Ranking All 46 of Natalie Portman's Movie Roles from Worst to Best

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Ignacio Weil

TV Shows & Movies - September 22nd 2024, 19:00 GMT+2

Cropped About — About this gallery:

For this gallery, we decided to take a look at all of Natalie Portman's movies (no matter how small the role), ignoring her roles in TV series, short films, and commercials. Although she is technically credited in *Avengers: Endgame*, since she only appears in a deleted scene, we decided to remove her from the list.

Also, remember that this is a subjective list, and we are focusing more on her performance than on the overall quality of the movie. If you think we missed a movie or got something wrong with a film on the list, leave us a comment! | © Sony Pictures

Cropped Im Still Here — 46. I'm Still Here (2010)

Portman only makes a brief appearance in this mockumentary, and her performance is unremarkable. The film is more of an experimental piece focused on Joaquin Phoenix’s bizarre transformation, leaving little room for Portman to showcase any meaningful acting. | © Magnolia Pictures

Cropped Zoolander — 45. Zoolander (2001)

In this comedy, Portman’s cameo is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment, playing herself at a VH1 Fashion Awards scene. Her presence is mostly forgettable, as the film’s goofy, larger-than-life characters overshadow her brief appearance. It's more of a fun Easter egg than a real performance. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped The Heyday of the Insensitive Bastards — 44. The Heyday of the Insensitive Bastards (2015)

This anthology film doesn’t give Portman much to work with. While she brings her usual professionalism, her segment lacks emotional depth, and her character is underdeveloped. It’s a competent performance, but nothing particularly memorable or standout-worthy. | © New Film Group

Cropped Heat — 43. Heat (1995)

Portman plays a troubled teenager in *Heat,* and although her role is small, she delivers a heartfelt performance. She conveys emotional distress convincingly, though her screen time is limited. The film focuses more on its main stars, so her role feels more like an early stepping stone. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped Star Wars Episode I The Phantom Menace — 42. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

Portman’s performance as Queen Amidala in *The Phantom Menace* is wooden and emotionally flat. The character’s stoic demeanor doesn’t allow Portman to showcase her range, and she seems lost beneath the film’s heavy reliance on CGI and politics, leaving her portrayal somewhat stiff. | © Lucasfilm

Cropped Star Wars Episode II Attack of the Clones — 41. Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

As Padmé Amidala, Portman struggles with the stilted dialogue and lackluster script. Though she tries to bring gravitas to her character, the awkward romance with Anakin Skywalker feels forced, and her usually strong screen presence is dulled by the film’s technical focus. | © Lucasfilm

Cropped Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith — 40. Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Portman delivers a more emotionally charged performance in *Revenge of the Sith* compared to the previous installments. Her portrayal of Padmé’s grief and betrayal is more convincing, though the melodramatic dialogue still hampers her. Despite this, she brings much-needed depth to Padmé’s tragic arc. | © Lucasfilm

Cropped Planetarium — 39. Planetarium (2016)

Portman’s performance in *Planetarium* is elegant yet somewhat detached. She plays a spiritual medium with grace, but the film’s slow pace and lack of narrative coherence make it difficult for her to truly shine. Her effort is evident, but the material doesn’t give her much room to deliver an impactful performance. | © Ad Vitam

Cropped Mr Magoriums Wonder Emporium — 38. Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (2007)

Portman’s turn in this whimsical fantasy feels sincere but underwhelming. She portrays a young woman learning to believe in magic, and while her earnestness is evident, the film’s childlike tone makes her role feel more simplistic than engaging. It’s sweet but lacks depth. | © Mandate Pictures

Cropped Your Highness — 37. Your Highness (2011)

Portman delivers a solid, if overly serious, performance in this raunchy comedy. Playing a tough warrior, she commits to the action sequences, but the film’s crude humor and juvenile tone don’t align well with her usual strengths. She’s game for the role, but it’s ultimately a misstep. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Thor The Dark World — 36. Thor: The Dark World (2013)

