June 20, 2023, 9:19 am | Read time: 7 minutes
Hollywood star Nicole Kidman turns 56 today! To mark the occasion, TECHBOOK lists the best films and series in which the actress has played leading roles; of course, including where they can be streamed.
Did you know that Nicole Kidman, often referred to as an “Australian actress,” was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1967? It wasn’t until she was three years old that her family moved to a suburb of Sydney. There, young Kidman took early steps toward an acting career (such as roles in nativity plays and school theater). She first gained recognition in her early 20s in the family film “Bush Christmas” (1983), and she was also seen in the popular children’s TV series “BMX Bandits.” The thriller “Dead Calm” marked her breakthrough in 1989.
Today, she is the recipient of numerous prestigious film awards and is also active as a film producer. Kidman has been nominated for an Oscar multiple times, winning in 2003 for her leading role in “The Hours.” She also holds a Golden Camera, five Golden Globes, two Emmys, and a BAFTA Award, among others.
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The Best Films and Series with Nicole Kidman
Admittedly, not all of her productions received only positive feedback. But even though she was “honored” with a Golden Raspberry–alongside co-star Will Ferrell as the “worst screen couple” in “Bewitched”–that very comedy is considered by TECHBOOK to be one of the most entertaining films Nicole Kidman has ever made. It should be emphasized again: The following list of the “best” films and series with Nicole Kidman is entirely curated by the editorial team and independent of sales figures and official awards.
Overview
Eyes Wide Shut (1990)
In the drama “Eyes Wide Shut,” Nicole Kidman starred alongside Tom Cruise, whom she married that year. The plot is inspired by the “Dream Story” by the renowned Austrian doctor Arthur Schnitzler. In short, it deals with desires, temptations, and jealousy, spiced with a good dose of eroticism. The film was directed by Stanley Kubrick, who died just a few days after its release from a heart attack.
“Eyes Wide Shut” is currently not available for free streaming. It can be rented for $3.99 or purchased for $9.99 on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
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Far and Away (1992)
In the drama “Far and Away,” the couple Kidman and Cruise also play the lead roles. As Shannon Christie and Joseph Donnelly, they leave their homeland of Ireland together, aiming to take advantage of the much-praised, limitless opportunities in America. However, they encounter unexpected hurdles upon arrival. Ups and downs–and perhaps a happy ending?
“Far and Away” is currently available for free streaming on Amazon Prime.
Moulin Rouge (2001)
This film is an adaptation of the musical of the same name about a legendary nightclub in Paris. Nicole Kidman plays show star Satine in one of her best films. The new playwright Christian, portrayed by Ewan McGregor, falls in love with her–a conflict-laden situation. For Satine is tasked with charming not just the audience but also a financier behind the scenes…
“Moulin Rouge” is currently included in the Disney+ subscription. Alternatively, the film can be rented on various platforms.
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The Hours (2002)
Three women (played by Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, and Julianne Moore) in different life situations. Their commonality is a connection to a novel by British author Virginia Woolf, “Mrs. Dalloway.” All three find themselves at a crossroads and must make important decisions for the future.
The film is currently not available for free streaming. It can be rented for $3.99 or purchased for around $7.99 on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
Cold Mountain (2003)
A star-studded war drama set during the American Civil War. In the role of Ada Monroe, Nicole Kidman, along with her new friend Ruby (played by Renée Zellweger), takes care of her father’s farm while her fiancé, a soldier (Jude Law), travels through the war-torn land, making some special acquaintances and experiences–very worth watching.
“Cold Mountain” is available for free streaming to Paramount+ subscribers.
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Bewitched (2005)
An actor whose glory days are behind him plans his comeback with a remake of the 1960s cult series “Bewitched.” The female lead role is to be taken by Isabel Bigelow (played by Nicole Kidman)–and she can actually do magic in real life. The wannabe Hollywood star experiences this in an unpleasant way after Bigelow feels she is being used solely for his purposes.
Sky Wow offers “Bewitched” for free streaming.
Australia (2008)
In this war drama, Nicole Kidman plays a British aristocrat in 1930. When her husband dies, he leaves her a large cattle farm in Australia. She ventures into the Outback with a drover (played by Hugh Jackman), and during the journey, World War II begins.
Disney+ subscribers can stream “Australia” for free.
Rabbit Hole (2010)
Nicole Kidman stars alongside Aaron Eckhart as a wife and mother whose son dies in a car accident. The drama explores how devastating the loss of a child can be, how people can change as a result–and what unpredictable actions they may take.
“Rabbit Hole” is currently not available for free streaming. However, it can be rented on Apple TV for $7.99.
Grace of Monaco (2014)
Filmography with Nicole Kidman in the lead role. It covers the life of Princess Grace Kelly during the height of tensions between France and Monaco in the 1960s. The former film actress is tempted by the idea of returning to her profession, which, given her private (and public) role as the wife of Rainier III, means some explosive potential.
“Grace of Monaco” is currently not available for free streaming. It can be rented or purchased for $3.99 and $9.99, respectively, on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+.
Lion (2016)
A film drama about Saroo, an Indian boy who, at the age of five, is separated from his biological mother and sister due to an accident and grows up as an adopted child in an Australian family (with Nicole Kidman as Sue Brierley). His past and memories of his home never quite leave him, prompting him to embark on a significant journey to find his roots as an adult.
The Netflix production is available for free on the streaming platform. It can also be viewed via the Amazon Channel Arthouse Cinema.
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Big Little Lies (2017)
A mini-series based on a novel, centered around three mothers of elementary school children in the upscale coastal town of Monterey. Their lives take unexpected turns and become intertwined when a murder occurs, to which various actions of these women have contributed in retrospect. Revealing more would be a shame–a look at the trailer will leave you wanting more.
Both seasons of “Big Little Lies” are currently available for free on Sky Wow.
Bombshell (2019)
While talent and charisma count for male colleagues, female anchors (or those aspiring to be) at the U.S. news network Fox are well-advised to wear particularly short skirts to climb the career ladder. Sexual harassment against female employees was said to be part of the workday and tolerated–until one woman (played by Nicole Kidman) finally speaks out. The plot of the film “Bombshell” is based on true events.
The film is available for free streaming on Amazon Prime.
Note: We strive to keep this article updated with the relevant streaming platforms. However, if licensing rights change at short notice, there may be delays in updating the information accordingly.