The 10 Most Fabulous Movies with Marilyn Monroe From Niagara to The Misfits

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.

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. 

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.