Nicole Kidman has established herself as one of the best actresses in the movie industry, with her filmography range being in many different genres, like comedies, horrors, and even musicals. TechTrends decided to make a list of the best Nicole Kidman movies of all time.
The Australian actress has long been producing unique and compelling performances. Moreover, Nicole Kidman is interested in getting involved in movies that are different from her previous projects. This shows her ability to tackle any role that she is given. She is one of the most talented actresses in Hollywood and has won many awards, including an Oscar. Before becoming known around the world, Kidman started his career in Australia in small projects. After she got married to Tom Cruise, Kidman did her best to keep up with the expectations. As for now, Kidman has won an Academy Award, two Emmy Awards, six Golden Globes, and a BAFTA. To honor her almost 40-year career in the industry, we have decided to make a list of the best must-see Nicole Kidman performances. Here we go.
Best Nicole Kidman Movies of All Time
Nicole Kidman’s astonishing career started from humble beginnings when the teenage actress played in her debut movie in 1983, Bush Christmas. Since then, she has featured in many different genres of movies and has established herself as a well-known star. Kidman also appeared in TV shows like Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers. However, in this article, we are focusing on the best Nicole Kidman movies of all time. Without further ado, let’s get to the list, which is in chronological order.
Dead Calm 1989
- Genre: Thriller/Suspense
- Director: Phillip Noyce
- Stars: Nicole Kidman, Billy Zane, Sam Neill, Joshua Tilden
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 83%, IMDb 6.8
Dead Calm is a psychological thriller in which Nicole Kidman plays the role of Rae Ingram. She experienced a terrifying incident when she was on vacation that resulted in a kidnapping, a broken marriage, and something she could not return from. It is also one of the last movies she worked on while in Australia. Moreover, many believe that it is one of the greatest psychological movies of that time. Sam Neill plays Kidman’s opposite as her husband, John Ingram. The two share an intense relationship, with the two actors impressing in creating a complex dynamic that is engaging. We highly recommend this movie, and it is one of the best Nicole Kidman films of all time.
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To Die For 1995
- Genre: Thriller/Drama
- Director: Gus Van Sant
- Stars: Nicole Kidman, Joaquin Phoenix, Matt Dillon, Casey Affleck
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 88%, IMDb 6.8
In the movie To Die For, Nicole Kidman plays opposite Matt Dillon and Joaquin Phoenix, and the movie is based on Pamela Smart’s life. She portrays the role of Suzanne, who is eager to be a newscaster, and is willing to do anything to achieve her goals. Moreover, this became one of the best mockumentary comedies of the 90s, which was surprising since quiet dramas like Good Will Hunting were more popular at that time. Also, Kidman’s performance as Suzanne, which was hilariously twisted, became the highlight of the movie. To Die For is yet another one of the best Nicole Kidman movies of all time.
Eyes Wide Shut 1999
- Genre: Drama/Mystery
- Director: Stanley Kubrick
- Stars: Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise, Sydney Pollack, Madison Eginton, Marie Richardson
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 76%, IMDb 7.5
The next one on the list of the best Nicole Kidman movies of all time is Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut. It is based on the 1926 novel “Dream Story” written by Arthur Schnitzler. The movie follows the story of Bill Hartford, played by Tom Cruise, who is trying to infiltrate a masked society to recapture his failing marriage’s magic. Moreover, the story tells a lot about the nature of marriage, love, and human connections. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman’s performances in this film were incredible, and the two used to be married, with their chemistry adding to the success of the movie. Eyes Wide Shut is indeed among Nicole Kidman’s greatest movie roles.
