The 10 Most Fabulous Movies with Marilyn Monroe

Almost sixty years after Marilyn Monroe's death, the actress continues to be one of the most famous icons of fashion, beauty, and cinema in history. From her performance of "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" to her appearance over a breezy subway grate in a white halter dress with her signature platinum curls, red lips, mole, and curvy silhouette, everyone knows her. For some, her popularity is due to her radiant beauty; for others, her tragic life is the source of fascination. However, the majority of those who admire her do so for her talent as an actress and her charisma. And that charisma has ensured that no artist or public figure has had as significant an impact on popular culture as Monroe. With her looks re-created by performers such as Madonna, Rihanna, and Christina Aguilera, and artists such as Andy Warhol and Gianni Versace, Monroe remains a timeless icon. Still today. Even six decades after her death, the star remains in the public eye, whether it's because of the controversial biopic starring Ana de Armas or the even more controversial use of the Monroe ‘Happy Birthday Mrs President’ dazzling nude dress by Kim Kardashian at the Met Gala in 2022. In honor of the actress' anniversary, we have compiled a list of her 10 most fabulous films.

Niagara (1953)

In this romantic film noir from Henry Hathaway, the couple Polly and Ray Cutler, played by Jean Peters and Casey Adams, visit Niagara Falls on a delayed honeymoon. However, when they arrive, they meet another couple at their cottage, Rose – Marilyn Monroe –  and George Loomis – Joseph Cotten –, who have a troubled marriage. After Rose claims that her husband is unwell and requests that the manager allow her to remain in their accommodation, Polly and Ray move into a less attractive room. As the couples become closer, problems emerge when Polly discovers that Rose is having an affair and a murderous plan to kill George. It all gets messier when George goes missing, and Polly sees him at the hotel making out with another woman.

While it's not certain who was playing with whom, it is known that the movie's costume designs were impeccable. The costume designer, Dorothy Jeakins, sought to contrast Monroe's seductive wardrobe with the "good girl" look of Peters, thereby facilitating the character's portrayal as a femme fatale. From a fuschia dress to a fitted baby blue suit, Niagara marked one of Monroe’s first leading roles and solidified her status as a fashion figure on the rise.

How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)

In Jean Negulesco's comedy production, three single models, played by Hollywood icons Lauren Bacall, Betty Grable, and Marilyn Monroe, join forces and rent an expensive New York apartment to find millionaires to marry. Instead, they find true love. And viewers find plenty of glitz and glam. The characters' wardrobes, designed by William Travilla, who even won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design for the film, feature iconic trends from the '50s, the signature Old Hollywood look and extravagant gowns. As models, the three ladies were always in style. But Monroe's character, Pola Debevoise, stood out with her ultra-glamorous and extravagant looks. These include a red one-piece swimsuit, a plum asymmetrical silk gown with straps and train, an embellished white dress with matching fur, and a blue suit with a champagne silk scarf, beret, and glasses.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

A charming musical romantic comedy directed by Howard Hawks, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes has a bit of everything. The film centers on dancers Lorelei Lee, played by Marilyn Monroe, and Dorothy Shaw, played by Jane Russell, on a trip to Paris as they are followed by a secret investigator hired by the disbelieving rich father of Lorelei's fiancé. 

In addition to the intriguing storyline and the catchy songs, both characters have a classic and luxurious closet by costume designers Jean Louis, Orry Kelly, and William Travilla, which just draws us in. As can be expected, the garments most talked about are those worn by Marilyn Monroe. From the signature pink dress Lorelei wears when she sings "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" to a dazzling gold gown with a ravaging neckline, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes remains a timeless production, being referenced in countless fashion collections, such as Balmain Pre-fall 2023 and Vetements Spring 2024 ready-to-wear.

River of No Return (1954)

Set in the Northwestern United States, River of No Return, directed by Otto Preminger and Jean Negulesco, revolves around Matt, a farmer just released from prison, his ten-year-old son Mark, and an ambitious saloon singer called Kay - played by Monroe. United by an incident on a nearby river and the greed of a gambler, they must let go of their rancor and learn to protect each other. Despite its popularity as an action and adventure film, Preminger and Negulesco's production has its moments of great fashion too. From Kay's performance of "One Silver Dollar" in a sultry red sequined saloon dress to her singing "River of No Return" in an extravagant and glittering orange and yellow gown, the film promises to give one an adrenaline rush, laid-back Western looks, and a flamboyant style all at once. 

There’s No Business Like Show Business (1954)

In this movie by Walter Lang, husband and wife Terry and Molly Donahue are a musical team. As the two Donahues juggle a secure family and professional life, their children, Steve, Katy, and Tim, gradually join the act, eventually becoming known as the Five Donahues. But when Steve decides to pursue a new vocation and Tim meets successful performer Vicky Parker, the Donahues' act starts to break apart. Despite the threats to the vaudeville spectacle, the costumes didn't share the same fate. Again a wardrobe made by William Travilla, the film's fashion was a treat to the eyes. While the Donahue family garments are outstanding for the drama and glamour evoked, Marilyn Monroe's character, Vicky Parker, pushed the boundaries of fashion even further. From a figure-hugging flesh-colored gown embellished with silver and pearls to a glittering blue dress, the actress was once again at the forefront of fashion and cinema. 

