Natalie Portman Movies – Natalie Portman is one of the most versatile and talented actresses of her generation. She has starred in a wide range of genres, from sci-fi blockbusters to indie dramas, and has earned critical acclaim and awards recognition for many of her performances. Whether she is playing a troubled ballerina, a grieving widow, or a rebellious freedom fighter, Portman always brings depth, nuance, and charisma to her roles.
But with so many movies to choose from, how do you decide which ones are worth watching? How do you rank the best movies of Natalie Portman’s career? That’s where we come in.
We have compiled a list of the 10 best movies of Natalie Portman, based on a combination of factors such as ratings, reviews, awards, popularity, and cultural impact.
We have also included some facts and trivia about each movie, as well as some suggestions for similar movies that you might enjoy.
So without further ado, here are the 10 best movies of Natalie Portman:
10. Garden State (2004)
Genre: Comedy-drama-romance
Plot: A quietly troubled young man returns home for his mother’s funeral after being estranged from his family for a decade.
Why it’s great: Garden State is a charming and quirky indie film that marked the directorial debut of Zach Braff, who also wrote and starred in it. The film explores themes of alienation, identity, and love with humor and heart.
Natalie Portman plays Sam, a lively and eccentric young woman who befriends Braff’s character Andrew and helps him rediscover his passion for life. Portman’s performance is full of energy and charm, and she has great chemistry with Braff. The film also features a memorable soundtrack that includes songs by The Shins, Coldplay, and Simon & Garfunkel.
Fun fact: Natalie Portman came up with the idea of her character wearing a helmet in one scene because she had a pimple on her forehead that day.
Similar movies: The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012), Little Miss Sunshine (2006), Juno (2007)
9. Heat (1995)
Genre: Crime-thriller
Plot: A group of professional criminals led by Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) clash with a dedicated detective named Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino) who is determined to catch them.
Why it’s great: Heat is a masterful crime thriller that showcases the talents of two legendary actors: Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. The film is directed by Michael Mann, who creates a tense and stylish atmosphere with his use of Los Angeles locations, realistic action sequences, and moody music.
Natalie Portman plays Lauren Gustafson, the troubled stepdaughter of Pacino’s character who attempts suicide in one scene. Portman’s performance is brief but impactful, as she conveys the emotional turmoil of her character with subtlety and sensitivity.
Fun fact: The famous coffee shop scene between Pacino and De Niro was filmed without rehearsal or blocking to capture the spontaneity and naturalism of their conversation.
Similar movies: The Departed (2006), The Town (2010), Collateral (2004)
8. Annihilation (2018)
Genre: Sci-fi-horror
Plot: A biologist named Lena (Natalie Portman) joins a team of female scientists to investigate a mysterious zone called the Shimmer, where strange phenomena and mutations occur.
Why it’s great: Annihilation is a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating sci-fi horror film that explores themes of identity, evolution, and self-destruction. The film is based on the novel by Jeff VanderMeer and directed by Alex Garland, who also made Ex Machina (2014). Natalie Portman delivers a complex and layered performance as Lena, who has her own personal reasons for entering the Shimmer.
She is joined by an impressive cast that includes Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, and Oscar Isaac. The film features some unforgettable scenes of beauty and terror, such as the mutated bear attack, the humanoid plant formation, and the final confrontation with the alien entity.
Fun fact: The film was released theatrically in the US and Canada but was distributed by Netflix in other countries due to its perceived lack of commercial appeal.
Similar movies: Arrival (2016), Under the Skin (2013), The Thing (1982)
7. V for Vendetta (2005)
Genre: Action-drama-sci-fi
Plot: In a future British dystopian society, a shadowy freedom fighter known only by the alias of “V” (Hugo Weaving) plots to overthrow the tyrannical government with the help of a young woman named Evey (Natalie Portman).
