Natalie Portman's Best Movies, Ranked

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Updated April 23, 2024 70.1K views 41 items
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Latest additions: May December
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Over 1.5K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Natalie Portman's Best Movies, Ranked

With over 1,500 movie fans having voted to shape this list of the best Natalie Portman movies, it's a must-see for any fan of the beloved actress. From her Academy Award-winning performance in Black Swan to her scene stealing work in V for Vendetta, Natalie Portman has consistently delivered stunning performances across genres and formats. Her deft ability to capture emotion and nuance onscreen have earned her both critical acclaim and legions of devoted fans.

Portman's range as an actress is unmatched - she can be equally convincing playing a naive ingenue or a hardened veteran - making every one of her films an experience worth watching. From action blockbusters like Thor: Love and Thunder to heartfelt dramas like Closer, there’s truly something here for everyone. And let’s not forget about Annihilation, where Portman gives yet another powerful performance as the lead protagonist.

Whether you’re looking for some inspiration or just want to relive your favorite moments with this remarkable actor, this list has you covered. So why not take a look at these top picks from Natalie Portman's filmography? Don't forget to vote up your favorites before leaving!

  • Léon: The Professional
    1
    Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman
    684 votes
    Mathilda (Natalie Portman) is only 12 years old, but is already familiar with the dark side of life: her abusive father stores drugs for corrupt police officers, and her mother neglects her. Léon (Jean Reno), who lives down the hall, tends to his houseplants and works as a hired hitman for mobster Tony (Danny Aiello). When her family is murdered by crooked DEA agent Stansfield (Gary Oldman), Mathilda joins forces with a reluctant Léon to learn his deadly trade and avenge her family's deaths.
  • Black Swan
    2
    Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel
    713 votes
    In the intense psychological thriller, Black Swan, ballet dancer Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) finds herself in a high-stakes race for the lead role in Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. She grapples with her demanding director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) and the arrival of rival ballerina Lily (Mila Kunis). As pressures mount, Nina's grip on reality begins to slip. Directed by Darren Aronofsky, this film earned Portman an Academy Award for Best Actress. A vivid exploration of obsession and perfection, Black Swan is a cinematic tour de force.
  • V for Vendetta
    3
    Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea
    592 votes
    V for Vendetta is a provocative dystopian political thriller. In this film, Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman) is rescued from a life-and-death situation by a masked vigilante known only as V (Hugo Weaving). Set in an alternative future where a totalitarian government has seized control of the United Kingdom, V ignites a revolution when he detonates two London landmarks and takes over the state-run television network, urging his fellow citizens to rise up against oppression and tyranny. As Evey uncovers the truth about V's mysterious past, she also discovers her own path to personal freedom. The film won Saturn Award for Best Actress and Best Horror Film.
  • Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
    4
    Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen
    567 votes
    In Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, an epic space opera, a dark transformation unfolds. Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) is caught in a web of treachery and manipulation, pulling him away from his mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor). The Galactic Republic crumbles under Chancellor Palpatine's (Ian McDiarmid) sinister designs. A tragic tale of friendship and loyalty, it marks the birth of Darth Vader and the rise of the Empire. This third installment in George Lucas's prequel trilogy won the People's Choice Award for Favorite Movie Drama in 2006.
  • Where the Heart Is
    5
    Natalie Portman, Ashley Judd, Stockard Channing
    317 votes
    After Tennessee teen Novalee Nation (Natalie Portman) is left literally barefoot and pregnant in a Wal-Mart parking lot by her no-good boyfriend, Willy Jack Pickens (Dylan Bruno), she manages to live within the mammoth megastore until her baby's abrupt arrival makes her a media darling. After this, Good Samaritan nurse Lexie (Ashley Judd) takes in Novalee and her newborn daughter. Before long, Lexie and Novalee form a life-changing bond of friendship and sisterhood.
  • Thor
    6
    Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins
    467 votes
