The 10 Most Underrated Nicole Kidman Movies, Ranked (From Least to Most Underrated)

Nicole Kidman has starred in movies for decades, across many different genres and countries, taking on everything from small, personal stories to big action adventures. While some of her most famous films get all the attention, there are many other movies where she delivers fantastic and unique performances that people don’t always talk about. This list highlights ten of those films, counting down from ten to one.

Discover movie and play adaptations, films from around the world, and projects made with well-known directors. Each listing gives you simple information about the plot and background, making it easy to choose your next watch.

‘Birth’ (2004)

Jonathan Glazer’s film centers on Anna, a woman in Manhattan who’s recently lost her husband. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets a young boy who claims to be the reincarnation of her late spouse. Filmed in New York City, the movie features Cameron Bright, Lauren Bacall, and Danny Huston, with beautiful visuals by Harris Savides and a moving score composed by Alexandre Desplat.

I was absolutely captivated by this film when I first saw it at the Venice Film Festival, and then again at Toronto. What really struck me was how beautifully it was shot – everything felt so deliberate and carefully considered. And the locations! They used some of the most recognizable and stunning interiors and parks in New York City, which really added to the film’s atmosphere and impact.

‘Destroyer’ (2018)

This Los Angeles crime drama, directed by Karyn Kusama, centers on detective Erin Bell as she revisits a dangerous undercover operation from her past. The film stars Sebastian Stan, Tatiana Maslany, Toby Kebbell, and Bradley Whitford, and features cinematography by Julie Kirkwood.

The movie first premiered at the Telluride Film Festival, then moved on to Toronto. Nicole Kidman underwent a significant physical makeover, with detailed makeup and hair styling used to show how her character aged throughout the investigation.

‘Practical Magic’ (1998)

This movie, inspired by Alice Hoffman’s book, tells the story of the Owens sisters and their struggle with a family history of witchcraft and a long-standing curse that affects their love lives. Sandra Bullock, Dianne Wiest, and Stockard Channing star in the film, alongside Goran Visnjic and Aidan Quinn.

The iconic Owens house was originally built as a temporary set for outdoor shots during filming in Washington state, while indoor scenes were filmed on traditional soundstages. Alan Silvestri created the film’s musical score, and the movie features several popular songs that perfectly capture its autumnal atmosphere.

‘The Portrait of a Lady’ (1996)

Jane Campion’s film is based on Henry James’s novel, following Isabel Archer, an American woman who comes into an inheritance and navigates complex relationships and societal expectations in Europe. The film also stars John Malkovich, Barbara Hershey, and Martin Donovan, with a screenplay by Laura Jones.

Filmed in both England and Italy, the movie carefully recreated the look and feel of the late 1800s through its sets, costumes, and cinematography by Stuart Dryburgh. The music was also specifically chosen to match director Jane Campion’s vision for the story.

‘The Interpreter’ (2005)

Sydney Pollack’s thriller centers on Silvia Broome, a UN interpreter who believes she’s overheard a conspiracy to harm a visiting leader. Sean Penn plays a Secret Service agent tasked with determining if the threat is real and if Silvia’s information is trustworthy.

I was so impressed by how the filmmakers were actually allowed to film *inside* the United Nations Headquarters in New York – even in the General Assembly Hall! The music, by James Newton Howard, was fantastic, and they shot a lot of the action – the car chases and surveillance stuff – all over Manhattan and Brooklyn. It really felt like a true New York experience.

‘Australia’ (2008)

Baz Luhrmann’s sweeping historical drama, set in Australia’s Northern Territory during and around World War II, follows Lady Sarah Ashley, an English noblewoman, and a rugged cattle drover as they drive a massive herd of cattle across the harsh outback. Their journey is complicated by the Japanese bombing of Darwin. The film stars Hugh Jackman, alongside Brandon Walters as Nullah, with David Wenham and Bryan Brown appearing in supporting roles.

Mandy Walker was the cinematographer, filming extensively on location in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. The film weaves in historical elements related to the Stolen Generations and uses both real outdoor locations and studio sets to create towns and indoor scenes.

‘Stoker’ (2013)

Park Chan-wook directs this dark and suspenseful thriller, written by Wentworth Miller. The story centers on India Stoker as she deals with the loss of her father and the unexpected appearance of her enigmatic uncle. Mia Wasikowska and Matthew Goode star in the film, which is visually striking thanks to its focus on sharp architecture and the use of reflections.

Filming happened in Tennessee, and Chung Chung hoon was in charge of the camera work. The music features pieces by Clint Mansell and a special piano duet by Philip Glass. The film first shown at the Sundance Film Festival before being released internationally.

‘Dead Calm’ (1989)

I was completely captivated by Phillip Noyce’s film, based on Charles Williams’ novel! It tells the story of a couple sailing on their yacht who come across a man rescued from a sinking ship. What really struck me was how intimate the film felt – it’s largely focused on these three characters, Sam Neill, Billy Zane, and the other actor, and it all unfolds miles and miles out at sea. It’s a really tense and gripping story!

The movie was filmed off the Australian coast, using both the open ocean and large tanks to create realistic storm and nighttime scenes. Dean Semler was the director of photography, and the filmmakers used real-world effects – not computer-generated imagery – to show the yacht being damaged and flooded.

‘To Die For’ (1995)

Directed by Gus Van Sant and based on a novel by Joyce Maynard, this darkly comedic crime story, penned by Buck Henry, centers on a man in a small town who desperately wants to be known and gets mixed up with a group of teenagers. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix, Matt Dillon, and Illeana Douglas.

Most of the movie was filmed in Ontario, Canada, but it’s set in New England. Danny Elfman created the musical score, and the filmmakers used a combination of direct interviews with people involved and regular scenes to show multiple sides of the story.

‘Rabbit Hole’ (2010)

This moving drama, based on David Lindsay-Abaire’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, tells the story of a couple coping with the loss of their child. It stars Aaron Eckhart, alongside Dianne Wiest, Sandra Oh, and Miles Teller, and is directed by John Cameron Mitchell.

The film debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival, and Nicole Kidman was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance. Filming occurred in and around New York City, and the movie maintains the close, personal feel of the original play by focusing on everyday locations like homes, streets, and local gathering places.

Share your own picks for overlooked Nicole Kidman films in the comments.

2025-09-22 10:17