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Moulin Rouge! 2001
- Genre: Musical/Romance
- Director: Baz Luhrmann
- Stars: Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, Richard Roxburgh, Jim Broadbent, John Leguizamo
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 76%, IMDb 7.6
Moulin Rouge was directed by musical auteur Baz Luhrmann, and the story is about English poet Christian and cabaret actress Satine, with the two starting a romantic relationship. The movie is set at the Moulin Rouge, the largest cabaret nightclub in Paris. In addition, many believe that this is one of the greatest musicals of the 2000s, courtesy of amazing performances and dedication to style and flare. There are bright colors and slick cinematography used for the story. Nicole Kidman gave a memorable performance as Satine, who is the lead courtesan at the nightclub. For her great display, Kidman got nominations at the Oscars and SAG Awards and won a Golden Globe. Moulin Rough is one of the best Nicole Kidman movies ever.
The Others 2001
- Genre: Horror/Thriller
- Director: Alejandro Amenábar
- Stars: Nicole Kidman, Alakina Mann, James Bentley, Fionnula Flanagan, Elaine Cassidy
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 84%, IMDb 7.6
Kidman played in her first horror movie The Others, in 2001, where she features as a distressed mother named Grace Stewart. She and her two children move to a house in Jersey, which they believe is seemingly haunted. One of the defining horror movies of the 2000s, The Others, brought back the supernatural genre. Moreover, Nicole Kidman’s performance was outstanding, masterfully capturing the fear and the stress of being forced to take care of your children where there is a malevolent evil spirit. The movie does not allow the audience to breathe. Moreover, the third-act twist is shocking, and it is one of the most famous parts of the film. The Others is one of the best Nicole Kidman movies of all time.
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The Hours 2002
- Genre: Drama/Romance
- Director: Stephen Daldry
- Stars: Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, Ed Harris, Allison Janney
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 79%, IMDb 7.5
This is yet another one of the best Nicole Kidman movies of all time. The Hours focuses on the life of three women who are on the lookout to find the meaning of their lives. Among them are one writer, Virginia Woolf, and two from the future who find comfort in her novel “Mrs. Dalloway”. There is a lot to say about womanhood and autonomy in this movie but in a fresher and more unique way. Kidman earned her first Academy Award as Best Actress for her role in The Hours. She portrays Woolf, who is writing a novel while dealing with mental illness and depression. We strongly recommend this movie.
Cold Mountain 2003
- Genre: War/Drama
- Director: Anthony Minghella
- Stars: Nicole Kidman, Jude Law, Renée Zellweger, Natalie Portman
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 70%, IMDb 7.2
Cold Mountain is based on Charles Frazier’s best-selling novel and stars Kidman and Jude Law, who are lovers. The two get separated when Law’s W.P. Inman enlists in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. When he is at war, Kidman’s character Ada Monroe should stay behind and take care of the family farm. However, she has no talent in it; therefore, he brings in Ruby Thewes, played by Renee Zellwegar, who won an Oscar for this performance. She asks him to manage the farm while she dreams of his lover’s return from the battle. Cold Mountain is one of the best Nicole Kidman films ever.
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Rabbit Hole 2010
- Genre: Drama/Indie Film
- Director: John Cameron Mitchell
- Stars: Nicole Kidman, Miles Teller, Colin Mitchell, Mike Doyle
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 87%, IMDb 7
Kidman is drawn to movies that focus on the various facets of grief and trauma. She portrays the role of Becca in Rabbit Hole, who is trying to get herself together after her son passed away in an accident. Becca and her husband, played by Aaron Echhart, try to figure out their crumbling relationship with their different ways of dealing with grief. Kidman’s character is suppressed when his son dies. She is always choking up with tears and cannot do her daily activities without getting distracted. Although the movie was low budget, the amazing performances brought the movie nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a Critics Choice Award, and the Screen Actors Guild Award. This is indeed one of the best Nicole Kidman Movies of all time.
Stoker 2013
- Genre: Thriller/Horror
- Director: Park Chan-wook
- Stars: Nicole Kidman, Mia Wasikowska, Matthew Goode, Alden Ehrenreich
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 70%, IMDb 6.8
After her father dies, India Stoker’s uncle, whom she hasn’t met before, comes and moves in with her and her mother. However, as time passes, she realizes that her mysterious uncle has dark motives. Moreover, the end is quite shocking, and you won’t see it coming. The movie’s characterization, cinematography, and editing are spectacularly high quality. In addition, it is dark, mysterious, and twisted, but still very enthralling. Nicole Kidman plays the role of India’s mother and shows off an impressive performance in the movie. Therefore, Stoker is among the best Nicole Kidman movies of all time.