In *Thor: The Dark World,* Portman’s role as Jane Foster is largely sidelined, and her performance feels half-hearted. Though she’s believable as the brainy scientist, the film doesn’t give her character much depth or development. Portman’s talents are underutilized in a movie that doesn’t fully explore her potential. | © Marvel Studios

Cropped Thor Love and Thunder — 35. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

In *Thor: Love and Thunder,* Portman’s return as Jane Foster—now as the Mighty Thor—is a refreshing change, allowing her to showcase both emotional depth and physicality. However, the film’s inconsistent tone and comedic elements undermine what could have been a more powerful performance. She handles the material well but deserved a more focused script. | © Marvel Studios

Cropped Thor — 34. Thor (2011)

Portman brings a certain charm to her role in *Thor,* but she struggles with the balancing act of playing a scientist in a world of Norse gods. While her chemistry with Chris Hemsworth is decent, her performance feels slightly out of place in a film that prioritizes action over character development. | © Marvel Studios

Cropped No Strings Attached — 33. No Strings Attached (2011)

Portman is lively and relatable in *No Strings Attached,* showcasing her comedic timing in a romantic comedy setting. While she has good chemistry with Ashton Kutcher, the film itself is formulaic, limiting her ability to deliver anything beyond a standard rom-com performance. It’s enjoyable, but not groundbreaking. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped Everyone Says I Love You — 32. Everyone Says I Love You (1996)

In Woody Allen's *Everybody Says I Love You,* Portman’s role is relatively minor, but she brings her usual charm and charisma. Though the film itself is a whimsical, light-hearted musical, she fits in well, showing glimpses of her emerging talent with a natural and breezy performance. | © Miramax

Cropped Mars Attacks — 31. Mars Attacks! (1996)

Portman’s role as the president’s daughter is small, and she doesn’t have much screen time to make a lasting impact. Her performance is serviceable, but *Mars Attacks!* ismore focused on its chaotic, star-studded ensemble, leaving Portman with little opportunity to shine. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped Where the Heart Is — 30. Where the Heart Is (2000)

As Novalee Nation, Portman gives a heartfelt performance, portraying a young woman who grows through adversity. She brings warmth and relatability to the role, though the film’s melodramatic moments sometimes feel heavy-handed. Despite this, her portrayal is earnest and engaging. | © Twentieth Century Fox

Cropped Lucy in the sky — 29. Lucy in the Sky (2019)

Portman commits to the role of an astronaut undergoing a mental breakdown, but *Lucy in the Sky* suffers from a lack of focus. She delivers a passionate performance, but the film’s erratic storytelling and uneven pacing make it difficult for her to fully land the emotional beats. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

Cropped Domino Uno — 28. Domino One (2005)

*Domino One* is an obscure film, and Portman’s small role doesn’t give her much to work with. Her performance is fine for what it is, but the film’s low-budget nature and lack of narrative cohesion make it hard to assess her acting here in any meaningful way. | © Domino One

Cropped My Blueberry Nights — 27. My Blueberry Nights (2007)

Portman shines in her supporting role as a troubled gambler in *My Blueberry Nights.* She brings a seductive, rebellious energy to the part, contrasting the film’s more subdued tone. Though her screen time is limited, she leaves a lasting impression with her captivating presence. | © StudioCanal

Cropped The Death Life of John F Donovan — 26. The Death & Life of John F. Donovan (2018)

Portman plays the mother of a young boy in *The Death & Life of John F. Donovan,* and while her performance is solid, the film’s messy narrative structure hampers her ability to fully flesh out her character. She brings emotional weight, but the film fails to support her talents. | © Les Films Séville

Cropped New York I Love You — 25. New York, I Love You (2009)

Portman appears in one of the many short vignettes in *New York, I Love You,* and while her performance is sweet and sincere, the episodic nature of the film doesn’t allow her much room to shine. She does her job well, but it’s ultimately forgettable. | © Vivendi Entertainment

Cropped The Darjeeling Limited — 24. The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

Portman’s cameo in *The Darjeeling Limited* is brief but memorable. She plays a former lover in a short scene that radiates with a melancholic intimacy. Despite her limited screen time, she brings a quiet emotional depth, perfectly fitting into Wes Anderson’s quirky world. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

