Keira Knightley's 10 Best Movies and TV Shows, Ranked

Keira Knightley He has acted in a wide variety of different films, from traditional romances to fantasy adventures, but he has always provided interesting performances wherever he has been. The actress debuted as an actress at the age of nine in A village casebefore landing her first major role in Star Wars: Episode One – The Phantom Menace. This was the character that finally allowed her to break into the mainstream, and since then, Keira Knightley has made several excellent films that have cemented her as a generational talent.

Although Kiera Knightley is best known for her period pieces, the actress has made a big effort in recent years to break free from this stereotype and try out some new styles that have resulted in some very surprising projects. She moved away from the studio blockbuster style of cinema that made her famous, turning her attention to more independent and creative films and series that really test her skills as an actress. They ranged across multiple genres and really helped prove that she's more than just a romantic lead.

10

True Love (2003)

Directed by Richard Curtis

True love is often seen as one of the best Christmas movies ever made, and while it certainly has some flaws that are overlooked because of its nostalgic story, it's still a great romantic comedy that features one of Kiera Knightley's most formative roles. In the film, she plays the character Juliet, a newlywed bride who catches the romantic attention of her husband's best friend. He's a very simple character on the surface.but Knightley brings just the right amount of charm and humanity to make this flawed figure that much more likeable.

As a whole, True love is filled with charismatic writing and brilliant performances that make it an undeniable Christmas classic. The film is loved by critics and audiences alike, benefiting from its holiday setting and being watched repeatedly during the festive season. The only thing that holds True love One of Knightley's best projects is her character's lack of complexity and some aspects of the narrative that haven't aged very well.

9

Never Let Me Go (2010)

Directed by Mark Romanek

Never let Me Go is based on the novel of the same name by Kazuo Ishiguru and revolves around a group of young teenagers who become friends at boarding school, but soon discover that certain aspects of the world have been kept secret from them. It's a fascinating, cerebral story that thoughtfully touches on issues like loneliness, identity, and the human need for companionship.

Knightley gives one of his strongest performances in Never let Me Goand her character is undeniably one of the most interesting and multifaceted she has ever played. Alex Garland's philosophical script gives the story such emotional weight which is expertly navigated by these characters, making it a true hidden gem from Knightley's catalogue.

8

Anna Karenina (2012)

Directed by Joe Wright

Keira Knightley's various collaborations with Joe Wright easily constitute some of the actress's most interesting projects, and although Anna Karenina It is certainly not the best of them, it is undoubtedly the most neglected. The film is a retelling of the book of the same name by Leo Tolstoywhich revolves around a forbidden romance in the royal court of the Russian Empire.

What's so impactful Anna Karenina it's its ability to remain so loyal and true to the source material while also giving the story some necessary changes to make it work with modern audiences. It's a story steeped from head to toe in rich history and culture, but it's the very simple romance between the two protagonists that is constantly kept at the center of the narrative. This makes it a very exciting watch, and Knightley's lead performance helps draw the audience in immediately.

7

Black Doves (2024)

Created by Joe Barton

Knightley is best known for her film roles, but in recent years she has also made several attempts to transition to television. Black Doves is a great example of that. Six-part spy thriller tells the story of a spy for hire who discovers that her identity may have been exposed following the death of her lover at the hands of a London criminal organization, leading her on a dangerous mission to protect herself and recover ancient secrets.

Black Doves received excellent reviews when the first season was released on Netflix, leading to immediate confirmation that a second season is on the way. The show is gripping, dark, and gripping in all the ways you'd expect from a spy thriller, but what's really special about the project is the rich character work and dynamic relationships that allow these interesting figures to really take center stage. from the stage.

6

Start Again (2013)

Directed by John Carney

Start again is one of the few musicals of Knightley's career, and it's surprising that she hasn't made more of an effort to return to the genre. The film revolves around a young composer named Greta whose heartbreak after a nasty breakup is resolved when a local music agent notices her and promises to make all her professional dreams come true.

The film is much more than a typical romance and/or musical, but rather a singular project that combines elements of both genres to create something truly unique. The chemistry between Knightley and Mark Ruffalo is what really sells this project, ditching an intricate plot for a much more atmospheric picture of ambition and romance.

5

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

Directed by Gore Verkinski

Dead Man's Chest is the second installment of Gore Verbinski's immensely popular book Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. The story takes place right after the first filmfollowing infamous pirate Captain Jack Sparrow and his new friends as they search for the heart of the legendary Captain Davy Jones, which he believes can free him from his ongoing debt. However, the crew soon sets their own intentions for the treasure and begins to turn against each other.

Although it is the best of Pirates of the Caribbean sequences, Dead Man's Chest it still has some problems that would later become fatal for the future of the franchise: it's too long, it's confusing and the story isn't as succinct as the first. However, the film has aged surprisingly well with the benefits of time and nostalgia – it's a very ambitious project and is the kind of overly adventurous film that doesn't really get made today. This makes it a unique entry in the Knightley catalogand one of the most fun to rewatch.

4

The Imitation Game (2014)

Directed by Morten Tyldum

The imitation game is a historical biographical film focusing on the life and work of Alan Turingthe British scientist responsible for cracking the Nazis' enigmatic code during World War II. The film details his efforts to help the British cause despite his inability to fight in the military, building a machine with the help of his fellow mathematicians that would ultimately turn the tide of the war from the shadows.

Although it is Benedict Cumberbatch's lead performance that is often remembered when discussing The imitation gameKnightley's turn as Joan Clarke also deserves immense praise. The film can be long and overly formulaic in partsbut it works best as a demonstration of these two actors' astonishing ability to embody these historical figures and richly explore the role they played in the war.

3

Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Directed by Joe Wright

Pride and Prejudice is another excellent example of Knightley's compatibility with filmmaker Joe Wright, and one of the best period films ever made. It is a faithful and thematic adaptation of Jane Austen's iconic noveldetailing the romance between protagonist Elizabeth Bennett and her unlikely suitor, Mr. Darcy, as she discovers her own place in a world that seems to be stacked against her.

The difference between Pride and Prejudice and the countless other period pieces that came before it are this film's unwavering romanticism; every frame of this project is directed with great care and intention, giving every scene a warm, nostalgic haze. It is one of Keira Knightley's most beloved films by critics and audiences, with an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and four Oscar nominations.

2

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Directed by Gore Verbinski

Pirates of the CaribbeanElisabeth Swann is probably the role that Keira Knightley will always be remembered for, and that's certainly not a bad thing. The Curse of the Black Pearl It's an almost perfect adventure film which capitalizes on the genre's tropes in a way that feels both familiar and new, taking audiences on a swashbuckling adventure that ushered in a new era of blockbuster cinema in the early 2000s.

What makes the original Pirates of the Caribbean So great about this film is its dedication to style and atmosphere, creating a fictional universe that feels so real thanks to all the captivating performances and detailed world-building. Knightley's character is just one aspect of this, as Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom also stand out in the extensive cast as Captain Jack Sparrow and Will Turner.

1

Atonement (2007)

Directed by Joe Wright

Although Atonement is remembered mainly for its emotional ending, the entire film is a masterclass in how to create a compelling romance on screen between two characters while letting the details of the narrative happen effortlessly in the background. The film revolves around two lovers played by James McAvoy and Keira Knightleywhose lives are destroyed when the latter's jealous sister lies about their relationship.

Atonement It's anything but a typical romance – there's so much complexity and ambiguity in this story that it makes it fascinating to watch, as nothing is quite as it seems with these characters. The only thing guaranteed is their love for each other, and that gives their dynamic an absorbing element that's rarely captured on film.