My Favourite Cate Blanchett Films

Not many actresses in Hollywood get audiences excited like Cate Blanchett. Since the 1990’s, Blanchett has become an icon. Whether it’s scandalous teachers, fantasy figures or majestic queens, Blanchett has portrayed several strong characters. Given her number of great movies, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the greatest films made by an actress the deserves to be celebrated.

1. Notes on a Scandal

Scandals are incidences that can destroy teachers’ identities. Several years ago, I witnessed a beloved high school teacher become involved in grim scandals causing sorrow. I remember that he was a generous teacher that always treated students in kind manners. However, my teacher attracted controversy when he was caught throwing chairs across classrooms with frightening temper. No longer the professor my entire school had come to admire, he became a victim of scandals which were dire. Few films I’ve seen have captured the painful consequences of scandals impacting teachers as powerfully as “Notes on a Scandal”. Released in 2006, Cate Blanchett’s movie depicted a scandal destroying a teacher’s identity. In the greatest role of her career, Cate Blanchett embodies an innocent school teacher that becomes involved in grim affairs causing despair. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most memorable role. Blanchett has an aptitude for conveying emotions through her voice, and her strengths are evident in “Notes on a Scandal”. For instance, the scene in which Sheba’s scandalous affair is found by a fellow school teacher is a highlight of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Notes on a Scandal” Cate Blanchett’s greatest movie is its message. Unlike most movies about scandals, it tackles themes everyone will relate to. It delivers a bold message about infidelity which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular portrait of a shocking scandal causing the lives of school teachers to deteriorate, it’s a remarkable reminder about a bold actress whose movies audiences commonly appreciate.

2. Tar

Music teachers are powerful figures that shaped my personality. At an early age, my musical dreams were thrown down the garbage by a teacher delivering a cruel message. I remember being treated in a despicable manner by a band instructor. His decision to criticize my musical skills in front of the entire class brought tears to my eyes. I felt humiliated being mistreated by a music teacher that I appreciated. As someone haunted by memories of a musical teacher that left a lasting scar, I adored “Tar”. Released in 2022, Cate Blanchett’s movie depicted the life of a musical teacher abusing her position of authority. In the most melodious role of her career, Blanchett embodies a courageous classical music conductor threatened by scandal that’s dangerous. To prepare for the role, Blanchett learned how to conduct music from a real-life conductor. For instance, the scene in which Tar conducts live orchestra showcases the actress’ commitment. Ultimately, what makes “Tar” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of classical music to appreciate it. A captivating portrait of composers with a love for classical music, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress whose commemorated movies are commonly celebrated by movie-going public.

3. Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth is a majestic member of the royal family my father has always loved dearly. I remember an inspiring father that often spoke fondly about a queen he came to treasure. He would often tell colourful stories about a queen shaping his identity. Through his love for Queen Elizabeth, my father gave me an appreciation for the royal family I have grown to value. In 1998, Cate Blanchett did an exceptional job of portraying the legendary royal family queen in her movie “Elizabeth”. In the most majestic role of her career, Cate Blanchett embodies an iconic queen that had an impact on the world that’s gigantic. It isn’t easy to embody the personality of a legendary royal family queen, but Blanchett succeeded immensely. Blanchett has always excelled at playing powerful figures in positions of authority, and “Elizabeth” showcased her strengths as an actress. For instance, the scene in which Elizabeth is first crowned as the queen showcased the actress’ strengths. Ultimately, what makes “Elizabeth” one of Blanchett’s greatest movies is its message. The film delivers a profound message about consequences faced by people in positions of power. An extraordinary tribute towards a legendary queen, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actress whose unforgettable movies definitely deserve to be seen on the theatrical big-screen.

4. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Aging is a painful process that causes seniors to face stress. Several years ago, I formed a bond with my grandmother. I remember spending time seeing great movies with a grandma that I grew up to treasure. However, aging became a big barrier ending our bond forever. After reaching an age of retirement, my grandmother faced grim memory impairment. As someone treasuring fond memories of a curious grandmother that faced aging destruction, I adored “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”. Released in 2008, David Fincher’s movie did an excellent job depicting aging. In the most thoughtful role of her career, Cate Blanchett embodies a woman that pursues an affair with a man aging backwards. It’s a role that gave the actress an opportunity to showcase a vulnerable side to herself that audiences hadn’t seen before. For instance, the scene in which Daisy has a reunion with an aging Benjamin following several years of separation showcases the actress’ strength. Ultimately, what makes “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” one of the actress’ greatest movies is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about aging which would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of the curious case of aging people face, it’s a strong reminder of an actress whose timeless movies hold a special place in hearts audiences commonly embrace.

