Cate Blanchett is one of the most talented actresses of our time. She has been in over 100 TV shows and motion pictures. She has also lent her voice to a number of projects, and is adept at changing her accent and dialect. Cate’s nuanced interpretation of the characters she portrays has propelled her to be one of the most respected actresses over the past several decades. We’ve listed her top 10 movie roles, based on her acting talent and believability.
Top 10 Cate Blanchett Movies Enough to Showcase Her Acting Prowess
Elizabeth
This was one of her most memorable performances. There’s been other people to play Queen Elizabeth, but by far this is one of the best portrays of the her. Cate is fully transformed into Elizabeth, thus making viewers forget there is any of Cate Blanchett left. She was nominated for an Academy Award for this role, and the movie won an award for best make-up.
Blue Jasmine
Cate shines in this film as Jasmine, a down on her luck New York socialite who must go live with a close friend in San Francisco. Woody Allen directs this film with an excellent cast to include Sally Hawkins and Bobby Cannavale. Blanchett puts on a layered performance, which gives the audience insight to her fears, insecurities, and desires. Blue Jasmine has a great soundtrack, as well.
Notes on a Scandal
Cate turns in an excellent performance for this movie. She plays Sheba Hart, a young teacher at a London school who begins an  affair with a student. Judi Dench portrays the older, experienced teacher, who discovers Hart’s secret affair. Both Dench and Cate Blanchett give incredible performances, and are surrounded by an adept supporting cast.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Here is a curious movie about a strange affliction. Benjamin Button, the titular character, has a rare disease where he ages backward. He was born an old man, then dies as a baby. Cate Blanchett plays his love interest, Daisy. With a talented cast, including Brad Pitt, Taraji Henson, and Julia Ormond, Cate’s stellar performance surely makes the movie.
The Gift
Set in the swamplands of Georgia, this atmospheric who-dunnit movie showcases Blanchett’s talent as Annie, the town clairvoyant. She plays the role with both restraint and vibrancy, as Annie has her own challenges. Keanu Reeves, Hilary Swank, and Giovanni Ribisi costar. With an outstanding supporting cast, this movie is not to be missed.
Veronica Guerin
This is another film where Cate Blanchett portrays the title character. Here we find Veronica Guerin, an Irish journalist who wrote controversial pieces about drug kingpins. Guerin was assassinated in Dublin in the 90s. Cate brings the reporter’s life to light in this taut flick, thus making her interpretation one which deserves a place in Cate’s top 10 roles.
The Lord of the Rings/Hobbit
Decades apart we saw two amazing trilogies: Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. An ageless Cate Blanchett played the stoic and wise elf Galadriel in both trilogies. Although her role was not one of the main characters, she excelled at her supporting role, making elf Galadriel memorable. Cate also had a profound effect on the other characters and the audience.
Carol
Set in the 50s in New York, this film follows the story of two women who fall in love with one another. Blanchett plays Carol, and Rooney Mara plays the younger woman, Therese, who is a photographer. This visually stunning film shows how the close friendship and then the ultimate relationship unfolds between the two women. Both give standup performances.
Tár
This movie is about Lydia Tár, the first female conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. It shows her trials and tribulations in both her professional and personal world. Cate Blanchett plays this character to a tee, showing Lydia’s strengths and vulnerabilities. Beyond remarkable acting is why this one is in Cate Blanchett’s top 10 movie performances.
Thor: Ragnarok
This is a Marvel film by Taika Waititi. The award-winning director takes our protagonist Thor, along with Loki, to fight evil Hela. Hela is played by none other than Cate Blanchett in a satisfying dark turn as the villain. Cate delivers very well, playing the menacing vixen to the hilt. Hela is a different type of role for her – and she skillfully masters it.
Conclusion
A couple of honorable mentions are Nightmare Alley, Truth, and Hanna. With film roles like these, you can see why she will always be in demand. Again and again, Cate Blanchett delivers performances that are solidly tailored to the character’s personality and motivation. She is a brilliant actress and we can’t wait to see more of her projects.