    In Thor, the titular character, played by Chris Hemsworth, is an arrogant warrior from the realm of Asgard. After his reckless actions reignite an ancient war, Thor is banished to Earth by his father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins). Stripped of his powers and hammer, Thor must learn humility while living among humans. Meanwhile, his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) seizes the throne in Asgard, leading to a dire situation. This Marvel superhero film blends action, fantasy, and adventure as it charts Thor's journey from fallen god to worthy hero.
  • Closer
    7
    Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman
    405 votes
    In the riveting drama Closer, Dan Woolf (Jude Law), an aspiring novelist, crosses paths with Alice Ayres (Natalie Portman), a young American woman new to London. As fate would have it, he also encounters Anna Cameron (Julia Roberts), a successful photographer, and Larry Gray (Clive Owen), a dermatologist. This quartet becomes entangled in a complex web of love, deception, and betrayal. Directed by Mike Nichols, this film delves deep into the raw heart of human relationships. It's a narrative that dances on the edge of brutal honesty and lies, earning two Academy Award nominations in 2005 for its powerful performances.
  • Garden State
    8
    Zach Braff, Ian Holm, Ron Leibman
    329 votes
    In Garden State, Andrew Largeman (Zach Braff) returns to his New Jersey hometown after a decade, prompted by his mother's death. A struggling actor in Los Angeles, he's been numbed by prescribed medications, a legacy from his psychiatrist father, Gideon (Ian Holm). Upon returning home, Andrew meets and connects with the eccentric Sam (Natalie Portman), sparking a journey of self-discovery. Directed by Braff himself, this quirky dramedy deftly explores themes of family dysfunction, mental health, and personal growth without resorting to cliches or melodrama. It won the Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture.
  • The Other Boleyn Girl
    9
    Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana
    287 votes
    The Other Boleyn Girl, a historical drama, unfurls the tantalizing tale of two sisters vying for the affection of King Henry VIII. Mary Boleyn (Scarlett Johansson), the younger sibling, initially catches the monarch's eye. However, it is her ambitious sister Anne (Natalie Portman) who ultimately ascends to the throne as his queen. The film pulls back the royal curtain, revealing a world rife with courtly intrigue, power plays, and familial rivalry. Tensions rise and loyalties fray as the sisters grapple with their love for each other and their duty to their family. Based on Philippa Gregory's best-selling novel, this movie offers a riveting glimpse into one of history's most scandalous royal love triangles.
  • Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
    10
    Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman
    444 votes
    In Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, a young slave boy named Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), possessing extraordinary piloting skills, is discovered on the desert planet Tatooine by two Jedi Knights, Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor). Concurrently, the malevolent Sith Lord Darth Maul (Ray Park) poses a dark threat, while Queen Amidala of Naboo (Natalie Portman) fights to save her people. This science fiction epic, directed by George Lucas, marked the beginning of the legendary Star Wars prequel trilogy, introducing new characters and deepening the saga's lore. Notable for its groundbreaking special effects and John Williams's iconic score, it won Saturn Awards for Best Costumes and Best Special Effects.
  • Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones
    11
    Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen
    463 votes
    In the epic space opera Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, a decade has passed since the events of The Phantom Menace. The galaxy is on the brink of civil war, with thousands of planetary systems threatening to secede from the Galactic Republic. Amidst this turmoil, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), now a Jedi apprentice to Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), struggles with his emotions when he reunites with Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman). Meanwhile, a conspiracy unfolds, leading to the creation of a massive clone army. Directed by George Lucas, this sequel deepens the saga's mythology and sets the stage for an inevitable, large-scale conflict.
  • Thor: The Dark World
    12
    Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston
    315 votes
    In the thrilling sequel Thor: The Dark World, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) finds himself in a cosmic battle against an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith (Christopher Eccleston). Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), his earthly love, becomes embroiled in the conflict when she unwittingly awakens an ominous weapon, forcing Thor to ally with his treacherous brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) for her protection. This adventure-packed film fuses elements of fantasy and science fiction, delivering a high-stakes fight for the survival of the universe. Despite its dark themes, it retains a thread of humor and wit characteristic of Marvel productions.
