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Kate Winslet's top 20 movie roles, ranked from worst to best

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - November 22nd 2024, 16:00 GMT+1

Cropped About — About this gallery:

For this list, we have decided to focus only on movies where Kate Winslet appears, no matter how small her role is. For this reason, don’t expect any of her performances in series, short films, or commercials. And remember, this list is subjective! If you think any movie is not in the right spot, share your opinion!

| © Sony Pictures Classics

Cropped Holy Smoke — 20. Holy Smoke (1999)

Kate Winslet as Ruth Barron is like a whirlwind of chaos and charm, navigating a plot so offbeat it leaves you scratching your head. Directed by Jane Campion, this tale of a young woman swept up in a cult and a cowboy-esque Harvey Keitel trying to deprogram her is as bizarre as it sounds. Winslet is captivating, balancing vulnerability and rebellion, but the film itself feels like it can't decide if it’s a satire or a melodrama. It’s definitely a “love it or hate it” kind of experience. While Winslet’s performance shines, the uneven tone doesn’t quite live up to her talent. | © Miramax Films

Cropped Enigma — 19. Enigma (2001)

In this World War II espionage drama, Winslet plays Hester Wallace, a cryptoanalyst with a no-nonsense attitude and an old-school cardigan game that's strong enough to steal the show. While she’s fantastic as always, the film tends to meander, lacking the spark that could have made it truly thrilling. Still, Winslet’s sharp, witty performance adds much-needed layers to an otherwise middling script. She’s the heart of the story, even if the film itself struggles to crack its own code. | © Intermedia

Cropped Contagion — 18. Contagion (2011)

Here, Winslet trades period dresses for hazmat suits as Dr. Erin Mears, a determined epidemiologist racing against a global pandemic. Her performance is precise and no-nonsense, delivering a realism that makes you wonder if she moonlights as a scientist. While her role is relatively small in this ensemble cast, Winslet brings warmth to an otherwise cold and clinical story. Spoiler alert: her character’s fate might leave you reaching for tissues – and maybe some hand sanitizer. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped Finding Neverland — 17. Finding Neverland (2004)

As Sylvia Llewelyn Davies, Winslet is the picture of maternal grace and quiet strength. Starring alongside Johnny Depp in this whimsical yet bittersweet take on the creation of *Peter Pan*, Winslet grounds the story with her heartfelt performance. While the movie can lean a little too hard on sentimentality, her portrayal of a loving, struggling mother keeps it from floating away entirely. It’s not her most challenging role, but she makes it memorable nonetheless. | © Miramax Films

Cropped The Dressmaker — 16. The Dressmaker (2015)

Winslet embraces her inner femme fatale as Tilly Dunnage, a glamorous seamstress returning to her tiny Australian hometown to seek revenge through couture. The movie is as eccentric as it sounds – a mix of high fashion, dark comedy, and melodrama. Winslet looks like she’s having the time of her life, even as the film’s tone sometimes veers off-course. Love it or hate it, you can’t deny Winslet’s magnetism as she wields a sewing machine like a weapon. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Steve Jobs — 15. Steve Jobs (2015)

Winslet disappears into the role of Joanna Hoffman, Steve Jobs’ loyal confidante and occasional voice of reason. With a flawless accent and a steely determination, she goes toe-to-toe with Michael Fassbender’s magnetic portrayal of Jobs. The film is a sharp, dialogue-driven exploration of genius and human imperfection, and Winslet keeps the emotional stakes high. It’s a performance that reminds you why she’s one of the best in the business. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Ammonite — 14. Ammonite (2020)

Winslet trades red carpets for rocky shores as Mary Anning, a stoic fossil hunter in this brooding period drama. Paired with Saoirse Ronan, Winslet delivers a subtle and deeply moving performance that’s as much about longing as it is about love. The film’s pacing might be glacial for some, but Winslet’s ability to convey unspoken emotion makes every frame worth it. It’s not a crowd-pleaser, but for those who appreciate nuance, it’s a gem. | © Neon

Cropped Quills — 13. Quills (2000)

As the laundress Madeleine LeClerc, Winslet brings a mix of wit and innocence to this dark, provocative tale of the Marquis de Sade. She’s caught in a whirlwind of lust, madness, and rebellion, and her chemistry with Geoffrey Rush is electrifying. The film is as bold as it is controversial, and Winslet gives it a much-needed emotional anchor. It’s a role that shows her fearless approach to tackling the unconventional. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

Cropped Jude — 12. Jude (1996)

Winslet’s Sue Bridehead is a fascinating mix of idealism and tragedy in this adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s *Jude the Obscure*. She’s radiant as ever, but the unrelenting misery of the story can be a tough sell. Winslet’s chemistry with Christopher Eccleston is raw and heartfelt, but the film itself is so bleak it feels like it needs a hug. Her performance, though, is nothing short of mesmerizing. | © PolyGram Filmed Entertainment

Cropped Lee — 11. Lee (2024)

Winslet steps into the role of Lee Miller, a model-turned-war photographer, in this gripping biopic. She embodies Miller’s complexity with grace, diving into the character’s struggles and triumphs with equal fervor. The film doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of Miller’s life, and Winslet carries the weight of it all beautifully. It’s a testament to her ability to transform herself into any role with stunning authenticity. | © Sky Cinema

Cropped Hamlet — 10. Hamlet (1996)

