Jessica Chastain's top 20 movie roles, ranked from worst to best

1-21

Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - November 20th 2024, 16:00 GMT+1

Cropped About — About this gallery:

For this list, we have decided to focus only on movies where Jessica Chastain appears, no matter how small her role is. For this reason, don’t expect any of her performances in series, short films, or commercials. And remember, this list is subjective! If you think any movie is not in the right spot, share your opinion!

| © A24

Cropped It Chapter Two — 20. IT Chapter Two (2019)

While *IT Chapter Two* brought Jessica Chastain into the world of Stephen King’s cosmic horrors, her role as Beverly Marsh felt underwhelming. Despite her undeniable talent, the film's overstuffed narrative left little room for her character to shine. The heartfelt flashbacks and her chemistry with the rest of the Losers’ Club helped a bit, but the overly long runtime and reliance on CGI made it hard to stay engaged. It’s not terrible, but it’s also not the Jessica Chastain performance we’ll be raving about. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped Miss Julie — 19. Miss Julie (2014)

Jessica Chastain’s talent is undeniable, but even she couldn’t save *Miss Julie* from its painfully slow pacing and overwrought drama. While she gives a committed performance as the titular character in this adaptation of August Strindberg’s play, the film feels too stagey and self-indulgent. The chemistry between Chastain and Colin Farrell is there, but the lack of dynamic direction makes it feel like a slog. It’s a shame because Chastain deserves better material to work with. | © Wrekin Hill Entertainment

Cropped Coriolanus — 18. Coriolanus (2011)

Shakespearean dramas can be a tough sell, and *Coriolanus* is no exception. Jessica Chastain plays Virgilia, a character who unfortunately fades into the background of this gritty adaptation. Her scenes are impactful but few, as the film focuses heavily on Ralph Fiennes’ portrayal of the titular general. Chastain does what she can, but this one feels like a missed opportunity to let her truly flex her acting muscles. | © Lionsgate

Cropped Mothers Instinct — 17. Mothers' Instinct (2024)

In *Mothers' Instinct*, Jessica Chastain pairs up with Anne Hathaway in a psychological thriller about grief, jealousy, and maternal bonds. While the premise is gripping and Chastain gives her usual polished performance, the film leans a little too hard on melodrama without delivering a satisfying payoff. Still, her ability to dive into complex emotions is on full display, making it worth a watch for fans of her work. | © Neon

Cropped Crimson Peak — 16. Crimson Peak (2015)

Gothic horror has never looked as lush as it does in Guillermo del Toro’s *Crimson Peak*. Jessica Chastain plays Lucille Sharpe, a mysterious and deeply unsettling antagonist with a tragic backstory. While she nails the sinister vibes, the film’s melodramatic tone and predictable twists hold it back from being truly great. Still, her icy performance adds a layer of tension that keeps things compelling – even when the story loses steam. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Memory — 15. Memory (2023)

In *Memory*, Jessica Chastain delivers a subdued yet impactful performance in a story about trauma and the search for truth. While her character is layered, the film’s uneven pacing and overly familiar themes hold it back from reaching its potential. Chastain’s nuanced portrayal of a woman grappling with her past is the highlight, but the movie itself doesn’t leave a lasting impression. It’s fine – but not unforgettable. | © Open Road Films

Cropped The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby — 14. The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Her (2013)

Jessica Chastain shines in *Her*, one part of a trilogy exploring a fractured relationship from different perspectives. This introspective drama is a showcase for her emotional range as Eleanor, a woman coping with loss and trying to find herself. While the concept is ambitious, the film’s slow pacing can feel like a chore. Still, Chastain’s heartfelt performance ensures it’s worth the effort for fans of character-driven stories. | © The Weinstein Company

Cropped The Debt — 13. The Debt (2010)

In *The Debt*, Chastain plays a younger version of Helen Mirren’s character in a taut espionage thriller about Mossad agents and a haunting secret. Her portrayal captures both the strength and vulnerability of a woman caught in a morally complex situation. While the film has its share of plot holes, Chastain’s gripping performance keeps you invested. She proves here that she can carry an action-heavy narrative with emotional weight. | © Focus Features

12. The Martian (2015)

Though her role as Commander Melissa Lewis in *The Martian* is relatively small, Jessica Chastain brings poise and authority to the NASA mission leader trying to rescue Matt Damon’s stranded astronaut. Her performance adds humanity to the tech-heavy narrative, even if she doesn’t get as much screen time as the story’s central star. It’s a solid performance in an entertaining ensemble film. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Lawless — 11. Lawless (2012)

In *Lawless*, Chastain plays Maggie, a glamorous dancer turned reluctant partner to the Bondurant brothers’ bootlegging operation. While the film focuses more on its gritty action and male-dominated cast, Chastain holds her own as a woman navigating a dangerous world. Her chemistry with Tom Hardy’s character adds emotional depth to an otherwise testosterone-fueled story. | © The Weinstein Company

Cropped The Good Nurse — 10. The Good Nurse (2022)

