Nicole Kidman, known for her storied career with nearly one hundred films, highlighted her top five picks when recently asked about the Nicole Kidman greatest movies. Sharing insight into her celebrated journey, Kidman revealed the works she holds especially close and why they have left a significant mark on her legacy.
A Diverse and Daring Filmography
Throughout her career, Nicole Kidman has seamlessly shifted from visually spectacular blockbusters such as “Aquaman” to more emotionally charged, character-driven projects like “Practical Magic” and, most recently, “Babygirl.” In “Babygirl,” which debuted in 2024, Kidman stars opposite Harris Dickinson—portraying a CEO drawn into a complex relationship with a much younger intern. She described her approach to the film as a “quest to examine humanity,” giving a performance lauded for its honest and bold portrayal of female sexuality.
Beyond the high-profile roles, Kidman is known for finding meaning in subtle moments—whether reflecting on a simple glass of milk in a story or capturing the psychological struggle of her character in challenging environments. For Kidman, each script is an opportunity to explore human nature, using her craft to bring depth and symbolic resonance that resonates with viewers worldwide.
Kidman Reflects on Her Favorite Roles
With a career as extensive as hers, narrowing down a list of the most impactful Nicole Kidman greatest movies posed a challenge—even for Kidman herself. When asked by The Film Experience,
“What films of yours do you hold particularly dear?”
Kidman took a moment before laughing, “Wow.” She then shared her top choices and the reasoning behind each selection.
Nicole Kidman’s Top 5 Movie Picks
By Kidman’s own account, her greatest film achievements came in a remarkable succession at the start of the 2000s. As she explained,
“Probably Moulin Rouge! and The Others and The Hours. And it’s so weird because I did all of them back to back.”
Together, these three films marked a turning point in her career, establishing her as one of the preeminent talents of her generation.
Kidman’s performance in “Moulin Rouge!” showcased her ability to blend musicality with raw emotion, while “The Others” highlighted her command over suspense and psychological drama. In “The Hours,” Kidman delivered a transformative role, exploring themes of time, identity, and inner turmoil through a brilliant portrait. All three movies demonstrated her versatility and set a new benchmark for her body of work.
Expanding her list, Kidman pointed to another deeply personal film, stating,
“Probably Rabbit Hole because that says so much about grief.”
In this 2010 drama, she portrayed Becca Corbett, a mother dealing with profound loss alongside her husband Howie. The film won critical praise for its realistic depiction of grief, with Kidman delivering what many consider one of her most powerful and moving performances.
Speaking about this recurring theme, Kidman added,
“That seems to be something that I’ve circled around; I try to circle around subjects and for some reason, loss and grief, I circle around it in many different forms.”
For her fifth favorite, Kidman brought up her experience working with director Jonathan Glazer, noting,
“I also loved working with Jonathan Glazer in Birth. Whether the film actually works as a whole, I don’t know, but I think there are some really great moments in that film, and I think he’s got greatness in him.”
In “Birth,” Kidman plays a woman confronted by a mysterious boy who claims to be her reincarnated husband—a role that allowed her to explore unconventional emotional territory and take creative risks under Glazer’s direction.
The Ongoing Influence of Kidman’s Choices
Nicole Kidman’s reflections on her greatest movies offer not only a personal guide to her most acclaimed roles but also serve as a testament to her willingness to embrace complexity, tackle emotionally charged stories, and collaborate with visionary filmmakers like Jonathan Glazer. Her choices denote career-defining performances that have made a lasting impression on audiences, further solidifying her status as one of cinema’s most dynamic and respected actors. As Kidman continues to seek out challenging material—be it in films like “Babygirl” or through exploring recurrent themes of loss and humanity—her artistry remains a guiding force in the movie industry, promising new heights in the years to come.
