20 Finest Monica Bellucci Films, Ranked

A family title in Italy and the remainder of the world, Monica Bellucci is a top-notch mannequin and actor. She had her breakthrough function within the arthouse film The House in 1996, which earned the star a César Award nomination for Most Promising Actress. Nevertheless, Bellucci’s breakout was in Francis Ford Coppola‘s Bram Stoker’s Dracula, because it was the film that launched Bellucci to Hollywood and gave her some publicity.

Nonetheless, the star’s most memorable performances to this point are arguably the tragic Malèna and the controversial Irreversible, which stay talked-about movies even immediately. Later got here her roles in American blockbusters like Spectre, for which she oozed attraction and made historical past by changing into the oldest—and, arguably, one of the crucial elegant—Bond lady seen on display. To have a good time her compelling profession, we glance again at the perfect Monica Bellucci motion pictures thus far.

20

‘Reminiscence’ (2022)

Appeared as Davana Sealman

This one-person army action starring none apart from Liam Neeson follows season assassin-for-hire battling early-stage Alzheimer’s. Struggling to outmaneuver his enemies whereas grappling together with his deteriorating reminiscence after realizing he has grow to be the goal of a robust prison group, he should depend on his fading expertise to outlive.

Whereas Neeson takes heart stage on this Martin Campbell image, Bellucci brings sophistication to her function as Davana Sealman, a key character who turns into woven into the ethical dilemmas of Neeson’s hitman. Reminiscence could also be a tad too formulaic for its personal good and never a groundbreaking movie by any means. Nevertheless, it continues to be popcorn leisure for followers of motion thrillers, notably those that get pleasure from a extra character-driven strategy.

19

‘Below Suspicion’ (2000)

Appeared as Chantal Hearst

Whereas Below Suspicion will not be Bellucci’s most acclaimed function, it showcases her presence in a gripping psychological thriller alongside two acting legends: Gene Hackman and Morgan Freeman. The Stephen Hopkins film facilities round a rich lawyer in San Juan who involves the police station for “10 minutes” of follow-up inquiries to discover a 12-year-old lady’s physique in a park. Nevertheless, because the questioning intensifies, the night time takes a tense and sudden flip.

Those that get pleasure from slow-burn and dialogue-driven thrillers that maintain audiences on edge are in all probability going to a minimum of try to give Below Suspicion a watch. Whereas Bellucci’s function as Chantal, the a lot youthful spouse of tax lawyer Henry Hearst, is considerably restricted by way of display time, she delivers a magnetic efficiency and showcases her highly effective display presence, and her character’s strained relationship together with her husband provides one other layer of stress to Hopkins’ movie. Although Below Suspicion obtained blended evaluations upon launch, some viewers praised the film’s performances.

18

‘Dobermann’ (1997)

Appeared as Nat the Gypsy

Directed by Jan Kouen, Dobermann facilities across the titular, ruthless prison (Vincent Cassel), who leads a collection of brutal financial institution robbers. Nevertheless, after a posh financial institution theft, they’re hunted by the police in Paris, with sadistic Cop Christini (Tchéky Karyo) main the mission.

Though not the perfect of Monica Bellucci’s options (particularly for its formulaic narrative, amongst different facets), Dobermann is nonetheless an entertaining watch due to its fashion and performances. With an anticipated sturdy on-screen presence, Bellucci brings to life a fierce and fearless younger girl who is an important a part of the story, as she is the proper hand for the movie’s central character. Dobermann is visually wealthy and immersive, with Kounen’s route capturing the plot’s gritty essence fairly nicely.

17

‘On the Milky Street’ (2016)

Appeared as Bride

Starring and directed by Emir Kusturica, On the Milky Street is a visually poetic and surreal war drama. The three-part movie recounts three durations in a person’s life: his time as a fortunate milkman navigating a war-torn panorama, his escapades and rising reference to the girl he loves, and his later life as a monk.

This 2016 movie is a standout largely for its distinctive mix of fantasy, romance, and struggle. Though it will not be for everybody, it’s a good decide for anybody who appreciates unconventional tales and visually wealthy movies. Stuffed with the filmmaker’s signature surrealism and kooky cinematography, it delivers visually pleasing visuals on prime of its charming performances—Bellucci, in fact, is a spotlight, gracing audiences together with her compelling efficiency and ethereal magnificence.

