Norma Jean. An ever so present figure in our lives, whether you like it or not.

We see her everywhere, even if we don’t really know her. Gift shops, old magazines, on a t-shirt, and even on Netflix, where her story is, once again, misused and blown out of proportion. Elton John wrote a song about her, men and women alike are still obsessed with her, to the point where one would wear her iconic “Mr. President” dress to the Met Gala.

It’s a bit sad, knowing how much Marilyn had struggled throughout her life. Contrary to her “dumb blonde” persona, Marilyn was smart, confident, and hard working. She was a little too good at what she did. So good, in fact, that many people to this day fail to take her seriously. People are still incredibly obsessed with her, for better or for worse. Even in death, it seems as if Marilyn’s legacy can’t be left alone in peace.

Marilyn is mostly known for her sex appeal which she crafted to utmost perfection. Sex appeal is difficult enough, much less timeless sex appeal that still hypnotizes people over 70 years later.

So here it is. The motel’s favorite Marilyn Monroe movies. If she hasn’t won you over already, she will eventually!

1. Some Like It Hot (1959)
   • The motel’s top MM pick! The movie centers on two musicians (Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon) who disguise themselves by dressing as women to escape from mafia gangsters whom they witnessed committing a crime. Along the way, they meet Sugar Kane (Marilyn Monroe) and Tony Curtis cannot resist falling in love with her! Filled with plenty of funny, clumsy moments, it’s no wonder that this movie is one of the greatest of all time.
2. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
   • It’s absolutely crazy how good Marilyn was in this! Though Jane Russell also played her role wonderfully, people could never quite take their eyes off the seductive, playful, illustrious Monroe. Her “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” number wearing a hot pink dress became one of the famous movie scenes of all time.
3. Niagara (1953)
   • Marilyn stars in this noir thriller involving a married couple and murder. Sure to keep you on your toes, this film renounces any indication of Marilyn being a “dumb blonde.” Cunning, smart, and stealthy, Marilyn’s character in a lesser known film of hers is a true testament to her talent.