Not many actresses have earned appreciation of Nicole Kidman. Since the 1990’s, Kidman has become a beloved feminist icon. Whether it’s depressed writers, nightclub singers or orphan mothers, Kidman has portrayed many strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies 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. Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge is a famous French nightclub that always impressed my father. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of a father that appreciated old nightclubs in Paris. Fond of Paris, he would always praise famous French nightclubs that he considered precious. The glamorous nightclub always held a place in his heart that was precious. In 2001, Nicole Kidman honoured the French nightclub in her movie “Moulin Rouge”. In the greatest role of her career, Kidman portrayed a nightclub singer engaging in doomed romantic affair with a poet causing despair. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most memorable role. Kidman has spent most of her career playing serious women in dramas. With “Moulin Rouge”, however, the actress showcased flair for singing melodies that she hadn’t shown before in her career. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase musical talent audiences hadn’t seen before. Working alongside Ewan McGregor who is also amazing, Kidman created a portrait of a French nightclub that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Satine and Christian first meet in the Moulin Rouge beginning their romantic affair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Moulin Rouge” Nicole Kidman’s best movie is its appeal. Unlike most movies about French nightclubs, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about the importance of finding one’s identity which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the history of the Moulin Rouge to appreciate it. Nearly 30 years following the release of a musical about lovers in a doomed affair, its a bold reminder of an actress that has built an illustrious career producing movies about which audiences always care.
2. Lion
Orphans often face intense hardships that shape their destinies. At an early age, I formed a bond with a kid in school born in an orphanage. Separated from his parents at an early age, he was a conflicted teenager that felt dislocated. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured hardships faced by orphans as powerfully as “Lion”. Released in 2016, Nicole Kidman’s movie depicted the true story of an Indian orphan. In the most compassionate role of her career, Kidman portrayed a kind mother seeking to care for an Indian orphan facing despair. Kidman has always had an aptitude for playing emotional women under stress, and “Lion” showcased her strengths as an actress. Working alongside Dev Patel who is also amazing, Kidman created a portrait of Indian orphans that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Sue Brierley first meets Saroo seeking to care for the Indian orphan is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Lion” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about adoption which resonates with everyone. A powerful portrait of hardships that Indian orphans separated from parents face, it’s a bold reminder of an actress that has made movies audiences embrace.
3. The Hours
Writing is an activity that I’ve always enjoyed doing. As far as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a famous writer. During my childhood, I developed lifelong passion for writing about the art of filmmaking. As someone that has always enjoyed writing for several hours, I admired “The Hours”. Released in 2002, Nicole Kidman’s movie honoured a beloved book about female writers. In the most emotional role of her career, Kidman portrayed a depressed female writer facing despair. Kidman has spent most of her career playing glamorous women with joyous personalities. With “The Hours”, however, the actress took a step out of her comfort zone playing a writer that feels alone. It’s a role that gave the actress rare chances to showcase range she hadn’t shown in her career before. Working alongside Julianne Moore who is also amazing, Kidman honoured a beloved book about writers. For instance, the scene in which Virginia Woolf faces a breakdown causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The Hours” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular adaptation of a book about suicide, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress that hasn’t lost abilities to make timeless movies leaving audiences satisfied.
4. Eyes Wide Shut
Extramarital affairs often cause marriages to face tragedy. At an early age, I witnessed a family friend engage in an extramarital affair causing his marriage to face damage. His decision to cheat on his wife caused his marriage to become obsolete. As someone treasuring a father that committed infidelity with his eyes wide shut, I adored “Eyes Wide Shut”. Released in 1999, Nicole Kidman’s movie captured the harmful impact of extramarital affairs on marriages. In the most provocative role of her career, Kidman portrayed a woman having an affair causing despair. It’s a challenging role that required the actress to perform scenes of sex/nudity, but she succeeded. Working alongside Tom Cruise who is also amazing, Kidman created a portrait of infidelity that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Alice discovers her husband is visiting sex clubs causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Eyes Wide Shut” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about infidelity which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of infidelity causing marriages to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has made memorable movies which audiences appreciate.
