Kathy Bates is undoubtedly one of the most skilled and talented actresses in the industry today, with a successful career spanning over 50 years. Before pursuing acting, the star studied theatre and later moved to New York City to create her dream career. Her breakthrough role came in the form of a movie adaptation of Stephen King's Misery, which earned Bates the distinction of being the first woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress in a horror/thriller genre picture.

Even after decades in the industry, this award-winning actress continues to flourish in her craft. Some of her recent works include the coming-of-age film Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, and the drama The Miracle Club. With a plethora of iconic projects on her resumé, it's difficult to choose the actress' best movie. However, Bates' name is closely related to a few projects in which she towers above her surroundings. The best Kathy Bates movies are gripping, layered, and poignant, largely thanks to the large, meaningful role she plays.

15 'The Highwaymen' (2019)

Appeared as Ma Ferguson

The Highwaymen tells the untold true story about the lawmen who brought down the infamous American robbery team, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Directed by John Lee Hancock, the film counts on many well-known faces and makes for a good way to kill time. Bates plays Miriam "Ma" Ferguson, the first elected female chief executive of Texas.

Although slow-moving (some may find it slightly boring), this Netflix original movie is a sincere, character-driven period piece that is still enjoyable. Part of what makes it good is how it flips the script and presents viewers with an innovative take on the story we all know. The Highwaymen offers Bates a role worthy of her talents, even if the story isn't necessarily the best.

14 'Shadows and Fog' (1991)

Appeared as an Unnamed Sex Worker

Shadows and Fog is a 1991 black-and-white comedy that illustrates a bookkeeper's (Woody Allen) quest to find a vigilant group determined to catch a murderer after being awakened by his neighbors who ask for his help. This eventually leads him to meet a sword swallower (Mia Farrow, who was the filmmaker’s wife then) from the visiting circus. Bates plays an unnamed sex worker.

This tribute to German Expressionism with the writer Franz Kafka in theme by the controversial director, writer, and actor Woody Allen is considered one of his most underappreciated works by critics. Nevertheless, it is definitely not for everyone; Allen's idiosyncrasies are on full display, making Shadows and Fog a kind of love-it-or-hate-it situation. Plus, Bates' role is quite small in this movie.

Rent on Amazon

13 'On the Basis of Sex' (2018)

Appeared as Dorothy Kenyon

This great female-directed drama led by Felicity Jones serves as a biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. On the Basis of Sex introduces viewers to the American lawyer and jurist's fight for equal rights, including the cases she handled throughout her extraordinary career. Bates plays attorney, judge, feminist, and political activist Dorothy Kenyon.

Even if slightly cheesy and not groundbreaking or revolutionary, Mimi Leder's inspirational film makes for a fascinating and not-so-subtle biopic about the timeless wrestle to finally be heard, reflecting on gender roles and inequalities, and shedding light on the incredible doings of a brave woman. On the Basis of Sex is well-acted, featuring great performances from those involved, including Bates, who plays a supporting yet meaningful character in this inspiring story.

Rent on Amazon

12 'Midnight in Paris' (2011)

Appeared as Gertrude Stein

Also directed by the controversial filmmaker mentioned above, the fantasy comedy Midnight in Paris is an unconventional film of its genre following a nostalgic screenwriter (Owen Wilson) who experiences a strange phenomenon where he is transported back to the 1920s every day at midnight. Bates plays a minor role as the legendary art critic Gertrude Stein.

It is quite understandable if some audience members prefer to draw away from Allen’s work. However, Midnight in Paris is a whimsical love letter to the city of love that results in an entertaining and charming viewing, featuring some well-known faces in the industry, including Rachel McAdams, Bates, and Tom Hiddleston. Midnight in Paris is a great tribute to Paris and an homage to the creative process, featuring an enchanting fantasy tale in service of a good, old-fashioned story about creativity and the power of the written word.

11 'Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean' (1982)

Appeared as Stella Mae