Why it’s great: V for Vendetta is a thrilling and thought-provoking adaptation of the graphic novel by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. The film is directed by James McTeigue and produced by the Wachowskis, who also wrote the screenplay.
The film combines action, drama, and sci-fi elements to create a compelling story of resistance, revolution, and redemption. Natalie Portman gives one of her most daring and transformative performances as Evey, who undergoes a radical change of character after being captured and tortured by V.
She also shaved her head for the role, which became an iconic image of the film. The film also features a memorable performance by Hugo Weaving as the masked and mysterious V, who delivers some memorable lines such as “Remember, remember, the fifth of November” and “Beneath this mask there is more than flesh. Beneath this mask there is an idea, Mr. Creedy, and ideas are bulletproof.”
Fun fact: The film’s release date was originally set for November 5th, 2005, to coincide with Guy Fawkes Day, but was pushed back to March 17th, 2006, due to the London bombings in July 2005.
Similar movies: The Matrix (1999), Watchmen (2009), The Hunger Games (2012)
6. Closer (2004)
Genre: Drama-romance
Plot: The relationships of two couples become complicated and deceitful when the man from one couple meets the woman of the other.
Why it’s great: Closer is a sharp and provocative drama that explores the dark side of love, sex, and betrayal. The film is based on the play by Patrick Marber and directed by Mike Nichols, who won an Oscar for The Graduate (1967). The film features a stellar cast of four actors: Jude Law, Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, and Natalie Portman. All four actors deliver powerful and nuanced performances that earned them Oscar nominations, except for Law. Portman plays Alice, a young American stripper who falls in love with Law’s character Dan, a British journalist. Portman’s performance is both innocent and seductive, as she portrays Alice’s vulnerability and complexity.
Fun fact: Natalie Portman was originally cast as Jane, the role played by Julia Roberts, but she switched to Alice because she felt more comfortable playing a younger character.
Similar movies: Revolutionary Road (2008), Blue Valentine (2010), Marriage Story (2019)
5. Jackie (2016)
Genre: Biographical-drama
Plot: After her husband’s assassination, Jackie Kennedy (Natalie Portman) struggles to cope with her grief and preserve his legacy.
Why it’s great: Jackie is a riveting and intimate portrait of one of the most iconic and influential women in American history. The film is directed by Pablo Larraín and written by Noah Oppenheim, who won an Oscar for his screenplay.
The film focuses on the events following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, as seen through the eyes of his widow Jackie. Natalie Portman delivers a stunning and captivating performance as Jackie, who has to deal with her personal trauma, political pressure, and public scrutiny.
Portman captures Jackie’s voice, mannerisms, style, and emotions with remarkable accuracy and sensitivity. She also wears some of the most famous outfits that Jackie wore in real life, such as the pink Chanel suit stained with blood.
Fun fact: Natalie Portman was pregnant with her second child while filming some scenes for the movie.
Similar movies: The Queen (2006), Lincoln (2012), The Crown (2016-)
4. Black Swan (2010)
Genre: Psychological-thriller
Plot: A ballet dancer named Nina (Natalie Portman) becomes obsessed with perfecting her role as the Swan Queen in Swan Lake, but faces competition from a new rival named Lily (Mila Kunis).
Why it’s great: Black Swan is a dark and twisted thriller that explores the themes of ambition, madness, and artistry. The film is directed by Darren Aronofsky and inspired by his previous film The Wrestler (2008). The film combines elements of horror, drama, and fantasy to create a surreal and disturbing experience.
Natalie Portman gives a phenomenal and unforgettable performance as Nina, who undergoes a physical and mental transformation as she succumbs to her paranoia and delusions. Portman trained for months to learn ballet and lost 20 pounds
Portman won the Oscar for Best Actress for her role, as well as many other awards and nominations. She also had a controversial love scene with Mila Kunis, who played Lily, her rival and possible alter ego. Kunis also received praise and awards for her performance, such as the Marcello Mastroianni Award at the Venice Film Festival.
