Natalie Portman’s filmography boasts an impressive range, with titles that appear time and again on lists of the most rewatchable Natalie Portman movies ranked. Over three decades in Hollywood, Portman’s roles have captivated global audiences and highlighted her evolution from a child star to an Oscar-winning actor with undeniable talent.
Unlike many young actors swept up by early fame, Portman built a nuanced career from her 1994 debut in Luc Besson’s “Léon: The Professional,” consistently delivering memorable performances in diverse genres. Here’s a look at ten of her most endlessly rewatchable films, each offering its own reasons to return for another viewing.
‘Annihilation’ (2018) Explores Sci-Fi Horror and Human Complexity
Launching the countdown at number ten, “Annihilation” delves deep into existential horror and the mysteries of alien phenomena. Directed by Alex Garland and adapted from Jeff VanderMeer’s “Southern Reach Series,” the film follows Lena (Portman), a cellular biologist with a military background. Lena leads an all-female team into the rapidly mutating Area X, a region where an alien force rewrites the genetic code of everything it envelopes on the American coast.
This thought-provoking science fiction thriller stands apart for test audiences, especially those intrigued by layered explorations of nature, isolation, and personal grief within a horror framework. The world Portman’s character navigates teems with uncanny hybrids and unsettling beauty, as danger escalates alongside the team’s discoveries. The ambiguous, open-ended finale creates a sense of lingering dread, making this a movie viewers find themselves compelled to revisit, if only to seek more answers amidst the chilling mysteries.
‘Closer’ (2004) Unravels Intense Emotional Tangles
At number nine, “Closer” offers a piercing look at love, truth, and betrayal. Directed by Mike Nichols and adapted by Patrick Marber from his own play, this romantic drama weaves together the fates of four individuals whose lives become intertwined through impulsive choices and secrets. Portman plays Alice, an enigmatic dancer and escort who forms a complicated bond with aspiring writer Dan (Jude Law). Their relationship draws in photographer Anna (Julia Roberts) and physician Larry (Clive Owen), entangling everyone in a web of deception and self-discovery.
The heightened, theatrical dialogue highlights the ambiguity of modern love, while the ensemble cast delivers emotionally charged performances throughout. Even amid the film’s melodramatic turns, Portman—iconically seen in her pink wig—stands out, captivating viewers in every scene. Her nuanced portrayal cements “Closer” as a drama that rewards repeated watches, each time revealing fresh facets to these flawed characters’ journeys.
‘The Other Boleyn Girl’ (2008) Brings Royal Intrigue to Life
Ranked eighth, “The Other Boleyn Girl,” directed by Justin Chadwick, immerses audiences in a romantic, high-stakes version of Tudor England. While the film may stray from strict historical accuracy, the core appeal lies in its lavish depiction of the rivalry between the Boleyn sisters—Anne (Portman) and Mary (Scarlett Johansson)—for the affections of King Henry VIII (Eric Bana). Adapted from Philippa Gregory’s bestselling novel, the plot spins a web of ambition, family loyalty, and palace intrigue.
Though historians have scrutinized its creative liberties, the film’s drama and scandal keep viewers invested, offering a dramatized look at ambition and power in the royal court. Portman’s performance as Anne mixes cunning resolve with emotional depth, making her journey—alongside Johansson’s Mary—a compelling centerpiece for fans of period dramas eager to revisit the story’s political and personal machinations.
‘May December’ (2023) Confronts Tabloid Scandal and Performance
“May December” claims the seventh spot with its provocative blend of black comedy and drama. Directed by Todd Haynes, the story tracks Elizabeth Berry (Portman), an actress researching her next film by meeting the controversial subject she will portray: Gracie (Julianne Moore), whose relationship with her much younger husband Joe (Charles Melton) drew tabloid fascination decades earlier.
Gracie’s past is marked by scandal—she was imprisoned for starting a relationship with 13-year-old Joe, giving birth to his child while incarcerated, and later marrying him. When Berry arrives to observe Gracie, the boundaries between actress and subject blur beneath the polite surface of their interactions. Portman portrays Elizabeth as both curious and subtly judgmental, while a tense power struggle plays out between performer and inspiration. Haynes’ direction asks audiences to reconsider their own interest in stories mixing notoriety, celebrity, and blurred ethics, and each rewatch offers new insight on manipulation—both personal and public.
‘Garden State’ (2004) Offers a Quirky Romantic Adventure
Number six, “Garden State,” marks the writing and directorial debut of Zach Braff, who also stars as Andrew Largeman—a withdrawn actor returning to New Jersey for his mother’s funeral. Andrew’s emotional distance, attributed to years of prescription medication, is challenged when he reconnects with old friends and meets the unpredictable Samantha (Portman), a compulsive liar with a disarming openness.
