Although she kicked off her career as a model,Halle Berryproved her talents in the film and TV industry and made her way to the screens, with some of her earliest acting roles being in shows such asLiving Dolls. A few years later, theX-Menactor had her breakthrough role inSpike Lee’sJungle Fever, rising to prominence and landing even more compelling parts.
Despite some mixed reviews for a few projects that she has participated in, Berry has proven that she is a versatile actor, starring in superhero movies likeCatwomanand theX-Men, in action franchises such asJohn Wick, and even biographical dramas, managing to stand out, receive critical acclaim, and even make Oscars history. FromDie Another DaytoMonster’s Ball,we analyze what are the best Halle Berry movies.
10’Die Another Day' (2002)
Director: Lee Tamahori
Fans ofPierce Brosnan’s James Bondare familiar withDie Another Day, where Berry plays NSA operative Jinx who teams up with the lead character to take down the bad guys. The film sees the iconic character set to investigate the connection between a North Korean terrorist and a diamond mogul funding the development of an international space weapon.
AlthoughDie Another Dayis not the finest film in Brosnan’s007franchise — withGoldenEyearguably taking the crown — it still provides audiences with some impressive action sequences. Despite being a weaker entry in the saga for several reasons (including the CGI and tone),Berry helps elevateDie Another Daywith her portrayal of Jinx, a central and standout figure in the movie with a strong presence that plays a huge role in its narrative.
Die Another Day
Rent on Apple TV
9’Introducing Dorothy Dandridge' (1999)
Director: Martha Coolidge
This HBO original TV movie followsDorothy Dandrige’s rise to fame and fortune as a dancer, singer, and actress. It highlights how Dandridge, the inspiring first African-American star to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, broke barriers in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s. It explores the challenges she faced as a black woman in the industry, as well as her own personal anxieties.
Perfect for anyone who enjoys biographical dramas and great acting,Martha Coolidge’s showbiz movie is praised mostly for Berry’s astounding and critically acclaimed performance, which has earned the star a very much deserved Primetime Emmy Award.Introducing Dorothy Dandridgemay not be a flawless picture. However, it makes for a thoughtful and powerful viewing experience that surely ranks among Berry’s best.
Introducing Dorothy Dandridge
Watch on Max
8’X-Men' (2000)
Director: Bryan Singer
Although hardly a masterpiece,Bryan Singer’s 2000 movie remains a landmark in superhero cinema, revitalizing the genre and introducing audiences to memorable characters. The film sees a world where mutants (super-powered humans) exist and are discriminated against, with two groups forming for an inevitable clash.
Storm is undoubtedly one of Berry’s most notable roles, so it is not surprising that she has reprised it a few times now. The fact that her character is significant both in the movie and the books (she was one of the firstblack superheroesin mainstream comics) just makes it more impactful. While this may not be Berry’s best performance when compared to her strongest dramatic roles (such as the one just mentioned),Berry’s role inX-Menwill forever be a huge part of her career despite the movie’s flaws.
Watch on Disney+
7’Bulworth' (1998)
Director: Warren Beatty
Image via 20th Century Fox
Directed byWarren Beatty, this 1998 political drama follows Senator Jay Bulworth, played byBeatty himself, who puts a contract out on his own life in order to collect a new insurance policy for his family and takes the opportunity to be brutally honest with his voters.
Naturally, this engaging satire addresses some politics-related topics, such as political corruption and the influence of money, while also criticizing how media coverage can be easily manipulated to serve political agendas. Because of its sharp and biting satire,Bulworthis generally considered an engaging watch. The strong performances are also a standout — although Beatty is excellent in the lead role,Berry does an equally great job at playing Nina, a young woman who becomes romantically involved with the Senator.
6’Cloud Atlas' (2012)
Directors: Tom Tykwe, rLana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski
Image via Warner Bros.
This non-linear science fiction by theWachowskisandTom Tykwe, based on theDavid Mitchellnovel of the same name, is the perfect pick for those looking to watch a more existentialist and philosophical picture. Featuring an all-star cast,Cloud Atlasoffers an intriguing exploration of how the actions of individual lives impact one another in the past, present, and future.
