Throughout the past few decades and through many great performances, Robin Wright has proven herself be one of the most compelling actors around. She is well known for her work on television in the Netflix series House of Cards but she also has an incredible film career that includes some of the most acclaimed films in a variety of genres.
She continually gives intense and compelling performances, whether it be in small supporting roles or as the headlining star of the film. She is always a joy to see pop up in any project and adds gravitas to any film she appears in. Here are Robin Wright’s best films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
The Pledge (2001): 78%
When Sean Penn directed this somber crime drama, he has the good fortune of being married to Robin Wright at the time and was able to bring her considerable talents on board this project. The film stars Jack Nicholson as a retiring lawman trying to solve a case of a missing child. Wright plays the mother of a young girl who may also be targeted.
The movie boasts an impressive cast including Aaron Eckhart, Helen Mirren, and Mickey Rourke. Though critics acknowledged that it was a grim story that may not sit well with some viewers, Nicholson’s subtle performance makes it worth checking out.
State Of Play (2009): 84%
Wright, like many talented female actors, can sometimes get pushed into the wife roles in films. However, she seems able to find ways to make those underwritten roles more compelling than usual. State of Play is a gripping political thriller starring Russell Crowe as a reporter investigating the death of a congressional aid which may link to his congressman friend (Ben Affleck).
Wright plays Affleck’s wife who is dealing with the news of her husband’s affair as well as her feelings for Crowe’s character. The movie takes certain leaps with its mystery according to some critics, but it is always captivating and performed wonderfully by a talented cast.
State Of Grace (1990): 84%
Wright and Sean Penn met while filming this underseen but stellar crime drama set in the world of the Irish mob in New York City. Penn plays a cop who is tasked with returning to his old neighborhood and infiltrating the mob which is now run by his old friends. Wright plays Penn’s old flame whom he left behind.
The film also stars Gary Oldman and Ed Harris in the violent and compelling saga. While critics admitted that the story feels familiar at times, it is largely elevated by the talents of its cast and the sharp direction.
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011): 86%
Wright joined David Fincher’s adaptation of the acclaimed and hugely popular mystery novel The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Daniel Craig plays a beleaguered investigative journalist who partners with a skilled hacker (Rooney Mara) to investigate the disappearance of a young woman from a nearby island that occurred decades ago.
Fincher’s intense and dark direction proved to be ideal for this grim noir film. The brutality of the film may be off-putting but it is always captivating and features a mesmerizing performance by Mara in as the mysterious Lisbeth Salander.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017): 87%
The idea of revisiting the Blade Runner story might have seemed like a terrible idea to some, but Denis Villeneuve managed to pull off the impossible. Ryan Gosling stars as a replicant working as a blade runner for the police who uncovers a hidden secret that changes everything about his reality. Wright plays Gosling’s superior officer.
Despite reservations, critics admitted the film is a worthy successor to the ground-breaking original. The movie was hailed as being visually stunning while also deepening the story of the first film in new and exciting ways.
A Most Wanted Man (2014): 87%
Wright’s intense authoritative presence seems to fit perfectly into the world of a thriller. A Most Wanted Man finds Wright in a classic spy movie that follows the intricate web of lies and intrigue as international forces attempt to capture a potential threat.
Along with Wright, the movie stars the likes of Rachel McAdams, Willem Dafoe and Phillip Seymour Hoffman in one of his final roles. Critics found the film to be a smart and grounded take on the spy genre that pulls the audience into its dark and complex story.
The Playboys (1992): 92%
As Wright’s star was on the rise, she found herself headlining more movies, including this charming Ireland-set drama. Wright stars as a young woman who becomes the scandal of her small community for having a baby out of wedlock and refuses to name the father. However, she soon finds love in a charming actor who comes to town with his traveling show.
Though not a big film in scale, many critics called it a genuine pleasure. It made for a sweet and heartwarming romance with fine performances, especially from Wright herself.
Wonder Woman (2017): 93%
Though a female-led superhero film of this size was long overdue, Wonder Woman proved to be a massive hit with audiences and gave the DCEU a much need success. Critics called it a thrilling and inspiring adventure that mixed amazing action with genuine emotion.
Moneyball (2011): 94%
Combining baseball and statistics might not sound like a fun movie for most audiences, but Moneyball turned those topics into an engrossing sports drama. Brad Pitt stars in the real-life story of Billy Bean who used math to build a winning baseball team that could compete in the major leagues against richer teams.
Pitt is stellar is a real movie star role as the man determined to change the unfair system. Wright plays his ex-wife in a small supporting role. The movie itself was called a sharp, funny and compelling story that will thrill even those who couldn’t care less about baseball.
The Princess Bride (1987): 97%
It seems fitting that Wright’s most iconic role is in her most acclaimed film. The Princess Bride is the fantasy comedy that stars Wright as a beautiful young woman who is chosen to be the prince’s bride only for her long-lost love to return.
The movie has become a cult classic thanks to its lovable characters and hilarious humor. Critics praised the film for mashing together various tones and genres to great a fresh and effective adventure.