Portman’s Sam embodies a blend of eccentricity and vulnerability, pushing Andrew to confront his traumatic past and navigate life’s uncertainties. The film’s meandering, heartfelt tone—paired with distinctive characters and an offbeat romance—have made it an indie favorite. Rewatching “Garden State” highlights the poignant humor and catharsis that defined early 2000s cinema, with Portman’s performance providing both levity and depth to the story’s exploration of healing.
‘Léon: The Professional’ (1994) Shocks and Impresses in Equal Measure
Breaking into the top five, “Léon: The Professional” remains a conversation starter. Luc Besson’s thriller follows Mathilda (Portman), a resilient 12-year-old orphan bent on avenging her family’s murder by a corrupt DEA agent (Gary Oldman). Jean Reno plays Léon, the stoic hitman who reluctantly becomes Mathilda’s protector and mentor.
The film gains notoriety for its controversial undertones and complex, sometimes troubling dynamics between its young protagonist and her older mentor. Despite the polarizing subject matter, Portman’s remarkably mature debut performance stands at the center, bringing raw emotion and conviction to the role of Mathilda. Years later, “Léon” continues to fascinate viewers, rewarding repeat watches with its taut storytelling and intense character interplay.
‘Jackie’ (2016) Captures Grief and History After a National Tragedy
Claiming the fourth position, “Jackie” offers a somber and intimate look at Jacqueline Kennedy navigating the aftermath of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Directed by Pablo Larraín and set within his trilogy of biopics spotlighting influential women of the twentieth century, the film explores both public mourning and private resilience as Portman delivers a measured, layered take on the former First Lady.
Following the traumatic loss, the narrative centers on Jackie’s interactions with a probing journalist (Billy Crudup) as she crafts her husband’s enduring legacy. Portman’s masterful performance exposes the vulnerability and poise required to lead a nation through collective grief. The film’s refined storytelling and emotional subtlety make it one to revisit, shedding new light on historical figures and moments with each viewing.
‘Heat’ (1995) Melds Crime Drama With Personal Turmoil
Michael Mann’s “Heat” comes in at number three, renowned for its intricate plot and showstopping performances by Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. The crime epic pits Pacino’s Detective Vincent Hanna against De Niro’s master thief Neil McCauley, supported by an ensemble that also includes Val Kilmer and Ashley Judd.
Portman, as Hanna’s stepdaughter Lauren, demonstrates her talent in a small but powerful role. Her character’s struggles heighten the film’s emotional stakes—particularly in scenes showing vulnerability and desperation. The subplot involving Lauren’s suicide attempt and Hanna’s frantic rescue adds a deeply personal edge to the sprawling narrative, making “Heat” a film that is both gripping and layered, rewarding multiple viewings.
‘Black Swan’ (2010) Embodies the Dark Side of Artistry
Ranking second, “Black Swan” is an intense psychological journey directed by Darren Aronofsky. Portman stars as Nina Sayers, a vulnerable yet driven ballerina competing for the dual lead in a production of “Swan Lake.” Struggling to balance innocence and sensuality, Nina pushes her mind and body to the edge, with tragic and mesmerizing consequences.
Portman’s preparation included punishing ballet training, paralleling her character’s transformation. The film examines the cost of chasing perfection, the tension between discipline and chaos, and how ambition can tip over into obsession. Critical acclaim for “Black Swan” was immediate, and Portman won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance. Its layered themes and haunting visuals continue to invite fresh interpretations and repeat viewings from new and returning audiences alike.
‘V for Vendetta’ (2005) Delivers Enduring Relevance and Impact
Topping the list as the most rewatchable Natalie Portman film is “V for Vendetta,” directed by James McTeigue and adapted by the Wachowskis from Alan Moore’s DC Vertigo graphic novel. Set in a dystopian United Kingdom ruled by a totalitarian regime following a devastating pandemic, the film follows masked vigilante V (Hugo Weaving) as he orchestrates a campaign against suppression and state violence. Portman’s Evey Hammond is caught up in this resistance, undergoing her own radical transformation as she experiences abduction, interrogation, and ultimately, self-liberation.
“V for Vendetta” endures as a cultural touchstone, thanks to its exploration of symbolic resistance and the importance of fighting oppressive power structures. Portman’s portrayal of Evey’s evolution from fearful citizen to empowered ally sits at the heart of the film’s emotional core. The themes of individual courage and the value of dissent ensure that each viewing resonates in new ways, making this Portman’s most frequently revisited performance on screen.
This list demonstrates why Natalie Portman remains a compelling figure in Hollywood, consistently inviting viewers back to her most celebrated films. Her ability to fully inhabit complex roles—whether in historical dramas, thrillers, or speculative fiction—ensures that these stories not only endure, but become even richer upon each revisit.
