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Actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist George Timothy Clooney has played the charming leading man since the 1990s. His breakthrough role came on television, as Dr. Doug Ross in the medical drama ‘ER,’ following which he established himself as a star in films such as ‘From Dusk till Dawn,’ ‘Out of Sight,’ and ‘Three Kings.’ George has proved his versatility across genres, with his filmography selections as diverse as ‘Batman and Robin,’ ‘Syriana,’ ‘The Descendants,’ ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox,’ and ‘Gravity.’ The diversity is also reflected in his directorial ventures, like the spy film ‘Confessions of a Dangerous Mind,’ the historical drama ‘Good Night, and Good Luck,’ the political drama ‘The Ides of March,’ the war film ‘The Monuments Men,’ and the coming-of-age film ‘The Tender Bar.’
George has won numerous accolades, including the Academy Awards, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, the Honorary César, the AFI Life Achievement Award, and the Kennedy Center Honor. However, his work is not limited to the entertainment industry, and notably includes political and economic activism. Clooney has been one of the United Nations Messengers of Peace since 2008, as well as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. If you are looking forward to streaming his works on Netflix, the following curated list will help you get started.
6. Grizzly II: Revenge (2021)
‘Grizzly II: Revenge,’ also known as ‘Grizzly II: The Predator,’ was directed by André Szöts in 1983 as a sequel to the 1976 film ‘Grizzly,’ but was released nearly four decades later. Set in the Yellowstone National Park, it tells the story of a monstrous grizzly bear in the area who decides to attack humans as a way to fight back against poachers. When a major rock concert gets organized in the park, the bear sets its sights on the event as a favorable hunting ground. George Clooney appears in the horror thriller as Ron, a teenager travelling to the concert with his friends, who has a gruesome encounter with the Grizzly. View the film here.
5. A Very Murray Christmas (2015)
‘A Very Murray Christmas’ is a holiday musical comedy film directed by Sofia Coppola, which follows Bill Murray playing himself, waiting at the Carlyle Hotel to perform at a live show on Christmas Eve. When a fierce snowstorm leads to most of his guests cancelling on him, Bill becomes disheartened. However, his producers remind him that he is financially on the hook if he cancels. A power outage comes in the form of a saviour, relieving Bill of his obligations and allowing him to make the best of the evening, celebrating with friends and strangers. George Clooney appears in a cameo to make martinis at one point, while Bill sings “Sleigh Ride” with Miley Cyrus. You can watch the film here for a quick holiday cheer.
4. Good Night, and Good Luck- Live from Broadway (2025)
Based on the eponymous movie that earned six Oscar nominations, including for best picture, ‘Good Night, and Good Luck- Live from Broadway’ is a play directed by Clooney, who also starred in the movie. In the play, the actor portrays Edward R. Murrow, whose 1954 media battle with Wisconsin Senator Joe McCarthy, depicted in real-life archival footage, is showcased live for the audience. Set in the CBS newsroom, the play shows Murrow and his team going after McCarthy for his baseless accusations of members of the U.S. government using the social panic of the Red Scare (rise of communist ideologies). With a cast that includes Jennifer Morrison, Clark Gregg, Ilana Glazer, and Fran Kranz, ‘Good Night, and Good Luck- Live from Broadway’ is a gripping adaptation of the original movie, addressing political turmoil that bears resemblance to the current times. The play can be streamed here.
3. The Midnight Sky (2020)
Adapted from the novel ‘Good Morning, Midnight’ by Lily Brooks-Dalton, ‘The Midnight Sky’ is directed by and stars George Clooney as an aging scientist, Augustine Lofthouse. Set in a near-apocalyptic future, the film shows Augustine staying alone in a large Arctic base in 2049, after a major disaster has wiped out most of Earth’s population and left its surface contaminated with ionizing radiation. Having dedicated his life to finding other habitable planets, Augustine scans computer systems to find an active crewed mission in outer space, and races against time to warn them against reentering Earth. You can watch the science fiction film on Netflix.
2. Jay Kelly (2025)
Directed by Noah Baumbach, ‘Jay Kelly’ follows renowned veteran actor Jay Kelly (Clooney), who has established his legacy over a long career. The unfortunate death of a friend enables him to think about his life, decisions, and relationships in retrospect. The process eventually makes him go on a journey across the picturesque places in Europe. Joining him is loyal manager/close friend, Ron Sukenick (Adam Sandler). As Kelly makes his way to a Tuscany film festival for a tribute, the narrative touches upon the microcosmic and macrocosmic themes, including embracing the choices one has made throughout life. With an intimate take on life itself, ‘Jay Kelly’ has Clooney and Sandler tap into their emotional arcs in an impactful manner. The movie can be streamed here.
1. Money Monster (2016)
George Clooney stars as TV personality Lee Gates, AKA the wizard of Wall Street, in ‘Money Monster,’ directed by Jodie Foster. After being taken hostage on the set of his very own show, he is forced to comply, along with his horrified director, Patty Fenn (Julia Roberts), with the hostage-taker’s demands. The young man lost a significant amount of money after investing in a company endorsed by Gates, whose stock took a substantial decline. Unless Gates and Fenn want to “blow” the situation out of proportion, they must give the guy the answers he wants. With a gripping take on the fluctuating nature of money underscored by media manipulation, corruption, and financial greed, ‘Money Monster’ offers an interesting watch. You can watch the movie here.
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