The enduring partnership between Matt Damon and Ben Affleck is one of Hollywood's most compelling and successful collaborations, spanning over three decades from their childhood in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to their current status as Oscar-winning screenwriters, actors, and powerhouse producers. As of
Their joint career is a fascinating study in Hollywood dynamics, featuring everything from blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameos in early films to global blockbusters and critically acclaimed dramas. The duo has recently cemented their collaborative future not just as co-stars, but as business partners, with a slate of new projects already lined up through 2026. This is the definitive, up-to-date look at every Matt Damon and Ben Affleck movie collaboration, charting their journey from writing their breakout hit to launching a new cinematic empire.
Matt Damon & Ben Affleck: A Shared Biography and Filmography
The foundation of their partnership was laid in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Matt Damon (born October 8, 1970) and Ben Affleck (born August 15, 1972) grew up just two blocks apart. Damon, two years older, met Affleck when he was 10 and Affleck was 8, a friendship that quickly evolved into a shared obsession with acting and filmmaking. They famously pooled their bank accounts for auditions and travel, driven by a singular goal: to make it in Hollywood together. This shared history is the authentic core of their creative synergy, which has since delivered a diverse range of cinematic works.
Key Biographical Profile Points:
- Hometown: Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- Shared Breakthrough: Good Will Hunting (1997), for which they won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
- Major Awards (Shared): One Academy Award, one Golden Globe Award.
- Production Company: Co-founded Artists Equity in November 2022.
A Complete List of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck Movie Collaborations:
Their collaborations span nearly four decades, often featuring them in small roles before their massive success, making some of these early entries deep cuts for fans. The list below includes films where they both appeared as actors, or where one directed the other in a major role, or where they collaborated as writers/producers.
- 1. Field of Dreams (1989): Uncredited extras/cameos.
- 2. School Ties (1992): Co-starring roles.
- 3. Glory Daze (1995): Damon has a small role; Affleck has a cameo.
- 4. Chasing Amy (1997): Supporting roles in the Kevin Smith film.
- 5. Good Will Hunting (1997): Co-writers and co-stars (Oscar win).
- 6. Dogma (1999): Co-starring as fallen angels.
- 7. Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001): Cameos as their Good Will Hunting characters.
- 8. Gerry (2002): Co-writers and co-stars in this experimental drama.
- 9. Jersey Girl (2004): Damon has an uncredited cameo.
- 10. The Last Duel (2021): Co-writers and co-stars.
- 11. Air (2023): Co-stars, with Affleck directing Damon; first film under Artists Equity.
- 12. Unstoppable (2024): Producers (through Artists Equity).
- 13. The Accountant 2 (2025): Producers (through Artists Equity).
- 14. The Rip (2026): Upcoming co-starring roles.
The Defining Milestones: From Indie Dream to Box Office Reality
Three films stand out as the pillars of the Damon-Affleck legacy: the humble beginning of their writing career, the costly historical epic that redefined their approach, and the triumphant return that launched their new business venture. These movies showcase their evolution as storytellers and industry veterans.
Good Will Hunting (1997): The Script That Changed Everything
Before Good Will Hunting, Damon and Affleck were struggling actors, often sharing a single apartment and facing constant rejection. The script for Good Will Hunting was their ticket out, a passion project about an undiscovered genius from South Boston. The story of the script's journey is legendary: they sold it to Miramax on the condition that they would star in it, a bold demand for two unknowns. The film, directed by Gus Van Sant and co-starring the late, great Robin Williams, was a critical and commercial smash.
The film earned nine Academy Award nominations, but the most significant moment was their win for Best Original Screenplay. This victory not only launched their careers but permanently cemented their status as creative forces who could generate their own material, a rarity in Hollywood. The emotional acceptance speech, where they thanked each other and their families, remains one of the most iconic Oscar moments.
The Last Duel (2021): The Critically Acclaimed Box Office Flop
Twenty-four years after their first Oscar, Damon and Affleck reunited to write the screenplay for The Last Duel, a historical epic directed by Ridley Scott. They co-wrote the script with Nicole Holofcener, famously using a structure where each of the three main characters—two men and a woman—told their perspective on the same events. Affleck played a flamboyant French count, while Damon starred as the lead knight, Jean de Carrouges.
Despite receiving solid critical reviews (an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), the film was a significant box office tragedy, earning a paltry $30.6 million worldwide against a massive $100 million budget. The failure was a harsh lesson in the changing theatrical landscape. Director Ridley Scott controversially blamed the poor performance on "millennials" who he claimed were glued to their phones. This experience was a major catalyst for the duo, leading them to re-evaluate their approach to production and distribution, ultimately resulting in their next venture.
Air (2023): The Birth of Artists Equity
The 2023 film Air, which chronicles the true story of how Nike signed Michael Jordan to create the Air Jordan shoe line, was more than just a movie; it was a business statement. It was the first film produced by Artists Equity, the production company Affleck and Damon co-founded in 2022 with the goal of giving creative partners and crew a financial stake in the project's success.
Affleck directed and co-starred as Nike CEO Phil Knight, while Damon played Sonny Vaccaro, the Nike executive who championed the Jordan deal. Originally intended as a streaming-only release for Amazon, the film performed so well in test screenings that it was given a full, successful theatrical run, proving the model could work. This triumph was a clear signal that their new company was a serious player, focused on high-quality, commercially viable projects that respect the artists involved.
The Future of Collaboration: Artists Equity and Upcoming Releases
The most exciting aspect of the Damon-Affleck partnership is its future. With Artists Equity now fully operational, their joint filmography is set to accelerate, focusing on projects that are both artistically ambitious and commercially appealing. They are not just co-stars anymore; they are Hollywood power brokers shaping the industry's landscape.
The 2024–2026 Slate: Producers and Co-Stars
Their production company is already lining up a packed schedule for the coming years, showcasing their commitment to diverse projects. This recent activity is the freshest and most vital information for fans and industry watchers alike:
- Unstoppable (December 6, 2024): While not starring, Damon and Affleck are producing this film through Artists Equity for Amazon Studios, demonstrating their focus on behind-the-scenes roles.
- The Accountant 2 (April 25, 2025): They are producing the sequel to Affleck's hit thriller, a clear strategy to leverage established franchises under their new banner.
- The Rip (January 2026): This is the most anticipated upcoming collaboration. Damon and Affleck are set to star together as cops in a crime thriller inspired by true events, which will be released on Netflix. This project, also produced by Artists Equity, marks their return to starring roles in a major genre film, a true full-circle moment for the two friends who started out writing scripts together.
The journey of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck is a testament to the power of creative persistence and friendship. From the shoestring budget of Good Will Hunting to the multi-million dollar deals brokered by Artists Equity, their story is far from over. With a new slate of films, including a major starring vehicle in The Rip, this iconic duo is poised to dominate the cinematic conversation for years to come, continually proving that in Hollywood, true partnership is the ultimate competitive advantage.
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