As a cinephile and admirer of Charlize Theron’s immense talent, you likely have your list of must-see films from her remarkable career. While it’s no easy task to narrow down Theron’s diverse and powerful filmography into just ten titles, this definitive ranking showcases the very best of her transformative work over the past two decades. From her chilling Oscar-winning turn in Monster to her action heroine roles in films like Atomic Blonde and Mad Max: Fury Road, Theron has crafted an impressive range of compelling characters.
She has also starred in thought-provoking dramas like North Country and Young Adult while displaying her comedic chops in films like Long Shot. This list takes you through Theron’s standout performances chronologically, highlighting her bold choices and commitment to bringing even the most challenging roles to life. Let’s dive in and celebrate the creativity, intensity, and sheer skill behind this leading lady’s most memorable big-screen achievements.
Introduction to Charlize Theron’s Illustrious Film Career
Charlize Theron is one of the most talented and acclaimed actresses of her generation. Over the course of her 25-year career, she has starred in many critically and commercially successful films that showcase her immense range and depth as an actress.
Early Success and Recognition
Theron first gained major recognition for her role in the 1996 thriller 2 Days in the Valley. Her breakthrough performance came two years later in the crime drama The Devil’s Advocate, where she starred opposite Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino. Her portrayal of real-life serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the 2003 film Monster earned her numerous accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Actress. This marked Theron’s arrival as a formidable talent in Hollywood.
Action Hero and Producer
In recent years, Theron has also emerged as an action star. In Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), she delivered an intensely physical performance as Imperator Furiosa. The film was a massive blockbuster hit and a cultural touchpoint. As a producer, Theron has backed several acclaimed films like Tully (2018) and Bombshell (2019), the latter of which earned her another Oscar nomination.
Continued Success and Upcoming Projects
Theron shows no signs of slowing down. She has several high-profile films in various stages of production, including the superhero film The Old Guard (2020), the action-comedy The Coldest Game (2020), and an untitled romantic comedy where she will star opposite Seth Rogen. Audiences can expect many more memorable performances from this screen legend in the years to come.
#10 – The Devil’s Advocate (1997)
This supernatural thriller stars Charlize Theron in one of her earliest major film roles. She plays Mary Ann Lomax, the wife of Kevin Lomax (Keanu Reeves), an up-and-coming lawyer in Gainesville, Florida. When Kevin is offered a job at a prestigious New York law firm, they move to the city. However, the firm’s charismatic head, John Milton (Al Pacino), hides a sinister secret.
A Memorable Performance
As Mary Ann descends into madness under the influence of evil forces, Theron delivers a memorable performance showcasing her ability to portray complex emotions. She deftly handles Mary Ann’s transition from a sweet and supportive wife to someone plagued by paranoia and self-doubt.
Theron’s nuanced take on the character makes Mary Ann’s plight relatable and her ultimate fate poignant.
Visual Splendor
The film is a visual treat, filled with dramatic, stylish shots of New York City. The cinematography effectively reflects the seductive yet sinister nature of the story. In one striking scene, Mary Ann gazes at a mural in their apartment as ghostly figures start writhing beneath the surface, creeping into the material world.
Overall, The Devil’s Advocate proves to be an underrated supernatural thriller, buoyed by Theron’s compelling performance and stunning visuals. Although it received mixed reviews upon release, the film has gained more appreciation over time as an innovative genre piece with thought-provoking themes concerning morality, manipulation, and the human capacity for evil.
#9 – The Cider House Rules (1999)
Set in Rural Maine During World War II, The Cider House Rules is set in rural Maine during World War II and tells the story of Homer Wells, an orphan who is raised in an orphanage by Dr. Wilbur Larch. Dr. Larch teaches Homer the skills of obstetrics and abortion, though the latter is illegal. When Homer is old enough, he leaves the orphanage to work at an apple orchard, where he falls in love with a young woman named Candy Kendall.
A Coming-of-Age Story
The movie is a poignant coming-of-age story as Homer grapples with complex issues around abortion, relationships, and finding purpose in life. Charlize Theron delivers a nuanced performance as Candy, a smart and independent woman who challenges the gender norms of the time. Her chemistry with Tobey Maguire, who plays Homer, gives the film a tenderness that stays with you.
Addresses Issues Still Relevant Today
Though set decades ago, the movie addresses issues like reproductive rights, gender equality and individual freedom that remain deeply relevant today. The all-star cast, including Michael Caine as Dr. Larch, brings a subtle depth to their complex characters. Director Lasse Hallström handles the difficult subject matter with a deft, humanist touch.