Cropped Paris je taime — 23. Paris, je t'aime (2006)

In *Paris, je t'aime,* Portman stars in one of the film’s many short segments. Her portrayal of a young actress navigating love is light and breezy, adding a sense of charm to the anthology. It’s not groundbreaking, but her natural warmth and grace make it a pleasant watch. | © La Fabrique de Films

Cropped Brothers — 22. Brothers (2009)

Portman’s performance as a grieving military wife in *Brothers* is heartfelt and emotionally resonant. She effectively portrays the complex emotions of loss, guilt, and confusion, though her role often feels secondary to the intense dynamic between Tobey Maguire and Jake Gyllenhaal. | © Lionsgate

Cropped Love and Other Impossible Pursuits — 21. Love and Other Impossible Pursuits (2009)

Portman shines as a mother grappling with loss and difficult relationships in *Love and Other Impossible Pursuits.* Her portrayal is raw and vulnerable, capturing the complex emotions of grief and motherhood with sensitivity. While the film itself is uneven, Portman’s performance elevates the material. | © IFC Films

Cropped Anywhere But Here — 20. Anywhere but Here (1999)

Natalie Portman delivers one of the better performance in *Anywhere but Here.* But it must be said, the script is far too weak for her to really show her talents as an actor. | © Twentieth Century Fox

Cropped Free zone — 19. Free Zone (2005)

Portman's performance in *Free Zone* is awkward and disconnected. While she portrays a young woman dealing with emotional turmoil, the material gives her little to work with, resulting in an underwhelming, almost monotonous portrayal. Her performance feels lost amid the disjointed narrative. | © MGM

Cropped A Tale of Love and Darkness — 18. A Tale of Love and Darkness (2015)

Portman directed and starred in *A Tale of Love and Darkness,* but her acting here is somewhat restrained. While she brings a sense of vulnerability to the role, she doesn’t manage to elevate the slow, meditative nature of the film, making her performance feel flat at times, despite the personal connection to the story. | © Focus Features

Cropped The Other Boleyn Girl — 17. The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)

As Anne Boleyn, Portman does show moments of fiery ambition and cunning, but overall, her performance feels misaligned with the historical drama’s tone. She often comes across as more modern than the role demands, leaving her portrayal feeling somewhat artificial. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Knight of Cups — 16. Knight of Cups (2015)

In *Knight of Cups,* Portman’s performance is minimalist, reflecting the film's abstract nature. She brings a melancholic grace to her role, but the fragmented narrative prevents her from delivering a compelling character arc. Her talents feel underused, and her character remains an enigma. | © Broad Green Pictures

Cropped Goyas Ghosts — 15. Goya's Ghosts (2006)

While Portman attempts to embody the duality of her two roles in *Goya's Ghosts,* her performance doesn’t quite hit the mark. The intensity she brings is inconsistent, and although she is committed, her portrayal doesn’t fully resonate with the historical and emotional weight the film demands. | © Samuel Goldwyn Films

Cropped Song to Song — 14. Song to Song (2017)

*Song to Song* is a visually stunning but emotionally distant film, and Portman’s performance follows suit. She embodies her character's fragility and vulnerability well, but the overall lack of dialogue and scattered narrative make it hard for her to showcase her acting range. It’s a beautiful performance, but one that feels incomplete. | © Broad Green Pictures

Cropped Vox Lux — 13. Vox Lux (2018)

Portman takes on a bold, brash character in *Vox Lux,* playing a troubled pop star. While her performance is undeniably fierce and attention-grabbing, the over-the-top nature sometimes veers into caricature. However, she nails the chaotic energy of a celebrity in decline, even if it feels a bit forced at times. | © Neon

Cropped Beautiful Girls — 12. Beautiful Girls (1996)

As the precocious teenager Marty, Portman delivers a surprisingly nuanced performance for her age. Her portrayal adds a sense of wisdom beyond her years, effortlessly balancing youthful innocence with mature insight. Despite being a supporting role, she makes an unforgettable impression. | © Miramax

