Helen Hunt is an accomplished actress known for her versatility and talent across a range of film genres. With a career spanning several decades, she has delivered memorable performances in both comedic and dramatic roles.

From her early success on television to her notable film achievements, Helen Hunt has become a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Helen Hunt gained widespread recognition for her role as Jamie Buchman in the hit sitcom “Mad About You,” for which she won numerous awards, including four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.

Her success on television paved the way for her transition to the big screen, where she continued to showcase her acting prowess.

In this article, we will explore some of the best Helen Hunt movies, highlighting her standout performances and notable contributions to cinema.

Best Helen Hunt Movies

From heartfelt dramas to light-hearted comedies, Helen Hunt has tackled a variety of roles, consistently delivering engaging and memorable performances.

Join us as we delve into a selection of Helen Hunt’s best movies, celebrating her talent and the impact she has made in the world of film.

1. Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)

Peggy Sue Got Married is a romantic comedy-drama film released in 1986, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Kathleen Turner, Nicolas Cage, and Jim Carrey.

The film tells the story of Peggy Sue Bodell, a middle-aged woman who faints at her high school reunion and wakes up in her 18-year-old body, giving her the chance to relive her senior year and possibly change the course of her life.

The film features a strong and engaging storyline that explores themes of regret, nostalgia, and the desire for second chances.

Turner delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Peggy Sue, imbuing the character with both vulnerability and strength as she navigates the challenges and opportunities of her new life.

Cage and Carrey also deliver memorable performances as Peggy Sue’s love interests, bringing humor and heart to their respective roles.

Peggy Sue Got Married is a visually stunning film, with Coppola’s direction capturing the nostalgia and glamour of the 1950s with great attention to detail.

The film’s soundtrack, featuring classic hits from the era, also adds to its nostalgic appeal.

   

Overall, Peggy Sue Got Married is a charming and entertaining film that showcases the best of 1980s cinema.

With its strong performances, engaging storyline, and memorable visuals and soundtrack, the film is a must-watch for fans of romantic comedies and dramas.

Peggy Sue Got Married
  • Kathleen Turner, Nicolas Cage, Barry Miller (Actors)
  • Francis Coppola (Director) - Paul R. Gurian (Producer)
  • English, Spanish, French (Subtitles)
  • Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)

2. Project X (1987)

“Project X” is a science fiction film released in 1987, directed by Jonathan Kaplan. The movie stars Matthew Broderick and Helen Hunt in the lead roles, alongside a cast of chimpanzees.

The story revolves around Jimmy Garrett (played by Matthew Broderick), an Air Force pilot who is assigned to a secret military project involving chimpanzees. The project aims to train the chimps to fly fighter planes in order to test the effects of high-speed flight on living creatures.

Jimmy forms a bond with one particular chimp named Virgil, and as he grows attached to the intelligent and empathetic animal, he becomes increasingly conflicted about the ethics of the project.

“Project X” touches upon themes of animal rights, the morality of scientific experimentation, and the emotional connections between humans and animals.

It explores the ethical dilemmas faced by Jimmy as he confronts the mistreatment of the chimps and considers the consequences of his involvement in the project.

The film received mixed reviews upon its release but has gained a cult following over the years. It is praised for its performances, particularly Matthew Broderick’s portrayal of a conflicted and compassionate character.

The chimpanzees in the film are also credited with delivering memorable and believable performances.

“Project X” offers a blend of drama, science fiction, and social commentary. While it incorporates elements of action and suspense, the focus remains on the moral and emotional journey of the characters.

If you are interested in thought-provoking films that explore the ethical implications of scientific experimentation and human-animal relationships, “Project X” may be worth checking out.

It provides an opportunity to reflect on the treatment of animals and the responsibilities humans have towards the creatures with whom we share the planet.

Project X [DVD]
  • Matthew Broderick, Helen Hunt, William Sadler (Actors)
  • Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

3. Next of Kin (1989)

“Next of Kin” is a 1989 crime thriller film directed by John Irvin and starring Patrick Swayze, Liam Neeson, and Adam Baldwin.

The film tells the story of a small-town cop named Truman Gates (Swayze) who goes up against the Chicago mafia after his younger brother is killed in a gangland hit.

As Gates investigates his brother’s death, he uncovers a web of corruption and violence that extends all the way to the top of the Chicago crime syndicate.

With the help of his fellow cops and his older brother Briar (Neeson), who is a member of the Irish mafia, Gates sets out to bring the killers to justice.

“Next of Kin” is a tense and suspenseful crime thriller with a strong sense of atmosphere and setting. The film features some intense action sequences, including a memorable showdown in the Chicago subway tunnels.

The film also benefits from strong performances from its lead actors, with Swayze and Neeson delivering powerful and nuanced portrayals of their characters.

While “Next of Kin” received mixed reviews upon its release, it has since gained a cult following among fans of 80s and 90s action movies. If you’re a fan of Patrick Swayze or Liam Neeson, or if you enjoy gritty and suspenseful crime thrillers, “Next of Kin” may be worth a watch.