The Seven Year Itch (1955)

Over a windy subway grate, Marilyn Monroe's white cocktail silk dress, designed by William Travilla for the movie The Seven Year Itch, made history. In Billy Wilder's cinematic adaptation of George Axelrod's play, the narrative centers around a man who, after the departure of his family for a summer trip, begins to fantasize about his alluring neighbor, named The Girl and played by Monroe. While controversy may arise since Monroe is defined as a subject of masculine fantasies, her presence is the main reason people watch the movie. Vulture once declared that the actress was "a ray of sunshine cutting through the fog of the film." And, besides her full charisma and energy, Monroe also gave life to a flamboyant wardrobe. 

Without a doubt, the windblown dress worn by the actress in the metro scene is the most famous costume from the film, being auctioned off for $4.6 million. But many other looks also made a notable impact. From the “tiger gown” with black stripes over a golden textile and a tulle train to a classic white polka dot dress, The Seven Year Itch closet remains iconic to this day.

The Prince and the Showgirl (1957)

An adaptation of the play The Sleeping Prince, the romantic comedy The Prince and the Showgirl, directed by Laurence Olivier, follows an American showgirl, Elsie Marina, who gets involved in a political scheme when Charles, the arrogant Prince Regent of Carpathia, a fictional Balkan country, seeks to attract her after he goes to London for the 1911 coronation of King George V. While attending a performance, he meets Marina, played by Marilyn Monroe, and is instantly charmed by her. When he invites her to dinner, the situation rapidly evolves into a game of seduction, confusion, and discomfort. 

Nominated for five BAFTA Awards for its humor, passion, and storyline, Olivier's production also stood out in fashion terms. The film's wardrobe is devised by the British costume designer Beatrice Dawson, who has skillfully balanced extravagance with elegance. And while Monroe's character, Elise, wasn't a royal figure in the movie, her garments were always in style. One might consider, for instance, a crisscross bodice adorned with a sequined floral pattern, worn with opera gloves and an elaborate hat filled with flowers, a corset-like négligée with a white bodice, and a creme beaded gown.

Bus Stop (1956)

In Joshua Logan's production, the storyline centers on a well-meaning but persistent cowboy named Bo – portrayed by Don Murray –, who falls in love with an untalented but ambitious nightclub singer, Cherie, in Phoenix. When the musician tries to go to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of a triumphant career in Hollywood, Bo pushes her onto a bus to his home in Montana, where they will marry and live on his ranch. Although not thriving, Monroe's character style was one to remember. From performing "The Old Black Magic" in a green bodice with a scale print, golden tassels in the bust and waist, and a long tulle train to wearing a black lace dress, Monroe's appearance in the film is regarded by some as her most subtle costume production. However, despite the simplicity of the garments, the actress still exudes a dazzling elegance.

Some Like It Hot (1959)

In this film by director Billy Wilder, the story focuses on two musicians from Chicago, Joe and Jerry – played by Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, respectively –  as they witness the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. To escape the criminal behind, they pretend to be women in a female band, fleeing to Florida as the replacement sax and bass players. As Joe pretends to be a millionaire to attract Sugar Kane Kowalczyk – played by Monroe – who can sing and plays the ukulele, he threatens his identity as Josephine. Trouble arises when Jerry, as Daphne, is pursued by an actual wealthy man, pushing them to try to keep their identities secret.

As for fashion, costume designer Orry-Kelly secured not only extravagance but also an Academy Award for his work on the film. The victorious wardrobe includes looks such as a black dress with buttons down the front and a fringed hem worn by Monroe, a fitted translucent black and nude embellished cocktail dress worn by the actress while singing "I'm Through with Love," and a sparkly, form-fitting nude silk sheer gown covered with gold sequins and transparent beads while singing the iconic "I Wanna Be Loved by You".

The Misfits (1961)

Misfits is a dramatic romance film directed by John Huston and starring Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, and Montgomery Clift. It follows Roslyn, a divorced woman in Reno, Nevada, who makes new friends, Guido and Gay, a cowboy who invites her to Guido's house in the countryside to rest and forget the troubles of the previous weeks. While relaxation is found at first, problems soon arise when the two men fall in love with her. Then they meet another friend, Perce, and the group goes on a wild horse hunt despite Roslyn's reluctance. 

With traditional Western fashion, the film's costume designs, created by Jean Louis, perfectly captured the energy of the film. It was on the set of The Misfits in 1960 that Monroe was photographed wearing an all-American girl look with a white collared shirt, brown belt, boots, and jeans, which finally normalized the idea of women in denim. By showing beauty in simplicity, the actress established not only the red carpet dress code but also a fashion staple. Among other looks from the film, the cherry print dress, many black gowns, and various headwear pieces caught attention. Not only has the movie had a great impact on sartorial matters but also pop culture in general, as it was Monroe's last role before her passing.