Overall, The Cider House Rules is a moving, thought-provoking film that deserves its status as a modern American classic. Charlize Theron’s compelling performance as the headstrong Candy is one of many reasons to revisit this film.
#8 – Monster (2003)
Monster is a biographical crime drama that chronicles the life of Aileen Wuornos, a serial killer who murdered seven men between 1989 and 1990. This chilling film earned Theron her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Wuornos.
A Convincing Performance
Theron is utterly convincing as Wuornos, a woman hardened by a lifetime of abuse and manipulation. She gained 30 pounds for the role and adopted Wuornos’ strong Floridian accent and abrasive mannerisms. Theron’s complete physical and emotional transformation illustrates her dedication to understanding Wuornos and bringing authenticity to her performance.
A Tragic Figure
While Wuornos’ crimes were inexcusable, Monster presents her as a tragic figure who failed society at every turn. The film suggests her murders were a reaction to the violence and abuse she suffered her whole life at the hands of predatory men. Although a serial killer, Wuornos is portrayed as a victim of a cruel world that offers her no kindness or compassion.
A Harrowing Depiction
Monster is a harrowing depiction of a haunting true story. While deeply disturbing, it provides insight into how Wuornos became the person she was. Theron’s stunning performance and the film’s empathetic portrayal of Wuornos make it a memorable, impactful film, though not an easy one to watch. Monster demonstrates Theron’s ability to completely immerse herself in complicated, unlikable characters. Her nuanced take on Wuornos garnered well-deserved critical acclaim and established Theron as a formidable actress.
#7 – Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Director George Miller’s Triumphant Return
Nearly 30 years after Beyond Thunderdome, director George Miller returned to the Mad Max franchise with the high-octane Mad Max: Fury Road. This time, Miller teamed up with Charlize Theron, who delivered a powerhouse performance as Imperator Furiosa. In the post-apocalyptic wasteland, Max joins forces with Furiosa to try and outrun the warlord Immortan Joe and his fanatical followers in a deadly chase across the desert.
A Visceral Visual Feast
Mad Max: Fury Road is a visual masterpiece, filled with amazing practical effects and stunt work. Miller’s vision of a scorched Earth and its inhabitants is brought to life through stunning cinematography and production design. The film features nonstop action and chase sequences that will leave you breathless. Theron more than holds her own against co-star Tom Hardy, and the pair have electric chemistry. Their characters form an unlikely alliance in the face of a common enemy.
Cultural Impact and Accolades
Mad Max: Fury Road was praised for its direction, visuals, action sequences, musical score, and performances. The film won six Academy Awards and received widespread critical acclaim. It has an enduring influence on action and science fiction films. The film is considered one of the greatest films of the 2010s and a modern action classic. Charlize Theron delivered one of the most memorable performances of her career as the formidable Furiosa.
Miller created an unforgettable film experience that reignited interest in the franchise. For these reasons, Mad Max: Fury Road deserves consideration as one of Theron’s finest films.
#6 – Atomic Blonde (2017)
Atomic Blonde is a stylish spy thriller set in 1989 Berlin during the Cold War. As MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton, ###Charlize Theron delivers a magnetic performance that cements her status as an action star. Broughton is sent to Berlin on the eve of the collapse of the Berlin Wall to retrieve a stolen list of Western operatives.
A Stylish Spy Thriller
Director David Leitch crafts the film with visual panache, from the neon-drenched nightlife scenes to the bone-crunching action sequences. The plot twists and turns as Broughton navigates the intrigue between the KGB and MI6, not knowing who she can trust. Theron trained rigorously for the role and performed her stunts, bringing a gritty realism to the fight scenes.
A Compelling Character
Broughton is a fascinating protagonist, a highly skilled spy who struggles with the emotional toll of her work. Theron conveys Broughton’s toughness and vulnerability with subtlety. Her complex relationship with French operative Delphine, played by Sofia Boutella, adds poignancy to the story.
An Impressive Technical Achievement
The action set pieces in Atomic Blonde are stunning in their execution. A 10-minute sequence in which Broughton battles a group of KGB assassins in a stairwell and apartment building is a masterclass in fight choreography and camerawork. The film is also distinguished by its soundtrack of ’80s pop and electronic music that transports the viewer to the era. With its intoxicating style, taut narrative, and Theron’s mesmerizing performance, Atomic Blonde is a thoroughly engrossing espionage thriller and one of the most innovative films in the genre. It demonstrates Charlize
Theron’s talent for playing complicated, enigmatic characters that subvert traditional female archetypes in film. Atomic Blonde cements her status as one of the most versatile actors working today.