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Genius 2016
- Genre: Drama
- Director: Michael Grandage
- Stars: Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth, Jude Law, Laura Linney
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 52%, IMDb 6.5
Genius is one of Nicole Kidman’s most famous movies up to now. This drama revolves around the complicated relationship of Maxwell Perkins, the book editor, and Thomas Wolfe, the novelist. Colin Firth and Jude Law play the roles, respectively. The movie is based on a true story as Perkins was a 19th-century editor and became well-known for discovering authors like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Moreover, Firth portrays his role with utmost excellence. In addition, Nicole Kidman’s performance as Wolfe’s lover is deserving of praise. Therefore, this is one of the best Nicole Kidman movies of all time.
Lion 2016
- Genre: Drama
- Director: Garth Davis
- Stars: Nicole Kidman, Dev Patel, Saroo Brierley, Sunny Pawar
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 84%, IMDb 8
Having a supporting role but shining in those few scenes is not an easy task. However, Nicole Kidman does it impactfully and easily when she performs as an Australian foster mother to Saroo, played by Dev Patel, an Indian boy who got lost on a Kolkata train. She raised him and gave him love and devotion. Moreover, she is able to get the audience to sympathize with her as she interacts with Saroo in his journey to find what happened to him on that train. Although she understands his need to figure things out, Sue is sad that he will not see her as his legitimate mother.
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The Beguiled 2017
- Genre: War/Drama
- Director: Sofia Coppola
- Stars: Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Colin Farrell, Elle Fanning
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 78%, IMDb 6.3
In the next one of the best Nicole Kidman movies of all time, director Sofia Coppola adapted the 1971 movie The Beguiled, which tells the tale through the female protagonists’ eyes. In addition, Nicole Kidman and Kirsten Dunst play the roles of Martha Farnsworth and Edwina Morrow. They run an all-girls school during the Civil War, with one of the students discovering John McBurney, who is a wounded Union deserter, played by Colin Farrell. Martha and Edwina face unpleasant tensions between themselves when he comes, as well as with Alicia, played by Elle Fanning. The movie is female-driven with one of the most famous female directors.
Destroyer 2018
- Genre: Crime/Action
- Director: Karyn Kusama
- Stars: Nicole Kidman, Sebastian Stan, Toby Kebbell, Tatiana Maslany
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 74%, IMDb 6.2
When an undercover mission went terribly wrong sixteen years ago, Erin Bell, the detective, feels a lot of guilt; therefore, it is hard for him to move on. However, when he gets another chance to right her wrongs, she goes back to action, keen on bringing the criminals to justice. Nicole Kidman portrays the role of the detective, and she deserves a lot of praise for her portrayal. Moreover, she was so dedicated to the lead role, both visually and physically. Sebastian Stan plays her opposite role. Destroyer is one of the best Nicole Kidman movies of all time.
Bombshell 2019
- Genre: Drama
- Director: Jay Roach
- Stars: Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, Margot Robbie, Gretchen Carlson, John Lithgow, Kate McKinnon, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Jennifer Morrison
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 68%, IMDb 6.8
Another one of the best Nicole Kidman movies ever is Bombshell, where she starred alongside Charlize Theron and Margot Robbie. Theron plays the role of a Fox News television anchor named Gretchen Carlson. The three accused the CEO of a Fox News, Roger Ailes, of sexual harassment. Moreover, it shows how hard it can be for victims in the workplace to come forward. Theron portrays this difficulty in her character when she refuses to go public at the beginning. However, then, not only does she decide to come forward, but she also convinces other women to tell their side of the story.
Kidman plays a small part in the movie and is the first to take on Ailes’ misogyny by suing him when she is fired. However, her role is quite important as it puts the movie in motion. Therefore, Bombshell is one of the best Nicole Kidman movies of all time.
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