Oscar nominee and Golden Globe Award-winning sensation Rosamund Pike is one of Hollywood's most sought-after actresses. Over the course of her career, Pike has gracefully exhibited her talent as a wide-ranging artist. Pike's first on-screen credits involved a myriad of British period dramas — A Rather English Marriage (1998), BBC's Wives and Daughters (1999), and BBC's serial drama Love in a Cold Climate (2001).

Her big break into Hollywood arrived when she played the double-crossing MI6 agent Miranda Frost alongside Pierce Brosnan in the twentieth James Bond film, 2002's Die Another Day. From there, the English actress nabbed feature roles in several pictures, slowly climbing the ladder to success. Her resumé includes many acclaimed films, many of which have received high ratings in the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.

10 'Barney's Version' (2010)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 77%

Barney's Version is a comedy-drama that follows the ending chapters from the life of Barney Panofsy (Paul Giamatti), a Canadian soap opera producer reflecting on his life. Directed by Richard J. Lewis, the Canadian film is based on the novel of the same name by Mordecai Richler and was written as a fictional autobiography. With Hollywood stars from Minnie Driver to Dustin Hoffman, the picture explores the complexities of modern romance.

Pike plays Miriam Grant, Barney's third wife and main romantic interest. The actress blends right into the light-hearted attitude of her character's spirit as Miriam ages throughout the story from her late 20s to her 30s. Barney's Version is among Paul Giamatti's best movies, chronicling the trials and victories of life, especially with love and family, keeping audiences fascinated, concerned, and emotionally invested.

Rent on Apple TV

9 'I Care a Lot' (2020)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78%

Rosamund Pike as Marla Grayson smiling in front of a whiteboard covered with photos in I Care A Lot (2020)
Image via Netflix

Marla Grayson, court-appointed guardian and con woman, makes a living selling the assets of helpless elderly people. Things take an unexpected turn when she tries to swindle the mother of a dangerous mafia boss. Netflix's I Care a Lot is a black comedy thriller featuring Pike in the leading role and with an impressive supporting cast, including Peter Dinklage and Dianne Wiest.

I Care a Lot is among the best satirical movies in recent memory. Written and directed by J Blakeson, fans worldwide were hooked by Pike's alarmingly wicked role, portraying a ruthless woman who reminds audiences that evil people take advantage of others to gain the upper hand in life. I Care a Lot features one of Pike's best performances, earning her a Golden Globe and rave reviews from critics and audiences.

I Care A Lot
R
Drama
Comedy
Crime
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Release Date
February 19, 2021
Director
J Blakeson
Runtime
118 minutes

8 'Made in Dagenham' (2010)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%

Lisa Hoskins (Rosamund Pike) stands holding a bowl while wearing a pink dress in 'Made in Dagenham' (2010).
Image via Paramount Pictures

A British comedy from 2010, Made in Dagenham has a firm foundation in true history with its inspiring tale of oppression and resistance in late 60s England. Despite being professionals in the specialized and demanding field of sewing upholstery for car seats, the women workers of Ford Motor Co. in Dagenham face rampant misogyny in the workplace, especially in regard to pay. However, things begin to change after Rita O’Grady (Sally Hawkins) meets with a sympathetic union worker and begins organizing protests.

The film boasts an impressive cast and, smartly, employs razor-sharp wit and social satire as a source of its laughs more so than reverting to stereotypes or easy gags. Pike is predictably brilliant as Lisa Hopkins, a strikingly intelligent woman who graduated from Cambridge University and becomes a pivotal member of O’Grady’s movement.

Made in Dagenham
R
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Release Date
September 11, 2010
Director
Nigel Cole
Cast
Sally Hawkins , Andrea Riseborough , Jaime Winstone , Lorraine Stanley , Nicola Duffett , Geraldine James
Runtime
113
Main Genre
Drama

7 'Beirut' (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%

beirut-jon-hamm-rosamund-pike (1)
Image via Bleeker Street

Also known as 'The Negotiator', Beirut hit screens in 2018 as an entrancing political thriller that saw Jon Hamm and Rosamund Pike co-star. Written by Tony Gilroy (who also wrote The Bourne Identity films), it follows a retired diplomat whose family was murdered in an attack ten years prior. Now an alcoholic, he returns to the fold as a negotiator to help secure a peaceful exchange of an old friend, a deal made complicated by the fact that he is engaging with the group that killed his family.

While general audiences were lukewarm on the film, as evinced by its middling 57% audience approval score, critics were more approving, praising its technically solid story, its exciting action, and the performances of its impressive cast. Pike particularly stands out as the CIA field officer Sarah Crowder, a driven and determined operative who fast becomes Skiles' (Hamm) greatest ally.

Beirut
R
Thriller
Action
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Release Date
April 11, 2018
Director
Brad Anderson
Runtime
109 minutes

6 'A United Kingdom' (2016)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%

A United Kingdom is based on the true story of the lives of Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo), prince to the throne of the Bangwato Tribe, and his wife, Ruth Williams. The film explores the romantic yet controversial couple's marriage, which triggers turmoil between the National Party in South Africa and the British government. Amma Asante directs, with the film featuring the beautiful landscapes of Botswana and London.

Brimming with themes of racial discrimination, imperialism, and the struggle for independence, A United Kingdom is a period piece made for the modern age. Pike elegantly plays Ruth Williams, and her heart-warming portrayal is more than a genuine nod to her character's real-life personality. The picture will always remain timely for representing the small and large struggles of interracial relationships that millions of couples face today.

Rent on Amazon

5 'Pride & Prejudice' (2005)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%

Elizabeth and Darcy embrace
Image via Universal Pictures

Director Joe Wright's feature debut, Pride & Prejudice, is a romantic film adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved classic. Starring an ensemble cast led by Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet, the film chronicles the romance between Lizzie and the proud Mr. Darcy, played by Matthew Macfadyen. Rosamund Pike plays Elizabeth's older sister, Jane Bennet, one of the best Jane Austen heroines in cinema.

Pike's gentle and introverted portrayal of Jane is unforgettable and earnest. As the eldest daughter, the pressure of marriage is always stressful; however, her worries wash away when she falls for the wealthy Charles Bingley (Simon Woods), and their sweet, natural chemistry blooms with grace, sincerity, and elegance. Pride & Prejudice has become a modern classic, and Pike's performance as the gentle Jane remains among her most celebrated portrayals.

Pride & Prejudice
PG
Romance
Drama
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