Unveiling Ben Affleck's Intricate Tattoo Collection: Stunning Phoenix, Initials, and Beyond

Ben Affleck is more than meets the eye, especially when it comes to his collection of unexpected and detailed tattoos. His fans were treated to a peek at his ink when his wife Jennifer Lopez shared a shirtless picture of him on Instagram in June 2023. Captioning the slideshow of photos with "Daddy Appreciation Post Happy Father's Day Papa," one of the images included a mirror selfie showcasing Affleck's tattoos. Alongside the post, Lopez expressed love and gratitude for all the incredible fathers out there.

Affleck proudly displayed his two shoulder tattoos in a photo, showcasing both designs while gazing into the mirror. These tattoos were famously featured in Lopez's music video for "Jenny from the Block" back in 2002, where Affleck appeared alongside his then-girlfriend. It's worth noting that the cross tattoo on his left shoulder has since been adorned with intricate floral detailing.

To commemorate their first Valentine's Day as a married couple, Affleck and Lopez decided to get matching tattoos in February 2023. Lopez opted for an infinity sign with an arrow piercing through it on her left ribcage, while Affleck chose to have two crossing arrows with the initials "J" and "B" placed beside them, symbolizing their respective first names.

Affleck's most renowned tattoo is undoubtedly the colossal phoenix on his back. While he made it clear in a March 2016 interview with Extra TV that the intricate artwork was only temporary and done "for a movie," he was spotted proudly displaying the tattoo during a beach training session in Hawaii for his action film Triple Frontier in March 2018.

Following the publication of an article in The New Yorker criticizing the back tattoo, Affleck took to Twitter to address the criticism. "@NewYorker I want you to know that I am doing perfectly fine," he tweeted in response. "I have developed a thick skin, fortified by these bold tattoos."

Lopez, however, has openly expressed her disapproval of the tattoo.

Keep scrolling to discover Affleck's extensive tattoo collection and the fascinating stories behind each design.

Affleck's phoenix back tattoo made its debut on the set of the movie Live By Night in December 2015. This was shortly after his separation from Garner, whom he had been married to for 10 years, was announced in June of the same year.

A Phoenix

Though he has never publicly disclosed the significance of the tattoo, he did mention on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in March 2018 that it holds great importance to him. "It carries a deep meaning for me. I genuinely appreciate it," he expressed during the show. "It's something I've chosen to keep personal."

A Cross

The cross tattoo on the left shoulder of the Justice League actor has an uncertain origin. However, it gained visibility when it was showcased in Lopez's music video "Jenny from the Block" in 2002 and later in his 2003 film Gigli. Initially, the tattoo only consisted of a cross outline, but it was subsequently enhanced with the addition of various flowers that surround it.

Ben Affleck. Courtesy of Jennifer Lopez/Instagram

A Sword, Roses and Playing Cards

Affleck’s right shoulder boasts a striking tattoo design consisting of a cross adorned with vibrant roses and playing cards. This particular tattoo gained recognition through its appearance in the music video for "Jenny from the Block" and the film Gigli. Alongside the cross, the ink showcases elements such as barbed wire and what appears to be an angelic figure positioned on the right side of a sword.

Just like the legendary phoenix, the symbolism behind his shoulder tattoos remains shrouded in mystery. When asked about their significance in a March 2016 interview with Entertainment Tonight, he cryptically replied, "There's a deep well of inspiration behind each one. To truly understand their story, one would have to come much closer than our current proximity allows."

Ben Affleck in ‘Gigli’, 2003. Columbia/Revolution Studios/Kobal/Shutterstock

Arrows and Initials

Affleck and Lopez commemorated Valentine's Day in 2023 by commemorating their love with matching tattoos. They opted for an infinity sign with an arrow piercing through it, symbolizing their eternal commitment. Additionally, Affleck added two arrows of his own, representing their initials "J" and "B" for Jennifer and Ben respectively. Lopez shared pictures of their significant ink on social media, captioning them "Commitment ❤️" and expressing her happiness on Valentine's Day.

Ben Affleck’s ink in tribute to Jennifer Lopez.

A Dolphin

Among his extensive collection of tattoos, one of the notable ones is a small dolphin inked on his right hip. Back in November 2011, Page Six reported that Affleck opted for this particular design to conceal a tattoo of his high school girlfriend's name. However, the actor has neither confirmed nor denied this speculation surrounding the significance of the tattoo.

Mystery Initials

The meaning behind the words "MOH NON TE" and "TA OR," written above and below the initials "OV" on Affleck's right shoulder blade, remains a mystery.