16

‘The Finest Years of a Life’ (2019)

Appeared as Elena

This sequel of Lelouch’s traditional A Man and a Lady stars Jean-Louis Trintignant and Anouk Aimée within the lead roles and focuses on an outdated man trying again at recollections of a former lever. Via the movie, audiences are invited to take a glimpse into their affair as kids, tackling themes of affection, time, and reminiscence.

Bellucci is Jean-Louis’ daughter, Elena, entering into the sneakers of the character with heat and tenderness and including emotion and vulnerability to the movie. At its core, The Best Years of a Life is a great meditation on relationships, showcasing themes of affection throughout completely different life phases and the way they evolve with time. The chemistry between the 2 leads, performed by Trintignant and Aimée, can be price noting.

15

‘Tears of the Solar’ (2003)

Appeared as Dr. Lena Kendricks

Starring Bruce Willis alongside Bellucci within the lead roles, Tears of the Solar is one more strong alternative for struggle thriller aficionados. Set in opposition to the backdrop of the dense Nigerian jungle, Antoine Fuqua’s movie illustrates a Particular-Ops commander main his crew to rescue a health care provider who refuses to go away except the crew additionally rescues 70 refugees.

Bellucci shines as Dr. Lena Kendricks, a strong-willed and compassionate physician who performs an enormous function within the movie’s core. The star brings each vulnerability and power to the function, making Dr. Kendricks a compelling and likable character amid the film’s intense chaos of struggle. Though it obtained blended suggestions, Fuqua’s film is a fascinating and visually putting image with nice chemistry between its two charismatic leads.

14

‘Spectre’ (2015)

Appeared as Lucia Sciarra

The twenty-fourth installment in the James Bond series facilities round Bond’s quest to uncover the that means of a cryptic message from the character’s previous. He heads on an journey to uncover the existence of the group named SPECTRE and learns about who’s behind his anxieties and most up-to-date missions.

Spectre is hardly the perfect Bond movie of the bunch with many contemplating it an entire miss for quite a few causes. Nevertheless, the Daniel Craig-led image continues to be definitely worth the viewers’s time, if not just for Bellucci’s charming Bond lady, Lucia Sciarra, the widow of certainly one of Bond’s newest kills. Though her character was sadly underused, Bellucci made historical past by gracefully changing into the oldest Bond lady within the franchise’s decade-long story on the pleasant age of fifty.

13

‘The Whistleblower’ (2010)

Appeared as Laura Leviani

Primarily based on the real-life experiences of police officer Kathryn Bolkovac, the gripping The Whistleblower sees Rachel Weisz taking part in the cop who served as a peacemaker in post-war Bosnia and outed the U.N. for protecting up a intercourse trafficking scandal.

Whereas Kondracki’s movie isn’t a groundbreaking masterpiece, it’s a related image that these eager on social commentary movies could need to try, because it sheds gentle on human rights violations and the complicity of these in energy. Bellucci steps into the sneakers of Laura Leviani, the top of the repatriation program who refuses to assist repatriate younger ladies. Regardless of being a supporting character on this entertaining true crime drama, she nonetheless delivers a strong efficiency in the course of the display time she is offered.

12

‘Shoot ‘Em Up’ (2007)

Appeared as Donna Quintano

Following a gunman performed by Clive Owen who groups up with a intercourse employee named DQ delivered to life by Bellucci, Shoot ‘Em Up sees its protagonist trying to guard a new child from additional assaults after saving him from assassins. Within the meantime, Smith and DQ try to unearth a dying senator’s scheme to reap bone marrow from infants, whereas hitman Hertz (Paul Giamatti) tries to cease them.

Whereas Shoot ‘Em Up’s plot sounds like it got here straight out of a fever dream, the Michael Davis flick is definitely adequate to maintain viewers’ boredom at bay. Even whether it is removed from a masterpiece within the motion style, the 2007 function continues to be price testing if just for its respectable performances, together with Bellucci’s, and motion sequences that present moviegoers with a dose of popcorn leisure. Regardless of being one thing of a field workplace flop that earned lower than half of his funds again, Shoot ‘Em Up was launched to favorable evaluations.

11

‘The Matrix Reloaded’ (2003)

Appeared as Persephone

The second installment in The Matrix franchise follows freedom fighters Neo (Keanu Reeves in certainly one of his most iconic roles), Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), and Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) as they lead the revolt in opposition to the Machine Military and try to vary humankind’s tragic destiny, which incorporates extinction.

