The Best Natalie Portman Movies

Natalie Portman is an Academy Award-winning actress who has been in the public eye since her breakout roles in the mid-90s. She has made a diverse array of films and has become an iconic leading lady in Hollywood. From box office hits to smaller indie films, Natalie Portman has long been one of the most versatile actors in the industry. Here are 10 of her best movies to date.

1. V for Vendetta (2005)
   Directed by the Wachowskis, this dystopian thriller stars Natalie Portman as Evey Hammond, a woman who is rescued from certain death by a mysterious vigilante known as “V”. With solid performances from both Portman and the late Hugo Weaving, V for Vendetta is a thrilling and thought-provoking experience.

2. Closer (2004)
   This Mike Nichols-directed drama features a stellar cast, including Jude Law, Clive Owen, and Natalie Portman. The story follows the tangled lives of Portman’s and Law’s characters, and the results of their infidelity. Portman’s performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

3. Black Swan (2010)
   In this Darren Aronofsky-directed psychological drama, Natalie Portman gives a captivating performance as a ballerina who is spiraling out of control as she prepares for an ambitious and demanding lead role. Portman won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2011 for her performance.

4. Garden State (2004)
   This humor-tinged coming-of-age story stars Zach Braff and Natalie Portman as two estranged childhood friends who rekindle their friendship in the wake of the death of Portman’s character’s mother. Portman shines as the cynical and emotionally damaged Sam, and delivers a memorable performance.

5. Thor (2011)
   While most of the Marvel Cinematic Universe features male leads, Thor featured a female lead in the form of Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster. Foster is a scientist and love interest of Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, and Portman shines as she balances the action and the drama of the film.

6. Leon: The Professional (1994)
   This Luc Besson action-thriller stars Jean Reno and Natalie Portman in her feature debut. The film follows the story of a 12-year-old girl who is taken in by a professional assassin after her parents are murdered. Portman gives a touching performance as Mathilda, a girl determined to get revenge for her parents’ deaths.

7. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
   In this sequel to Thor, Natalie Portman returned as Jane Foster alongside Chris Hemsworth’s Thor. Despite being bogged down by a confusing plot and uneven pacing, The Dark World does feature some solid performances from its leads, with Portman delivering a particularly strong performance as Foster.

8. Heat (1995)
   Natalie Portman had a minor role in this classic crime thriller featuring a powerhouse cast including Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Val Kilmer. Portman plays the daughter of De Niro’s character, and gives a naturalistic performance even in a limited capacity.

9. Anywhere But Here (1999)
   In Anywhere But Here, Natalie Portman stars opposite Susan Sarandon as Ann August, a teenage girl whose life is upended when her mother (played by Sarandon) decides to move them from Wisconsin to California. Although the film is a comedy-drama, Portman’s performance is filled with emotion and heartfelt moments.

10. Beautiful Girls (1996)
    This offbeat comedy features a young pre-stardom Portman as Marty, a smart and insightful girl who lives next door to the film’s protagonist (Timothy Hutton). Portman is charming and endearing in this early role, providing subtle nuances to her character and highlighting her precocious talent.

Natalie Portman is one of the most recognizable actresses of her generation, having been in the public eye since the mid-90s. She has an impressive filmography, ranging from major box office hits to independent films. This list features some of her best performances, highlighting her incredible range and versatility as an actor. No matter the genre, Natalie Portman is a consistently captivating and powerful presence.