Winslet’s Ophelia is a haunting portrayal of love, madness, and heartbreak in Kenneth Branagh’s lavish adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. While the four-hour runtime might test anyone’s patience, Winslet makes every minute of her screen time count. Her descent into madness is raw and gut-wrenching, showcasing her ability to handle the Bard’s language with grace and intensity. It’s a standout performance in a visually stunning, if overindulgent, production. | © Castle Rock Entertainment

Cropped Little Children — 9. Little Children (2006)

Winslet is magnetic as Sarah Pierce, a disillusioned suburban mom caught in a web of forbidden passion and moral ambiguity. Her performance is raw, layered, and fearless, painting a vivid picture of a woman searching for something more in a world of cookie-cutter expectations. The film’s sharp commentary on suburban life is elevated by Winslet’s ability to convey vulnerability and strength in equal measure. It’s no surprise this role earned her yet another Oscar nod. | © New Line Cinema

Cropped Iris — 8. Iris (2001)

As the young Iris Murdoch, Winslet captures the fierce intellect and free spirit of the renowned author in this poignant biopic. The film juxtaposes her youthful exuberance with Judi Dench’s portrayal of Iris in her later years, battling Alzheimer’s. Winslet shines, bringing warmth and vibrancy to her scenes, even if the film itself leans heavily into its somber themes. Her chemistry with Hugh Bonneville is touching, making this a memorable chapter in her career. | © Miramax Films

Cropped Revolutionary Road — 7. Revolutionary Road (2008)

Reuniting with Leonardo DiCaprio, Winslet delivers a devastating performance as April Wheeler, a woman trapped in the suffocating monotony of suburban life. The film is a relentless exploration of broken dreams and unfulfilled potential, and Winslet’s intensity is heartbreaking. She and DiCaprio are electric together, reigniting their *Titanic* chemistry in a much darker, more harrowing context. It’s a role that reminds us why Winslet is an Oscar darling. | © Paramount Vantage

Cropped Sense and Sensibility — 6. Sense and Sensibility (1995)

In her breakout role as Marianne Dashwood, Winslet captures the fiery passion and impulsive naivety of Jane Austen’s beloved character. Her performance is brimming with youthful energy and emotional depth, making her a standout in a cast that includes Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant. This film put Winslet on the map and proved she could hold her own in a period drama, setting the stage for the illustrious career that followed. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Heavenly Creatures — 5. Heavenly Creatures (1994)

As Juliet Hulme, a dangerously imaginative teenager, Winslet gives a chilling and unforgettable performance in her feature film debut. Directed by Peter Jackson, this psychological drama is both beautiful and deeply unsettling, and Winslet’s portrayal of Juliet’s descent into obsession is mesmerizing. It’s a bold, fearless performance that announced her arrival as a serious talent to watch out for. Even as a newcomer, she demonstrated the emotional complexity that would define her career. | © Miramax Films

Cropped Titanic — 4. Titanic (1997)

Ah, Rose DeWitt Bukater – the role that launched Winslet into global superstardom. Winslet’s portrayal of the spirited and rebellious Rose opposite Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jack is nothing short of iconic. While the film’s melodrama might feel a bit heavy-handed today, Winslet’s performance holds up as a shining beacon of sincerity and passion. Love it or mock it, *Titanic* remains one of the most influential films of all time, and Winslet’s role is a big reason why. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind — 3. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Winslet’s Clementine Kruczynski is the quirky, emotionally complex heart of this mind-bending romantic drama. Paired with Jim Carrey, she delivers one of her most nuanced performances, balancing the character’s chaotic energy with a deep vulnerability. It’s a film about love, memory, and heartbreak, and Winslet’s portrayal makes it unforgettable. The role is a career highlight, showcasing her versatility and willingness to take creative risks. | © Focus Features

Cropped Carnage — 2. Carnage (2011)

As Nancy Cowan, Winslet dives headfirst into the chaos of Roman Polanski’s dark comedy about two couples unraveling over a playground incident. Sharing the screen with Jodie Foster, Christoph Waltz, and John C. Reilly, Winslet holds her own in this claustrophobic, dialogue-driven chamber piece. Her comedic timing and ability to switch between politeness and outright hostility are on full display. It’s a sharp, witty performance in a film that’s equal parts hilarious and uncomfortable. | © Sony Pictures Classics

Cropped The Reader — 1. The Reader (2008)

In her Oscar-winning turn as Hanna Schmitz, Winslet delivers a breathtaking performance in this morally complex drama. Playing a former Nazi guard involved in a haunting relationship with a younger man, Winslet brings humanity to a deeply flawed and controversial character. It’s a challenging role that she handles with grace, proving once again why she’s one of the best in the business. The film itself is polarizing, but Winslet’s performance is undeniably masterful. | © The Weinstein Company

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Kate Winslet is one of the most celebrated actresses of our time, with a career spanning decades and a talent that consistently leaves audiences in awe. From heart-wrenching dramas to critically acclaimed blockbusters, Winslet has brought depth, emotion, and authenticity to every role she's taken on.

But which of her performances truly stand out? Join us as we dive into her illustrious filmography, ranking Kate Winslet's top 20 movie roles from worst to best. Prepare to revisit some of her iconic moments – and maybe even discover a hidden gem along the way!

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Kate Winslet is one of the most celebrated actresses of our time, with a career spanning decades and a talent that consistently leaves audiences in awe. From heart-wrenching dramas to critically acclaimed blockbusters, Winslet has brought depth, emotion, and authenticity to every role she's taken on.

But which of her performances truly stand out? Join us as we dive into her illustrious filmography, ranking Kate Winslet's top 20 movie roles from worst to best. Prepare to revisit some of her iconic moments – and maybe even discover a hidden gem along the way!