The 40+ Best Jodie Foster Movies
- 1Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn
This psychological thriller is a chilling masterpiece that showcases Jodie Foster's superb talent, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress in 1992. Playing FBI trainee Clarice Starling, Foster delivers an outstanding performance as she seeks to apprehend a serial killer by consulting with the manipulative and incarcerated psychiatrist, Dr. Hannibal Lecter (played by Anthony Hopkins). Tensions rise as Foster navigates the complex relationship between Starling and Lecter, resulting in a captivating display of her acting prowess. This film remains a timeless classic and a significant highlight in Foster's illustrious career.
2Kelly McGillis, Jodie Foster, Bernie CoulsonIn this groundbreaking 1988 legal drama, Jodie Foster gives an emotionally raw portrayal of Sarah Tobias, a rape survivor seeking justice against her attackers and those who stood idly by during the assault. With its unflinching look at victim-blaming and societal attitudes toward sexual violence, The Accused paved the way for more honest conversations about these sensitive topics. Foster’s electrifying performance garnered her first Academy Award for Best Actress - solid proof of her ability to tackle challenging roles with finesse.
- 3Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd
Released in 1976 and directed by Martin Scorsese, Taxi Driver stars Jodie Foster alongside Robert De Niro in this gritty crime drama set on the streets of New York City. At only thirteen years old, Foster expertly took on the role of Iris – a teenage prostitute caught up in a web of violence and corruption – showing wisdom beyond her years when it came to embodying such complex characters. Her stunning depiction earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, setting the stage for what would become an exceptional career.
More Taxi Driver
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4Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey, James WoodsJodie Foster stars as Dr. Ellie Arroway, an astronomer who receives an extraterrestrial signal from deep space, in this 1997 sci-fi classic directed by Robert Zemeckis. With its themes of spirituality, humanity, and the unknown vastness of the universe, Contact offers a powerful showcase for Foster's undeniable skill at conveying both vulnerability and determination. Her mesmerizing performance in this thought-provoking film is yet another testament to her extraordinary talents.
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5Jodie Foster, Forest Whitaker, Dwight YoakamDavid Fincher's 2002 suspenseful thriller features Jodie Foster as Meg Altman, a recently divorced woman who moves into a Manhattan brownstone equipped with an unusual feature: a high-tech panic room. When intruders break in, Foster's character must use her instincts and intelligence to protect herself and her daughter (played by Kristen Stewart). Panic Room showcases Foster's ability to convey emotional intensity without losing sight of her character's strength and resourcefulness.
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6Jodie Foster, Peter Sarsgaard, Erika ChristensenAs Kyle Pratt in this 2005 suspenseful thriller set aboard an airplane mid-flight, Jodie Foster must fight to prove her sanity when her daughter mysteriously vanishes onboard. While other passengers and crew members doubt her, Foster masterfully balances the fine line between paranoia and maternal instinct, drawing viewers into her seemingly impossible predicament. Flightplan exemplifies how Foster's captivating intensity can keep audiences invested in edge-of-their-seat suspense.
More Flightplan- #31 of 143 onThe Best Movies of 2005
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7Jodie Foster, Liam Neeson, Natasha RichardsonIn this 1994 drama, Jodie Foster plays Nell Kellty, a young woman raised in isolation by her mother in the North Carolina wilderness. After her mother dies, Nell must learn to navigate the outside world while preserving the unique language she shares with her twin sister. The film offers plenty of challenges for an actor – including convincingly portraying Nell’s distinctive speech patterns – but Foster rises to the occasion with grace and nuance, earning her another Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
More Nell- #62 of 85 onThe Best Movies Of 1994
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8Jodie Foster, Terrence Howard, Nicky KattIn this tense thriller from 2007, Jodie Foster portrays Erica Bain – a New York City radio host who turns vigilante after surviving a brutal attack that leaves her fiancé dead. As she seeks vengeance against those responsible for her suffering, Foster flawlessly conveys Erica’s moral struggles alongside her newfound thirst for bloodshed. The Brave One demonstrates how even when playing characters grappling with their darkest impulses; Foster always makes sure their humanity shines through.
More The Brave One- #94 of 139 onThe Best Movies Of 2007
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9Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, James GarnerIn this 1994 western comedy, Jodie Foster stars as Annabelle Bransford - a skilled con artist who teams up with Mel Gibson’s charming gambler Bret Maverick to take part in a high-stakes poker tournament. Demonstrating her versatility as an actress, Foster effortlessly slips into the role of Bransford – delivering laughs and quick wit alongside the film’s more dramatic moments. Maverick showcases yet another dimension of Foster’s impressive acting range.
