Nicole Kidman’s 10 Best Movies And TV Shows

The best Nicole Kidman movies and TV shows feature decades’ worth of great releases that showcase the Australian actress’ talents. After getting her start in smaller Australian films in the ’80s, Kidman picked up her first major crossover role in the 1989 psychological thriller Dead Calm and this won her the attention of Hollywood, where her first big break came in the Tom Cruise action movie Days of Thunder in 1990. That led her on the path to becoming one of Hollywood’s top leading ladies.

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Throughout her decades-long career, Nicole Kidman has won an Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Primetime Emmy Award, and several Golden Globes Awards. She was also the first Australian actor to ever earn the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2024. She has taken on roles in just about every genre imaginable, from comedies and biopics to action movies, superhero fare, and even musicals. Kidman has worked with famed directors Stanley Kubrick, Tony Scott, Yorgos Lanthimos, and Robert Eggers.

10 Being The Ricardos (2021)

Lucille Ball

Being the Ricardos Posters

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Being the Ricardos RDramaBiography

Being the Ricardos is an Amazon original movie starring Nicole Kidman as I Love Lucy star Lucille Ball. The film focuses on Ball’s relationship with Desi Arnaz, played by Javier Bardem, and is told from three different perspectives. Directed by Aaron Sorkin, Being the Ricardos was nominated for three Academy Awards and also won a Golden Globe for Kidman’s performance.

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*Availability in US Release Date December 21, 2021 Runtime 131 Minutes Cast Nicole Kidman , Javier Bardem , J.K. Simmons , Nina Arianda , Tony Hale , Alia Shawkat , Jake Lacy , Clark Gregg Director Aaron Sorkin Distributor(s) Amazon Studios

In 2021, Nicole Kidman took on a tough role because she played someone who is a recognizable figure to most fans. Kidman played Lucille Ball in Being the Ricardos, a film that details the love story between Lucy and Desi Arnaz. The two shared a combustible marriage while also starring as wife and husband on the hit sitcom I Love Lucy, easily the most beloved series of early television history. Javier Bardem played Dezi Arnaz in the movie.

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being the ricardos true story lucille ball nicole kidman Related Being The Ricardos True Story: What The Movie Changed & Left Out

Here’s everything left out or changed about Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, and I Love Lucy in Being the Ricardos, starring Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem.

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Being the Ricardos ended up only getting a limited theatrical release since director Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing) made his deal to make the biopic with Amazon, meaning its main launch was on Prime Video. Despite this, the movie received a lot of critical notice, with Kidman and Bardem both receiving Academy Award nominations for Best Actor and Best Actress, and even J.K. Simmons was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. The film also earned five Golden Globe nominations, including one for Kidman.

9 The Northman (2022)

Queen Gudrun

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7.5/10 The Northman RDramaActionAdventure

Robert Eggers’ The Northman adapts the ancient legend of Amleth, the basis for Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. When a young Viking prince (Alexander Skarsgård) witnesses his uncle (Claes Bang) murdering his father (Ethan Hawke), he flees and swears revenge. Returning after years of honing his skills as a warrior, Amleth hunts his uncle in a bloody and brutal tale of revenge and retribution, hoping to rescue his mother (Nicole Kidman). 

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*Availability in US Release Date April 22, 2022 Runtime 136 minutes Cast Claes Bang , Ian Gerard Whyte , Nicole Kidman , Ingvar Eggert Sigurðsson , Kate Dickie , Olwen Fouéré , Katie Pattinson , Ethan Hawke , Gustav Lindh , Willem Dafoe , Doa Barney , Ralph Ineson , Ian Whyte , Bjork , Alexander Skarsgard , Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson , Anya Taylor-Joy , Murray McArthur Director Robert Eggers Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Expand

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Robert Eggers remains one of the top up-and-coming directors in Hollywood today thanks to his indie sensibilities. After he released his first movie, The Witch, in 2015, cinephiles wanted to see what was next. He hasn’t dropped the ball yet, releasing The Lighthouse, The Northman, and the 2024 horror remake Nosferatu. For The Northman, Eggers told his epic historical film about the Viking people. Nicole Kidman signed on as Queen Gudrún, the mother of Amleth (Alexander Skarsgård).

