Natalie Portman is an Academy Award-winning actress who has become one of the most talented and respected performers of her generation.
Portman has starred in a variety of films, ranging from big-budget blockbusters to smaller independent productions, and has received critical acclaim for her performances in many of these movies.
In this article, we will explore some of the best Natalie Portman movies that showcase her range and versatility as an actress.
From her breakthrough role as a child in “Léon: The Professional” to her Oscar-winning turn in “Black Swan,” Portman has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
Best Natalie Portman Movies/strong>
Whether portraying complex characters in dramatic films or bringing depth and humanity to genre movies, Natalie Portman is a true talent whose work continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
1. Black Swan (2010)
Black Swan is a 2010 psychological thriller film directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Natalie Portman, Vincent Cassel, and Mila Kunis.
The film tells the story of Nina (played by Natalie Portman), a ballerina who is selected for the lead role in a production of Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake.” As she prepares for the role, Nina begins to experience hallucinations and paranoia, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.
As Nina’s mental state deteriorates, she becomes consumed by the dual roles of the white swan and the black swan, leading to a shocking and intense climax.
Black Swan is known for its intense and mesmerizing portrayal of Nina’s descent into madness, as well as its stunning visuals and mesmerizing score.
The film explores themes such as perfectionism, ambition, and the toll that the pursuit of greatness can take on a person’s mental and emotional well-being.
Natalie Portman’s performance as Nina is particularly noteworthy, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress and cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s most talented performers.
2. V for Vendetta (2005)
“V for Vendetta” is a dystopian political thriller film released in 2005, directed by James McTeigue and produced by the Wachowskis. The movie is based on the comic book series of the same name by Alan Moore and David Lloyd.
The story takes place in an alternate reality version of the United Kingdom, where a fascist regime has taken control of the government and society is oppressed and controlled.
The film follows a mysterious vigilante known only as “V” (played by Hugo Weaving), who wears a Guy Fawkes mask and fights against the oppressive government.
V meets a young woman named Evey (played by Natalie Portman), who becomes his protégé and ally in his quest to overthrow the government.
Together, they embark on a mission to inspire the people of the country to rise up against their oppressors, using tactics that include theatrical displays of rebellion and acts of sabotage.
The film is a thrilling and thought-provoking exploration of themes such as political oppression, personal freedom, and the power of ideas.
Hugo Weaving delivers a standout performance as V, a charismatic and enigmatic character who is both a symbol of rebellion and a tortured soul seeking revenge.
“V for Vendetta” was a critical and commercial success, praised for its bold vision and powerful message. The film has become a cult classic and is widely regarded as one of the most important dystopian movies of the 21st century.
3. Thor (2011)
“Thor” is a 2011 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name.
Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the film stars Chris Hemsworth as Thor, the god of thunder who is exiled from Asgard and sent to live on Earth after disobeying his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins).
On Earth, Thor meets astrophysicist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and her colleagues, who are studying a strange phenomenon in the sky. As Thor adjusts to life on Earth, he must also confront his evil brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston), who has plans to take over Asgard and Earth.
The film features action-packed scenes, as well as comedic moments as Thor tries to understand the differences between Asgard and Earth. The supporting cast includes Stellan Skarsgård as Dr. Erik Selvig, Kat Dennings as Darcy Lewis, and Idris Elba as the gatekeeper of Asgard.
“Thor” was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $449 million worldwide. It has since spawned two sequels, “Thor: The Dark World” (2013) and “Thor: Ragnarok” (2017), as well as appearances by the character in other Marvel Cinematic Universe films.
The film also introduced audiences to Chris Hemsworth’s portrayal of Thor, which has since become one of the most beloved characters in the MCU.
4. Jackie (V) (2016)
“Jackie” is a 2016 biographical drama film directed by Pablo Larraín and starring Natalie Portman in the titular role of Jackie Kennedy Onassis.
The film follows Jackie in the aftermath of her husband President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, as she struggles to come to terms with her grief and to define her own role in history.
The film is set in the days immediately following the assassination and explores Jackie’s emotional state as she grapples with the loss of her husband and the weight of her own legacy.
It also looks at her efforts to plan her husband’s funeral, and her attempts to shape his legacy through interviews with a journalist, played by Billy Crudup.
“Jackie” was praised for Natalie Portman’s powerful and nuanced portrayal of Jackie Kennedy, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
The film was also noted for its unique and unconventional approach to the biopic genre, and for its use of music and cinematography to create a sense of mood and atmosphere.
5. Léon: The Professional (1994)
“Léon: The Professional” is a 1994 action-thriller film directed by Luc Besson, starring Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, and a young Natalie Portman in her breakthrough role.
The movie follows Léon, a hitman who takes in a 12-year-old girl named Mathilda after her family is murdered by corrupt DEA agents.
In the movie, Portman gives a stunning performance as Mathilda, a young girl who is forced to grow up quickly in the face of extreme violence and tragedy.
Despite her tender age, Portman brings a maturity and depth to her performance that belies her years, and she shares a touching and complex relationship with Jean Reno’s character, Léon.
“Léon: The Professional” is widely regarded as one of the best action-thrillers of the 1990s, thanks in no small part to the electrifying performances of its cast.
Portman’s portrayal of Mathilda remains one of the most memorable and iconic child performances in movie history, and it marked the beginning of what would become an illustrious career in film.
6. The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
The Other Boleyn Girl is a 2008 historical drama film directed by Justin Chadwick and starring Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, and Eric Bana.
The film tells the story of the Boleyn sisters, Mary (played by Scarlett Johansson) and Anne (played by Natalie Portman), who compete for the affections of King Henry VIII (played by Eric Bana) in 16th-century England.