More Maverick- #61 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
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10Little Man Tate
Jodie Foster, Dianne Wiest, Adam Hann-ByrdJodie Foster's directorial debut came in this touching 1991 drama about a young prodigy named Fred Tate (played by Adam Hann-Byrd) whose genius intellect isolates him from his peers. As Fred's loving mother Dede, Foster explores themes of parenthood, loneliness, and understanding what it truly means to be gifted. Her sensitive direction combined with her heartfelt performance demonstrates that not only is she a world-class actress but also has the ability to tell compelling stories from behind the camera.
More Little Man Tate- #65 of 86 onThe Best Movies Of 1991, Ranked
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11Jodie Foster, Martin Sheen, Alexis SmithAt just fourteen years old, Jodie Foster starred in this 1976 thriller as Rynn Jacobs – a young girl living alone after the mysterious disappearance of her father. With dark secrets lurking beneath their seemingly quaint small-town life, Rynn must navigate a web of deception while evading suspicious neighbors played by Martin Sheen and Alexis Smith. Even at such a young age, Foster showcased an uncanny ability to command attention on screen – giving audiences just a taste of what was to come throughout her phenomenal career.
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12Barbara Harris, Jodie Foster, John AstinThis 1976 family comedy features a young Jodie Foster as Annabel Andrews – a teenage girl who magically switches bodies with her mother, played by Barbara Harris. As they navigate each other's lives and try to switch back before the day is over, Foster demonstrates her impeccable comedic timing and impressive range as an actress. Freaky Friday remains a beloved classic that showcases the early days of Foster's talent.
More Freaky Friday- #109 of 199 onThe Best Movies Of The '70s, Ranked
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13Richard Gere, Jodie Foster, Bill PullmanIn this 1993 period drama set in post-Civil War America, Jodie Foster stars as Laurel Sommersby - a woman whose husband returns home from war seemingly changed in both appearance and demeanor. Richard Gere plays Jack, the man claiming to be Laurel’s long-lost husband, sparking questions about his true identity. Foster delivers a captivating performance as she explores themes of love, loyalty, and deception against the backdrop of this tumultuous historical setting.
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14Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie FosterJodie Foster takes on the role of Madeleine White – a cunning power broker tasked with resolving a bank heist hostage situation – in this exciting 2006 crime thriller directed by Spike Lee. Alongside Denzel Washington and Clive Owen, Foster exhibits her ability to hold her own amongst an ensemble cast while adding depth to even the most morally ambiguous characters. Inside Man is yet another example of how Foster continues to excel across various genres throughout her career.
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15Jodie Foster, Chow Yun-Fat, Bai LingThis 1999 historical drama sees Jodie Foster portray Anna Leonowens – an English widow hired by King Mongkut (played by Chow Yun-Fat) to teach his children in 1860s Siam (now Thailand). As she navigates cultural differences and challenges traditional customs, Foster displays her versatility as an actress through her engaging performance in this compelling tale based on true events.
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16Ellen Burstyn, Kris Kristofferson, Billy Green BushIn Martin Scorsese's 1974 drama, Jodie Foster stars as Audrey – a young girl befriended by Ellen Burstyn’s Alice, a widowed mother on a journey to start a new life with her son. At just twelve years old, Foster already demonstrated immense talent in portraying complex characters and developing strong on-screen chemistry with other actors. Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore remains an essential part of Foster's early filmography.
17Jodie Foster, Cherie Currie, Scott BaioIn this 1980 coming-of-age drama, Jodie Foster plays Jeanie - the responsible leader of a group of teenage girls navigating adolescence amidst the backdrop of suburban Los Angeles. Alongside Cherie Currie and Scott Baio, Foster delivers a heartfelt performance that captures the innocence and turmoil of growing up in an often unforgiving world.
18Scott Baio, Jodie Foster, John CassisiThis 1976 musical comedy offers a unique twist on the gangster genre – featuring an all-child cast starring Jodie Foster as Tallulah, a sultry nightclub singer caught between rival mobsters. With its memorable tunes and playful sense of fun, Bugsy Malone showcases Foster’s ability to captivate audiences even at such an early stage in her career.
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19Abigail Breslin, Jodie Foster, Gerard ButlerThis delightful 2008 family adventure film features Jodie Foster as Alexandra Rover - an agoraphobic author who embarks on a daring mission to help find Abigail Breslin’s stranded character Nim on her isolated island home. Showcasing her range as an actress, Foster brings warmth and humor to this enchanting tale that reminds viewers that courage can come from unexpected places.