The story follows Amleth, a young man when his uncle Fjölnir (Claes Bang) pulled off a coup and beheaded King Aurvandill (Ethan Hawke). Amleth then goes into hiding and plans his revenge to retake his father’s clan. Kidman’s role is very important as she was the one who planned the coup and had her husband murdered, and she has no love for her son, as he was born as a result of rape. In a rare villainous role, Kidman delivered an impressive performance in this universally acclaimed film.

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8 The Beguiled (2017)

Martha Farnsworth

The Beguiled (2017) - Poster - Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst & Elie Fanning Wearing white dresses

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The Beguiled R

The Beguiled (2017) is a Southern Gothic drama directed by Sofia Coppola. Set during the American Civil War, the narrative unfolds in a Virginia girls’ school where the arrival of a wounded Union soldier disrupts the equilibrium of the female inhabitants. The film stars Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, and Colin Farrell, intertwining themes of desire, jealousy, and betrayal in a confined setting.

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*Availability in US Release Date June 23, 2017 Runtime 93 minutes Main Genre Drama Cast Colin Farrell , Nicole Kidman , Kirsten Dunst , Elle Fanning , Oona Laurence , Angourie Rice Director Sofia Coppola Distributor(s) Focus Features Expand

In 2017, Nicole Kidman joined forces with director Sofia Coppola for a Southern Gothic thriller, The Beguiled. The story takes place during the American Civil War at a boarding school where only the headmistress, five students, and one teacher remain. While the youngest student Amy (Oona Laurence) is out in the woods, she finds an injured Union Army corporal named John (Colin Farrell) and brings him back to the school. Nicole Kidman plays the role of Miss Farnsworth, the headmistress.

Farrell was the only major male character in the cast, which also included Kirsten Dunst and Elle Fanning. While The Beguiled only received a limited release, critics mostly praised the film, with Sofia Coppola’s directing restrained, allowing the cast to shine. Coppola won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival with the cast taking home the Best Ensemble Performance at the International Online Cinema Awards.

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7 The Others (2001)

Grace Stewart

the others poster

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The Others PG-13MysteryThrillerHorror

Alejandro Amenábar wrote and directed this cult-classic 2001 Horror film starring Nicole Kidman and Fionnula Flanagan. The premise follows a mother and her two young photosensitive children as they attempt to deal with a mysterious and possibly sinister presence in their New Jersey home.

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*Availability in US Release Date August 10, 2001 Runtime 104 minutes Cast Nicole Kidman , James Bentley , Alakina Mann , Christopher Eccleston , Fionnula Flanagan Director Alejandro Amenábar Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures , StudioCanal , Dimension Films

In 2001, Nicole Kidman worked with director Alejandro Amenábar on the gothic horror movie The Others. The film takes place in 1945 with Grace Stewart living in a remote country house on the island of Jersey. She lives there with her two young children, Anne and Nicholas, and struggles to keep them healthy as they have light sensitivity issues. After Grace hires three new employees as her housekeeper, gardener, and maid, she soon comes to believe that her home might be haunted by spirits and fights to keep her kids safe.

A collage of several images from the 2001 horror movie The Others, created by Shawn Lealos Related The Others Ending, Explained

The Others is a haunting and memorable horror movie about the Stewart family, and its ending includes a twist that answers many questions.

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The Others has a twist that has been spoofed and referenced in many haunted house movies since this was released, but it was done masterfully here. Kidman is perfect as the mother who slowly realizes the truth about her life and home and has to come to grips with what she did and what the future holds. Kidman earned a Saturn Award for her performance with nominations at the BAFTA Awards, Goya Awards, and Satellite Awards.

6 Rabbit Hole (2010)

Becca Corbett

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Rabbit Hole PG-13Drama

Rabbit Hole, released in 2010, stars Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart as a couple grappling with the aftermath of their young son’s tragic accident. The film explores themes of grief, family dynamics, and healing as they navigate their altered lives and relationships.