#5 – Tully (2018)
A Poignant Portrayal of Motherhood
In the 2018 dramedy Tully, Charlize Theron delivered a poignant and relatable performance as Marlo, a mother of three struggling with the difficulties of parenting and postpartum depression. The film provides an empathetic look into the challenges of motherhood that often go unacknowledged.
Finding Herself Again
As Marlo’s life descends into chaos and exhaustion from meeting the endless needs of her infant daughter and two older children, her wealthy brother hires a night nanny named Tully to help out. At first, Marlo is hesitant to accept help. However, Tully’s presence allows Marlo to reconnect with her own identity and rediscover joy in the little moments in life.
A Raw and Honest Story
Tully is a raw, honest story about the struggles of motherhood and the societal expectations placed on women to be perfect parents. The film highlights the need for support systems and self-care. Through encounters with Tully, Marlo begins to heal and find herself again. Tully serves as a meaningful metaphor for the mothering figure Marlo needs in her own life.
Theron’s moving performance and her chemistry with Mackenzie Davis, who plays Tully, bring emotional weight and poignancy to this film. Tully is a tribute to mothers everywhere working to raise their families with little acknowledgement or support. It highlights the need for open conversations about maternal mental health to build a more compassionate society. Overall, Tully is a film that will resonate with mothers and serve as an important reminder for self-care.
#4 – Bombshell (2019)
In Charlize Theron’s fourth top film, she delivers a transformative performance as former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly. Bombshell is a dramatization of the sexual harassment scandal at Fox News and the subsequent downfall of CEO Roger Ailes. Theron is mesmerizing in her portrayal of Kelly. Through vocal work with a dialect coach, physical transformation with prosthetics, and a studied performance, Theron fully embodies the steely anchor. She captures Kelly’s signature style, speaking cadence, and on-air poise.
The uncanny resemblance is a feat of skill and dedication from Theron. Bombshell is a sobering look at the pervasive culture of misogyny and abuse that was enabled for decades at the highest levels of Fox News. The all-star cast, including Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie, work cohesively to show the human toll of such toxicity in the workplace. Theron stands out for her balanced and layered performance, never reducing Kelly to a simplistic hero or villain. She invites empathy for Kelly’s struggle in coming forward while not excusing her complicity in Fox’s propaganda machine.
Through her work in Bombshell, Theron proved once again her ability to completely transform for a role and deliver a searing, psychologically astute performance. Bombshell is a compelling, infuriating, and ultimately galvanizing film that Theron helps anchor with the most complex character at its centre. The film deservedly earned Theron her third Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, recognizing her as one of the preeminent actors of her generation.
#3 – Young Adult (2011)
Dark Coming-of-Age Story
Released in 2011, Young Adult is a dark comedy that provides insightful social commentary on maturity and relationships. In the film, Charlize Theron delivers a captivating performance as Mavis Gary, a divorced fiction writer who returns to her small hometown. The story chronicles Mavis’ struggles to recapture her glory days in high school and reconnect with her ex-boyfriend Buddy Slade, played by Patrick Wilson.
The film is a sobering look at maturity and development. While Mavis appears to lead an independent life as an author in the city, she is emotionally stunted and clinging to her youth. Her return home is an attempt to relive her past and ignore how much she and her hometown have changed. However, her fantasies of reigniting a romance with Buddy are challenged by the realities of adulthood and responsibility.
Theron’s performance is central to the film’s success. She brings a perfect blend of humour and cringe to the deeply flawed but compelling character of Mavis. Her interactions with Wilson’s Buddy and Elizabeth Reaser’s Beth highlight how her self-centeredness and refusal to move on from high school have left her alone and unfulfilled. The film suggests that we must learn to appreciate life’s changes rather than chase an idealized version of youth. Overall, Young Adult is a clever and impactful film that showcases Theron’s skill in complex, unlikable roles. Her nuanced performance and director
Jason Reitman’s sharp writing combines to create a funny yet moving story about holding onto the past and facing the future. For viewers seeking an insightful dark comedy, Young Adult is a must-see film in Theron’s distinguished career.
#2 – North Country (2005)
North Country is a powerful, character-driven film that tackles the taboo subject of sexual harassment in the workplace. Charlize Theron delivers an Oscar-nominated performance as Josey Aimes, a single mother struggling to find work to support her two children. She gets a job at a Minnesota iron mine, only to endure relentless sexual harassment and abuse from her male co-workers.
The film is based on the true story of Lois Jenson, who filed the first class action lawsuit for sexual harassment in the U.S. It highlights the immense difficulties faced by the first women entering the male-dominated mining industry in the 1970s. Josey and her female co-workers face hostility, threats, and dangerous conditions as the only women in the mine. Their male colleagues subject them to inappropriate touching, demeaning comments, and intimidation to get them to quit.
