The 40+ Best Judy Davis Movies
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1Judy Davis, Jan Adele, Claudia KarvanLillie (Judy Davis) is an alcoholic drifter who makes an unexpected discovery when she arrives in Eden, a coastal town in New South Wales, Australia. After setting herself up in a trailer park, the woman befriends a teenager named Ally (Claudia Karvan). Despite their age difference, the pair soon become close. But everything changes when Lillie meets Ally's grandmother, Bet (Jan Adele) ; Bet turns out to be Lillie's mother, meaning that Ally is the grown daughter she abandoned decades before.
2Judy Davis, Hugh Grant, Mandy PatinkinComposer Frédéric Chopin (Hugh Grant) is living in France, and his health is slowly deteriorating. Author Baroness Amantine-Lucile-Aurore Dupin (Judy Davis), who writes under the name George Sand, admires Chopin from afar and makes plans to meet the composer. After being advised to stay away from Chopin, Sand shows up at a party he is attending and observes his fragile health. While Chopin tries to resist Sand, he is intrigued by a love letter written by an unknown admirer.
3Hugh Laurie, Alison Pill, Victor GarberLife with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows is a 2001 television film based on the memoirs of Lorna Luft, the daughter of Garland. The production is notable for its meticulous recreations of her films and concerts, and verisimilitudinous impressions of her by Tammy Blanchard and Judy Davis. However, Judy Garland's original recordings are used to dub Davis's singing. The film, which chronicles Garland's life from her first public performance in 1924 until her death in 1969, is divided into two parts: the first part depicts her rise to fame in the 1930s, her descent into drugs, and her fall from grace in the 1950s. The second part of the drama begins with her marriage to Sid Luft, and proceeds to chronicle her successful return to movies with A Star is Born, her personal issues and her death at the age of 47.- #44 of 55 onThe Best Movies Based on Non-Fiction Books
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4John Turturro, John Goodman, Judy DavisBarton Fink (John Turturro) is an aspiring New York playwright who lands a job in 1940s Hollywood. Tasked with writing a wrestling picture for a big-time studio, Fink suffers from severe writer's block and finds himself entangled in a twisted tale of mystery and madness. His neighbor, Charlie Meadows (John Goodman), adds to the intrigue with his jovial yet unsettling demeanor. Directed by the Coen brothers, Barton Fink is a surreal drama that won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, showcasing a labyrinthine plot that blurs the line between reality and illusion.More Barton Fink
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5Judy Davis, Peggy Ashcroft, Victor BanerjeeBased on the renowned E.M. Forster novel, this expansive period drama centers on the changing dynamic between British colonials and native locals in India during the 1920s. When an outing to explore scenic caves ends in English tourist Adela Quested (Judy Davis) accusing Indian doctor Aziz Ahmed (Victor Banerjee) of rape, the incident results in a major court case, one that reinforces tensions between the British Empire and the growing movement towards Indian independence.
6Judy Davis, Sam Neill, Wendy HughesGrowing up in the Australian outback, creative and headstrong Sybylla Melvyn (Judy Davis) dreams of becoming a famous writer despite long odds and the objections of her family. Forced by money problems to move in with her rich grandmother (Aileen Britton), she soon makes the acquaintance of a handsome landowner, Harry (Sam Neill), and wins him over despite their class differences. When Harry proposes, Sybylla must choose between romantic love an the brilliant career she craves.
7Denis Leary, Judy Davis, Kevin SpaceyBickering spouses (Judy Davis, Kevin Spacey) annoy the cat burglar (Denis Leary) who takes them hostage in their Connecticut home.More The Ref- #104 of 126 onThe Best Christmas Movies Of All Time
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8Glenn Close, Judy Davis, Jan RubesColonel Margarethe Cammermeyer (Glenn Close) is a dedicated mother and medical officer who has spent most of her life serving in the United States military. However, after she falls in love with another woman, Diane (Judy Davis), and reveals during a routine interview that she's a lesbian, she's discharged for violating the military's "immoral conduct" policy. Feeling betrayed, Margarethe fights back, taking her case to court and becoming a reluctant but powerful voice against discrimination.
9Woody Allen, Mia Farrow, Juliette LewisGabe (Woody Allen) and his wife, Judy (Mia Farrow), are shocked to discover that their best friends, Sally (Judy Davis) and Jack (Sydney Pollack), are splitting up. Not only did they not see the breakup coming, but it makes them start to question their own relationship. While Gabe flirts with the idea of dating one of his college students (Juliette Lewis), Sally and Jack discover that being single again isn't all its cracked up to be and contemplate getting back together.
10Richard Widmark, Judy Davis, Edward WoodwardWho Dares Wins is a 1982 British film starring Lewis Collins, Judy Davis, Richard Widmark and Edward Woodward, directed by Ian Sharp. The title is the motto of the elite Special Air Service. The plot is largely inspired by the Iranian Embassy siege of 1980, where the Unitied Kingdom's SAS special forces dramatically stormed the building to rescue those being held hostage inside. Euan Lloyd, the film's producer, got the idea for the film after watching live television coverage of the event, but he had to move quickly to prevent the idea being taken by somebody else. An initial synopsis was created by George Markstein. This was then turned into a novel by James Follett as The Tiptoe Boys, in thirty days. Meanwhile, chapter-by-chapter as the novel was completed, it was posted to Reginald Rose in Los Angeles, who wrote the final screenplay.
