Summary
Natalie Portmanhas been in a great number of films over the years, but not all are widely popular.Portman’s film debut was in 1994’sLéon: The Professionalat just 13 years old. It began her successful career in Hollywood, where she is now a household name.
Over the last three decades, Portman has earned acclaim for her work in critically beloved films likeBlack SwanandJackie.Portman’s also played characters in popular franchises, such as Padmé inStar Warsand Jane Foster/Mighty Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Despite appearing in plenty of iconic movies,Portman has also been a part of many underrated gemsyou may have never heard of but are well worth adding to your watch list.
Natalie Portman’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked
Natalie Portman has starred in dozens of celebrated films throughout her 30+ year acting career which began when she was only 13 years old.
10Your Highness (2011)
Isabel
Your Highnessis a fantasy and comedy film starring Portman, Danny McBride, James Franco, and Zooey Deschanel. The movie was not received well by critics and also flopped at the box office. Additionally,Your Highnesswas released just a year after Portman’s Oscar-winning turn inBlack Swan, which is perhaps part of the reason it isn’t talked about very often now.
However, the film is not without merits. For one,it’s a truly silly movie that doesn’t pretend to be more than thatand is tailor-made for those who appreciate campy fantasy. It’s tremendous fun to see Portman playing a warrior and contributing toYour Highness' humor alongside the rest of the comedic ensemble. Director David Gordon Green went on to helm the newHalloweenmovies, along with 2023’sThe Exorcist: Believer, and his prolific horror work in the years since makes it even more interesting to revisitYour Highness, considering how different it is in tone.
Your Highness
Cast
Your Highness is a fantasy comedy movie that follows slacker prince extraordinaire Thadeous, who lives in pure indulgence while his brother, Prince Fabious, casts an ever-growing shadow over him. However, when an evil sorcerer kidnaps Fabious' fiancee, Thadeous is given the opportunity to redeem himself by joining the quest to save his brother’s betrothed. Joined by Thadeous' best friend and servant, Courtney, the three embark on a quest that will inevitably go awry unless Thadeous can keep his slacker nature in check.
9Paris, I Love You (2006)
Francine
Paris, I Love You, orParis, je t’aime, is unique in thatit was helmed by 21 directors,all contributing to the movie with 18 different stories or short films.While a unique concept, the anthology format may have intimidated some viewers, asParis, I Love Youremains one of Portman’s lesser-known films.
However,Paris, I Love You’s premise affords viewers the opportunity to check out several directors' work all within a relatively short period of time. Portman’s part of the story is directed by Tom Tykwer, and he’s joined by a whole host of other noteworthy creatives, including the Coen Brothers, Alfonso Cuarón, and Alexander Payne. There’s plenty to celebrate on the acting side as well; not only is Portman great in her scenes, but other stories include heavyweights like Margo Martindale, Emily Mortimer, and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
8Garden State (2004)
Sam
Garden Stateis a romantic comedy that follows Andrew Largeman (Zach Braff), a mediocre television actor who returns home for his mother’s funeral and meets Portman’s Sam. WhileGarden Statewas well-received when it was released in 2004, it’s become too easy to forget 20 years later. Still, the movie is worth checking out now.
For one, there’s a slightly meta nature to it as Braff, most famously known for his work onScrubs, plays a TV actor and also directs the film, which is partly based on his real-life experiences. Braff has gone on to direct other movies, butGarden Statemarks his feature debut, which adds a level of interest to the film. Additionally,Portman makes the most of her role as Sam, turning her into a charming and flawed character who became one of the earliest examples of a “manic pixie dream girl.” Lovers of quirky and charming indie films will appreciate this one.
Garden State
Garden State is a TV drama series that explores the intertwining lives of multiple characters in a small New Jersey town. The show delves into their personal struggles, relationships, and ambitions within the backdrop of suburban life. With a strong emphasis on character development, the series offers an intimate look into the complexities and emotional journeys of its diverse ensemble cast.
7V For Vendetta (2005)
Evey Hammond
ThoughV for Vendettawas popular and critically acclaimed when it was released in 2005, members of the current generation may not be aware of it. It’s a shame, as the movie’s political themes are absolutely still relevant today.
V for Vendettaoffers a potent mix of genres, blending action, thriller, and sci-fi elements against the backdrop of a dystopian setting. While Portman has starred in films in all of those genres,Evey gives her one of the meatiest roles of her career. It lets her show off her range alongside actors like Hugo Weaving, Stephen Fry, and John Hurt.V for Vendettais also worth checking out for its behind-the-camera team - it was written by The Wachowskis and directed by James McTeigue. All three are known for their work inThe Matrixfranchise.
