Explore Marilyn Monroe’s fascinating life with these movies and documentaries

Here’s our pick of some of the best films and documentaries that have analysed the iconic actress’ life and career,

Despite never winning an Academy Award, Marilyn Monroe’s fame transcended Hollywood and the actress is considered one of the icons from the Golden Age of the film industry. While the actress was active in films for about 17 years, her films grossed $200 million in the short span and her comedic skills and sex appeal made her one of the most marketable stars of the ‘50s and ‘60s.

It wasn’t just her career in films that made her endearing. Born as Norma Jean, she spent her childhood in foster homes and orphanages before she took up modelling at a very young age. Her rise to fame though was quick, starring in comedies such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and How to Marry a Millionaire. While the movies along with a Playboy shoot stereotyped her, there was no denying that her fanbase kept increasing as is evident from Marilyn drawing huge paychecks in the last decade of her career.

As she continues to be a major influence in pop culture, her life has also been explored repeatedly over the years in films and documentaries. We pick some of the best that analysed Marilyn’s life and career.

My Week With Marilyn | Amazon Prime Video and Netflix

Based on the books of Colin Clark, the Simon Curtis directorial explored the making of the film The Prince and the Showgirl. Michelle Williams played Marilyn Monroe in the movie that revolved around a week during the shoot of the 1957 film when she was escorted by Clark, essayed by Eddie Redmayne.

Marilyn and Me | Tubi TV

Susan Griffiths played Marilyn in the film, which revolved around the life of a US writer named Robert Slatzer who claimed to have married the actress in Mexico in 1952. The movie explores the dilemma that the actress went through while having to choose between her rising career and her one true love.

Marilyn Monroe Declassified | Tubi TV

Director Paul David’s documentary explores the childhood and the career of the actress, focusing on what could have led to her death at an early age of 36 that was reported as a “probable suicide”. Through original interviews and archival footage, the 96-minute documentary tries to reveal the mystery behind her demise.

Marilyn Monroe: Icon of Our Time | Amazon Prime Video

The documentary gives you a quick recap of the life and career of Marilyn, who started out playing small roles before proving her talent in movies such as Bus Stop and her Golden Globe-winning role in Some Like It Hot. It also sheds light on how her production company disrupted the studio monopoly in Hollywood.

Marilyn in Manhattan | Tubi TV

The documentary offers a peek into Marilyn’s days in New York just before her demise. It revolves around her catching up with the friends from Broadway. It also has interesting vignettes featuring Susan Strasberg, Marlon Brando and Ella Fitzgerald. Marilyn in Manhattan also offers insight into the actress’ personal life, her marriage with Arthur Miller and her friendships.

Share