Cropped Jane Got a Gun — 11. Jane Got a Gun (2016)

In *Jane Got a Gun,* Portman delivers a strong, determined performance as a woman fighting to protect her family. Though the film struggles with pacing, she brings a much-needed gravitas to the role, showcasing her ability to carry a movie even when the material isn't particularly groundbreaking. | © The Weinstein Company

Cropped Cold Mountain — 10. Cold Mountain (2003)

Though her role in *Cold Mountain* is small, Portman delivers a heartbreaking performance as a young widow. She masterfully conveys a deep sense of loneliness and desperation, even within her limited screen time, leaving a memorable impact despite the brevity of her appearance. | © Miramax

Cropped Hesher — 9. Hesher (2010)

In *Hesher,* Portman plays a fragile, grief-stricken grocery store clerk, and while she nails the emotional vulnerability of the role, the film’s chaotic tone often overshadows her performance. It’s a quieter, more subdued role for her, but she manages to convey a depth of sorrow that feels genuine. | © The Last Picture Company

Cropped Annihilation — 8. Annihilation (2018)

Portman’s portrayal of a biologist in *Annihilation* is introspective and quietly intense. Her ability to balance the physicality of the role with the underlying psychological and emotional layers makes her performance gripping, even if the film’s surreal nature sometimes leaves her character feeling emotionally distant. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped Garden State — 7. Garden State (2004)

In *Garden State,* Portman shines as the quirky and endearing Sam. She brings an effortless warmth to the role, balancing humor with emotional depth. While the manic pixie dream girl trope has since been criticized, Portman’s genuine, heartfelt performance remains one of the film’s highlights. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

Cropped V de vendetta — 6. V for Vendetta (2005)

Portman delivers a brave and emotional performance as Evey in *V for Vendetta.* Her transformation, both physically and emotionally, is impressive. Though her British accent is uneven at times, her dedication to the role, particularly during the intense scenes, makes her portrayal powerful and memorable. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped May December — 5. May December (2023)

Portman shines in *May December,* playing a movie star researching a real-life scandal. Her performance is layered, showcasing a mix of vulnerability and manipulation. She brings complexity to a character navigating the fine line between personal identity and public persona, making it one of her more intricate roles. | © Gracie Films

Cropped Jackie — 4. Jackie (2016) - Fox Searchlight Pictures

Portman’s performance in *Jackie* is transformative. She brings the former First Lady to life with a delicate mix of grace, vulnerability, and inner strength. Her portrayal of grief is raw, and she fully inhabits the role, making it one of her most critically acclaimed performances. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

Cropped Closer — 3. Closer (2004)

In *Closer,* Portman delivers a bold, emotionally charged performance as Alice, a young woman caught in a web of love and betrayal. She balances vulnerability with confidence, creating a complex character that lingers long after the film ends. Her chemistry with the rest of the cast elevates her performance. | © Sony Pictures

Cropped Léon The Professional — 2. Léon: The Professional (1994)

At just 12 years old, Portman’s breakout role in *Léon: The Professional* remains one of her most iconic. She brings a surprising maturity and emotional depth to the role of Mathilda, showcasing her natural talent at such a young age. Her performance is raw, compelling, and unforgettable. | © Gaumont

Cropped Black Swan — 1. Black Swan (2010)

Portman’s portrayal of Nina in *Black Swan* is a masterclass in psychological and physical transformation. She fully embodies the descent into madness, delivering a performance that is both haunting and captivating. Her dedication to the role, particularly in terms of the intense ballet training, resulted in one of the finest performances of her career, earning her an Academy Award. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

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Natalie Portman has built an impressive career, taking on a diverse range of roles that showcase her incredible versatility as an actress. From her unforgettable breakout in Léon: The Professional to her Oscar-winning performance in Black Swan, Portman has continuously pushed boundaries and embraced complex characters.

In this ranking, we dive deep into all 46 of her movie roles, evaluating her performances from the most forgettable to her absolute best. Whether it's an indie drama, a blockbuster franchise, or a quiet character study, we take a closer look at how Portman has shaped her legacy on screen, from missteps to masterpieces.