With the release of 2025’s spy thriller Black Bag, Cate Blanchett joins forces with Steven Soderbergh for a gripping nailbiter, playing Kathryn, a woman suspected of betraying her country. Blanchett’s ability to portray complex, enigmatic characters has made her one of the greatest actresses of her generation.
Whether in historical dramas, psychological thrillers, or even superhero films, she brings gravitas and nuance to every role. Here are ten of her best films, showcasing her impressive range.
TÁR (2022)
In TÁR, Cate Blanchett delivers one of her most riveting performances as Lydia Tár, a world-renowned composer and conductor whose life unravels amid scandal. Todd Field’s psychological drama is a slow-burn character study that explores power, cancel culture, and the pressures of genius. Blanchett commands every frame, portraying Tár as both mesmerizing and deeply flawed. Her portrayal earned her an Academy Award nomination, further solidifying her status as one of the most compelling actors of her time. The film’s ambiguous ending and Blanchett’s intense performance make it a must-watch.
Carol (2015)
Todd Haynes’ Carol is a masterful love story set in the 1950s, with Blanchett playing the elegant yet vulnerable Carol Aird. As a wealthy woman navigating a forbidden romance with a younger aspiring photographer (Rooney Mara), Blanchett delivers a performance filled with subtle longing and restrained emotion. Her chemistry with Mara is breathtaking, making every stolen glance and unspoken word carry weight. Nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Blanchett, Carol is a beautifully crafted film that captures the ache and beauty of love against societal constraints.
Blue Jasmine (2013)
In Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine, Blanchett plays Jasmine French, a once-wealthy socialite whose life crumbles after her husband’s financial fraud is exposed. The role earned Blanchett her second Academy Award for Best Actress, and for good reason—her portrayal of Jasmine’s descent into mental instability is both tragic and mesmerizing. She seamlessly shifts between arrogance, desperation, and vulnerability, making Jasmine one of the most compelling female characters in recent cinema. The film itself is a sharp critique of privilege and self-delusion, with Blanchett delivering an unforgettable lead performance.
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Blanchett brings undeniable flair to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Hela, the Goddess of Death, in Thor: Ragnarok. Directed by Taika Waititi, this vibrant, comedic take on Thor reinvents the franchise, and Blanchett’s performance adds a layer of menace and dark humor. She relishes the role of a powerful, ruthless villain, effortlessly stealing scenes with her commanding presence. Draped in black with piercing green energy, Hela is one of the most stylish and formidable antagonists in the MCU. Blanchett’s ability to balance camp and menace makes her a standout in the superhero genre.
The Aviator (2004)
Blanchett became the first actress to win an Oscar for portraying another Oscar-winning actress in The Aviator. Playing Katharine Hepburn opposite Leonardo DiCaprio’s Howard Hughes, she captures Hepburn’s distinctive voice, mannerisms, and charisma with astonishing accuracy. Martin Scorsese’s sweeping biopic of Hughes is filled with dazzling performances, but Blanchett’s portrayal of the legendary actress is a highlight. She exudes charm, wit, and strength, bringing Hepburn’s independent spirit to life while showcasing her complex relationship with Hughes. The film cemented Blanchett’s ability to disappear into historical roles with precision and grace.
Elizabeth (1998)
Blanchett’s breakout role as Queen Elizabeth I in Elizabeth remains one of her most celebrated performances. The historical drama chronicles the early years of Elizabeth’s reign, portraying her transformation from a young, uncertain ruler into the powerful Virgin Queen. Blanchett brings intelligence, intensity, and vulnerability to the role, earning her first Academy Award nomination. The film’s lavish production design and gripping political intrigue make it an enthralling watch, but it’s Blanchett’s performance that makes it unforgettable.
Nightmare Alley (2021)
In Guillermo del Toro’s Nightmare Alley, Blanchett plays Dr. Lilith Ritter, a cunning and mysterious psychologist who becomes entangled with Bradley Cooper’s ambitious con artist. Set against the backdrop of a grimy 1940s carnival, the neo-noir film drips with atmosphere and deception. Blanchett embodies classic femme fatale energy, exuding sophistication and danger in equal measure. Every scene with her is electric, as she toys with the protagonist in a psychological game of manipulation. With its stunning cinematography and slow-burning tension, Nightmare Alley is a mesmerizing showcase of Blanchett’s ability to play icy, intelligent characters.
I’m Not There (2007)
Blanchett takes on one of her most unconventional roles in I’m Not There, a bold, multi-actor portrayal of Bob Dylan’s life and personas. She plays Jude Quinn, a version of Dylan during his electric guitar era, complete with sunglasses, a cigarette, and an effortless coolness. The film’s experimental structure allows Blanchett to embody Dylan’s mannerisms and mystique with uncanny precision. Her performance was so transformative that it earned her the Volpi Cup at the Venice Film Festival and an Oscar nomination. Few actors could pull off playing a music legend, but Blanchett does it with ease.
Manifesto (2015)
Manifesto is a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience, with Blanchett playing 13 different characters, each delivering monologues from various artistic and political manifestos. From a homeless man to a schoolteacher to a punk rocker, she transforms seamlessly between roles, showcasing her incredible range and chameleon-like ability. The film, originally conceived as an art installation, is a bold exploration of ideology and performance. While it may not follow a conventional narrative, Manifesto is a must-watch for those who appreciate experimental cinema.
The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2003)
Though her screen time as Galadriel is limited in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Blanchett’s ethereal presence leaves a lasting impression. As the wise and powerful Elven queen, she embodies both serenity and immense power, making her one of the most memorable characters in Peter Jackson’s epic saga. In The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, her character plays a crucial role in guiding the Fellowship, exuding an otherworldly wisdom that feels both intimidating and comforting.
How to watch the best Cate Blanchett movies streaming online in India
From playing historical queens to tortured artists, here’s how and where you can watch the best movies starring Cate Blanchett online. Our guide below also offers you all the options to rent, buy, or watch these movies online for free.