Cloud Atlas' complex narrative and thematic depth are major highlights, with the way it manages to explore themes of human connection and the consequences of individual actions providing food for thought.Halle Berry shines and showcases her skills by bringing to life two different roles: Luisa Rey, a gossip columnist investigating corruption related to a nuclear power plant, and Meronym, a prophet and member of a futuristic society.
Cloud Atlas
5’Jungle Fever' (1991)
Director: Spike Lee
Blending the romance and drama genres,Spike Lee’s movieplayed a role in further cementing the filmmaker’s reputation in Hollywood, even though he was already an established filmmaker by the time it was released.Jungle Fevertells the story of a married architect (Wesley Snipes) who finds his friends and family reacting differently to his affair with an Italian secretary (Annabella Sciorra).
Berry believably plays the protagonist’s sister in this entertaining movie that explores interracial relationships, adding depth to the narrative — especially in how it highlights the complexities within the family dynamics — and consequently making the film more enjoyable. Considering that it was one of her earliest performances, and she did a formidable job,Jungle Fevercertainly helped launch the star’s career in Hollywood.
Jungle Fever
Buy on Amazon
4’John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum' (2019)
TheJohn Wickfranchise has understandably become one ofthe most beloved in the action genreever since its release, whether because of its fantastic worldbuilding or the top-notch action sequences. The third installment sees the titular character, played byKeanu Reeves, on the run after killing a member of the international assassins' guild.
Intense and gripping from the get-go, thisJohn Wickinstallment does not disappoint, and Halle Berry’s character Sofia, a skilled assassin who runs a high-end dog kennel and training business, is arguably one of the best and most crucial parts of the movie.Berry partakes in some of the most memorable action scenes, dominating the screen with her strong presence and confidence, sharing interesting dynamics with Reeves' protagonist, and slowly becoming a fan-favorite female character in the series.
John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum
3’X-Men: Days of Future Past' (2014)
Image via 20th Century Studios
The secondX-Meninstallment on this list is arguably the best overall, receiving plenty of positive feedback from general audiences and critics alike.X-Men: Days of Future Pastinvites audiences on an immersive journey to the past as Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) attempts to change history and prevent a terrible, life-changing event for both mutants and humans.
Part ofDays of Future Past’s appeal is the time travel and dual timeline storyline, which was kind of innovative for the superhero genre at the time it was released. The amazing ensemble cast and star power (also includingJames McAvoy,Michael Fassbender,Jennifer Lawrence) is, too, a huge standout.Days of Future Pasthelped revitalize this incredible franchise, with Berry reprising her role as Storm and continuing to build her role in the saga.
X-Men: Days of Future Past
2’Monster’s Ball' (2001)
Director: Marc Forster
Directed byMarc Forster,Monster’s Ballis Berry’s strongest acting effort showcase so far— at least in the sense that it earned her an Oscar, making history as the first African-American woman to ever win the Academy Award. The story follows a racist prison guard (Billy Bob Thornton) as he re-examines his attitudes while also falling for the African-American wife of the prisoner he executed.
Monster’s Ballisa controversial moviefor its subject matter and exploration of sensitive themes, leading to a range of diverse reactions. Still, it would be difficult not to rank the Marc Foster movie relatively highly when compared to other Halle Berry pictures. After all, it was the film that rightfully earned the star her Oscar.
monster’s ball
1’X2' (2003)
Although not as great of a film as the otherX-Menmentioned on this list,X2is arguably the best StormX-Menmovie, as Berry’s character benefits from more screen time. This Bryan Singer picture sees an anti-mutant named Colonel William Stryker (Succession’sBrian Cox) who kidnaps Professor X (Patrick Stewart) and attacks his school. To stop him, the X-Men must ally with their archenemy Magneto (Ian McKellen).
X2expands on the characters introduced in the first film and features intriguing character development that keeps viewers invested. Tackling themes of social prejudice while also delivering some great action sequences, Singer’s film makes for an entertaining time in front of the screen. However, its overstuffed narrative and pacing may throw some people off.
X2: X-Men United
NEXT:‘The Union’ Review: Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry Are a Kick-Ass Duo in Netflix Spy Comedy
