Three Beloved Marilyn Monroe Movies She Secretly Hated

Marilyn Monroe remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons, celebrated for her charm, charisma, and unforgettable performances. Yet behind the glamour, Monroe held strong opinions about the films that defined her career — and some of her personal feelings were surprising.

While audiences continue to adore her work, Monroe privately admitted that certain beloved movies she “hated with a passion.”

1. Don’t Bother to Knock (1952)

Though critics now consider this psychological drama one of Monroe’s most daring roles, she reportedly disliked the studio’s handling of the film. Playing the unstable babysitter Nell, she felt constrained by director Roy Ward Baker and struggled to fully shape her character. Despite its later recognition as a hidden gem, Monroe left the project with bitter memories.

2. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

The musical comedy that cemented Monroe as a pop culture icon was not one of her favorites. She reportedly resented being treated as comic relief alongside Jane Russell and disliked being typecast in what she considered a shallow role. Even the enduring hit “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” did little to soften her frustrations with the studio and director Howard Hawks.

3. Some Like It Hot (1959)

Widely regarded as one of cinema’s greatest comedies, Billy Wilder’s Some Like It Hot was, for Monroe, a difficult experience. Playing Sugar Kane, she contended with exhaustion, anxiety, and Wilder’s frustration with her tardiness. The actress later confessed she “couldn’t bear watching it” again, despite the film’s critical acclaim and audience adoration.

Behind the Silver Screen

For Monroe, the movies the world loves often came with personal struggles — battles with studios, demanding directors, and her own insecurities. To fans, they remain timeless classics. To Monroe, they were a reminder that the allure of Hollywood doesn’t always reveal the challenges faced by the stars who live within it.

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