- 20Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley
Jodie Foster explores futuristic territory in this 2013 action-packed sci-fi thriller directed by Neill Blomkamp. Starring alongside Matt Damon, she embodies the ruthless Secretary Delacourt – a high-ranking official determined to maintain order on the luxurious space station Elysium at any cost. Her intense commitment to the role adds depth to this visually stunning dystopian tale.
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21David Niven, Jodie Foster, Helen HayesIn this charming 1977 Disney caper film, Jodie Foster plays Casey Brown – an orphaned pickpocket recruited to find hidden treasure within the halls of Candleshoe Manor. As she bonds with the eccentric inhabitants of the estate (including Helen Hayes as Lady St Edmund), Foster’s youthful exuberance and innate charm shine through in this delightful family film.
22Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Christoph WaltzRoman Polanski’s darkly comedic 2011 drama Carnage features Jodie Foster alongside Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz, and John C. Reilly as two sets of parents attempting to resolve their children's schoolyard dispute with civility but ultimately descend into chaos and reveal hidden personal conflicts in the process. Once again proving her ability to excel within ensemble casts, Foster's portrayal of Penelope Longstreet adds layers of complexity and wit to this tense character study.
23Johnny Whitaker, Celeste Holm, Warren OatesThis 1973 musical adaptation of Mark Twain's classic novel features a young Jodie Foster as Becky Thatcher – the object of Tom Sawyer's affections. Although not as prominent as her later roles, Foster's presence in this beloved family film is further testament to her incredible versatility as an actress from a young age.
More Tom Sawyer- #181 of 188 onThe 180+ Top Kids Movies
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24Mark Harmon, Jodie Foster, Blair BrownIn this 1988 romantic drama, Jodie Foster portrays Katie Chandler – an enigmatic woman whose death prompts her childhood friend to reflect on their shared past during a summer that changed their lives forever. As the story unfolds, Foster delivers a nuanced performance filled with tenderness and bittersweet nostalgia that keeps viewers emotionally invested throughout the film.
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25Jodie Foster, Beau Bridges, Rob LoweIn this quirky 1984 drama based on John Irving’s novel, Jodie Foster stars as Frannie Berry - one member of a highly eccentric family residing in a series of unusual hotels. With its darkly comic tone and offbeat storytelling, The Hotel New Hampshire allows Foster to explore her comedic talents while diving into the deep-rooted issues that lie beneath the surface of this unconventional tale.
26Hotel Artemis
Jodie Foster, Sterling K. Brown, Sofia BoutellaIn this 2018 futuristic action-thriller, Jodie Foster plays Nurse - the proprietor of the titular hotel, which doubles as a secret hospital for criminals in an increasingly dystopian Los Angeles. As she navigates high-stakes scenarios and treats her dangerous clientele, Foster's commanding performance adds intensity to this stylish and atmospheric film.
27It Was a Wonderful Life
Jodie FosterThis 1994 documentary examines the lives of six formerly affluent American women who became homeless due to unforeseen circumstances. As the film's narrator, Jodie Foster lends her empathetic voice to these compelling stories – showcasing not only her talent in front of the camera but also her dedication to shedding light on important social issues.
28Uma Thurman, Jodie Foster, Minnie DriverThis 2009 comedy-drama highlights the trials and tribulations of modern motherhood faced by Uma Thurman's character Eliza Welch – a Manhattan mom juggling her family life, career aspirations, and personal growth while planning her daughter's birthday party. In a supporting role as Sheila, one of Eliza’s fellow mothers, Jodie Foster adds humor and depth to this relatable look at contemporary parenting struggles.
29Gary Busey, Jodie Foster, Robbie RobertsonJodie Foster stars as Donna, a young woman who joins a traveling carnival after being seduced by its wild allure, in this gritty 1980 drama directed by Robert Kaylor. Alongside Gary Busey and Robbie Robertson (of The Band fame), Foster's captivating performance brings depth and layers to this fascinating examination of life on society’s fringes.
30Jodie Foster, Catherine Deneuve, Ugo TognazziThis enchanting 2018 coming-of-age drama chronicles the summer romances experienced by two teenage sisters during their annual beach vacation with their family in Fire Island, New York. Jodie Foster lends her distinctive voice to narrate this nostalgic tale that transports viewers back to a simpler time filled with passion and self-discovery.