6Vox Lux (2018)
Celeste Montgomery
Vox Luxis a uniquemusical/drama film released fairly recently compared to some of Portman’s other movies. However, it has largely faded from public consciousness already, perhaps because it’s quite a high-concept project. Portman plays the lead character Celeste Montgomery, as the film follows her from surviving a school shooting at the age of 13 to becoming a pop star.
Vox Luxasks a lot of Portman with its musical and dramatic elements. Her character is truly the heart of the movie and goes through a lot of highly emotional experiences.The film hinges on Portman’s ability to sell the story, which she does admirably. It adds up to be one of her more interesting roles and highlights the way she’s unafraid to tackle a variety of genres. It’s worth paying attention to Portman’s co-star Raffey Cassidy as well, who has a unique challenge of her own in playing both young Celeste and her daughter, Albertine.
Vox Lux
Vox Lux, directed by Brady Corbet, follows the journey of Celeste, who rises to fame after a traumatic event in 1999 with her sister Eleanor. By 2017, as a mother and pop icon, Celeste navigates her career amid scandals and a new act of violence demands her attention.
5The Death & Life of John F. Donovan (2018)
Sam Turner
The Death & Life of John F. Donovanis another fairly recent Portman film that sees her playing the key role of Sam Turner. The story is quite inventive as it focuses on a performer who reminisces about a television actor and the letters they shared when he was a child.The story is told through three different sequencesand crosses multiple time periods. This may be part of the reason many critics found the movie fairly muddled when it released in 2018.
Still, though,The Death & Life of John F. Donovanhas an impressive cast, with Kit Harrington and Jacob Tremblay starring alongside Portman. While definitely not one of her most noteworthy movies, it’s heartfelt and ambitious enough in its storytelling to warrant a watch. LikeGarden State,The Death & Life of John F. Donovanhas a meta quality to it as well, with actors playing actors.
4Anywhere but Here (1999)
Ann August
Anywhere but Hereis one of Portman’s earlier films, which may be why many have forgotten about its existence today. Still, the film was fairly successful upon release in the ’90s and evenearned Portman a Golden Globe nominationfor her role as Ann August. It’s worth checking out just to marvel at how solid Portman was even as a relatively new actress, only five years off her film debut.
For fans of heartfelt family stories,Anywhere but Heredelivers in spades. Portman and co-star Susan Sarandon work together to build a believable mother-daughter dynamic that perfectly captures both the closeness and frustration that can come with that type of relationship.Anywhere but Herewinds up being a real showcase for both actresses, and the movie’s themes make it relatable to audiences of all ages, even today.
3A Tale of Love and Darkness (2015)
Fania Oz
It’s a shame thatA Tale of Love and Darknessdidn’t make more of a splash when it released in 2015, as it’s a deeply personal movie for Portman. Not only does she play the main character, Fania Oz,Portman is also impressively both the writer and director of the film. What’s more, it serves as her directorial feature debut and is set in her birthplace of Jerusalem.
A Tale of Love and Darknessis an incredibly ambitious film from Portman, and the care she took with the story is evident on all levels, from her performance to the script to the movie’s direction. While Portman hasn’t directed a feature film sinceA Tale of Love and Darknessoffers a taste of the sort of story she would likely tackle in the future and is worth checking out for that reason alone.
2Planetarium (2016)
Laura Barlow
Planetariumis one of several period pieces for Portman and takes place in 1930s France. The film did not receive great reviews from critics and audiences upon its release in 2016, drawing ire for its sprawling nature and lack of focus, among other concerns. It’s perhaps not a surprise thatPlanetariumhas largely been forgottenin the years since.
However,Planetariumdoes feature a unique story with Portman and co-star Lily-Rose Depp playing sisters who claim to be fortune-tellers. The movie’s setting is also quite dynamic and helps set it apart from some of Portman’s other work. Despite the less-than-enthusiastic response to the film,Planetariumis a great example of Portman’s ability to carry any film and make it worth watching. She elevates the story through her performance alone, and that mastery of the craft is worth celebrating.
1Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (2007)
Molly Mahoney
Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, depending on your age, is one you may remember watching on television growing up. Its flashy colors and magical toys are truly nostalgic for many people, but it’s often forgotten about thanks to the years that have passed since it was released, as well as the tendency many people have to overlook family films.
Yet,Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporiumis incredibly heartfelt and still a fun watch, regardless of how old you are now. Part of its charm is the total commitment from the film’s adult cast, which includes Portman, Dustin Hoffman, and Jason Bateman. Like with any fantasy story geared toward children, the moment the actors “wink” at all, the movie loses its magic. Luckily, this doesn’t happen inMr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, andthe film still holds up today.
Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium
Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium features an eccentric toy store owner, played by Dustin Hoffman, who entrusts his magical emporium to his insecure manager, Molly Mahoney. As Molly inherits the store, she faces mysterious changes that impact its enchanting atmosphere.
