Nicole Kidman’s Filmography: Brilliant, Bland, and Everything In-Between – A Brutally Honest Rant

Hello everyone. Today we dive face-first into the cinematic buffet that is Nicole Kidman’s career, as ranked by Rotten Tomatoes. And let me tell you – this menu ranges from fine gourmet cuisine to reheated microwave lasagna. It’s a fascinating journey through decades of varied performances, ill-fated experiments, and the occasional inexplicable gem, all delivered by an actress who could probably make reading the back of a cereal box seem dramatic and award-worthy. But good grief, the ups and downs are enough to give you dramatic whiplash.

The Mediocre Middle – Where Good Acting Goes to Die

Let’s start with the tepid puddle that is mid-range Kidman – films hovering in that “meh” 54%-70% Rotten Tomatoes region. These are the equivalent of a side quest in an open-world RPG: they’re technically there, you’ll complete them, but you won’t remember doing it. Australia (54%) is Baz Luhrmann shouting into a megaphone across the Outback for three hours, hoping scope will solve everything – it doesn’t. The Prom still managed to underwhelm despite Kidman delivering “Zazz” like a Glastonbury headliner. Malice (55%) was delightfully ridiculous, as if the writers rolled a D20 for every plot twist. And The Interpreter kept reminding me of a badly balanced MMO raid – great loot (Kidman, Sean Penn) trapped inside nonsensical mechanics.

Even her charming oddity Birthday Girl (59%) is a “Kidman or bust” situation. If Rotten Tomatoes scores were vital signs, this batch is stable but uninspiring – no code blue, but certainly no fireworks.

The Respectable-but-Forgettable Tier

From 66% to low 70s, we have films like Aquaman (fun but tonally all over the place), The Railway Man (where Kidman exists solely to nudge the lead towards closure), Bombshell (outstanding cast shackled to a safe script), and Being the Ricardos (Kidman nails Lucille Ball’s essence, but you’re still left wishing the rest of the movie had the same guts).

These are the movie equivalents of dietary fiber – good for you in measured doses, but they won’t make you leap out of bed in excitement. They’re professional, polished, perfectly fine. But when critics praise the acting above all else, it’s cinematic code for: “The story? Oh, sweet summer child, let’s not talk about that.”

When Kidman Goes Full Throttle

Now we’re talking – 74% and up. Here, Kidman is driving like it’s the final lap at Rainbow Road – unapologetically bold, skillful, and occasionally chaos-inducing. Destroyer is a triumph of grit; Moulin Rouge is her beautifully over-the-top karaoke on steroids; Eyes Wide Shut remains one of her most riveting gut-punches; and oh dear lord, the eerie perfection of The Others. That’s range, people – she’ll belt showtunes one year then terrify you the next.

In The Beguiled and The Killing of a Sacred Deer, she practically radiates “do not mess with me” energy – the kind that belongs to video game NPCs whose dialogue options are all thinly veiled threats. These movies might not make a billion dollars, but they remind you why Kidman is the Hollywood equivalent of a legendary drop: rare, memorable, and devastatingly effective when used well.

The Critical Darlings and Absolute Bangers

The rarified air of 84% and above is where Nicole shifts from great actress to mythical creature. Dead Calm (1989) – early proof she could outshine a hurricane. The Others and Rabbit Hole – emotional depth charges. Lion – pure, award-bait excellence without feeling phony. To Die For – a masterclass in ambitious sociopathy wrapped in pastel colors. The Northman – because of course she’d eat a Viking revenge epic for breakfast.

And then, bizarrely, sitting up here like a misplaced teddy bear in the Louvre, is Paddington. Yes, the bear movie. It’s adorable, heartfelt, and genuine – and Kidman goes full Bond villain with gleeful precision. Her performance here is proof she’s just as comfortable wielding a scalpel of menace in a children’s flick as she is dismantling your soul in a prestige drama. That’s range, kids.

From Critical Limp to Cinematic Glory

Nicole Kidman’s filmography is a sprawling open-world map of questionable side quests, exhilarating boss fights, and unexpected mini-games. When she’s paired with strong writing and bold direction, she’s practically unbeatable – the kind of cinematic force that makes you forget anyone else is on screen. When the material is weak, she’s like a high-level mage trapped in a level-one swamp mission – still impressive, but you just want to fast travel to the good stuff.

Overall verdict? Kidman’s career remains an example of what happens when raw talent refuses to be boxed in by genre – sometimes it leads to triumph, sometimes to mediocrity, occasionally to utter nonsense. But even in the nonsense, she’s compelling. That’s more than most A-listers can claim.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is entirely my opinion.

Source: The 31 best Nicole Kidman movie performances, ranked by critics, https://www.businessinsider.com/best-nicole-kidman-movies-ranked-by-critics-scores-2025-8