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*Availability in US Release Date December 16, 2010 Runtime 91 minutes Cast Aaron Eckhart , Nicole Kidman , Dianne Wiest , Miles Teller , Tammy Blanchard , Sandra Oh , Giancarlo Esposito , Jon Tenney , Stephen Mailer , Mike Doyle , Roberta Wallach , Patricia Kalember , Ali Marsh , Yetta Gottesman , Colin Mitchell , Deidre Goodwin , Julie Lauren , Rob Campbell , Jay Wilkison , Ben Hudson , Salli Saffioti , Ursula Parker , Phoenix List , Sandi Carroll , Teresa Kelsey Director John Cameron Mitchell Expand

In 2010, Nicole Kidman took on a role in the drama movie Rabbit Hole. Directed by Hohn Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Itch) and based on the stage play by David Lindsay-Abaire, the movie is one of Kidman’s deepest. She plays Becca, who along with her husband Howie (Aaron Eckhart) is mourning the death of their four-year-old child. Joining them in the cast was an all-star group of actors, including Dianne Wiest, Giancarlo Esposito, and Miles Teller in his film debut.

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Rabbit Hole received critical acclaim after its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival. Nicole Kidman was especially credited for her performance in the movie as a grieving mother. The role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She also earned nominations at the Golden Globes, Independent Spirit, Satellite, and SAG Awards.

5 Big Little Lies (2017)

Celeste Wright

big-little-lies

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Big Little Lies TV-MA

In Monterey, California, five women meet through the elementary school while their children attend. Despite the friendships they form, each of them is harboring secrets, which have the potential to destroy the fragile balance of their lives.

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*Availability in US Release Date February 19, 2017 Main Genre Crime Cast Reese Witherspoon , Nicole Kidman , Zoë Kravitz , Shailene Woodley , Laura Dern , Alexander Skarsgard , Adam Scott , James Tupper , Jeffrey Nordling , Iain Armitage , Kathryn Newton , Meryl Streep Seasons 2 Showrunner David E. Kelley

Nicole Kidman made her way to television and began to not only star in TV shows but also produce them to ensure that they were developed the way she felt they deserved. The best of these came in 20917 with an adaptation of the novel Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. Created by David E. Kelley (Ally McBeal), the HBO series features five women who become involved in a murder investigation. Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, Zoë Kravitz, and Reese Witherspoon join Kidman in the cast.

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A composite image of Zoe Kravitz looking on in front of the rest of the cast of Big Little Lies Related Big Little Lies Season 3: Cast, Story & Everything We Know

After Nicole Kidman confirmed that Big Little Lies season 3 was officially on the way, several exciting updates have already been revealed.

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After the explosive first season concluded the murder investigation, Meryl Streep joined the cast for the second season as the murder victim’s mother, looking for answers. Big Little Lies was critically acclaimed, with 16 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, winning eight. Kidman won an Emmy for her performance and the first season also won Outstanding Limited Series.

4 Lion (2016)

Sue Brierley

lion poster

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Lion PG-13Drama

2016’s Lion is a drama film based on a book by Saroo Brierley titled A Long Way Home. Directed by Garth Davis, the movie chronicles a young boy who finds himself lost in a city and must make it home while unable to communicate well with the locals.

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*Availability in US Release Date November 25, 2016 Runtime 118minutes Cast Dev Patel , Nawazuddin Siddiqui , Divian Ladwa , Nicole Kidman , Tannishtha Chatterjee , Abhishek Bharate , Rooney Mara , Deepti Naval , David Wenham , Sunny Pawar , Priyanka Bose Director Garth Davis

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Nicole Kidman took on a supporting role in the 2016 biographical drama Lion. In this movie, Dev Patel stars as Saroo Brierley, a man who was separated from his family in India as a child and returns 25 years later to find them. Based on the 2013 non-fiction book A Long Way Home by the real Brierley, the film debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival and received critical praise for both the story and the acting, with both Patel and Kidman receiving high praise for their work.

Both Patel and Kidman received Academy Award nominations for their performances and the film received four other nominations as well. Kidman plays Sue Brierley, the Australian woman who adopted him, teaching him English, and raising him in Tasmania. While the plot focuses on Saroo looking for his biological mother, Kidman delivers a strong performance of Sue, the woman who raised him as a mother but fully supports his dreams to find the family he lost as a child.

3 To Die For (1995)

Suzanne Stone Maretto

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To Die For RDramaComedyCrime

To Die For is a black comedy-drama directed by Gus Van Sant, featuring Nicole Kidman as Suzanne Stone, an aspiring news anchor determined to achieve fame at any cost. The film explores her relentless ambition and manipulative schemes, highlighting the lengths she will go to remove any obstacles in her path.

