The Five Roles that Defined Matthew McConaughey as an Actor

Matthew McConaughey has become one of the most in demand actors of our generation and has earned that status with an incredibly wide and varied filmography. Over the past fifteen years or so, McConaughey has gone from being considered pure eye candy to becoming a bonafide box office draw with serious acting chops. No longer is McConaughey considered to be a one trick pony. That status was not attained overnight, and McConaughey worked very hard to secure it. Here are five movies that helped to define McConaughey as a multi-talented actor that can play virtually any role, and shot his star into Hollywood's stratosphere:

Dazed and Confused (1993)

When McConaughey first appeared on the scene way back in 1993, few thought that he would be much more than a pretty face. His role in "Dazed and Confused" was meant to be a rather minor one, but McConaughey kept on building upon it with great improvisational lines and skills. His on screen dynamics were apparent even back then, and it forced the directors to expand his role in the film. What followed was a hilarious movie that showcased a young man with loads of potential in McConaughey. One of his improvised lines in the movie, "Just Keep Livin", turned into his personal mantra in life. It also became the title of his production company years later. McConaughey was on his way.

A Time to Kill (1996)

Of all the movies that McConaughey has made, "A Time to Kill" is perhaps his most respected as a serious actor. McConaughey showed in this movie that he was capable of playing a serious male role, and could do much more than simply play stoners and jokers. The movie set his star on course for bigger and better things, and also introduced Sandra Bullock into his life. His rumored romance with Bullock spurred his off-screen persona as a ladie's man supreme, and helped to build a fan base that was crazy for more of Matthew.

EdTV (1999)

EdTV bombed at the box office in many ways, but it was a much better movie than many gave it credit for. The big reason that "EdTV" was important to McConaughey's career, however, was because the movie was entirely built around him. That would be a common thread in future movies starring the handsome actor.

The Wedding Planner (2001)

"The Wedding Planner" was easily the turning point in McConaughey's career as the leading romantic comedy male actor in Hollywood. He and Jennifer Lopez lit up the screen with great charisma and connection, and a slew of similar movies followed starring McConaughey. "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" was one of the best, starring alongside Kate Hudson. He later starred with Hudson again in "Fool's Gold" and was rumored to date the blond bombshell.

We Are Marshall (2006)

Of all the movies on this list, "We Are Marshall" showed the wide reaching range of McConaughey's acting potential. His role as a college football coach showed his dramatic, comedic and action packed potential, and it stands as his deepest role to date. With the football themed action, it also helped to bring more men into his acting radar, making him even more popular overall.

Each of these movies added to the actor and superstar that is Matthew McConaughey and each of them were special. Here is to hoping for many more exciting movies from McConaughey in the near future.