Penélope Cruz's top 20 movie roles, ranked from worst to best

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - November 18th 2024, 09:30 GMT+1

2024 11 11 23 59 news — About this gallery:

For this list, we have decided to focus only on movies where Penélope Cruz 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!

| © The Weinstein Company

Cropped Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides — 20. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

In *Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides*, Penélope plays Angelica, the feisty pirate and love interest of Jack Sparrow. While she brings plenty of fiery energy to the role, the movie itself didn’t quite capture the magic of the original *Pirates* films. Her chemistry with Johnny Depp adds fun moments, but the storyline feels like it’s wandering without much purpose. It’s a swashbuckling role, but Cruz deserved more than a supporting part in a somewhat lackluster entry of the franchise. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Cropped Nine — 19. Nine (2008)

In *Nine*, Penélope Cruz lights up the screen as Carla, the seductive mistress in this musical about a struggling Italian filmmaker. While her performance is sultry and captivating, the film itself is a bit hit-or-miss. Cruz’s scenes are among the highlights, and her musical number is electrifying, but *Nine* feels bogged down by too many subplots and doesn’t always let her shine. Despite the movie’s flaws, Penélope is a scene-stealer here. | © The Weinstein Company

Cropped Blow — 18. Blow (2001)

Playing the fiery Mirtha Jung in *Blow*, Penélope teams up with Johnny Depp again in this biopic about a notorious drug smuggler. She brings plenty of passion to the role, but her character arc is somewhat one-dimensional, more a symbol of George Jung’s chaotic life than a fully developed person. Still, Cruz’s fierce energy adds much-needed life to the darker parts of the movie. It’s a memorable role, though not one of her best-written. | © New Line Cinema

Cropped Vanilla Sky — 17. Vanilla Sky (2001)

In *Vanilla Sky*, Penélope reprises her role from the Spanish film *Open Your Eyes*, but the remake doesn’t quite capture the same magic. While she’s enchanting as Sofia, bringing warmth and mystique, the movie’s surreal storytelling gets tangled in its own complexity. Cruz is a bright spot in this mind-bending journey, and her chemistry with Tom Cruise is electric, but even she can’t fully save the film from its own convolutions. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped Ferrari — 16. Ferrari (2023)

Playing Laura Ferrari in *Ferrari*, Penélope dives into the life of the iconic car designer’s wife in this intense biographical drama. She brings a fierce resilience and vulnerability to the role, adding depth to the story’s portrayal of fame and ambition. While *Ferrari* has yet to make waves among audiences, Cruz’s performance stands out as a raw, grounded portrayal of a woman caught in the whirlwind of her husband’s legacy. | © STX Films

Cropped Elegy — 15. Elegy (2008)

In *Elegy*, Penélope stars opposite Ben Kingsley as Consuela, a captivating student who becomes romantically involved with her much older professor. Cruz brings a nuanced performance to this complex character, balancing strength and fragility. While the film itself delves into heavy themes of mortality and desire, her performance is its heart, elevating the material beyond the usual forbidden-love trope. She brings humanity and empathy to a challenging role. | © Lakeshore Entertainment

Cropped Captain Corellis Mandolin — 14. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (2001)

In *Captain Corelli’s Mandolin*, Penélope plays Pelagia, a Greek woman caught in a love triangle during WWII. Her performance is heartfelt, but the film’s romance feels overly melodramatic, leaving Cruz’s talents somewhat underutilized. While she captures the emotional struggle of wartime love, the movie’s pacing and plot let her down. It’s a beautiful film to look at, but one that feels lighter than it should, given the talent involved. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Ma ma — 13. Ma Ma (2015)

Penélope takes center stage in *Ma Ma*, portraying a woman battling breast cancer. It’s an emotional journey, and Cruz brings sensitivity and strength to the role, making her character deeply sympathetic. However, the film sometimes struggles to find its footing, blending melodrama and quirky moments in an unusual mix. Despite the uneven tone, Penélope’s performance is powerful and heartfelt, showing her range as an actress. | © Morena Films

Cropped Twice Born — 12. Twice Born (2012)

In *Twice Born*, Cruz plays Gemma, a woman returning to Sarajevo with her son, confronting the trauma of the Bosnian War. The film is a heavy, emotionally charged journey, and Penélope delivers a gut-wrenching performance. While the story is intense and sometimes a bit bleak, Cruz’s portrayal of a mother grappling with love, loss, and survival shines through. It’s a challenging watch, but she brings depth to a complicated character. | © Medusa Film

Cropped Everybody Knows — 11. Everybody Knows (2018)

Directed by Asghar Farhadi, *Everybody Knows* casts Penélope as Laura, a woman facing family secrets in a small Spanish town. Cruz delivers a raw, layered performance, navigating Laura’s vulnerability and determination as she confronts buried emotions. While the film’s suspense sometimes falters, her chemistry with Javier Bardem elevates the drama, making it a must-watch for fans of both actors. It’s an intense role that showcases her dramatic chops. | © Memento Films

Cropped Official Competition — 10. Official Competition (2021)