Bellucci performs Persephone, the spouse of the Merovingian (Lambert Wilson), on this entry to the beloved saga. She returns to The Matrix Revolutions and The Matrix Resurrections, though for a fair smaller display time. Whereas none of those movies are on par with the unique and first installment when trying again at it, Reloaded continues to be an satisfying watch with arguably higher motion sequences. Though the film was well-received by critics and grossed over $739 million, it was additionally a bit divisive because of its complicated storyline.

10

‘Brotherhood of the Wolf’ (2001)

Appeared as Sylvia

Set within the 18th century in a rural province of France, Brotherhood of the Wolf depicts a mysterious string of murders by an unseen beast with huge power and intelligence. When King Louis sends Chevalier de Fronsac (Samuel Le Bihan) and his Native American good friend (Mark Dacascos) to convey the beast down, the creature’s true nature seems to be removed from what was anticipated.

Christophe Gans’ R-rated film is an entertaining werewolf thriller movie that makes it price audiences’ time by offering a gripping premise. Whereas flawed (and much from being an ideal function), Brotherhood of the Wolf has old style horror parts which will attraction to some and are undoubtedly satisfying to have a look at. Bellucci performs Sylvia, a charismatic Vatican spy.

9

‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula’ (1992)

Appeared as The Spouse of Dracula

Centering on the centuries-old vampire Rely Dracula (Gary Oldman) as he units foot in England in hopes of inflicting chaos in a overseas land and seducing Winona Ryder‘s Mina Murray (the fiancée of his barrister Jonathan Harker, performed by Keanu Reeves) within the meantime, this compelling adaptation of the long-lasting novel is a gripping Francis Ford Coppola Dracula movie adaptation and a fan-favorite tackle the beloved story.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula combines horror, romance, and humor to nice outcomes. It isn’t the filmmaker’s greatest work, but it surely nonetheless deserves a spot amongst his most notable. Visually luscious, the charming and absorbing movie counts on Bellucci’s skills, as showcased in her small however putting function as certainly one of Dracula’s three brides. The actress has named her work in Coppola’s movie as a turning level. “Once I say sure to a personality, it’s as a result of I needed to share a second of performing that’s fascinating for me, however typically that may be an enormous function. Generally, that may be a small function,” Bellucci revealed.

8

‘Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra’ (2002)

Appeared as Cleopatra

This enjoyable journey comedy is the proper decide for household viewing. It follows the well-known titular characters, Astérix (Christian Clavier) and Obélix (Gérard Depardieu), as the 2 embark on an journey to Egypt to assist architect Numérobis (Jamel Debbouze), who’s constructing a palace for the charming Cleopatra, performed by the Italian actor.

Not like the latest movie Asterix & Obelix: The Center Kingdom, which sadly got here out to questionable evaluations, this 2002 film is definitely among the many greatest variations of the legendary comedian e book collection. It’s foolish, enjoyable, lighthearted, and really devoted to its supply materials. It isn’t exhausting to understand why so many viewers preferred the visually spectacular Mission Cleopatra, and Bellucci’s charisma definitely provides to it.

7

‘The House’ (1996)

Appeared as Lisa

This 1996 romantic thriller starring Bellucci and her ex-partner, Vincent Cassell, follows a just lately engaged man who, after seeing his former biggest love, does essentially the most for his or her paths to cross once more. The movie depicts Max’s obsession together with his ex-flame and likewise introduces audiences to his longtime admirer (Romane Bohringer), who organized their cut up.

The House makes for an entertaining romantic comedy movie and trendy piece of filmmaking directed by Gilles Mimouni. Whereas it is not the defining entry in Bellucci’s decades-long profession, The House continues to be an enticing thriller price testing for many who benefit from the style. Moreover, it’s impressed by the work of famend author William Shakespeare, “A Midsummer Evening’s Dream.”

6

‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ (2024)

Appeared as Delores

Tim Burton’s newest achievement, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, serves because the sequel to his iconic darkish fantasy movie. It sees three generations of the Deetz household return house to Winter River after a household tragedy solely to by accident open a portal to the Afterlife, the place they arrive head to head with the long-lasting character as soon as extra.

Whereas not as nice as the unique, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is nonetheless a strong effort from the filmmaker, respiratory new life into the franchise whereas introducing it to youthful generations. Regardless that Bellucci doesn’t have a number of display time, her character Delores—Beetlegeuse’s ex-wife, who steps into the image with unfinished enterprise—continues to be a pleasant addition to the Tim Burton universe; due to Bellucci’s unbelievable on-screen presence, this “soul-sucking” demon (as Bellucci herself describes her) captures the eye of audiences each time she steps on display.