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Next of Kin (DVD)
  • Factory sealed DVD
  • Patrick Swayze, Liam Neeson, Adam Baldwin (Actors)
  • Stan Laurel (Director) - Michael Jenning (Writer) - Larry de Waay (Producer)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • Audience Rating: R (Restricted)

4. Mr. Saturday Night (1992)

Mr. Saturday Night is a 1992 comedy-drama film directed by and starring Billy Crystal. The film follows the life of Buddy Young Jr. (Crystal), a legendary comedian who has fallen on hard times and is now working as a game show host.

The film explores Buddy’s complicated relationships with his brother Stan (David Paymer) and his wife Elaine (Julie Warner), as well as his attempts to make a comeback in the entertainment industry.

Cotillard has a small but memorable role in the film as Buddy’s French girlfriend, a singer named Annie. While her role is limited, Cotillard’s natural charm and talent shine through in her scenes, and she adds a touch of romantic intrigue to the story.

   

Mr. Saturday Night is a heartfelt and poignant film that explores themes of family, ambition, and redemption.

Crystal delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Buddy, and the film features strong supporting performances from Paymer, Warner, and Helen Hunt, who plays Buddy’s daughter.

While Cotillard’s role in the film is relatively small, she is a standout presence and adds to the film’s overall appeal.

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Mr. Saturday Night
  • Billy Crystal, Helen Hunt, David Paymer (Actors)
  • Billy Crystal (Director)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • Audience Rating: R (Restricted)

5. Kiss of Death (1995)

“Kiss of Death” is a 1995 crime thriller film, but Marion Cotillard did not appear in this movie. The film is directed by Barbet Schroeder and stars David Caruso, Samuel L. Jackson, and Nicolas Cage.

While Marion Cotillard has had a successful career, “Kiss of Death” is not among her film credits. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

3 Reasons To Watch Helen Hunt Movies

Versatility in Acting: One of the top reasons to watch Helen Hunt movies is her versatility as an actress. Throughout her career, she has portrayed a wide range of characters across various genres, showcasing her ability to immerse herself in diverse roles.

From her Oscar-winning performance in “As Good as It Gets” (1997) to her dramatic role in “The Sessions” (2012), and her directorial debut in “Ride” (2014), Hunt’s filmography offers a rich tapestry of performances that highlight her talent and range as an actress.

Strong Screen Presence: Helen Hunt possesses a natural screen presence that draws audiences in and commands attention. Her performances are often marked by a compelling combination of strength, vulnerability, and emotional depth.

Whether she is portraying a relatable everyday person or a complex character facing personal challenges, Hunt brings authenticity and depth to her roles, captivating viewers with her nuanced and captivating performances.

Collaborations with Acclaimed Filmmakers: Helen Hunt has had the opportunity to work with some of the most acclaimed filmmakers in the industry.

Her collaborations with renowned directors such as James L. Brooks, Robert Zemeckis, and Jodie Foster have resulted in compelling and memorable films.

These collaborations have allowed her to showcase her talent under the guidance of visionary directors, further enhancing the quality and appeal of her filmography.

Overall, Helen Hunt’s versatility, strong screen presence, and collaborations with esteemed filmmakers make her movies worth watching.

Her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters, combined with her wide-ranging roles across different genres, ensure that there is something for everyone in her filmography.

Best Helen Hunt Movies – Wrap Up

Helen Hunt has had a diverse and successful career in both television and film, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

From her breakthrough role on the sitcom “Mad About You” to her acclaimed performances in movies, she has left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Here is a recap of some of Helen Hunt’s best movies:

“As Good as It Gets” (1997) – In this romantic comedy-drama, Hunt delivers a remarkable performance as a waitress who forms an unlikely bond with a misanthropic writer, played by Jack Nicholson. Her portrayal earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.

“Twister” (1996) – Hunt stars as a storm chaser in this thrilling action film. Her character’s determination to study tornadoes takes her on a dangerous adventure, showcasing her ability to handle intense and action-packed roles.

“The Sessions” (2012) – Hunt earned critical acclaim for her role as a sex surrogate in this touching drama. Her performance garnered an Academy Award nomination and showcased her ability to portray complex and sensitive characters.

“Pay It Forward” (2000) – In this drama, Hunt plays a single mother who becomes involved in a social experiment initiated by her son. The film explores themes of kindness and human connection, with Hunt delivering a heartfelt and genuine performance.

“The Sessions” (2012) – Hunt earned critical acclaim for her role as a sex surrogate in this touching drama. Her performance garnered an Academy Award nomination and showcased her ability to portray complex and sensitive characters.

These movies represent just a glimpse of Helen Hunt’s impressive filmography. Whether in comedies, dramas, or action films, she has consistently demonstrated her talent and commitment to her craft.

Her performances have garnered critical acclaim and accolades, solidifying her status as a highly respected actress in the industry.

Helen Hunt’s body of work continues to captivate audiences, and her contributions to film will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.