The 20 Most Essential Matthew McConaughey Movies: The Good, The Bad And 'Tip Toes'

Matthew McConaughey may be one of the most famous actors in the world, but he's also one of the most underrated. He shifts seamlessly from rom-coms to action, while cultivating a bunch of solid indie work and supporting roles on the side. He's still best known for his cool, cocky grin, Texas swagger and off-screen antics (naked bongo drum party, anyone?), though that's slowly been changing in recent years with memorable turns in Killer Joe, Magic Mike and Mud.

Finally, the real game-changer is here. McConaughey's work as an HIV positive man supplying drugs for fellow patients in Dallas Buyer's Club is undeniably excellent, and we're sure to see him on awards show short lists in coming months. Obviously this is  a great time to brush up on McConaughey's most memorable roles, and we've got a perfect list of his finest films for you to review. Some are excellent, some are terrible, and some are recommended to VH1 by the actor himself. Behold, the 20 Most Essential Matthew McConaughey Movies to watch RIGHT NOW. (In reverse chronological order, because we're anal like that.)

[mtvn_player vid="974511" autoplay="true" width="615" height="345"]

20. Dallas Buyers Club

19. Mud

18. Magic Mike

17. Killer Joe

16. The Lincoln Lawyer

15. Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

14. Surfer, Dude

13. Tropic Thunder

12. Fool’s Gold

11. We Are Marshall

10. Sahara

9. Tiptoes

8. How to Lose A Guy In 10 Days

7. 13 Conversations About One Thing

6. The Wedding Planner

- James Berardinelli, ReelViews

5. EdTV

- Doris Toumarkine, Film Journal International

4. Contact

3. A Time To Kill

2. Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation

1. Dazed and Confused