Since rising to fame as Elizabeth Swann in the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Keira Knightley has established herself as a premiere actor in Hollywood. Although she is most known for appearing in period pieces, her filmography is more versatile than most people might think.
Looking at her films to have the highest average rating on Letterboxd, you can find a unique blend of intriguing projects. From billion-dollar hits to intense dramas to iconic adaptations, Knightley has found a way to shine in all kinds of movies. Even ones that didn't receive the best reviews often include praise for her performance.
10 Colette (2018) - 3.44
Stream On Netflix
While there are some popular biopics that made a lot of money commercially, some of the best ones have flown under the radar. One of those is Colette, which tells the story of the life of French novelist Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, known simply as Colette.
This is another in a long line of period pieces featuring Keira Knightley as she plays the titular character. Most critics felt the plot was formulaic but that was okay because Knightley's performance is electric and carries this to its success.
9 Anna Karenina (2012) - 3.46
Rent On Apple TV
Another period piece, 2012's Anna Karenina isn't a biopic but it is based on a novel of the same name from 1877. Again, Knightley has the lead role as the titular character, a Russian socialite who is married to a senior statesman and has an affair with a cavalry officer.
The book it is based on is often considered a great work of literature and it translated well to the big screen. Fans were happy to see Knightley reunited with her co-star from 2005, Matthew Macfadyen, and her work here earned her a Satellite Award nomination
8 Never Let Me Go (2010) - 3.49
Rent On Vudu
The one place you're likely to find Keira Knightley outside of period pieces is in indie films. A lot of her projects have small budgets and really allow the cast to deliver with their acting skills. That's just what the actors in Never Let Me Go pulled off.
The movie sees Knightley star alongside Carey Mulligan and Andrew Garfield as all of their characters become caught up in a love triangle. Despite the simple premise, it is indeed the actors and the screenplay that allow this movie to work as well as it does.
7 Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) - 3.49
Stream On Disney+
The success of the original Pirates of the Caribbean film came as a surprise to many. Based on a Disney theme park ride, not many expected this to be a breakout hit but it did to the point where two of the sequels grossed more than $1 billion. The first to do so was Dead Man's Chest.
It is the second entry into the series and upped the ante from the first by introducing characters like Davy Jones, Tia Dalma, and Cutler Beckett. Knightley's Elizabeth Swann also had time to further develop and firmly established herself as one of Disney's toughest female characters.
6 Official Secrets (2019) - 3.53
Stream On Netflix
One of Knightley's more recent movies is Official Secrets, which is based on a true story. It focuses on the case of Katharine Gunn, a whistleblower who leaked information exposing American and British intelligence services for an illegal spying operation designed to influence the outcome of a vote regarding the resolution of the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Directed by Gavin Hood, the movie takes a deep dive into the controversial subject matter and was well received for it. Knightley shines in the lead role as Gunn alongside Matt Smith and Matthew Goode.
5 Begin Again (2013) - 3.56
Stream On Showtime
Another indie hit from Keira Knightley's filmography is Begin Again, which partners her up on screen with top talents like Hailee Steinfeld and Mark Ruffalo. The film tells the story of a singer-songwriter who is discovered by a struggling record executive. Together, they record an album throughout New York City.
Knightley stars as the singer, Gretta, while Ruffalo is the executive, Dan, and Steinfeld nearly steals the show as Dan's daughter Violet. Critics praised Knightley's singing voice and the song she performs was even nominated for an Academy Award.
4 The Imitation Game (2014) - 3.76
Stream On Netflix
Keira Knightley is far from the only actor who seems to pop up in plenty of period pieces. Benedict Cumberbatch is another actor who does and together, they appeared in one titled The Imitation Game.
Based on the 1983 biography Alan Turing: The Enigma, the film depicts the life of Turing, a cryptanalyst and mathematical genius who attempted to crack the German Enigma code during World War II. Knightley has a key role as Joan Clarke, a fellow cryptanalyst who was engaged to Turing for a time.
3 Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl (2003) - 3.85
Stream On Disney+
She may be known for many roles but the biggest of Keira Knightley's esteemed career is that of Elizabeth Swann. She debuted the character in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, which sees Swann team with her love interest Will Turner and the notorious Captain Jack Sparrow against a crew of cursed pirates.
The film surprised many by becoming a box office hit and the franchise became a pop culture sensation. Although Knightley has had several better performances in her career, there's no doubt that she made sure audiences would never forget the power of Elizabeth Swann.
2 Atonement (2007) - 3.96
Stream On HBO Max
Joe Wright's Atonement was a critical darling that popped up everywhere come awards season, including landing seven Oscar nominations and winning Best Motion Picture - Drama at the Golden Globes. Keira Knightley plays the lead character Cecilia Tallis.
Atonement is based on a 2001 novel and tells the tale of how Cecilla's younger sister Briony changes the lives of several people when she accuses Cecilla's lover of a crime he didn't commit. Along with Knightley's great lead work, this film helped introduce Saoirse Ronan to the world as she earned an Oscar nod.
1 Pride & Prejudice (2005) - 4.14
Stream On Peacock
There have been so many adaptations of Pride & Prejudice throughout history that it can be difficult to really nail the concept. Despite there being so many iterations, a lot of people agree that the 2005 take is the best ever made.
This version sees Knightley star as Elizabeth Bennet, who finds unexpected romance with the rich and proud Mr. Darcy, played by Matthew Macfadyen. 20-year-old Knightley was one of the youngest to ever get a Best Leading Actress nomination at the Academy Awards for her stellar performance in this film.