11Judy Davis, Sam Neill, Richard RoxburghAfter organizing a successful campaign to prevent Australia from outlawing the Communist Party in 1951, activist Joan Fraser (Judy Davis) is invited by Joseph Stalin (F. Murray Abraham) to visit Moscow. During her trip, Joan sleeps with Stalin -- who dies the same night -- and also with spy David Hoyle (Sam Neill). Joan returns home pregnant and marries admirer Zachary Welch (Geoffrey Rush), but she remains unsure whether Stalin or Hoyle is the father of her son, Joe (Richard Roxburgh).
12Geoffrey Rush, Elisabeth Harnois, Jesse SpencerSwimming Upstream is a 2003 Australian film written by Tony Fingleton and directed by Russell Mulcahy. It stars Jesse Spencer, Geoffrey Rush, and Judy Davis. It shows the life of Fingleton from childhood to adulthood, and dealing with a topsy-turvy family. It is based on Fingleton's autobiography of the same name. The film also stars Good Game host Steven O'Donnell in a minor role as a lifeguard.
13Charlotte Rampling, Geoffrey Rush, Judy DavisThe Eye of the Storm is an Australian drama film directed by Fred Schepisi. It is an adaptation of Patrick White's 1973 novel of the same name. It stars Geoffrey Rush, Charlotte Rampling and Judy Davis. It won the critics award for best Australian feature at the 2011 Melbourne International Film Festival and had a September 2011 theatrical release.
14Kangaroo
Judy Davis, Colin Friels, Hugh Keays-ByrneKangaroo is a 1987 Australian drama film directed by Tim Burstall and based on a novel of the same name by D. H. Lawrence.
15Helena Bonham Carter, Judy Davis, Rupert GravesWhen a rich widow, Lilia (Helen Mirren), visits Tuscany with her friend Caroline (Helena Bonham Carter), she falls in love with Gino (Giovanni Guidelli), a poor man. Lilia's former mother-in-law, Irma (Judy Davis), doesn't think the marriage is a suitable one, but she can't convince Lilia to return to England. When Lilia dies in childbirth, Irma sends her son, Philip (Rupert Graves), to bring the child back, but he encounters multiple obstacles, including his newfound infatuation with Italy.
16Hank Azaria, Kenneth Branagh, Judy DavisThe career and personal life of writer Lee (Kenneth Branagh) are at a standstill, so he divorces his bashful wife, Robin (Judy Davis), and dives into a new job as an entertainment journalist. His assignments take him to the swankiest corners of Manhattan, but as he jumps from one lavish party to another and engages in numerous empty romances, he starts to doubt the worth of his work. Meanwhile, top TV producer Tony (Joe Mantegna) falls for Robin and introduces her to the world of celebrity.
17Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Judy DavisMarie Antoinette (Kirsten Dunst) is a visual extravaganza, tracing the life of the infamous Queen of France. Directed by Sofia Coppola, it's a period piece that delves into the opulence and decadence of 18th-century Versailles. The narrative explores Marie's arranged marriage to Louis XVI (Jason Schwartzman), her struggle to produce an heir, and her notorious love for extravagant fashion and luxuries. Amidst public scorn and political intrigue, Marie's world spirals towards the French Revolution. The film won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design, a testament to its lavish depiction of royal excess.More Marie Antoinette- #363 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
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18Billy Connolly, Judy Davis, Colin FrielsAfter lawyer Steve Myers (Billy Connolly) abandons his career, he buys a boat and pursues a quiet life as a fisherman. His plans are obstructed when a bolt of lightning destroys his vessel, and his insurance company tells him he isn't covered because the incident was an "act of God." Teaming up with Anne (Judy Davis), a journalist who's sympathetic to his plight, Steve sues God, who is represented in court by religious leaders. The defendants must give evidence of God's existence or pay.
19Judy Davis, Marcia Gay Harden, Lili TaylorTranslator Cassandra Reilly (Judy Davis) is an American expatriate who has just about had her fill of Barcelona, Spain -- that is, until the mysterious Frankie Stevens (Marcia Gay Harden) enlists her to play detective and find her missing husband. Eager for excitement, Cassandra takes the job but discovers that all is not what it seems when Frankie's husband, Ben (Lili Taylor), turns out to be a woman, and their real battle is not one for divorce but for custody of their child.
20Judy Davis, Jonathan Jackson, Chelcie RossIn this true story, high-society sociopath Sante Kimes (Judy Davis) forces her son, Kenny (Jonathan Jackson), to be her accomplice in a decade-long crime spree. Using her skills of manipulation and persuasion, Sante teaches Kenny how to steal, forge and murder. After killing a rich woman and stealing her identity, Sante is caught trying to conceal the murder. Under pressure from the authorities, Kenny must decide whether or not his loyalty to his mother will keep him from telling the truth.
