From riveting dramas to thrilling performances, explore the top films featuring these legendary actresses. Discover why these movies have stood the test of time and what makes each performance unforgettable.
Drama and Classic Cinema
Anna Magnani
- Roma, città aperta (1945) – NR – IMDb: 8.2
- Magnani delivers a powerful performance in this landmark Italian neorealist film about life under Nazi occupation.
- L’ora X (1957) – NR – IMDb: 7.4
- A tense drama featuring Magnani as a woman caught in a web of wartime intrigue and personal betrayal.
- The Rose Tattoo (1955) – NR – IMDb: 7.6
- Magnani won an Academy Award for her role as a grieving widow in this emotionally charged drama.
- Mamma Roma (1962) – NR – IMDb: 7.6
- Magnani plays a strong-willed woman trying to escape her past and build a better future for her son.
- Bellissima (1951) – NR – IMDb: 7.4
- A touching story of a mother who dreams of a brighter future for her daughter in the film industry.
Contemporary and Period Dramas
Judi Dench
- Shakespeare in Love (1998) – R – IMDb: 7.1
- Dench won an Oscar for her brief but memorable role as Queen Elizabeth I in this charming romantic drama.
- Philomena (2013) – PG-13 – IMDb: 7.6
- Dench shines as a mother searching for her lost son in this touching, true-life drama.
- The Remains of the Day (1993) – PG – IMDb: 7.8
- Dench plays a housekeeper in this critically acclaimed film about love and duty in post-World War II England.
- Mrs Brown (1997) – PG – IMDb: 7.6
- A historical drama where Dench portrays Queen Victoria’s close and unconventional friendship with her servant.
- Notes on a Scandal (2006) – R – IMDb: 7.4
- Dench gives a riveting performance in this psychological drama about scandal and obsession.
Thrillers and Drama
Sharon Stone
- Basic Instinct (1992) – R – IMDb: 7.0
- Stone’s iconic role as a seductive murder suspect has left a lasting mark on the thriller genre.
- Casino (1995) – R – IMDb: 8.2
- A gripping crime drama where Stone’s performance as a manipulative femme fatale earned her critical acclaim.
- The Quick and the Dead (1995) – R – IMDb: 6.4
- Stone stars as a gunslinger seeking revenge in this stylish western directed by Sam Raimi.
- Total Recall (1990) – R – IMDb: 7.5
- A sci-fi action film where Stone’s role adds intrigue and complexity to this mind-bending adventure.
- The Muse (1999) – PG-13 – IMDb: 5.6
- Stone’s comedic turn as a modern-day muse is both entertaining and quirky in this satirical film.
Thrillers and Dramas
Kim Basinger
- L.A. Confidential (1997) – R – IMDb: 8.2
- Basinger’s performance in this neo-noir film earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
- 9½ Weeks (1986) – R – IMDb: 5.9
- A provocative drama where Basinger’s role explores a complex and intense relationship.
- The Door in the Floor (2004) – R – IMDb: 6.8
- Basinger plays a grieving mother in this poignant drama about family and loss.
- Batman (1989) – PG-13 – IMDb: 7.5
- Basinger’s role as Vicki Vale adds romance and depth to this iconic superhero film.
- Into the Night (1985) – R – IMDb: 6.6
- A fun, action-packed comedy where Basinger’s performance is both charming and adventurous.
Period Dramas and Classics
Glenda Jackson
- Women in Love (1969) – R – IMDb: 7.8
- Jackson’s performance in this controversial drama earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
- A Touch of Class (1973) – PG – IMDb: 7.1
- Jackson won an Oscar for her role in this witty romantic comedy about an affair between an English woman and an American man.
- The Music Lovers (1970) – NR – IMDb: 7.4
- A biographical drama where Jackson plays a passionate portrayal of composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s wife.
- The Triple Echo (1972) – NR – IMDb: 7.0
- Jackson stars in this haunting film about a young woman’s complex relationships during World War II.
- Marat/Sade (1967) – NR – IMDb: 7.7
- A historical drama where Jackson’s performance as Charlotte Corday adds intensity to this unique film.
Conclusion
These films showcase the exceptional talent of Anna Magnani, Judi Dench, Sharon Stone, Kim Basinger, and Glenda Jackson. From dramatic roles to thrilling performances, each movie highlights the unique contributions these actresses have made to cinema. Dive into these top films to experience their captivating performances and the magic they bring to the screen.