Top 10 Movies and TV Shows Starring Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman has graced the screen for decades, showcasing her immense talent across a spectrum of films and television series. She began her career in the 1980s with smaller Australian productions, but it was her role in the 1989 psychological thriller Dead Calm that captured Hollywood’s attention. Kidman’s breakthrough came in the 1990 action film Days of Thunder alongside Tom Cruise, paving her way to becoming a leading actress in Tinseltown.

Over her extensive career, Nicole Kidman has garnered numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Primetime Emmy, and multiple Golden Globe Awards. Notably, she became the first Australian actor to receive the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2024. Her versatility shines through as she has excelled in various genres—from comedies to dramatic biopics, action films, superhero franchises, and musicals—while collaborating with esteemed directors such as Stanley Kubrick, Tony Scott, Yorgos Lanthimos, and Robert Eggers.

10 Being The Ricardos (2021)

Lucille Ball

In 2021, Kidman undertook the challenging role of Lucille Ball in Being the Ricardos, which explores the passionate yet tumultuous marriage of Lucy and Desi Arnaz. As iconic figures from the beloved sitcom I Love Lucy, their story intertwined both on and off-screen. Javier Bardem portrayed Desi Arnaz, making for a captivating duo.

Despite a limited theatrical run and a primary release on Prime Video, the film garnered significant acclaim. Kidman and Bardem both secured Academy Award nominations for Best Actress and Best Actor, respectively, and J.K. Simmons earned a nod for Best Supporting Actor. Additionally, the film received five Golden Globe nominations, highlighting its critical success.

9 The Northman (2022)

Queen Gudrun

Renowned director Robert Eggers further established his voice in cinema with The Northman, a historical epic about Viking culture. Kidman rose to the occasion, portraying Queen Gudrún, the mother of Amleth (played by Alexander Skarsgård). The narrative unfolds as Amleth embarks on a revenge quest after witnessing his father’s murder at the hands of his uncle Fjölnir (Claes Bang).

Kidman’s character plays a pivotal role, orchestrating the coup against her husband, reflecting the dark depths of family loyalty and love. Her performance as a complex villain resonated with critics, solidifying her place in this critically acclaimed film.

8 The Beguiled (2017)

Martha Farnsworth

In the 2017 Southern Gothic thriller The Beguiled, directed by Sofia Coppola, Kidman portrayed Miss Martha Farnsworth, the headmistress of a secluded Virginia boarding school during the Civil War. The plot thickens when a wounded Union soldier (Colin Farrell) is brought into their midst, stirring tensions among the women at the school.

Coppola’s directorial restraint allowed the powerful performances of the female ensemble—including Kirsten Dunst and Elle Fanning—to shine. The Beguiled received critical acclaim, winning Coppola the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival.

7 The Others (2001)

Grace Stewart

Kidman’s portrayal in The Others marked a highlight in her career. Under the direction of Alejandro Amenábar, she played Grace Stewart, a mother living in a haunted estate in 1945 Jersey, addressing the themes of grief and maternal protection as she navigates life with her light-sensitive children.

The film’s shocking twist has influenced countless later horror films. Kidman’s outstanding performance garnered her a Saturn Award and nominations from the BAFTA, Goya, and Satellite Awards.

6 Rabbit Hole (2010)

Becca Corbett

In the emotionally charged drama Rabbit Hole, directed by John Cameron Mitchell, Kidman portrayed Becca Corbett, grappling with the heartbreaking loss of her young son. The narrative explores her struggle with grief, alongside her husband Howie, played by Aaron Eckhart. Joined by a stellar cast, including Dianne Wiest and Giancarlo Esposito, Kidman delivered one of her most powerful performances to date.

Critics celebrated her portrayal of profound sorrow, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, along with multiple nominations in other prestigious award circuits.

5 Big Little Lies (2017)

Celeste Wright

In 2017, Nicole Kidman not only starred in Big Little Lies, but also took on the role of producer for this acclaimed series on HBO. Based on the novel by Liane Moriarty and created by David E. Kelley, the show centers around the lives of five women entangled in a murder investigation. The cast included prominent names like Reese Witherspoon and Shailene Woodley.

The series received critical acclaim, racking up 16 Emmy nominations and winning 8. Kidman’s portrayal of Celeste Wright earned her an Emmy Award, further establishing her impact on television.

4 Lion (2016)

Sue Brierley

In the biographical drama Lion, Kidman played the supporting role of Sue Brierley, the adoptive mother of Saroo Brierley, portrayed by Dev Patel. Based on Saroo’s incredible true story of searching for his lost family in India, the film captivated audiences and critics alike.

The film debuted to critical acclaim at the Toronto International Film Festival, with both Kidman and Patel receiving Academy Award nominations for their performances. Kidman’s nuanced portrayal of a nurturing yet understanding adoptive mother added depth to the story’s emotional landscape.

3 To Die For (1995)

Suzanne Stone Maretto

Kidman teamed up with Gus Van Sant in the 1995 black comedy To Die For, solidifying her status as a leading lady. The film, inspired by real-life events surrounding Pamela Smart, features Kidman as Suzanne Stone Maretto, a woman whose ambition drives her to extraordinary lengths.

Her captivating performance earned her a Golden Globe Award and a BAFTA nomination, establishing her as a formidable talent within the industry.

2 The Hours (2002)

Virginia Woolf

In The Hours, released in 2002 and directed by Stephen Daldry, Kidman portrayed Virginia Woolf during the 1920s, navigating her mental struggles while writing her acclaimed novel Mrs. Dalloway. This poignant narrative intertwines the lives of three women across different time periods who are connected by Woolf’s work.

The film received nine Academy Award nominations, with Kidman winning Best Actress, further showcasing her dramatic range alongside stars Meryl Streep and Julianne Moore.

1 Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Satin

Perhaps one of Kidman’s most iconic roles, she took on the challenging character of Satine in Baz Luhrmann’s musical masterpiece Moulin Rouge!. Although initially hesitant, Kidman’s decision to step into the role has been regarded as one of her finest career choices.

The film tells a tragic love story between Satine, a courtesan, and Christian (Ewan McGregor), a poet. Moulin Rouge! was a commercial and critical success, garnering eight Academy Award nominations, including a Best Actress nod for Kidman, who also won a Golden Globe for her standout performance.

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