My Favourite Kathy Bates Movies of All-Time

Not many actresses in Hollywood have built a legacy as strong as Kathy Bates. Since the 1990’s, Bates has become an icon. Whether it’s psychotic killers, doomed ship passengers or frustrated mothers, Bates has portrayed several interesting characters. Given the number of movies that she has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actress that deserves to be celebrated.

1. Misery

Writer’s block is a painful process that causes stress. There’s nothing more frustrating in the world than when ideas don’t immediately spring to a writer’s mind. Personally speaking, writer’s block has often impacted my ability to write effectively. I have often faced great trouble putting pen to paper coming up with great ideas as a writer. There have been times when I have struggled to engage with writing being unable put a single word on a page. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the process of writer’s block causing authors to face misery as powerfully as “Misery”. Released in 1991, Kathy Bates’ best movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about dark writers. In the greatest role of her career, Bates portrayed a psychotic woman that holds a famous author captive in her home causing despair. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most memorable role. Bates has spent most of her career by playing likeable women with sympathetic personalities. With “Misery”, however, the actress took a huge step out of her comfort zone by playing a psychotic killer. Working alongside James Caan who is also amazing, Bates created a portrait of writer’s block that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Annie throws a temper tantrum getting upset with Paul when she becomes aware he has killed off a great character in his book causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Misery” a classic is appeal. Unlike most Stephen King films, it tackles themes that everyone can relate to. It delivers a bold message about writer’s block which would resonate with everyone. A strong portrait of writer’s block causing authors facing misery to deteriorate, it’s a bold reminder of an actress that has made great movies which audiences appreciate.

2. Titanic

The Titanic is a tragic shipwreck disaster that always fascinated my brother. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a brother that had immense knowledge about grim shipwrecks that caused painful damage. Fascinated with a historic ship, he would love discussing a sad tragedy that he came to worship. In 1997, Kathy Bates did an extraordinary job of depicting the tragic shipwreck in her classic film “Titanic”. In the most aristocratic role of her career, Bates portrayed a wealthy woman that becomes victim of a shipwreck disaster causing despair. Bates has an aptitude for playing strong women in positions of power with success, and “Titanic” showcased her strengths as an actress. Working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio who is also great, Bates honoured a shipwreck that occurred years ago. For instance, the scene in which Molly becomes aware that the doomed ship is going to sink causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Titanic” a classic film is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with the history of the Titanic to appreciate it. It delivers a bold message about social class which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after the tragic sinking of the Titanic, its a bold reminder of an actress making memorable movies that have created a legacy that’s iconic.

3. Richard Jewell

Wrongful conviction has shaped my personality. During my childhood, my life changed when I was wrongfully accused of cheating on a science-fair project. Being shy, I couldn’t stand up to bullies making me cry. As someone haunted by memories of wrongful accusation in school, I adored “Richard Jewell”. Released in 2019, Kathy Bates’ movie honoured a real-life American hero that faced wrongful conviction. In the most emotional role of her career, Bates portrayed a concerned mother facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase strong emotional range. Working alongside Sam Rockwell who is also amazing, Bates honoured a real-life American hero that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Bobi becomes aware that her son is being imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit causing despair is one of the greatest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Richard Jewell” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about wrongful conviction which would resonate withe everyone. Nearly 30 years after Richard was wrongfully convicted of bombings facing imprisonment, it’s a bold reminder of an actress with commitment that has produced great entertainment.

4. Revolutionary Road

Divorce is a devastating process that causes stress. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt experience a broken marriage causing damage. Following the separation, it was hard for my aunt to move on. As someone haunted by a marriage on a doomed road, I adored “Revolutionary Road”. Released in 2008, Kathy Bates’ movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about broken marriages. In the most curious role of her career, Bates portrayed a woman that becomes obsessed with her neighbours’ broken marriage causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. Working alongside Michael Shannon who is also outstanding, Bates created a portrait of broken marriages that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Helen becomes aware that the Wheelers are moving to Paris is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Revolutionary Road” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about marriage which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking portrait of a marriage, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that hasn’t lost her abilities to engage making movies that deliver a heartwarming message.

5. Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret

Religion has played strong roles shaping my personality. Several years ago, I turned towards religion to cope with immigration causing sorrow. When my family immigrated to Canada, I became religiously affiliated. Religion became a positive force guiding my clueless life in the right direction. As someone sharing a strong connection with religion that’s hard to forget, I adored “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret”. Released in 2023, Kathy Bates’ movie honoured a beloved book about religion. In the most compassionate role of her career, Bates portrayed a grandmother facing despair. It gave the actress an opportunity to showcase flair for comedy she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Rachel McAdams who is also outstanding, Bates honoured a book about religion. For instance, the scene in which Sylvia reunites with Margaret causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about religion which would resonate with everyone. A beautiful adaptation of a book about religion, it’s a breathtaking reminder about an actress whose unforgettable movies deserve celebration.

6. About Schmidt

Aging is a painful process causing seniors to face stress. As far back as I remember, I’ve shared a bond with my grandfather. However, aging brought our bond to a closure. After he reached an age of retirement, our relationship became distant. As someone that has seen how aging causes seniors to quit, I loved “About Schmidt”. Released in 2002, Kathy Bates’ movie captured hardships that seniors go through. In the most thoughtful role of her career, Bates portrayed an aging senior whose marriage faces despair. It gave the actress the rare chance to showcase wisdom she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Jack Nicholson who is also amazing, Bates created a bold portrait of aging. A poignant portrait of hardships seniors face, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has made great movies which audiences embrace.

7. Dolores Claiborne

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about widows that are torn, it’s worth discussing Dolores Claiborne. Since its publication in 1992, Stephen King’s book has become a beloved literary classic. In 1995, Kathy Bates honoured the iconic book about widows facing scorn in her movie “Dolores Claiborne”. In the most anxiety-ridden role of her career, Bates portrayed a conflicted woman seeking to mend broken bonds with her daughter causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing emotional women facing stress. Working alongside Jennifer Jason Leigh who is also amazing, Bates honoured a classic book. As strong as Dolores Claiborne’s bond with her daughter, it’s a dazzling reminder of an actress that has made unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.

8. Fried Green Tomatoes

Kathy Bates has always excelled at playing strong women with bravery. Bates has built an image of being an actress that thrives at playing women with courage. Bates’ strength for playing feminist heroes is evident in her movie “Fried Green Tomatoes”. Released in 1991, Jon Avnet’s movie showcased the actress at her best. In the most conflicted role of her career, Bates portrayed a depressed housewife forming friendships in a nursing home to cope with despair. It gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing strong women. Working alongside Jessica Tandy who is also amazing, Bates honoured a book about women that are inspiring. A powerful portrait of women forming friendships that are unbreakable, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actress that has made unforgettable movies which audiences consider special.

9. Midnight in Paris

Few filmmakers in Hollywood have earned the appreciation of Woody Allen. With their witty dialogue, compelling characters and strong storytelling, Allen’s movies have earned a fan following. Allen has always had a great eye for casting actors. In 2011, Allen showcased his strength as a filmmaker when he cast Rachel McAdams in his movie “Midnight in Paris”. In the most poetic role of her career, Bates portrayed a renowned author in Paris facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by playing an author that’s well-known. Working alongside Rachel McAdams who is also amazing, Bates created a beautiful tribute to Paris. As precious as walks that are taken by writers in Paris, it’s a breathtaking reminder about an actress that has become an icon in the entertainment business.

10. The Day the Earth Stood Still

Kathy Bates hasn’t always made great movies earning popularity. While most movies the actress has made have been appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “The Day the Earth Stood Still” falls into the latter category. Released in 2008, Scott Derrickson’s science-fiction blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, Bates portrayed a political advisor that becomes victim of an invasion causing despair. Bates brought charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “The Day the Earth Stood Still” is a bad movie, it honoured Bates’ legacy. As powerful as aliens causing an invasion, it’s a bold reminder of an actress with strong dedication that has built a great reputation making unforgettable movies I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.