5. Boy Erased
Gay people are rarely depicted with respect in movies today. Years ago, I witnessed a gay cousin seeking acceptance in Toronto. Fond of wearing women’s attire, he was a person my entire family would admire. However, the discovery of his sexual identity ended our bonds forever. As someone treasuring a boy whose sexual identity was erased, I admired “Boy Erased”. Released in 2018, Nicole Kidman’s movie honoured LGBTQ communities. In the most tragic role of her career, Kidman portrayed a conservative Christian mother struggling to take care of a queer son causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her aptitude for stealing the show in a supporting role. Working alongside Lucas Hedges who is also outstanding, Kidman honoured LGBTQ communities. For instance, the scene in which Nancy discovers that her son is queer causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Boy Erased” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about sexual identity which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of queer teens facing gay conversion with a price to pay, it’s a bold reminder of an actress whose movies deserve to be celebrated today.
6. To Die For
Nicole Kidman has always excelled at playing emotional women with great ambition. Kidman has built an image of being an actress that thrives at playing women facing emotional damage. Kidman’s strength for playing strong women that are willing to die for their dreams is evident in her movie “To Die For”. Released in 1995, Gus Van Sant’s movie showcased the actress at her best. In the most conniving role of her career, Kidman portrayed an ambitious woman seeking to become a famous celebrity. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing smart women. Working alongside Joaquin Phoenix who is also amazing, Kidman honoured a book about women. As strong as Suzanne’s desire to become famous, it’s a fantastic reminder of a famous actress that has made movies audiences consider precious.
7. Rabbit Hole
It isn’t easy to adapt a beloved Broadway musical on the big-screen today. What works in stage musicals doesn’t always work in films. In order to make a successful adaptation, filmmakers must pay attention to the storytelling, music and characters of the show. However, in 2010 Nicole Kidman pulled it off when she poured her soul into her movie “Rabbit Hole”. In the most theatrical role of her career, Kidman portrayed a grieving woman mourning the loss of her son causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for delivering theatrical monologues. Working alongside Aaron Eckhart who is also outstanding, Kidman honoured a Broadway production. A breathtaking adaptation of a beloved Broadway musical, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actress that has made memorable movies audiences consider special.
8. The Others
Over the past decade, the horror movie genre has declined in quality. With their cheap jump scares, poor storytelling and lame acting, most horror movies have become a chore to sit through. In a genre that has lost abilities to instil terror in viewers, it’s worth praising “The Others”. Released in 2001, Nicole Kidman’s movie revived the horror movie genre. In the most frightening role of her career, Kidman portrayed a woman struggling to care for children in a haunted house causing fear. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone starring in her first horror movie. Kidman showcased flair creating horror movies that scare which she hadn’t shown before in her career. A horrifying portrait of houses that are haunted, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress making unforgettable movies leaving audiences captivated.
9. Being the Ricardos
Few television sitcoms in American history are as beloved as I Love Lucy. Created during the 1950’s, the show earned a following for depicting a couple facing adversities. In 2021, Nicole Kidman honoured the beloved television show’s legacy in her movie “Being the Ricardos”. In the most transformative role of her career, Kidman portrayed a legendary actress seeking to create a television show on air. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by playing a television icon that’s well-known. Working alongside Javier Bardem who is also amazing, Kidman honoured a television show that’s worth watching. A terrific tribute towards a celebrated television show that aired years ago, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated actress that has manufactured unforgettable movies that give audiences dreams to follow.
10. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Nicole Kidman hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies the actress has made have been appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom” falls into the latter category. Released in 2023, James Wan’s comic-book blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, Kidman portrayed a sea goddess defending a kingdom facing despair. Kidman brought her usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Kidman’s legacy. As strong as Aquaman’s desire to defeat Black Manta, it’s a dazzling reminder of an actress with charisma that has produced unforgettable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema.
The Film Buff 