15 Best Rated Cate Blanchett Movies

Cate Blanchett is one of the most gifted actors working today

She is one of those actors who immediately adds gravitas to any movie she is a part of, including her upcoming Tár which is already earning rave reviews.

Though she still has a long career ahead of her, Blanchett played in all kinds of genres, created some iconic characters, and received seven Oscar nominations of which she won two. Her career is filled with some of the most popular movies of all time as well as some underrated gems worth seeking out.

15 Don’t Look Up (2021) – 7.2

Though Blanchett doesn’t often appear in comedies, she did a great job as part of the massive star-studded ensemble of Don’t Look Up. The movie stars Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio as frustrated scientists trying to convince an interested world that a comet is heading for Earth. Blanchett plays a morning show host who begins an affair with DiCaprio.

The movie was not well-received by critics though many audiences found it to be a funny and thoughtful satire. It also held a message that even the movie’s harshest critics felt was worthwhile.

14 Blue Jasmine (2013) – 7.3

Blanchett is the kind of actor who doesn’t shy away from difficult characters and that is often where some of her best performances come from. Blue Jasmine is a terrific example of this as Blanchett plays an insufferable wealthy woman who is forced to move in with her working-class sister when her husband loses everything.

The movie juggles the tones of a drama about a deeply troubled woman with comedic aspects which are very hard to deny. Blanchett delivers a layered performance that is disturbing, funny, and always captivating.

13 Notes On A Scandal (2006) – 7.4

Blanchett starred opposite British acting legend Judi Dench in the gripping psychological thriller Notes on a Scandal. Dench plays an eccentric teacher who forms a relationship with a younger colleague (Blanchett) which takes a dark turn when Dench catches Blanchett in a scandal.

The movie has a relentlessly tense tone as secrets are threatened to be exposed and relationships grow more inappropriate. Dench and Blanchett make for a thrilling pair to go head-to-head in this story.

12 Elizabeth (1998) – 7.4

Blanchett earned her first Oscar nomination for playing Queen Elizabeth I in the thrilling historical epic Elizabeth. The movie takes a look at the monarch’s early years as queen as she struggles with the expectations of the powerful position.

Blanchett gives a commanding performance and is more than up to the challenge of playing such an iconic historical figure. The movie is filled with political intrigue, high-stakes adventure, and romance for an entertaining package.

11 The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies (2014) – 7.4

While Blanchett had returned to her iconic role of Galadriel in the other Hobbit movies, the third entry in the trilogy was her best. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is the epic conclusion dealing with multiple forces coming together in battle.

Like how Rings of Power‘s version of Galadriel compares to the books, Blanchett is allowed to be more badass here. She is seen taking on Sauron and Blanchett nails the sequences. And the movie was a thrilling ride overall while also cementing that The Hobbit trilogy falls far short of the Lord of the Rings movies.

10 The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) – 7.4

As Blanchett’s star was on the rise thanks to several acclaimed performances, she joined the incredible cast of this tense drama. The Talented Mr. Ripley stars Matt Damon as a man with a talent for imitation who strikes up a friendship with a spoiled rich boy (Jude Law) and begins attaching himself to his life of luxury.

Damon is excellent as the creepy and complex lead and the rest of the cast, including Blanchett, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Philip Seymour Hoffman only add to the film’s beauty and brilliance.

9 How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019) – 7.4

Though not the most famous of Blanchett’s fantasy franchises, the How to Train Your Dragon series has been a brilliant and beloved animated trilogy. The series finally came to an end with this epic finale which followed Hiccup’s attempts to find love for his dragon Toothless.

The third movie continues the franchises’ incredible visual storytelling with mind-blowing action sequences. It also manages to tell a heartwarming and emotional story that should satisfy fans of all ages.

8 The Aviator (2004) – 7.5

Blanchett has the opportunity to work with legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese in The Aviator. The film is a biopic of the controversial filmmaker, businessman, and aviator Howard Hughes. It looks at his many failed relationships and personal struggles while trying to break new ground in aviation.

Blanchett had the difficult task of playing Hollywood icon Katherine Hepburn in the film and does an amazing job at bringing her to life. The movie beautifully captures the glitz and glamor of the period while taking a look at this complex man. It makes for one of Scorsese’s best movies of the 21st century.

7 How To Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) – 7.8

Blanchett joined the How to Train Your Dragon franchise in its excellent second film. After achieving peace between the Viking community and the dragons, Hiccup and Toothless have to deal with a new threat as well as the emergence of a figure from Hiccup’s past.

The sequel lived up to the magic and excitement of the first film. It continued to deliver exciting action and some great humor, as well as expanding the world and introducing memorable new characters.

6 The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) – 7.8

Brad Pitt and David Fincher teamed up for their third film together and brought Cate Blanchett in on the fun. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is an epic romance that tells the story of the titular man who ages in reverse.

The movie follows the decades-long romance between Blanchett and Pitt’s characters. Fincher proves he can handle a romance story as well as his darker films and the ground-breaking special effects are incredible.

5 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) – 7.8

Nearly a decade after leaving the world of Middle Earth behind, Blanchette returned as Galadriel in the prequel series The Hobbit. The first film in this new trilogy followed the early adventures of Bilbo Baggins as he accompanies a band of dwarves looking to reclaim their home.

The movie didn’t quite stir the same emotions as the original film, but many fans of the franchise were happy to return to this world, see some of the actors reprise their famous roles, and meet some new characters.

4 Thor: Ragnarok (2017) – 7.9

Blanchett joined the MCU in one of its funniest movies to date. Thor: Ragnarok followed the God of Thunder on an intergalactic adventure as he tries to regain control of Asgard from the villainous and powerful Hela (Blanchett).

The third film in the solo series added new life to the character as Takia Waititi infused fun energy into the movie. Chris Hemsworth had a chance to show off his comedic side, making Thor one of the funniest MCU characters. Blanchett also seems to be having a ball with the villain role.

3 The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) – 8.8

Peter Jackson’s epic Lord of the Rings trilogy delivered an epic second installment with The Two Towers. With the Fellowship of the Ring divided, the heroes continue their march to Mordor to stop the forces of evil from taking control of Middle Earth. movie focusing on the epic third act battle. Jackson delivered a glorious and exciting fantasy adventure that left fans eager for the final chapter.

2 The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) – 8.8

One of the biggest and most acclaimed franchises of all time kicked off with The Fellowship of the Ring. The movie introduced Frodo, Gandalf, and the rest of the heroes as they began their journey across Middle Earth to destroy the One Ring.

Jackson did the impossible in bringing J.R.R. Tolkein’s beloved story of the Fellowship to life. The first chapter wonderfully set up the fantasy world with an exciting, scary, and emotional adventure. Blanchett gave a scene-stealing performance as the wise elf Galadriel.

1 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) – 9.0

The epic story finally came to an end in epic fashion. The Return of the King saw Blanchett and the rest of the team bringing the close to its conclusion as the forces of good clashed with the forces of evil in this massive final battle.

While many people joke about the unending finale, the movie delivered exactly what many fans were looking for. It brought the unforgettable story to an end and cemented the franchise as one of the most significant cinematic experiences ever.