As the sisters vie for the king’s attention, their rivalry turns increasingly dangerous and leads to tragic consequences for both of them.
The Other Boleyn Girl is known for its lush and evocative depiction of Tudor England, as well as its exploration of themes such as love, power, and the position of women in society.
The film’s talented cast, particularly Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson, deliver powerful and nuanced performances that capture the complexity and intensity of their characters’ emotions.
The Other Boleyn Girl is a must-see for fans of historical drama and for anyone interested in the history of the English monarchy.
7. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
“Thor: Love and Thunder” is a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Thor, released in 2022.
The movie was directed by Taika Waititi, who also co-wrote the script, and stars Chris Hemsworth as Thor, alongside Natalie Portman, Tessa Thompson, and Christian Bale.
The movie follows Thor as he teams up with his former love interest Jane Foster (played by Natalie Portman), who becomes the new Thor after being imbued with the power of the mystical hammer Mjolnir.
Together with Valkyrie (played by Tessa Thompson), they face off against a new villain, Gorr the God Butcher (played by Christian Bale), who seeks to destroy all gods across the universe.
“Thor: Love and Thunder” is a visually stunning and action-packed film that combines humor, heart, and epic superhero battles. The movie features a diverse cast of characters and explores themes such as redemption, sacrifice, and the nature of power.
The film has been praised for its direction, performances, and special effects, as well as its willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of the superhero genre.
“Thor: Love and Thunder” has become a box office success and is considered one of the best Marvel movies to date.
8. No Strings Attached (I) (2011)
“No Strings Attached” is a 2011 American romantic comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman and starring Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher.
The film follows the story of two old friends, Emma (Portman) and Adam (Kutcher), who decide to have a casual sexual relationship without any emotional attachments.
As they navigate their arrangement, Emma and Adam must confront their feelings for each other and the complications that arise from their no-strings-attached relationship.
The film also explores the dynamics of their relationships with their friends and family members, including Emma’s overprotective father (Kevin Kline) and Adam’s best friend (Jake M. Johnson).
“No Strings Attached” received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the chemistry between Portman and Kutcher, while others criticized the film’s formulaic plot and reliance on romantic comedy cliches.
Despite the mixed reception, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $147 million worldwide.
The film is notable for its frank depiction of sexuality and the way it explores the complexities of modern relationships. It also features a supporting cast of talented actors, including Greta Gerwig, Mindy Kaling, and Ludacris.
9. Closer (I) (2004)
“Closer” is a 2004 American romantic drama film directed by Mike Nichols and starring Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, and Clive Owen.
The film tells the story of two couples whose lives become intertwined as they engage in a complex web of romantic relationships and emotional manipulation.
Dan (Jude Law), a writer, falls in love with Alice (Natalie Portman), a stripper, but ends up cheating on her with Anna (Julia Roberts), a photographer.
Anna, in turn, begins an affair with Larry (Clive Owen), a doctor who is also Dan’s best friend.
The film deals with themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships. It was adapted from a play by Patrick Marber and was praised for its powerful performances and gripping storytelling.
The film was particularly noted for the performances of its four lead actors, all of whom received critical acclaim for their work.
“Closer” was a critical and commercial success and was nominated for several awards, including four Academy Awards. It remains a notable entry in the romantic drama genre and is considered one of Mike Nichols’ finest films.
10. Annihilation (I) (2018)
“Annihilation” is a 2018 science fiction film directed by Alex Garland and starring Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, and Oscar Isaac.
The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Jeff Vandermeer and follows a group of scientists who enter a mysterious environmental disaster zone known as “the Shimmer” to find out what happened to a previous team that never returned.
In the movie, Portman plays Lena, a biologist and former soldier who joins the mission to find her missing husband, who was part of the previous team.
As the team ventures deeper into the Shimmer, they encounter strange and surreal phenomena, and their own mental and physical states begin to deteriorate.
Portman delivers a powerful performance as Lena, a complex and multi-layered character whose motivations and actions are slowly revealed over the course of the movie.
Her portrayal of Lena’s struggles with grief, guilt, and self-discovery in the face of the unknown is both poignant and compelling.
“Annihilation” is a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that explores themes of identity, self-destruction, and the mysteries of the natural world.
Portman’s performance is a standout in an already impressive ensemble cast, and her work in the movie cements her status as one of the most talented and versatile actresses of her generation.
3 Reasons To Watch Natalie Portman Movies
Natalie Portman’s versatility: Natalie Portman is a highly versatile actress who has excelled in a wide range of genres, from drama and thriller to science fiction and comedy.
Her ability to convey complex emotions and embody diverse characters has made her one of the most talented and respected actresses of her generation.
Her award-winning performances: Natalie Portman has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in “Black Swan.”
Her other notable performances include her work in “Closer,” “V for Vendetta,” and “Jackie,” among others. Her talent and dedication to her craft have been recognized by audiences and critics alike.
Her impact on Hollywood: Natalie Portman has also been a trailblazer in Hollywood, using her platform to advocate for gender equality and diversity in the film industry.
She has been vocal about the need for more opportunities for women and people of color in front of and behind the camera, and has been a strong advocate for the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements.
Her commitment to social justice and equality has made her an inspiration to many, both within and outside of the film industry.
Best Natalie Portman Movies – Wrap Up
Natalie Portman is an accomplished actress who has starred in a wide variety of films throughout her career, showcasing her range and talent.
These films showcase Natalie Portman’s versatility as an actress, with roles ranging from intense psychological drama to action and adventure.
Portman has won critical acclaim for her performances in many of these movies, and her talent and dedication to her craft have made her one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses.