5. The Aviator

OCD is a debilitating disease that has shaped my personality. As far as I remember, I have always been affected by obsessive compulsive disorder. At an early age, I developed a habit of engaging in obsessive behaviours causing damage. My tendencies to engage in obsessive behaviour affected my abilities to pass challenging classes in high school. As someone impacted by a disorder that changed my life forever, I loved “The Aviator”. Released in 2005, Cate Blanchett’s movie did an extraordinary job of depicting the life of aviator Howard Hughes who suffered from OCD. In the most glamorous role of her career, Blanchett embodies an actress that pursued a romantic affair with an aviator facing OCD that’s severe. It’s a role that gave the actress an opportunity to showcase her strengths for playing strong women through her bright presence. For instance, the scene in which Katherine discovers that Howard suffers from OCD is one of the greatest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The Aviator” one of Cate Blanchett’s greatest movies is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about aviators, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about obsessive behaviour which would resonate with everyone. A dazzling depicting of obsessive compulsive disorder that destroyed the reputation of an aviator, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress whose commemorated movies audiences always treasure.

6. Ocean’s 8

Few films about heists have earned recognition of “Ocean’s 11”. Since its release in 2001, George Clooney’s movie has become a heist classic. While the series earned a following, it was criticized for giving women limited opportunities to shine. In 2018, Cate Blanchett did a fantastic job of bringing feminism into the masculine franchise audiences appreciate in her film “Ocean’s 8”. In her most stylish role, Blanchett embodies an intelligent thief seeking to pull off a robbery that’s impossible to accomplish. In a star-studded cast, Blanchett leaves lasting impressions through her charismatic presence. As precious as diamond jewelry female thieves plan to steal, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actress with lasting appeal that has manufactured memorable movies throughout her commemorated career about which audiences strongly feel.

7. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about precious rings, it’s worth discussing “The Lord of the Rings”. Since its 1950’s publication, “The Lord of the Rings” book series has gained a huge fan following. In 2001, Cate Blanchett did an excellent job of adapting the famous fantasy book series in her film “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”. In the most fantastical role of her career, Blanchett embodied a magical elf that guides hobbits on a journey that’s consequential. Although she only has a supporting role, Blanchett ended up stealing the show. Blanchett brought an ethereal presence to the role absent from most of her movies. Nearly 70 years following the publication of an inspiring fantasy book about hobbits carrying a precious ring, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress whose movies are worth absolutely celebrating.

8. Carol

Lesbian love stories are rarely depicted in movies. Hollywood has long held a tradition of ignoring the stories of queer women. A provocative subject matter, lesbian love stories rarely attract audiences to the theatre. However, in 2015 Cate Blanchett successfully managed to tackle the controversial subject in her film “Carol”. In the most romantic role of her career, Blanchett embodies a woman that engages in a lesbian romance destined to face despair. Blanchett uses subtle expressions to capture a lesbian woman longing for connection. Working alongside Rooney Mara who is also excellent, Blanchett creates a compelling lesbian romance. A powerful portrait of a lesbian romance between queer women engaging in a doomed affair, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actress that has created movies about which audiences undeniably care.

9. Blue Jasmine

Anxiety is a powerful emotion that has shaped my identity. As far back as I remember, I have always been an anxious person. This anxiety began in high school when I faced pressure in a math class that was cruel. Under pressure, I couldn’t cope with a class that affected my health forever. As someone whose life has been impacted by anxiety, I related to “Blue Jasmine”. Released in 2013, Cate Blanchett’s Oscar-winning movie depicted a woman with anxiety. In her most emotional role, Cate Blanchett embodied an anxious woman whose life spirals out of control. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone playing a character that’s unlikeable. A powerful portrait of painful consequences faced by women that are anxious, it’s a riveting reminder of a courageous actress whose movies audiences consider extremely precious.

10. Borderlands

Cate Blanchett hasn’t always made great movies that are hard to forget. While most movies the actress has made are appreciated, a few have often left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Borderlands” falls into the latter category. Released in 2024, Eli Roth’s sci-fi blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, Blanchett portrayed a space scavenger that participates in warfare causing despair. Blanchett brought her usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a disastrous movie. Although “Borderlands” is a bad movie, it honoured Blanchett’s legacy. As strong as Lillith’s desire to become an outlaw, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that hasn’t lost her abilities to make engaging movies without a flaw which I will forever treasure for motivating my lifelong love of filmmaking inspiring awe.