In *Official Competition*, Cruz plays eccentric filmmaker Lola Cuevas in a satirical look at the film industry. Her comedic timing and quirky portrayal are spot-on, showcasing her ability to laugh at her own profession. The film is playful and sharp, with Penélope delivering one of her funniest roles to date. It’s a refreshing change of pace that proves she’s not afraid to embrace humor and eccentricity. | © Mediapro

Jamon Jamon MSN — 9. Jamón Jamón (1992)

Penélope’s breakout role in *Jamón Jamón* saw her playing Silvia, a young woman navigating love, lust, and betrayal. It’s a raw, unfiltered performance that revealed her potential as an actress at a young age. The film is bold and unconventional, with Cruz bringing a fearless quality to a role that could’ve easily felt overly dramatic. *Jamón Jamón* isn’t for everyone, but it’s an unforgettable entry in her career. | © Lola Films

Cropped Live Flesh — 8. Live Flesh (1997)

Directed by Pedro Almodóvar, *Live Flesh* marks one of Penélope’s first collaborations with the celebrated filmmaker. Her role as young Isabel is brief but impactful, setting the stage for a successful partnership. Although it’s a small part, Cruz’s presence lingers, hinting at the iconic performances that would follow. This early role adds depth to the story and solidifies her status as an Almodóvar muse. | © El Deseo

Cropped Open Your Eyes — 7. Open Your Eyes (1997)

In *Open Your Eyes*, Cruz delivers a haunting performance in this psychological thriller that would later be remade as *Vanilla Sky*. As Sofia, she embodies the film’s blend of romance and suspense, playing a pivotal role in a twisted love story. Her chemistry with Eduardo Noriega is palpable, and she brings depth to a surreal narrative. *Open Your Eyes* is a chilling yet moving showcase of Cruz’s range. | © Sogetel

Cropped Vicky Cristina Barcelona — 6. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

Playing the fiery María Elena in *Vicky Cristina Barcelona*, Penélope won an Oscar for her unforgettable, wild-eyed portrayal of an artist caught in a chaotic love triangle. She electrifies every scene, balancing vulnerability with explosive intensity, often stealing the spotlight from her co-stars. This role captures her at her best—fearless, unpredictable, and utterly captivating. It’s no wonder she earned awards for this performance. | © The Weinstein Company

Cropped Broken Embraces — 5. Broken Embraces (2009)

In *Broken Embraces*, Cruz reunites with Almodóvar to play Lena, a complex woman torn between love and ambition. She embodies Lena with warmth and sensuality, adding depth to this noir-inspired drama. Her on-screen chemistry and emotional depth make her character unforgettable, showcasing her seamless connection with Almodóvar’s cinematic world. It’s a powerful role that highlights her versatility and emotional range. | © El Deseo

Cropped Pain and Glory — 4. Pain and Glory (2019)

*Pain and Glory* sees Cruz once again as Almodóvar’s muse, playing Jacinta, the mother of an aging filmmaker. It’s a deeply moving role that she infuses with tenderness and strength, adding layers to a story that’s as personal as it is universal. Although not the main focus, her presence lingers, helping shape the emotional backbone of the film. It’s a beautiful, understated performance that complements the film’s reflective tone. | © El Deseo

Cropped Parallel Mothers — 3. Parallel Mothers (2021)

In *Parallel Mothers*, Penélope shines as Janis, a woman grappling with motherhood and hidden secrets. She gives a nuanced, powerhouse performance, blending strength and vulnerability as she navigates life’s unexpected turns. Almodóvar’s storytelling lets her explore deep, complex emotions, and Cruz rises to the challenge, creating one of her most heartfelt and memorable characters. It’s a role that captures her growth as an actress. | © Sony Pictures Classics

Cropped All About My Mother — 2. All About My Mother (1999)

This Almodóvar classic has Cruz playing Rosa, a young nun with a complicated life. Her performance brings innocence and empathy to a storyline filled with emotional depth. Though part of an ensemble, Cruz’s Rosa is a bright, hopeful character in a tragic tale. *All About My Mother* is one of her most touching roles, capturing the humanity and warmth that would define her future work with Almodóvar. | © Warner Sogefilms

Cropped Volver — 1. Volver (2006)

In *Volver*, Cruz gives a career-defining performance as Raimunda, a resilient woman dealing with family secrets. She exudes both strength and warmth, balancing humor with the heavy themes of Almodóvar’s story. This role is quintessential Penélope—fierce, vulnerable, and utterly compelling. *Volver* earned her an Oscar nomination, and it’s easy to see why; it’s a masterful portrayal that cemented her as one of cinema’s finest actresses. | © Sony Pictures Classics

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With a career spanning over three decades, Penélope Cruz has captivated audiences worldwide with her powerful performances and unmistakable charm. From intense dramas to playful comedies, she’s tackled a variety of roles that showcase her versatility and unique ability to inhabit each character fully.

In this list, we’ll dive into Cruz’s most iconic and memorable performances, ranking her top 20 movie roles from those that missed the mark to those that truly defined her career. Whether she's bringing fire to the screen or exploring subtler emotions, these roles illustrate why Penélope remains one of the most admired actresses of her generation.