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*Availability in US Release Date September 22, 1995 Runtime 106 minutes Cast Matt Dillon , Nicole Kidman , Joaquin Phoenix , Casey Affleck , Illeana Douglas , Alison Folland , Dan Hedaya , Wayne Knight , Kurtwood Smith , Holland Taylor , Susan Traylor , Maria Tucci , Tim Hopper , Michael Rispoli , Buck Henry , Gerry Quigley , Tom Forrester , Alan Edward Lewis , Nadine MacKinnon , Conrad Coates , Ron Gabriel , Ian Heath , Graeme Millington , Sean Ryan , Nicholas Pasco Director Gus Van Sant Expand
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Nicole Kidman teamed up with Gus Van Sant in 1995 for the black comedy film To Die For. This was one of Kidman’s early movie roles and showed she was ready to step into the spotlight as a lead actress. The film, based on the 1992 novel of the same name by Joyce Maynard, tells a story inspired by the real-life American woman Pamela Smart who was convicted of being an accomplice to first-degree murder, conspiracy to murder, and witness tampering in the death of her husband.

There are some major differences in the movie and Pamela Smart’s story, as the real Smart is serving a life sentence in prison while Suzanne in the movie received what was coming to her after planning her husband’s death. A young Joaquin Phoenix and Casey Affleck star as the high school students she convinced to kill her husband while Matt Dillon plays the husband. Critics praised Kidman’s performance, and she went on to win her first Golden Globe Award while earning a BAFTA nomination as well.

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2 The Hours (2002)

Virginia Woolf

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The Hours PG-13

Three women from different eras are linked by their troubled relationships and the novel “Mrs. Dalloway.” Virginia Woolf, author of the book, struggles with mental illness and creativity in 1920s England. In 1950s Los Angeles, a housewife contemplates a significant life change after reading the novel. In contemporary New York, a publisher travels through life while planning a party that mirrors Woolf’s narrative.

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*Availability in US Release Date December 27, 2002 Runtime 114 minutes Main Genre Drama Cast Nicole Kidman , Julianne Moore , Meryl Streep , Ed Harris , Stephen Dillane Director Stephen Daldry Distributor(s) Paramount Pictures Expand

In 2002, Nicole Kidman joined forces with Meryl Streep and Julianne Moore for the Stephen Daldry period drama The Hours. This film resulted in Daldry’s second of three Oscar nominations for Best Director (between 2000’s Billy Elliot and 2008’s The Reader). The three actresses play characters all connected to Virginia Woolf’s 1925 novel Mrs. Dalloway, while all living in different time periods.

Nicole Kidman actually plays Virginia Woolf in 1920s England as she battles through depression issues while writing Mrs. Dalloway. Moore plays Laura Brown, a pregnant housewife in 1951 in an unhappy marriage. Streep plays Clarissa Vaughan, a woman in 2001 who prepares an award party for her poet friend Richard, a man battling AIDS. The Hours received nine Academy Awards nominations and Kidman won the only Oscar for the film by taking home the Best Actress award.

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1 Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Satine

Moulin Rouge Movie Poster

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9/10 Moulin Rouge! PG-13

Moulin Rouge! follows Christian, a young writer in Paris, who falls in love with Satine, the star courtesan of the Moulin Rouge cabaret. As they begin a passionate affair, they must hide their love from the jealous Duke, who is funding Satine’s next show.

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*Availability in US Release Date June 1, 2001 Runtime 127 Minutes Main Genre Musical Cast Nicole Kidman , Ewan McGregor , John Leguizamo , Jim Broadbent , Richard Roxburgh , Garry McDonald Director Baz Luhrmann

In 2001, Nicole Kidman took on one of the most difficult roles of her career when she signed on to star in Baz Luhrmann’s musical Moulin Rouge! Kidman had previously said that she had to be convinced to join Moulin Rouge! because she didn’t think she could handle the performance. She finally took on the role and it was one of the best decisions of her career as she completely owned the role of Satine.

Moulin Rouge! stars Ewan McGregor as Christian, a poet who falls in love with Satine, the star of the Moulin Rogue, a cabaret actress and courtesan\. However, he realizes too late that this might be a relationship that was only meant for his dreams. The movie was a box office and critical success and earned eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Nicole Kidman. It also won a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Kidman won for her performance.

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