  • No Strings Attached
    13
    Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher, Cary Elwes
    350 votes
    In the rom-com No Strings Attached, Emma (Natalie Portman) and Adam (Ashton Kutcher) are long-time friends who decide to navigate the treacherous terrain of a casual relationship. The duo makes a pact to keep things purely physical, with no emotional ties. However, love refuses to adhere to their agreement. As they continue their escapades, feelings creep in, testing their resolve and blurring the lines between friendship and romance. Directed by Ivan Reitman, this movie is a light-hearted exploration of modern relationships, filled with humor and unexpected sentimentality.
  • Beautiful Girls
    14
    Timothy Hutton, Matt Dillon, Noah Emmerich
    232 votes
    An all-star cast sparks this captivating comedy about a group of old friends whose 10-year high school reunion creates some hilariously unexpected surprises. Willie (Timothy Hutton), Tommy (Matt Dillon), and Paul may have lost a bit of their youth, but they're still ready to party with Uma Thurman, Rosie O'Donnell, Lauren Holly, and Mira Sorvino -- the beautiful girls who've turned their lives upside down!
  • Heat
    15
    Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer
    236 votes
    In the heart-throbbing movie Heat, Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro), a seasoned professional criminal, masterminds high-stakes heists with surgical precision. On the other side of the law, Lieutenant Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino), an intense and dedicated detective, relentlessly pursues McCauley's crew. The cat-and-mouse game between these two formidable characters escalates into a thrilling confrontation, as their personal lives intertwine with their professional commitments. Directed by Michael Mann, this crime drama is known for its detailed portrayal of criminal and police work, and its climactic downtown shootout scene. Despite not winning any awards, the film's intricate plot and strong performances have made it a benchmark in the genre.
  • Mars Attacks!
    16
    Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Annette Bening
    237 votes
    Mars Attacks! is a sci-fi comedy directed by Tim Burton, featuring a star-studded ensemble cast. The film revolves around Martians invading Earth, starting with a seemingly peaceful approach which quickly deteriorates into chaos and destruction. The President of the United States, James Dale (Jack Nicholson), struggles to maintain peace, while TV journalist Nathalie Lake (Sarah Jessica Parker) reports on the escalating crisis. Meanwhile, in Nevada, a rebellious teenager, Richie Norris (Lukas Haas), becomes an unlikely hero. Famed for its unique blend of humor and horror, Mars Attacks! offers an offbeat take on classic alien invasion narratives.
  • Jackie
    17
    Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Greta Gerwig
    163 votes
    After her husband's assassination, Jackie Kennedy's (Natalie Portman) world is completely shattered. Traumatized and reeling with grief, over the course of the next week she must confront the unimaginable: consoling their two young children, vacating the home she painstakingly restored, and planning her husband's funeral. Jackie quickly realizes that the next seven days will determine how history will define her husband's legacy - and how she herself will be remembered.
  • Brothers
    18
    Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman
    192 votes
    Siblings Sam (Tobey Maguire) and Tommy Cahill (Jake Gyllenhaal) are as far apart as brothers can be; while Sam serves his country as a Marine, Tommy is a drifter who just got out of prison. When Sam is shot down and presumed dead in Afghanistan, Tommy vows to take care of Sam's wife, Grace (Natalie Portman), and his children. Tommy and Grace become close, and when Sam unexpectedly returns home, the consequences of their actions threaten the foundation of the entire family.
  • Cold Mountain
    19
    Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Renée Zellweger
    201 votes
    Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, Cold Mountain is a riveting drama starring Inman (Jude Law), an injured Confederate soldier. Struggling with the harsh realities of war, he embarks on a perilous journey back to Cold Mountain, North Carolina. Ada Monroe (Nicole Kidman), a preacher's daughter and Inman's love interest, strives to maintain her deceased father's farm in his absence. Aided by Ruby Thewes (Renée Zellweger), an earthy woman who helps her survive, Ada awaits Inman's return. The film won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress (Zellweger). It weaves a tale of love, survival, and resilience amid conflict.
  • Annihilation
    20
    Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez
    126 votes
