15 Incredible Naomi Watts Performances

The British-born actress has enjoyed a decades-long film career earning her recognition, respect and high praise. Here are some of her most memorable roles.

St. Vincent (2014)

In this comedy, Watts plays a pregnant Russian prostitute who, um, “befriends” Bill Murray. Expect 'St. Vincent' to garner some awards attention this season. 

Diana (2013)

For a biopic based on the book ‘Diana: Her Last Love,' Watts was masterful, disappearing into the role of an icon: The late Princess of Wales.

The Impossible (2011)

The actress snagged an Academy Award nomination for her unsettling and heroic portrayal of a woman whose family is caught in a violent tsunami.

J. Edgar (2011)

As J. Edgar Hoover’s devoted secretary, Helen Gandy, Watts played opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in this biographical crime drama from director Clint Eastwood. 

Fair Game (2010)

This nail-biting conspiracy thriller -- based on true events -- stars Watts as real-life CIA operative Valerie Plume. This underseen entry on director Doug Liman's resume is definitely worth a viewing. 

The International (2009)

In this high-stakes mystery suspense drama, Watts plays an assistant D.A. out for justice, opposite a gun-weilding Clive Owen. 

Eastern Promises (2007)

Playing the part of a midwife, Watts finds herself protecting a motherless infant -- who turns out to be the child of a thief in the Russian Mafia. Viggo Mortensen headlines, and one very violent, very naked brawl in a sauna steals the show. 

The Painted Veil (2006)

In this film version of W. Somerset Maugham’s novel, Watts starred alongside her real-life husband, Liev Schreiber.

King Kong (2005)

Watts wasn’t monkeying around when she played the luminous blonde beauty who formed a bond with the famous giant ape in Peter Jackson's big-budget remake. Watts and Kong steal the show. 

I Heart Huckabees (2005)

In this quirky comedy, Watts got to have fun as an actress, playing a woman who is an unhinged mess. While this comedy isn't for all audiences, Watts' performance is definitely must-see. 

Ellie Parker (2005)

As an actress trying to make it in Tinseltown, Watts let us see her struggle and pain in this oh-so-realistic art house comedy.

21 Grams (2003)

In this critically-acclaimed movie, Watts joins Sean Penn in a story about people struggling to get their lives together when faced with a tragic event that throws everyone off balance. Watts gives one of her best performances to date in this underrated drama.  

The Ring (2001)

Taking a break from "Serious" fare, Watts goes the horror movie route in this remake of the Japanese film about a cursed videotape that promises to kill its viewers in seven days. That's why it pays to rewind, folks. 

Mulholland Drive (2001)

David Lynch’s neo-noir mystery gave Watts her breakout role, as an aspiring actress living in the seedy underbelly of LA. The words "weird" and "out there" barely do the Oscar-nominated movie justice. 

Tank Girl (1995)

Watts became a full-on brunette to play Tank Girl’s sidekick, Jet Girl, in this movie based on the cult British comic book.