21Richard Dreyfuss, Selma Blair, John SalleyCoast to Coast is 2003 television movie starring Richard Dreyfuss, Judy Davis, and Selma Blair, and directed by Paul Mazursky. It is based on the novel by Frederic Raphael, who also wrote film's screenplay. The film is most known for its witty dialogues and wry comedy between its lead actors.
22Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Ed HarrisWhile robbing the home of aging billionaire Walter Sullivan (E.G. Marshall), Luther Whitney (Clint Eastwood) is interrupted by an amorous couple entering the building. As Whitney hides, he sees Sullivan's young wife, Christy (Melora Hardin), and the U.S. President, Alan Richmond (Gene Hackman). When their affection turns violent, Christy is killed by the Secret Service. Although Whitney flees, he is framed for the murder. Now, he seeks justice with the help of detective Seth Frank (Ed Harris).More Absolute Power- #156 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
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23Bebe Neuwirth, Sam Shepard, Judy DavisDash and Lilly is a 1999 Emmy and Golden Globe Award-nominated biographical television film about writers Dashiell Hammett and Lillian Hellman. The film was directed by actress Kathy Bates and written by Jerrold L. Ludwig. It stars Sam Shepard and Judy Davis.
24Jack Nicholson, Stephen Dorff, Jennifer LopezA safecracker, Victor Spanksy (Michael Caine), a philandering husband, Alex Gates (Jack Nicholson), an angry stepson and an illegal immigrant make a up a seething stew of jealousy, greed and ambition which can only be assuaged by a million-dollar diamond necklace. After burning through his wife's fortune, Gates, who is desperate to run away with his mistress, Gabriella (Jennifer Lopez), a nanny, arranges the theft with Spansky, unaware of his stepson's intent to ruin him.More Blood and Wine- #14 of 20 onThese Wine Movies Will Make You Want To Become A Sommelier
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25Mia Farrow, Joe Mantegna, William HurtA well-to-do Manhattan housewife, Alice Tate (Mia Farrow), finds her affections shifting from her stockbroker husband (William Hurt) of 16 years to saxophone player Joe Ruffalo (Joe Mantegna), a veritable stranger. After realizing her feelings, Tate begins to experience back pains and visits a Chinatown herbalist, Dr. Yang (Keye Luke), for a cure. Perceptive to her dilemma, Yang provides a series of magical herbal remedies to provide Tate the insight she needs to solve her problem.
26Caroline Aaron, Woody Allen, Kirstie AlleyNovelist Harry Block (Woody Allen) has become a success by turning his family and friends' lives into fodder for his books. Due to his novels' popularity, the university that once kicked Harry out has asked him to return for a ceremony that will honor him. As Harry sets out for the trip, he is confronted by his fictional characters, as well as real people who no longer want anything to do with him, and he learns how deeply his overly candid stories have affected those around him.More Deconstructing Harry- #378 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
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27Peter Weller, Judy Davis, Patrick BauchauPeter (Peter Weller) and Katherine Witner (Judy Davis) are sick of their directionless, materialistic lives in Los Angeles. The couple want something more out of life, and so, after losing their jobs, they decide to open up a clothing boutique -- and open up their marriage to other partners. Their experiment in self-discovery does not go well and, with their money draining away and their lives headed down a whirlpool, they cling desperately to New Age philosophy to stay afloat.
28Judy Davis, Bryan Brown, Cathy DownesBored by his secure but humdrum life, bookstore owner Rob (Bryan Brown) finds an unlikely friend in Lou (Judy Davis), a heroin-addicted prostitute, after the suicide of a college classmate. Rob finds himself drawn to the troubled woman, and he and his distant wife Gretel (Cathy Downes) decide to help her turn her life around. But when Rob finds the stability of his world under attack, he must decide whether to maintain the friendship or return to the comfort of his old routine.
29Heatwave
Judy Davis, Bill Hunter, Chris HaywoodHeatwave is a 1982 Australian film directed by Phillip Noyce based on the murder of Juanita Nielsen. It was the second of two films inspired by this story that came out around this time, the first being The Killing of Angel Street.
30River Phoenix, Karen Black, Jonathan PryceDark Blood is a film directed by George Sluizer, written by Jim Barton, and starring River Phoenix, Judy Davis, and Jonathan Pryce. The film was not completed due to the death of Phoenix shortly before the end of the project and remained unfinished for 19 years. It premiered to a private guest audience on September 27, 2012 at the Netherlands Film Festival in Utrecht, Netherlands. The film was shown twice more, publicly, on October 2, 2012 at the festival. It was shown at the 63rd Berlin International Film Festival in February 2013, the Miami International Film Festival in March 2013, the Split Film Festival in September 2013, and the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival in April 2014. The film follows Boy, a young widower, who retreats to the desert after his wife dies of radiation following nuclear tests near their home. Boy is waiting for the end of the world and carves Kachina dolls, believing they contain magical powers. A couple, Harry and Buffy travel to the desert on a second honeymoon in an attempt to save their marriage. Their car breaks down in the middle of nowhere and the couple is rescued by Boy.