    In Annihilation, Lena (Natalie Portman), a biologist and former soldier, is plunged into the unknown. She leads a team of scientists through an environmental disaster zone known as The Shimmer, a puzzling, mutating landscape teeming with strange lifeforms. The group includes psychologist Dr. Ventress (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and paramedic Anya Thorensen (Gina Rodriguez). As their journey unfolds, they must confront nature in its most bizarre and dangerous form, each battling personal demons along the way. A blend of science fiction and horror, this film won the 2018 Nebula Award for Best Script. Director Alex Garland masterfully balances intrigue with suspense, creating a fresh genre hybrid that explores humanity's place in the natural world.
  • Anywhere but Here
    21
    Susan Sarandon, Natalie Portman, Eileen Ryan
    167 votes
    In this adaptation of the Mona Simpson novel, single mother Adele August (Susan Sarandon) is bad with money, and even worse when it comes to making decisions. Her straight-laced daughter, Ann (Natalie Portman), is a successful high school student with Ivy League aspirations. When Adele decides to pack up and move the two of them from the Midwest to Beverly Hills, Calif., to pursue her dreams of Hollywood success, Ann grows frustrated with her mother's irresponsible and impulsive ways.
  • Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
    22
    Natalie Portman, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Bateman
    182 votes
    Magic flows freely through the walls and toys within the Wonder Emporium. But when Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman), the store's 243-year-old proprietor, decides to turn the reins over to his manager Molly Mahoney (Natalie Portman), mysterious changes creep over the Emporium. Molly and Henry (Jason Bateman), an accountant, must discover the magic within themselves if they are ever to revive the now-quiet toys.
  • Vox Lux
    23
    Natalie Portman, Jude Law, Raffey Cassidy
    80 votes
    Vox Lux is a 2018 American music drama film directed by Brady Corbet. The film follows the rise of Celeste (Natalie Portman) from the ashes of a major national tragedy to pop superstardom, spanning 18 years and tracing important cultural moments through her eyes, starting in 1999 and concluding in 2017.
  • Thor: Love and Thunder
    24
    Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale
    57 votes
    Thor embarks on a journey unlike anything he's ever faced -- a quest for inner peace. However, his retirement gets interrupted by Gorr the God Butcher, a galactic killer who seeks the extinction of the gods. To combat the threat, Thor enlists the help of King Valkyrie, Korg and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster, who -- to his surprise -- inexplicably wields his magical hammer. Together, they set out on a harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher's vengeance.
  • Your Highness
    25
    Danny McBride, James Franco, Natalie Portman
    199 votes
    Prince Thadeous (Danny McBride) has always lived his life in the shadow of his brother, the heir apparent, Prince Fabious (James Franco). Tired of always being passed over, Thadeous is now content to slack off, drink mead and enjoy the company of a maiden or two, while Fabious has fabulous adventures. But when an evil wizard kidnaps Fabious' fiancee (Zooey Deschanel), Thadeous has no choice but to find his inner hero and join his brother's quest to save her.
  • The Other Woman
    26
    Natalie Portman, Lisa Kudrow, Lauren Ambrose
    127 votes
    The Other Woman is a 2009 American drama film written and directed by Don Roos. The film is based on the Ayelet Waldman novel Love and Other Impossible Pursuits, and distributed by Incentive Film Distribution in the US. The film stars Natalie Portman, Lisa Kudrow, Scott Cohen, and Charlie Tahan.
  • Goya's Ghosts
    27
    Javier Bardem, Natalie Portman, Stellan Skarsgård
    137 votes
    Brother Lorenzo (Javier Bardem), a member of the Spanish Inquisition, seeks to curry favor with the Inquisitor General by arresting the muse (Natalie Portman) of artist Francisco Goya (Stellan Skarsgard). Lorenzo's plan backfires when the woman's father, a wealthy merchant, captures and tortures Lorenzo, and he must flee the wrath of his fellow Inquisitors.
  • Jane Got a Gun
    28

    Jane Got a Gun

    Natalie Portman, Joel Edgerton, Noah Emmerich
    79 votes
    Panic strikes Jane Hammond (Natalie Portman) when her outlaw husband John returns to their farm with bullet wounds. Expecting the worst, she brings her young daughter to safety and travels to the home of Dan Frost (Joel Edgerton), a boozing ex-lover who may be her only hope. With Dan now on her side, Jane prepares for a showdown with the vengeful John Bishop and his gang of thugs. Looking to settle an old score, Bishop must now contend with the gun-toting Jane and her new partner.
  • Hotel Chevalier
    29
    Jason Schwartzman, Natalie Portman
    125 votes
    A man (Jason Schwartzman) and a woman (Natalie Portman) converse in a hotel room.
  • Hesher
    30
    Natalie Portman, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rainn Wilson
    124 votes
    An anarchist (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) shakes things up after moving -- uninvited -- into the garage of a troubled youth (Devin Brochu) and the kid's father (Rainn Wilson).