plays a femme fatale caught in a tense and dangerous situation. The film challenged the typical “blonde bombshell” stereotype and revealed Monroe’s capacity to portray a complex, darker persona, adding layers to her public image[1].
*Bus Stop* (1956) is another critically acclaimed performance where Monroe took on a more grounded and sincere role. Playing Cherie, a singer with dreams of stardom, Monroe showed her ability to convey vulnerability and determination. This film is often cited as one of her best dramatic performances, reflecting her growth and maturity as an actress[3].
Her final completed film, *The Misfits* (1961), directed by John Huston and written by Arthur Miller, is considered her most serious and emotionally raw work. Monroe’s portrayal of Roslyn, a sensitive and lonely woman, is naturalistic and deeply moving. Despite mixed reviews at the time, this film reveals Monroe’s depth and complexity as an actress, moving beyond the glamorous image to a more authentic and human performance[1][3].
Monroe’s early work also includes a brief but notable appearance in *O. Henry’s Full House* (1952), where she played a nineteenth-century streetwalker in a vignette. Though a small role, it contributed to her rising reputation as a new sex symbol and showcased her ability to bring charm even to brief appearances[3].
Throughout her career, Monroe was often typecast in romantic comedies and musicals, but her best performances prove she was much more than a glamorous icon. She had a natural charisma that made her comedic roles memorable, but she also possessed the emotional range to tackle serious and challenging characters. Her work in films like *Gentlemen Prefer Blondes* (1953) and *How to Marry a Millionaire* (1953) further cemented her status as a leading lady in musicals and comedies, where her playful and flirtatious style captivated audiences[1].
Despite personal struggles and challenges on set, including health issues and dependence on acting coaches, Monroe’s performances often reflected genuine emotion and depth. Director John Huston noted that when she acted, she was not pretending but drawing from real feelings, which gave her performances authenticity and power[3].
In summary, Marilyn Monroe’s best performances span a wide spectrum: from the iconic comedic and musical roles in *The Seven Year Itch*, *Some Like It Hot*, *Gentlemen Prefer Blondes*, and *How to Marry a Millionaire* to the intense dramatic portrayals in *Don’t Bother to Knock*, *Niagara*, *Bus Stop*, and *The Misfits*. These films collectively showcase her versatility, charisma, and enduring impact on cinema history[1][2][3].
