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Salma Hayek's top 20 movie roles, ranked from worst to best

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - November 9th 2024, 17:00 GMT+1

Cropped About — About this gallery:

For this list, we have decided to focus only on movies where Salma Hayek 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!

| © Miramax Films

Cropped Eternals — 20. Eternals (2021)

In *Eternals*, Salma Hayek steps into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ajak, the wise leader of the immortal superhero team. It’s a more reserved role for her, as she plays the stoic, compassionate mentor. While *Eternals* has its fair share of critics, Salma brings a warmth to her character that adds depth, even if the movie itself doesn’t quite hit superhero gold. | © Marvel Studios

Cropped Breaking Up — 19. Breaking Up (1997)

*Breaking Up* casts Salma opposite Russell Crowe in a romantic drama that’s more about emotional turmoil than happy endings. The two stars have chemistry, but the film itself feels repetitive—lots of fights, make-ups, and more fights. Salma does her best to make the rocky relationship believable, even if the film doesn’t quite know where it’s going. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped Without Blood — 18. Without Blood (2024)

In *Without Blood*, Salma Hayek takes a step into quieter, introspective territory. Her performance is nuanced, reflecting the emotional toll of trauma and loss. It’s a slower film, for sure, but Salma shows she doesn’t need explosions or gunfights to command attention. It’s a thoughtful, understated role that proves her range as an actress. | © Fremantle

Cropped Everly — 17. Everly (2014)

*Everly* is Salma Hayek’s attempt to go full action heroine, and she’s giving it her all as a woman trapped in a room, fending off wave after wave of assassins. The movie is fast-paced, gory, and downright bonkers, but it’s a showcase for Salma’s tough-as-nails side. The plot is thin, but if you’re in the mood for relentless action, she delivers in spades. | © Radius-TWC

Cropped Wild Wild West — 16. Wild Wild West (1999)

Oh, *Wild Wild West*… where to begin? Salma Hayek is caught in the middle of one of the strangest steampunk Westerns ever made. Despite the movie’s many flaws (and boy, there are many), Salma looks amazing in her corseted outfits, though her character doesn’t get much to do beyond being eye candy. It’s not her fault the movie was a train wreck, but at least she tried. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped Timecode — 15. Timecode (2000)

*Timecode* is one of those experimental films shot in split-screen, and Salma Hayek is part of the ensemble cast. It’s a bold attempt at something different, though the result can be more confusing than compelling. Still, Salma holds her own, and the film’s real-time, no-cut style gives her room to play with the chaotic energy. It’s a movie you watch for the novelty rather than the story. | © Screen Gems

Cropped Once Upon a Time in Mexico — 14. Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)

Reprising her role as Carolina in *Once Upon a Time in Mexico*, Salma Hayek is once again the ultimate badass, although she’s given less to do in this installment. The movie is all about guns, explosions, and cool sunglasses, but Salma’s chemistry with Banderas remains strong. She’s the calm in the storm of bullets, even if she’s more of a side note this time around. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped The Hitmans Bodyguard — 13. The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017)

Salma Hayek steals the show in *The Hitman’s Bodyguard*, even with limited screen time. As the foul-mouthed, no-nonsense wife of Samuel L. Jackson’s hitman, she delivers some of the funniest lines in the movie. Her comedic timing is gold, and you kind of wish the movie had more of her. The action might get ridiculous, but Salma’s fiery presence makes it worth watching. | © Lionsgate

Cropped Fools Rush In — 12. Fools Rush In (1997)

In *Fools Rush In*, Salma Hayek takes on rom-com territory opposite Matthew Perry. It’s cute, sweet, and predictable, but Salma brings a spark to her role as the feisty, free-spirited Isabel. The chemistry between her and Perry is charming, even if the movie itself sticks to the standard rom-com formula. It’s light, fluffy fun, perfect for a cozy movie night. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Across the Universe — 11. Across the Universe (2007)

Salma Hayek’s role in *Across the Universe* is a brief one—she plays a singing nurse in a Beatles-inspired musical sequence. It’s a trippy cameo, but the whole movie is a visual spectacle with a killer soundtrack. Her scene may be blink-and-you-miss-it, but hey, any reason to throw Salma into a musical number is a good one. | © Revolution Studios

Cropped Bandidas — 10. Bandidas (2006)

*Bandidas* pairs Salma Hayek with Penélope Cruz for a Western comedy romp. It’s silly, campy, and totally over-the-top, but watching these two team up as gun-slinging, bank-robbing heroines is a joy in itself. Sure, the movie isn’t aiming for high art, but it's fun seeing Salma loosen up and play for laughs. It’s definitely a guilty pleasure. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Savages — 9. Savages (2012)