Fun fact: Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis trained for six months to learn ballet and performed most of their own dancing in the film.
Similar movies: The Wrestler (2008), The Red Shoes (1948), Perfect Blue (1997)
3. Léon: The Professional (1994)
Genre: Action-crime-drama
Plot: A professional assassin named Léon (Jean Reno) takes in a 12-year-old girl named Mathilda (Natalie Portman) after her family is killed by a corrupt DEA agent (Gary Oldman).
Why it’s great: Léon: The Professional is a stylish and thrilling action film that marked the debut of Natalie Portman, who was only 11 years old when she was cast. The film is directed by Luc Besson, who also made La Femme Nikita (1990) and The Fifth Element (1997). The film explores the unlikely bond between Léon and Mathilda, who become friends and partners in crime.
Natalie Portman gives a remarkable and mature performance as Mathilda, who is smart, brave, and precocious. She also has great chemistry with Jean Reno, who plays Léon as a quiet and gentle killer with a soft spot for his young protégée. The film also features a memorable villain played by Gary Oldman, who is over-the-top and menacing as the drug-addicted DEA agent Stansfield.
Fun fact: Natalie Portman’s parents were concerned about the sexual undertones of her character’s relationship with Léon and asked Luc Besson to make some changes to the script.
Similar movies: La Femme Nikita (1990), True Romance (1993), Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
2. Jackie (2016)
Genre: Biographical-drama
Plot: After her husband’s assassination, Jackie Kennedy (Natalie Portman) struggles to cope with her grief and preserve his legacy.
Why it’s great: Jackie is a riveting and intimate portrait of one of the most iconic and influential women in American history. The film is directed by Pablo Larraín and written by Noah Oppenheim, who won an Oscar for his screenplay. The film focuses on the events following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, as seen through the eyes of his widow Jackie.
Natalie Portman delivers a stunning and captivating performance as Jackie, who has to deal with her personal trauma, political pressure, and public scrutiny. Portman captures Jackie’s voice, mannerisms, style, and emotions with remarkable accuracy and sensitivity.
She also wears some of the most famous outfits that Jackie wore in real life, such as the pink Chanel suit stained with blood.
Fun fact: Natalie Portman was pregnant with her second child while filming some scenes for the movie.
Similar movies: The Queen (2006), Lincoln (2012), The Crown (2016-)
1. Star Wars: Episodes I-III (1999-2005)
Genre: Sci-fi-fantasy
Plot: A young Jedi named Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) falls in love with a senator named Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman) but is seduced by the dark side of the Force.
Why it’s great: Star Wars: Episodes I-III are the prequel trilogy to the original Star Wars films that tell the origin story of Darth Vader, one of the most iconic villains in cinema history. The films are directed by George Lucas, who created the Star Wars universe in 1977. The films feature spectacular visual effects, epic battles, memorable characters, and iconic music by John Williams.
Natalie Portman plays Padmé Amidala, a young queen turned senator who becomes Anakin Skywalker’s love interest and later his wife. Portman’s performance is graceful and dignified, as she portrays Padmé’s courage, intelligence, and compassion. She also wears some of the most elaborate and beautiful costumes in the Star Wars saga.
Fun fact: Natalie Portman missed the premiere of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) because she had to study for her high school exams.
Similar movies: Star Wars: Episodes IV-VI (1977-1983), Star Wars: Episodes VII-IX (2015-2019), The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003)
Conclusion
Natalie Portman is a versatile and talented actress who has starred in some of the best movies of the past two decades. She has shown her range and skill in various genres, from sci-fi to drama, and has won many awards and accolades for her performances.
Natalie is also a producer, director, and activist who has used her fame and influence to support various causes. She is one of the most respected and admired actresses in Hollywood and a role model for many aspiring actors.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to Natalie Portman’s best movies and found some new ones to watch. If you did, please share this article with your friends and family who are also fans of Natalie Portman.
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