Top 10 Matthew McConaughey Scenes Ranked by Southern Charm

“The Lincoln Lawyer” (2011)

Part of the appeal of Matthew McConaughey’s charm is his ability to keep it collected no matter the circumstances. He puts that skill to great use in 2011’s “The Lincoln Lawyer,” a movie about a lawyer who … well, works out of the backseat of a Lincoln. When confronted by a motorcycle gang who are wondering why McConaughey’s character hasn’t made any headway on their friend’s case, he plays it cool. “I don’t get paid, I don’t work,” His casual drawl, even in the face of possible danger, is simply amazing. It’s a great introduction to a character, letting us know that this guy never had a bee in his bonnet.

“Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” (2009)

We’re not too proud to admit that “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” is not one of Matthew McConaughey’s finer entries into his filmography. His character, Connor Mead, is extremely unlikable, almost comically so. So, it’s a testament to McConaughey’s charm that he’s able to make anything about this film work, particularly this rousing speech. While trying to persuade his brother’s fiancée to not give up on their relationship, Connor actually has some pretty astute things to say. You have to sort of ignore the context here (there’s a lot of mentions of cheating and promiscuous girlfriends), but if you can, McConaughey definitely turns up the charm for this moment.

“Failure to Launch” (2006)

In a few of his romantic comedies, Matthew McConaughey really has a penchant for making man boys seem appealing. Such is the case in “Failure to Launch,” where he garners sympathy after he learns that Sarah Jessica Parker’s character was basically conning him the whole time. But this entry is not about McConaughey’s chemistry with Parker. It’s about his chemistry with a child actor named Tyrel Jackson Williams. McConaughey’s character treats the kid as his drinking buddy throughout the film, sipping on a beer while he sips on a coke. It might be the sweetest relationship in the film.

“The Wedding Planner” (2001)

We genuinely don’t know how Jennifer Lopez says no to this one. In “The Wedding Planner,” Matthew McConaughey’s Steve character doesn't necessarily get off to a great start with Lopez’s Mary. It doesn’t help that he goes on a date with and almost kisses her without letting her know that he’s engaged. Only a man with McConaughey’s charm could get away with all of that. In this scene, Steve makes Mary fireplace smores to cheer her up after she runs into an ex. It seems like nothing romantic is going to happen, but Steve eventually confesses to Mary how he feels in an extremely swoon-worthy speech. Seriously, more power to her for turning him down.

“Dazed and Confused” (1993)

It wasn’t his film debut, but in our minds? It might as well have been. “Dazed and Confused” is the film that brought Matthew McConaughey to our attention in 1993, and he made quite the impression. Throughout the film, he has a cool, freewheeling sensibility about him that makes you just like the guy, no matter how creepy or out of pocket he might be. In one particular scene, McConaughey asks a young kid if he has any weed on him. Obviously, the kid answers no, but it’s no sweat off McConaughey’s back. He just smiles, laughs, and tells the kid, “insert broll for“ It’d be a lot cooler if you did.” (He laughs) A perfect way to handle any interaction.

“Fool’s Gold” (2008)

After the success of “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” the world was waiting for Matthew McConaughey to reunite with Kate Hudson. Enter “Fool’s Gold.” Throughout most of the film, McConaughey isn’t necessarily operating at his most charming. His relationship with Hudson is adversarial throughout the majority of the film. But at the end, the two come together when they have to fly a plane and land it in the water. When Hudson’s character asks if they’re going to die, the conviction with which McConaughey says no is the type of confidence we always hope to have. The two share a kiss before they descend in a moment of unmatched chemistry.

“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” (2003)

Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson are so good at being in competition with each other. But if we’re being honest, we love it more when they’re on the same page. After so much back and forth and sneaking around, this scene in “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” shows off their sweeter sides. When the two go to take a shower, all facades drop between them. A teary Hudson confesses to McConaughey how much it means to her that his family accepts her. He sweetly tries to stop her from crying, trying to make her smile and laugh in a way that only Southern charm can do.

“Magic Mike” (2012)

The McConaissance began in 2011, but things didn’t really start heating up until 2012. “Magic Mike” had a lot to do with that spike in heat. Matthew McConaughey doesn’t have a huge role in Steven Soderbergh’s hit film, but he makes a major impact. McConaughey plays Dallas, a stripper who owns the club where the titular “Magic Mike” works. While he saves the full-on stripping for later, we get to see him introduce the dancers in this fun scene. And boy, does he make a meal out of that introduction. This role requires Southern charm like almost no other, and McConaughey delivers in spades.

“The Wedding Planner” (2001)

There’s nothing like a good meet cute in a romantic comedy. And “The Wedding Planner” has one of the best. When Jennifer Lopez’s Mary gets her heel stuck in a street grate, she barely escapes an oncoming garbage bin with her life – and shoe – intact. But luckily, Matthew McConaughey is there to save the day. In the film, his character is a doctor, and the way he handles Mary after her near-death experience is caring and gentle. But he’s charming and quick on his feet enough to make a joke when she accidentally thanks him for saving her shoe, not her life. That’s what Southern charm is all about.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Matthew McConaughey Is Girl Dad Personified

Only Matthew McConaughey Could Deliver This Poem With This Level of Charm

He Might Be a Little Out There, but He’s Still Got Something

“Dazed and Confused” (1993)

We have come to the catchphrase that has followed Matthew McConaughey around for his entire career. It’s also become the catchphrase most associated with this Southern persona. “Dazed and Confused” takes place in Texas, and as a native Texan, there was no better fit for McConaughey. As Wooderson, he’s equal parts charming and kind of gross, but when he utters those three famous words, we have no choice but to stan. Alright, alright, alright is so associated with McConaughey at this point, we don’t think he’ll ever be rid of it. And that’s quite alright with us.