Nicole Kidman is a Hollywood mother. The epitome of grace and talent, Kidman’s journey from an Australia-based actress to a global star is nothing short of inspiring. Over three decades, she’s starred in more than 80 films and TV shows, racking up an impressive collection of awards, including an Oscar, six Golden Globes, a BAFTA, and more.
She’s maintained a consistent figure throughout the generations due to her range as an actress. She seamlessly transitions between genres, from the musical extravaganza Moulin Rouge! to the haunting thriller The Others. She’s not afraid to take on complex, challenging roles, earning her a reputation as an actress willing to push boundaries.
Aside from being impeccable on screen, she has solidified herself as a style icon throughout the years. Just take a look at her Balenciaga gown for the Babygirl premiere. A giving queen at that too, she’s an advocate for women’s rights and mental health.
If you’ve always been a fan of Nicole and are in the mood for a binge-watch, we’ve put together a list of her top roles through the years.
Top 10 of Nicole Kidman’s Best Films
Dead Calm (1989)
Nicole Kidman was just 19 when she filmed this high-sea psychological thriller, which is often considered her first major breakout role and helped her gain recognition in the US. The story follows a couple, John and Rae (Kidman), a couple dealing with grief over the death of their child by embarking on a long voyage alone on their yacht. Things take a dark turn when John rescues a seemingly deranged and desperate man. Kidman’s portrayal of a strong wife facing danger in the middle of the ocean, all while grappling with grief, proved she was a newcomer destined for a major career.
Watch the trailer here.
To Die For (1995)
Nicole Kidman is hilarious in this sharp, dark comedy about a small-town reporter whose ruthless ambition for fame goes way too far. She’s perfect in the role—capturing a kind of sociopathic charm that’s impossible to look away from. Her sweet, friendly demeanour makes her hard to dislike, even when she’s up to no good. This role was a standout in her career, where she earned her first Golden Globe.
Watch the trailer here.
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Kidman stars alongside her then-husband, Tom Cruise, in this gripping psychosexual thriller that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. They play Bill and Alice, a married couple, with Alice confessing to her husband that she’s been thinking about having an affair. Shaken, Bill goes on a wild journey through New York’s underground sex scene, eventually stumbling upon a secret, elite group that hosts bizarre, ritualistic orgies. The film explores marriage, trust, and human sexuality in an unsettling way. It’s also the final film from the legendary director Stanley Kubrick.
Watch the trailer here.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
You can’t be a fan of the actress if you haven’t watched this film. Kidman stuns as cabaret performer Satine. The film follows Christian, a poet who falls in love with Satine, the star of the Moulin Rogue. However, he realises too late that this might be a relationship that was only meant for his dreams. It’s a fun, romantic, yet tragic musical. Kidman’s singing and dancing prove she’s an all-rounder. Not-so-fun fact: Nicole Kidman broke her ribs twice for a dance sequence during filming. Talk about dedication to the arts.
Watch the trailer here.
The Others (2001)
A cult classic horror film that should be on your list. Kidman delivers a haunting portrayal of Grace, a rigid Catholic mother whose faith gets tested when she and her children start seeing ghostly apparitions in the manor. Grace tries her best to be a perfect mother but she soon has to come to terms with what she did and what the future holds. It’s one of her best roles and the ending has a twist worth waiting for.
Watch the trailer here.
Birth (2004)
The plot of this movie feels like an A24 film. Kidman plays Anna, a woman who still mourns the death of her husband who died 10 years ago. One day, a 10-year-old boy shows up at her apartment, claiming to be the reincarnation of her dead husband. But Anna’s already prepared to marry someone else. This chain of events sends her into confusion and questioning everything. Kidman does an amazing job of portraying all the emotions—scepticism, vulnerability, and a deep longing for the love she lost.
Watch the trailer here.
Lion (2016)
Even though this is a supporting role, Kidman’s performance is truly remarkable. Based on a true story, it follows a man who was separated from his family in India as a child and returns 25 years later to find them. Nicole Kidman plays Sue Brierly, the adoptive mother of the man. While the plot focuses on him looking for his biological mother, Sue fully supports his dreams. Her character breaks your heart as she displays a mother’s love so profoundly and unconditionally.
Watch the trailer here.
The Beguiled (2017)
Nicole Kidman commands the screen in The Beguiled. She plays the role of Miss Farnsworth, the headmistress in an only-girl school that consists of five students and one teacher. When a wounded Union soldier is found by one of the girls, he’s brought into care but his presence disrupts the lives of the women there. Tension builds as desire, jealousy, and resentment stir among the women. Kidman’s performance is masterful—every glance, every phrase, even the way she carries herself, is all about asserting power and control over the girls. With a strong female cast, this film is definitely one you don’t want to miss.
Watch the trailer here.
Big Little Lies (2017)
Secrets and lies lurk beneath the surface of a perfect California beach town when a single mother arrives, shattering the facade of its upper-class moms. Kidman portrays Celeste, who begins to spiral as she contemplates leaving her abusive husband. At its core, the show explores themes of friendship, empowerment, and the emotional rollercoaster of parenthood. With standout performances from Kidman and the rest of the cast, the series has earned critical acclaim, racking up over 16 Primetime Emmy nominations.
Watch the trailer here.
Babygirl (2024)
Of course, there has to be a mention of her latest film, Babygirl. The trailer had us sat to our seats when it first came out. Nicole Kidman plays a high-powered CEO who starts an affair with her much younger intern, and things quickly spiral out of control. The affair puts her career and family at risk, and it feels like the intern has a huge hold on her. As the line between passion and possessiveness blurs, the tension just keeps building. It’s a very different role from all her previous films and we love it.
Watch the trailer here.
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