When Josey reports unlawful behaviour to management, she is met with indifference and retaliation. She risks her job and the financial security of her family to pursue legal action against the company with the help of a lawyer. The story is a testament to the immense courage required to challenge the status quo and confront institutionalized sexism.
Director Niki Caro crafts a sobering, infuriating depiction of the hardships endured by these pioneering women. The film is a compelling call for accountability and legal protection against workplace discrimination. Nearly 20 years after its release, the issues at the heart of North Country remain all too relevant. This memorable, moving film cemented Charlize Theron as one of the most formidable actresses of her generation.
#1 – Charlize’s Best Movie Performance of All Time
Without a doubt, Charlize Theron’s most memorable role was her Oscar-winning performance as female serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the 2003 film Monster. This biographical crime drama showcased Charlize’s immense talent and versatility as an actress.
In the movie, Charlize fully transformed herself into Wuornos, a prostitute who murdered seven men in Florida between 1989 and 1990. To prepare for the emotionally and physically demanding part, Charlize gained 30 pounds and wore prosthetic teeth to alter her appearance. Her dedication and commitment to portraying Wuornos authentically resulted in a chilling and unforgettable performance. Critics praised Charlize’s “brave, compassionate, and complex” depiction of Wuornos.
She captured all the nuances of the character – from her rage and vulnerability to her twisted moral code. Charlize’s raw, authentic performance in Monster rightfully earned her dozens of accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Actress. This film rocketed her to A-list status.
Over 15 years later, Charlize’s role as Aileen Wuornos in Monster still stands out as a master class in acting. She fully transformed into the character and brought humanity and depth to the portrayal of a woman who is typically only seen as a monster. For its time, the film was groundbreaking in its sympathetic look at a female serial killer, and that was due in large part to Charlize’s unflinching and deeply empathetic performance.
Without a doubt, it showcased her as one of the greatest actresses of her generation. Charlize’s work in Monster demonstrated her ability to tackle intensely complex characters and was instrumental in establishing her as one of the most talented actresses of modern cinema. This film, and her performance, will enduringly remain a high point of her prestigious career.
Movies FAQ: Your Top Charlize Theron Movie Questions Answered
Charlize Theron has starred in many memorable films over her acclaimed career. If you’re wondering which of her movies you should watch first or want to know more about her most popular roles, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about her films.
What is considered Charlize Theron’s best movie?
Many critics and fans agree that her Oscar-winning performance in Monster (2003) is one of Theron’s finest. In the film, she delivered a transformative performance as Aileen Wuornos, a serial killer who murdered seven men in Florida. Theron gained significant weight and wore prosthetic teeth to portray Wuornos in this dark, psychological crime drama.
What are some of Charlize Theron’s most popular action movies?
Some of Theron’s biggest blockbusters are action-packed thrillers. In Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), she starred opposite Tom Hardy in a high-octane post-apocalyptic adventure. As Imperator Furiosa, Theron proved herself as a formidable action hero. She also led the cast of Atomic Blonde (2017) and
The Old Guard (2020) on Netflix, showing off slick fighting skills and stunt work in both spy thrillers.
What are some other must-see Charlize Theron films?
Beyond the action and thrillers, Theron has shown her range in many other acclaimed films. In Young Adult (2011), she delivered a Golden Globe-nominated performance as a troubled ghostwriter. The Road (2009) is a post-apocalyptic drama where she starred opposite Viggo Mortensen. For lighter fare, Theron showed her comedic chops in Long Shot (2019) with Seth Rogen. And in Tully (2018), she gave a heartfelt performance as an overwhelmed new mother.
With her diverse filmography and ability to transform herself for challenging roles, Charlize Theron has proven to be one of the most talented actresses of her generation. Whatever your preferred genre, her film credits offer something for every movie fan.
Conclusion
Thus, Charlize Theron has demonstrated her immense talent and versatility as an actress through a diverse range of memorable performances. From early career-defining roles in films like Monster and North Country to recent blockbuster hits such as Mad Max: Fury Road and The Fate of the Furious, she has proven herself as one of the most gifted actresses of her generation. While her dramatic work often steals the spotlight, her comedic chops in movies like Long Shot further showcases her ability to take on any part.
As she continues taking on compelling lead roles, pushing herself with challenging material, and shining in ensemble casts, Theron cements her status as a cinematic powerhouse with an acclaimed body of work. Her passion, dedication to her craft, and willingness to transform for each new character promise that her best performances are still yet to come.