5

‘Irreversible’ (2002)

Appeared as Alex

Irreversible isn’t precisely a recommendable film for the heavy themes it tackles and disturbing, graphic depictions of sexual assault and violence, however it’s undeniably certainly one of Bellucci’s most memorable works to this point. Directed by Gaspar Noé, the upsetting movie depicts the occasions of a tragic night time in Paris as two males (Cassel and Albert Dupontel) search to avenge the brutality dedicated in opposition to the girl they love.

Whereas powerful, typically misunderstood, and exhausting to sit down by (it would follow viewers after the credit roll), Irreversible may be very nicely executed and options memorable performing performances. With impeccable storytelling, the controversial 2002 French extremity image, which is informed in reverse chronological order, offers with themes of existential despair. “Once I did this film, I imply, no one would imagine that this movie would grow to be what it grew to become,” admitted Bellucci in an interview.

4

‘The Man Who Bought His Pores and skin’ (2020)

Appeared as Soraya Waldy

One of many actor’s most up-to-date initiatives is The Man Who Bought His Pores and skin, a thought-provoking Kaouther Ben Hania drama specializing in a Syrian refugee named Sam (Yahya Mahayni) whose tattooed physique is become a dwelling murals and showcased in a museum to stunning, sudden outcomes.

With a artistic and provocative premise, The Man Who Bought His Pores and skin offers audiences with an clever social commentary about how manipulative the artwork world may be, and the saddening lack of worth typically placed on the lives of migrants. Meditating on the usage of individuals as commodities, the intriguing Ben Hania film options Bellucci in certainly one of her most plausible and compelling performances (to which she immediately said yes).

3

‘The Wonders’ (2014)

Appeared as Milly Catena

Set within the Tuscan countryside, The Wonders follows a household of beekeepers. When a troubled teenage boy arrives and the preteen daughter within the household (Maria Alexandra Lungu) enters a contest to look on a tv present, the family finds their peace disrupted.

A prize winner on the Cannes Movie Pageant, Alice Rohrwacher‘s film is certainly a visually pleasing one. Though its storytelling alone is compelling sufficient to maintain audiences invested, The Wonders‘ cinematography is certainly one of its strongest facets. In a really pure and life like method, it sends out a considerate, heartfelt message about familial love. The actor performs the charming and hypnotizing “fairy” Milly Caetana, the host of the present. She wears a flowing white costume and white hair to match.

2

‘The Ardour of the Christ’ (2004)

Appeared as Mary Magdalene

Illustrating the ultimate hours of the lifetime of Jesus Christ (Jim Caviezel) in Nazareth on the day of his crucifixion in Jerusalem, this biblical drama sheds gentle on the horror of his mom Mary (Maia Morgenstern), Mary Magdalen (Bellucci), whom he had saved from damnation, and his disciples after studying he’s condemned to dying.

The Passion of Christ isn’t everybody’s cup of tea—particularly contemplating the heavy themes it offers with and the graphic imagery it options (together with a gory death scene, as anticipated)—nonetheless, it’s price checking for Bellucci’s performing efforts; the actor shines whereas giving a quiet however highly effective efficiency that’s visceral to its narrative. For sure, the 2004 function is an effective decide for these acquainted with and moved by its story.

1

‘Malèna’ (2000)

Appeared as Malèna Scordia

In any case these years, Malèna endures one of the crucial essential Monica Bellucci movies. This heartbreaking movie focuses on a 12-year-old boy (Giuseppe Sulfaro) who’s coming of age amid the struggle local weather and finds himself love-stricken by a sensual girl dwelling in a small and conservative Sicilian city.

Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore—the good thoughts behind the long-lasting Italian function Cinema Paradiso—Malèna is a deeply touching movie. It has a robust social commentary that tackles the objectification of ladies, who are sometimes taken benefit of, by the male gaze. Enduring simply as related now, this 2000 drama is undeniably an enormous a part of Bellucci’s profession and cemented her as an excellent protagonist. “It was an essential film as a result of it was an Italian film touring around the globe. For Italy, Malèna was an enormous deal,” the actor explained in an interview.

NEXT: The Highest-Rated Italian Movies of All Time, Ranked by IMDb Score