Jessica Chastain delivers a restrained yet compelling performance in *The Good Nurse*, a chilling thriller about a serial killer working in healthcare. Playing a nurse who uncovers the truth about her coworker, Chastain balances empathy and determination with ease. While the film can feel overly procedural at times, her grounded portrayal keeps it engaging. It’s proof that she doesn’t need big, flashy moments to leave an impact. | © Netflix

Cropped Take Shelter — 9. Take Shelter (2011)

In *Take Shelter*, Jessica Chastain plays Samantha, a supportive yet skeptical wife to Michael Shannon’s troubled protagonist. Her performance anchors the emotional core of this slow-burn psychological drama. Chastain’s ability to convey love, fear, and frustration all at once makes her character feel deeply relatable. This was an early glimpse of her extraordinary range as an actor. | © Sony Pictures Classics

Cropped Interstellar — 8. Interstellar (2014)

Jessica Chastain brings intelligence and emotional depth to *Interstellar* as Murph, a scientist racing against time to save humanity. While the film’s sprawling narrative doesn’t always give her room to shine, her performance in key emotional moments – like that heartbreaking father-daughter reunion – adds a human touch to Christopher Nolan’s sci-fi epic. It’s a smaller role, but one that resonates. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped A Most Violent Year — 7. A Most Violent Year (2014)

In *A Most Violent Year*, Jessica Chastain is magnetic as Anna Morales, a fiercely intelligent and ambitious partner to Oscar Isaac’s struggling businessman. Her character exudes both charm and ruthlessness, making her one of the most compelling parts of this crime drama. It’s a masterclass in subtlety, as Chastain balances her character’s vulnerability and calculating nature with finesse. | © A24

Cropped The Tree of Life — 6. The Tree of Life (2011)

Terrence Malick’s *The Tree of Life* is a poetic and visually stunning exploration of life and memory, with Chastain delivering a serene yet emotionally charged performance as Mrs. O’Brien. Her role as the nurturing, ethereal mother contrasts beautifully with Brad Pitt’s stern father figure. While the film’s abstract storytelling isn’t for everyone, Chastain’s performance is undeniably captivating. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

Cropped Miss Sloane — 5. Miss Sloane (2016)

Jessica Chastain absolutely commands the screen in *Miss Sloane* as Elizabeth Sloane, a fiercely determined lobbyist who will stop at nothing to win. Chastain’s sharp, cutting delivery makes every line a power play, and she balances the character’s ruthlessness with moments of vulnerability that keep her grounded. The film might be heavy on dialogue, but Chastain makes it utterly captivating. This is a role that proves she can carry a movie with pure charisma and grit. | © EuropaCorp

Cropped The Help — 4. The Help (2011)

In *The Help*, Jessica Chastain brings a burst of warmth and humor as Celia Foote, a bubbly social outcast trying to navigate Southern high society. Her character’s kindness and genuine heart shine in a film filled with tension and injustice. The chemistry between Chastain and Octavia Spencer is delightful, offering some much-needed levity amidst the heavier themes. It’s a performance that’s sweet, endearing, and shows off her range as an actor. | © DreamWorks Pictures

Cropped Mollys Game — 3. Molly’s Game (2017)

As Molly Bloom, the "Poker Princess," Chastain delivers a high-stakes, high-energy performance that’s equal parts razor-sharp and emotionally raw. She masterfully portrays Molly’s rise and fall in the world of underground poker, capturing her intelligence, ambition, and resilience. The film’s rapid-fire dialogue and tense courtroom scenes allow Chastain to showcase her impeccable timing and intensity. It’s a standout role that solidified her as one of Hollywood’s most dynamic actors. | © STX Entertainment

Cropped The Eyes of Tammy Faye — 2. The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021)

Jessica Chastain disappears into the role of Tammy Faye Bakker in this biographical drama, delivering a performance that’s as transformative as it is empathetic. From the outrageous makeup to the deeply emotional moments, Chastain captures both Tammy Faye’s larger-than-life personality and her human fragility. Her portrayal is layered, showing the televangelist’s charisma, ambition, and vulnerability. It’s a dazzling performance that earned her a well-deserved Oscar. | © Searchlight Pictures

Cropped Zero Dark Thirty — 1. Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

Jessica Chastain’s portrayal of Maya in *Zero Dark Thirty* is nothing short of iconic. As a CIA analyst obsessed with tracking down Osama bin Laden, Chastain conveys razor-sharp determination and quiet vulnerability in equal measure. Her ability to command the screen, whether in intense interrogation scenes or moments of quiet reflection, makes this role unforgettable. It’s a career-defining performance that proves why she’s one of the most respected actors in the business. | © Columbia Pictures

1-21

Jessica Chastain has built an impressive career as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and commanding actors. Whether she’s taking on emotionally charged dramas, thrilling action films, or nuanced indie projects, Chastain brings an undeniable intensity and grace to every role.

From breakout performances that put her on the map to critically acclaimed projects that solidified her place as an A-list talent, we’re diving into her top 20 movie roles. Ranked from worst to best, this list highlights the highs, the lows, and everything in between of Jessica Chastain’s remarkable filmography. Let’s see where your favorites land!