As a ruthless cartel queen in *Savages*, Salma Hayek delivers a performance dripping with venom. Her Elena is cold, calculating, and fierce—almost too good for a movie that’s more flash than substance. Despite the film’s chaotic plot and over-the-top violence, Salma stands out as the villain you love to hate. She’s clearly having fun being the bad guy. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Lonely Hearts — 8. Lonely Hearts (2006)

Playing Martha Beck in *Lonely Hearts*, Salma shows off her darker side, taking on the role of a 1940s con woman and murderer. It’s a far cry from her usual glamorous roles, and she leans into the disturbed, needy character with gusto. The film itself might not be a thriller masterpiece, but it’s a chance to see Salma do something completely different—dark, desperate, and just a little creepy. | © Millennium Films

Cropped Dogma — 7. Dogma (1999)

In *Dogma*, Salma Hayek is cast as a muse who moonlights as a stripper—because, why not? She adds plenty of sass and wit to Kevin Smith’s irreverent, theology-laden comedy. Sure, it’s a quirky role in a movie full of weirdness, but Salma’s comic timing helps her shine. Even if the religious satire isn’t your thing, Salma's charisma makes it more fun than it probably should be. | © Lionsgate Films

Cropped In the Time of the Butterflies — 6. In the Time of the Butterflies (2001)

Salma takes on the role of Minerva Mirabal in *In the Time of the Butterflies*, giving a heartfelt performance as a revolutionary fighting the Dominican dictatorship. It's a serious film with a heavy message, and Salma handles it with grace, though the movie sometimes struggles with pacing. Her portrayal of courage in the face of oppression is moving, even if the film itself doesn’t quite soar. | © MGM Television

Cropped Tale of Tales — 5. Tale Of Tales (2015)

In *Tale of Tales*, Salma Hayek plays a queen who will literally do anything for a child—like eating the heart of a sea monster. It’s a visually stunning fantasy film with the weirdness dialed all the way up. Salma's regal presence commands the screen, even though the plot sometimes feels like a fever dream. It’s artful, dark, and undeniably bizarre, but Salma looks like she’s having a blast. | © 01 Distribution

Salma Hayek from dusk till dawn MSN — 4. From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

Salma Hayek only needed a few minutes to make *From Dusk Till Dawn* unforgettable. Her sultry, snake-charming dance as Santanico Pandemonium became the stuff of cult legend. Did the rest of the movie live up to that jaw-dropping performance? Eh, it's a schlocky vampire flick, but who cares when Salma turns up the heat like that? | © Dimension Films

Cropped Desperado — 3. Desperado (1995)

*Desperado* was the film that turned Salma Hayek into the ultimate action babe, strutting into town with all the swagger of a mariachi band at high noon. Sure, her character may have been a bit thin on development (she's basically the love interest in tight leather pants), but the chemistry with Antonio Banderas? Sizzling. It’s a fun, wild ride, even if she doesn't get to do as much gun-slinging. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Beatriz at Dinner — 2. Beatriz at Dinner (2017)

Hayek goes subtle in *Beatriz at Dinner*, trading her usual fiery persona for a quiet, introspective healer caught in a world of privilege and excess. It's one of those "dinner party gone wrong" setups, but she holds her own against John Lithgow's smug businessman. While it can feel like it's hitting you over the head with its message at times, Salma's grounded performance makes you feel every uncomfortable moment. | © Roadside Attractions

Cropped Frida — 1. Frida (2002)

Salma Hayek nailed it in *Frida*, bringing the vibrant, tumultuous life of Frida Kahlo to the big screen. This role wasn't just about slapping on a unibrow—she genuinely embodied the fierce artist with both passion and vulnerability. It’s one of those performances where the actress and character seem to merge into one, even if the movie itself sometimes drags. But hey, not every biopic has to be a roller coaster, right? | © Miramax Films

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Salma Hayek's career has been nothing short of iconic, with a range of roles that showcase her fiery charisma, emotional depth, and undeniable screen presence. From thrilling action-packed adventures to intimate dramas, she's taken on everything Hollywood has thrown her way (even a snake dance or two).

In this list, we’re counting down her top 20 movie roles, ranked from worst to best—because not even Salma can be flawless all the time. Buckle up for a fun ride through the highs, the lows, and everything in between!

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Salma Hayek's career has been nothing short of iconic, with a range of roles that showcase her fiery charisma, emotional depth, and undeniable screen presence. From thrilling action-packed adventures to intimate dramas, she's taken on everything Hollywood has thrown her way (even a snake dance or two).

In this list, we’re counting down her top 20 movie roles, ranked from worst to best—because not even Salma can be flawless all the time. Buckle up for a fun ride through the highs, the lows, and everything in between!